Tatsuya arrived at the Magic Geometry Prep Room, greeted not only by Hannoura and Suzune but also Izumi.
"Hey, Shiba Tatsuya-kun," Hannoura said. "We've been waiting."
"What's this about?" Tatsuya asked.
"You already know, don't you?" Hannoura teased.
Tatsuya's ironclad poker face met Hannoura's probing tone. Silence wasn't an admission of omniscience.
"Let's explain," Hannoura said. "You know Hirakawa Koharu, third-year?"
"Yes," Tatsuya replied.
"And that she was selected for the Thesis Competition?"
"Yes."
Tatsuya spoke minimally, forcing Hannoura to lead. Hannoura found it amusing.
"She wants to withdraw," Hannoura said. "We tried persuading her, but one boy's words pushed her decision. We had to accept her withdrawal."
"…"
Tatsuya knew he was that boy.
"We told her it'd be troublesome," Hannoura continued. "So she suggested a replacement. Ichihara-kun will explain."
With that, Hannoura left, confirming rumors of his disregard for students' schedules, Tatsuya thought.
"You heard Hannoura-sensei," Suzune said. "Koharu-san recommended you as her replacement. I agreed and rejected other candidates, so keep that in mind."
"Rejected…" Tatsuya started, then stopped.
Suzune and Izumi noted his hesitation but, knowing they couldn't outtalk him, pressed on.
"How much do you know about the Thesis Competition?" Suzune asked.
"Almost nothing," Tatsuya said. "It didn't concern me."
"Then I'll start there," Suzune said.
As Suzune explained, Tatsuya regretted his earlier choice. Had he persuaded Koharu to stay, he wouldn't be in this mess. Avoiding hassle had backfired.
"That's the overview," Suzune said. "Questions?"
"One," Tatsuya said. "You mentioned selecting three representatives from submitted papers. I didn't submit one. Won't others, like Sekimoto-kun, the runner-up, object?"
"Sekimoto's unsuitable," Suzune said. "His paper contradicts mine."
"Sekimoto Isao, formerly on the Discipline Committee?" Tatsuya asked.
"Yes," Suzune said. "His thesis opposes mine. And few could handle this topic on short notice."
"So my research fits your theme?" Tatsuya asked, shifting to a formal tone.
He'd planned to decline but was intrigued by Suzune's topic.
"My thesis is on 'Technical Feasibility of Gravity-Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion Reactors,'" Suzune said.
Tatsuya's eyes widened.
"It aligns with your research," Suzune added.
"I see," Tatsuya said. "You were the one spying on us back then, Ichihara-senpai."
In April, when Tatsuya spoke with Sayaka, he hadn't suspected Suzune of using Mari to monitor them.
"Spying's a harsh word," Suzune said. "Let's say I was… interested."
"You didn't think I was bluffing?" Tatsuya asked.
"I trust my judgment," Suzune said. "I've seen your work for six months. Even without Koharu's recommendation, I'd have chosen you."
Izumi smirked, unaware of this history.
"You'll assist officially," Suzune said, "but you'll need to help with the final draft for the Magic Association's Kanto Branch, submitted via the school by Wednesday to Hannoura-sensei."
"You said school-backed papers are chosen," Tatsuya said. "No unbacked groups have presented?"
"Shiba-kun," Izumi said, "for us normal students, writing a thirty-minute presentation paper is harder than competing in Monolith Code or Mirage Bat."
"Exactly," Suzune said. "Without council or club support, three people couldn't prepare it."
"I see," Tatsuya said.
Used to drafting proposals, Tatsuya found their struggle odd but accepted it as normal, saying no more.
"Hannoura-sensei's young but brilliant," Izumi said. "He'll help you."
"Despite ignoring students' schedules, his classes are a rare opportunity," Suzune added.
"Got it," Tatsuya said.
They seemed to forget half the school, including Tatsuya, didn't take teacher-led classes. He didn't bother reminding them, keeping his response curt.
"By the way, Ichihara-senpai," Tatsuya said.
"Yes?"
"Why use Miyuki to fetch me? You knew where I was. Couldn't you come yourself?"
"You'd have brushed me off," Suzune said. "Shiba-san was free, so it doubled as a break for her."
"How'd you know she was free from here?" Tatsuya asked. "Monitoring the council room, like in April?"
"No way…" Suzune faltered.
She wasn't spying, but the situation made it hard to deny. Tatsuya's sharp words rattled even her.
"I'll let it slide this time," Tatsuya said. "But next time, come yourself. If there is a next time."
"Right," Suzune said.
Tatsuya's piercing gaze left Suzune frozen, as Izumi later attested, long after Tatsuya left the room.
-----------------------------------
Can't stand the cliffhanger?
Skip the wait – read the newest chapters right now!
👉 pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ
Be ahead of everyone else. The story doesn't wait – why should you?