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(A reckless move attempting to elevate Kart racing to the level of F1.)
The tea party had ended. Yugen confirmed no one else was present and contacted someone via his comms. After a few rings, the call connected, and Yugen spoke.
"Sorry for being late, Ms. Ono."
"Kagurazaka-kun!? ...Is this another mess?"
"Ms. Ono, since you have clearance to speak, I am flagging Ernst Rosen for Public Security's attention."
"!? ...How did you know? You aren't going to tell me, are you?"
It involved prior knowledge, but Yugen knew the Public Security Bureau was investigating Ernst Rosen and Leo, as well as details regarding Bastian Rosen's inheritance. However, there was one thing Public Security hadn't grasped: Yugen himself was a target of Bastian Rosen's inheritance.
"It concerns the 'Divine Council' and Grandfather... They seem to be preparing to kidnap Leo to push things forward."
"Exactly. Sixteen newly adjusted bodies and uncommercialized magic devices."
"Sixteen..."
His memory only hinted at the two bodies of the Fahrburg sisters, but Haruka had mentioned eight times that amount. On top of that, there were the uncommercialized magic devices from Rosen Magicraft. Could Leo handle this on his own?
This had less to do with Leo and more to do with the opponent. During the Parasite Event, Leo had fought admirably against a carbon-coated Parasite (Mia, who was possessed), displaying magic power that rivaled top students. If Gozo's assessment—that Leo had surpassed even Georg in his prime—was correct, Leo was unlikely to falter. However, caution was key. Since this was Self-Defense Force territory, Haruka, a Public Security agent, could not act openly.
"Ms. Ono, Public Security, including yourself, must stay away."
"Are you making a move, Kagurazaka-kun?"
"Since Grandfather is involved with the Rosen case... no, since I am involved in Bastian Rosen's inheritance, I have no reason not to act."
"W-What?"
Haruka couldn't hide her confusion, but that was all Yugen could say for now. after giving her instructions, he hung up and sighed.
"At least sixteen Parasite Dolls and sixteen new adjusted bodies from Germany... I need to collect all their magic devices to make this worth it."
They might object, but Leo was already a magician of this country. If they intended to kidnap him for their own gain, they would have to pay the appropriate price. Worried that Miyuki might call, Yugen hurriedly returned to his room.
◇ ◇ ◇
August 6th, early morning of the second day of the competition.
Dawn came early at this time of year, but the sky was still pitch black, with only a faint trace of blue. Miyuki gazed at the sleeping face of Yugen, the man she loved.
Like her brother, Yugen slept deeply but woke up precisely on time. He would wake instantly if he sensed malice, hostility, or harm—or if someone came too close, even without bad intentions. He only slept when he wanted to, and his wakefulness varied. Lately, however, when they slept together, he often remained asleep even with Miyuki beside him.
(...Last year, I was the one who barged in to sleep with him.)
Miyuki wanted to know.
Last year, before realizing her feelings, she had prioritized spending time with Yugen as his fiancée. She was often the initiator, and Yugen had never refused. He advised her on public decorum, but she understood that as care for her proper conduct as a lady.
She yearned to be relied upon by him, but she had never known how to let someone rely on her; it was unexplored territory.
(How much does Yugen actually allow me...?)
Suddenly, Miyuki shivered. Although it was summer, the training grounds at Fuji were cool at night, and her summer pajamas provided little warmth. Her thoughts suddenly went astray. She placed her hand on Yugen's forehead. Two nights ago, her tight embrace had made her blush and lower her head. Last night, sleeping in separate beds, she had woken up constantly, worried about Yugen. Her sleep-deprived mind caused her reason to melt away.
(Yugen... feels cold.)
It wasn't Yugen's health—his basal body temperature was simply controlled to conserve energy—but Miyuki's wavering rationality prioritized "warming him up." She slipped under the covers, taking off her pajamas to warm his skin directly, and hugged him. Feeling his warmth, she unintentionally drifted off to sleep.
When Miyuki's breathing evened out, Yugen opened his eyes.
In truth, he had been awake from the moment she looked at him. His eyes were closed, but his 'Osiris Vision' sensed her presence, and his honed instincts had detected her. Honestly, if this weren't the hotel for the Nine Schools Competition, he might have acted on his desires. He held back because today was their event, and their engagement could not be made public until the next head of the Yotsuba family was decided.
Miyuki was a close friend before she was a lover, so he couldn't act recklessly, even if she wanted it—he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.
(...There's still time until morning. Rest well.)
There was enough time for a nap without affecting the competition. Yugen gently moved Miyuki's hand, patted her head, and left to breathe the morning air.
When dawn broke, Miyuki woke up, looking unusually shy as she glanced at Yugen. He patted her head, expressing gratitude for her kindness in warming him up, and she quickly cheered up.
◇ ◇ ◇
The second day featured the preliminaries for Pillars Break Solo and Row & Gunner Solo. In Washington, D.C., at the White House, due to the 14-hour time difference, the event was starting around dinner time.
Major Angie Sirius—Lina—had been informed by Ceria about her participation in the Nine Schools Competition last month. Initially, she had interrogated Ceria, who had left Stars but was incapable of leaking secrets, as the President had assured her.
"Is it really okay?"
"Haha... I understand your anxiety, Lina, but this is just a bodyguard request."
The anti-magic movement in the USNA had subsided, but anti-magic groups still existed, even among some ruling party members. The President had used his authority to appoint "Major Angie Sirius" as a bodyguard, partly to bond with his niece and to soothe tensions within Stars.
The large screen in the Oval Office broadcasted the Nine Schools Competition. Lina, without her mask and no longer in the guise of "Parade," was present. Captain Sylvia Mercury (promoted from lieutenant to serve as Lina's aide) poured coffee for the President and tea for Lina.
"Here you are, sir. Lina."
"Thank you, Captain Mercury. I hear Lina has been causing trouble."
"Yes, recently she destroyed all the training targets."
"Ugh... I'm better than Ceria!"
Ceria's authority had once curbed Lina's recklessness. Sylvia, now in that role, had witnessed both Lina's extraordinariness and Ceria's struggles. Despite the necessary costs, Sylvia's report hinted at limits, and Lina blushed as she retorted.
"What's wrong, Lina? It's true that Ceria causes more damage, but her actions protected either you or herself."
"...Oh."
Ceria targeted those with malicious intent toward herself or Lina, crushing them with buildings, using them to test 'Laevateinn,' or adjusting 'Brionac.' Unlike Lina, Ceria was adored by the female members of Stars for punishing such individuals—people who were hated but untouchable due to the separation of powers—making her a heroic and respected figure.
"The competition Ceria mentioned... It's Row & Gunner, right?"
"(She's dodging the subject...) Yes, it's based on our Marine Corps amphibious drills."
"Won't Ceria dominate?"
The President's worry was well-founded. Stars' amphibious drills were far more grueling than those of the Marines, and Ceria had passed them with ease, making this look like child's play. Sylvia and Lina agreed.
At the start line, Ceria, wearing a wetsuit on a non-motorized boat, held a gun-shaped CAD designed by Yugen—something the USNA officials knew nothing about. When the start light flashed, she activated her magic, and the boat shot forward. Lina's eyes widened.
"When did she start?"
"I apologize, Lina. I didn't see it either."
On the screen, Ceria seemed to vanish. The course, partly based on the Battle Board, had an average speed of 60 km/h, but she was going double that. She finished the first lap and maintained her speed into the second.
In the second lap, facing the targets for the shooting phase, Ceria aimed her CAD and fired. Its aim-assist function was useless to her, as she could sense every phenomenon. Using Tatsuya's 'Shotgun Invisible Bullet,' refined by Yugen with a miniaturized 'Brionac' controller, she destroyed the targets with her exclusive 'Lightning Shotgun.' Seeing this, Lina clutched her head—it was modeled after the concept of 'Brionac.'
"Lina, what's wrong?"
"The concept of that magic matches 'Brionac.'"
Lina's Strategic Class Magic, 'Heavy Metal Burst,' could be used by Ceria, who could control it or use 'Reverse Heavy Metal Burst.' Although Ceria avoided using Strategic Class Magic, improving 'Brionac' could drag her back to the USNA.
"Only you noticed that, Lina. I'll handle the Secretary of Defense. Making both her and Ken angry is too much to bear, even for me."
"I agree, sir."
"Both of you..."
Sylvia, resigned and shocked, knew well of Ceria's actions and missteps from her role in searching for strategic magic. Ceria only acted when she or Lina were in danger, unlike the accidents common in Lina's training, making her easier to manage.
Ceria's incredible speed and perfect accuracy, combined with her angel-like beauty, captivated the audience. But, as Lina muttered while watching the screen, Ceria cared little for such praise.
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