Chapter 173: I Choose Universal Love
The Kitayama family consisted of five members: parents, grandmother, Shizuku, and a younger brother.
However, Shizuku's father had five siblings.
In today's society with declining birthrates, this would be considered quite surprising, but among wealthy families like theirs who could be called affluent, households of this size weren't particularly unusual.
Yet because Shizuku's father married late, nearly all his cousins were older than Shizuku. More than half were already married and had brought their families along, while those unmarried had brought either their fiancés or partners they planned to engage with soon.
This made the main family gathering appear somewhat crowded.
Mahiro had learned all this from Benio.
"Ushio's family comes from a business lineage that has been operating since last century, so they carry many burdens that cannot be ignored," she remarked with feeling.
The "Ushio" Benio referred to was naturally Kitayama Ushio.
Mahiro had no idea what his mother-in-law's intentions were. After learning about him, she had singled him out from the group of women.
She told him these things as if determined to make him her audience.
This prevented him from properly greeting Kumo and Honoka, who both appeared to have something they wanted to say while entertaining Miyuki, Mayumi, and Miori at a distance.
"Still... while that may be true, I simply can't appreciate how these relatives shamelessly bring complete strangers to a family gathering. Although we only invited Miss Shiba and her associates this time, everything has become such a mess. How unpleasant."
"Well, it can't be helped. Ushio really dotes on these relatives."
Benio's words were merciless, almost to the point of public shaming.
Yet her tone also carried a hint of helplessness.
Such unexpected remarks were quite surprising.
Even though this was his first visit, Shizuku's mother had told him these things—he wondered what her intentions might be.
But since these matters had been brought up, he felt compelled to say something.
"Aunt Kitayama, may I speak out of turn?"
"Oh?" Benio seemed slightly startled. After glancing at him briefly, her lovely lips curved into a slight smile.
"There's no need for my permission. You're a guest at this banquet—saying whatever you wish is your right. You don't require my approval."
"No, I believe what I'm about to say definitely requires your permission."
"Well then, speak. I'm quite curious what someone like you might say."
Under Benio's curious gaze, Mahiro slowly began:
"I believe the presumptuous behavior of your family members, acting without consent, needs to be stopped."
"Otherwise, it might eventually lead to another situation like what happened in USNA, or worse, potentially cause your Kitayama family to offend people they shouldn't, bringing disaster upon yourselves."
Mahiro's words could be considered quite harsh. To some ears, this might sound like "advice," but combined with his status as a member of the Yotsuba family, it could even be interpreted as a warning from one of the Ten Master Clans.
However, Benio seemed to detect an unusual subtext in his words.
Although his words could be considered insulting, the beautiful woman showed no trace of anger on her face. Instead, she gave him a meaningful glance.
"So, you're saying Raymond Sage Clark's disappearance is related to you?"
"That depends on the capacity in which you're asking."
Mahiro responded with a slight smile.
"Is there a difference?"
"Of course. Different capacities warrant different answers."
Mahiro replied calmly and matter-of-factly: "If you're asking as a representative of the Kitayama Family hoping to establish ties with the Clark family of USNA, then my answer is: I don't know, it has nothing to do with me."
"But if you're asking as a mother concerned about her daughter, then my answer is—"
"Yes, I was the one who did it."
There was a hint of arrogance in his tone, a touch of confidence, and a playful teasing quality as well.
This way of speaking was quite fitting for someone his age.
At least, that's what Benio thought.
"That's certainly an interesting answer, and you're quite bold, Yotsuba-kun. Could you tell me the reason? Was it out of jealousy over Shizuku that you resorted to such extreme measures? Of course, I'm asking you this as Shizuku's mother."
The Kitayama madam deliberately used his own way of speaking to respond to him.
However, Mahiro showed no intention of hiding the truth and confessed frankly: "I admit there was some element of jealousy, but more importantly, Raymond is a dangerous person."
"Explain carefully—what makes him dangerous?"
"The Clark family has deep connections with the USNA military. If your Kitayama Family had truly managed to establish relations with Raymond through the student exchange program, or if they had actually married—"
"Then, Aunt Kitayama, what kind of awkward position do you think your family would find itself in?"
"In the end, Uncle and Aunt would bear the responsibility, even at the cost of sacrificing Shizuku's happiness, while all the benefits would be divided among your other relatives. Is this what Aunt Kitayama wishes to see?"
"Heh."
After hearing his words, Benio actually laughed.
"Are you saying that only you can bring happiness to my Shizuku? And let me remind you, Yotsuba-kun, times are different now—international marriages are quite common."
"But that only applies to ordinary people."
Mahiro retorted: "I never said only I can make Shizuku happy. What I mean is, if the Kitayama Family truly enters into an international marriage with the Clark family, how do you think the Ten Master Clans would view the Kitayama Family?"
"Are you threatening me?"
The Ten Master Clans hold significant influence in this land, and magicians are essentially under their control. As a magician herself, Benio understood this all too well.
"No, I'm merely stating a fact. And my position has never been that of the Ten Master Clans, nor the Yotsuba Family—only as Shizuku's classmate, as Shizuku's boyfriend."
For most people, when a conversation reaches this point, it would be perfectly normal for the other party to become furious. In more extreme cases, they might even be driven out of the banquet.
But this Mrs. Kitayama unexpectedly began teasing him.
"Oh~ A boyfriend... So while my daughter Shizuku's boyfriend traveled across the ocean to visit her on Valentine's Day, you also ended up pushing down my most precious daughter, is that it?"
"???" Mahiro frantically typed several question marks in his mind.
Why aren't you following conventional logic!
And how did the topic suddenly shift to pushing Shizuku down?
But if we're talking about that incident...
"Actually about that matter... Well, I admit I was the one who pushed her down, and I'll take responsibility for it."
He instinctively wanted to explain that it was actually Shizuku who initiated it while drunk, but upon second thought, he decided it wasn't necessary.
What's done is done—does it really matter who initiated it?
When Benio heard his response, the sternness in her eyes disappeared, likely satisfied after venting her dissatisfaction.
However, there was now a hint of approval in her expression.
"Daring to take responsibility for your actions—not bad. No wonder Shizuku holds you in such high regard, even turning down all those young masters who hoped to connect with our family."
As for abilities, Benio didn't intend to bring it up, nor was it necessary.
That bizarre talent that forced the Nine Schools Competition officials to temporarily modify the rules—what more needed to be said?
"But speaking of which, Honoka also likes you. You should be well aware of this, right?"
"Yes, Auntie, I'm very aware."
"So what do you plan to do about it?"
"I plan to accept Honoka," Mahiro replied without hesitation.
"Heh, already having my daughter, yet still wanting to accept Honoka... How arrogant of you."
Benio shook her head with a light laugh, saying "Oh dear, oh dear"
"You're not planning to take advantage of them, are you?"
Before the words fully settled, Benio withdrew her gentle smile, her voice turning cold and firm.
It was no wonder she would think this way.
After all, Honoka was quite adorable—whether in appearance, figure, or personality, she was first-rate, with countless pursuers at school.
Even now, watching from a distance, the graceful curves outlined by her orange dress were captivating enough to make many young masters present drool with desire.
But due to the Kitayama family's influence, no one dared to approach her.
Not to mention that Honoka still bore the Mitsui surname, with the bloodline of an Elemental lineage flowing through her veins.
The so-called Elemental lineages were descendants of prototype magicians developed to recreate traditional magic before the establishment of the four major systems and eight categories of modern magic.
For those with ulterior motives, this bloodline held enormous potential for exploitation.
However...
"Sorry, Auntie, I've never entertained such thoughts. I like Shizuku, I like Honoka—never because of their innate talents."
"So you're saying even if they lacked exceptional magical abilities, you would still like them?"
"That's correct. Whether you believe me or not, that's the truth," Mahiro stated firmly.
Would he disdain partners without talent?
He would not.
Just like Sayaka, and Seitenshi, like Remus and Womyn, even the Little Emperor—what outstanding talents did they possess?
None at all.
However, he would grant these girls the most formidable talents.
Yet, even with such a claim, he could not fully convince Benio.
"Is that so? From what I know, the daughters of the Saegusa family, the Mibu family, that Miss Shiba, and your cousin Shiba Miyuki—all have ties to you, correct?"
"Not to mention Shizuku and Honoka. How do you plan to handle them?"
"After graduation, I will give them a proper status."
"All of them?"
"Yes, all of them."
Leaving aside Miori, who abandoned her family and everything to follow him to this world...
Mayumi, Sayaka, and Shizuku already belonged to him. Though Honoka and Miyuki had not yet been fully won over, it was practically a foregone conclusion.
Thus, giving up any one of them was impossible.
"As expected, you are quite arrogant, young man."
Benio sighed faintly. "Arrogant in a way that seems unbefitting of your age."
Regarding this matter, Mahiro simply maintained a smile without offering an explanation.
There was no way to explain it, after all.
At some point, time seemed to have paused for him. No matter how many years passed, his appearance remained completely unchanged.
"Still, perhaps it's for the best. Only with arrogance like yours would Ushio and I dare to entrust our daughter and Honoka to you."
"But remember, you must never bully Honoka, no matter what."
"To Shizuku, Honoka is like a sister. We, as a couple, also see that child as our own daughter..."
"Benio, what are you discussing with Yotsuba-kun here?"
"Nothing much, just some matters concerning our daughter."
Benio smiled faintly.
A somewhat stout man approached, his demeanor refined and gentle, appearing earnest rather than rough.
He walked up to Mahiro and extended his hand, saying:
"You must be Yotsuba Mahiro, I presume? Just as the rumors say, you are quite distinguished. I am Kitayama Ushio, Shizuku's father."
Perhaps out of business habit, Ushio instinctively complimented Mahiro's appearance.
Mahiro, in turn, gave a light, brief handshake.
"Hello, Uncle Kitayama. I am Yotsuba Mahiro. My apologies for visiting so abruptly."
"Not at all. Shizuku speaks of you often."
"Alright, Ushio, let's leave the young ones to their time now. We should attend to the other guests."
Just as Ushio was about to chat a bit more with Mahiro, Benio unceremoniously dragged him away.
He didn't even have time to say goodbye.
"Their relationship really is something," Mahiro murmured with a sigh.
Speaking of the nickname "Ushio," he had long wanted to comment on it. If he remembered correctly, Ushio was nine years older than his wife Benio. So, even though he was called "little brother," Benio was actually the younger one.
It was a peculiar term of endearment.
Still, both of them looked quite young.
"Yes, they've always been like that."
At some point, Shizuku had arrived by his side and struck up a conversation.
"By the way, Mahiro-kun, what did Mother talk to you about just now?" Shizuku looked up, gazing at his profile as she asked.
Though she had been entertaining Miyuki and the others earlier, she had also been keeping a close watch on the movements over here. She noticed her mother's expression had grown stern at least a few times.
Thus, she was worried that her mother might have said something inappropriate to Mahiro.
"It's nothing, we were just chatting a bit about you and Honoka."
"Eh? About me too?"
Standing beside Shizuku, Honoka—who had remained quiet until now—pointed at herself and couldn't hold back a surprised exclamation.
Her short twin tails swayed restlessly with the movement, adorned with the pair of spherical hair accessories decorated with pristine lilies of the valley—the very ones Mahiro had given her on Valentine's Day.
If one looked closely, they would also notice the brooch he had given Shizuku pinned to her chest.
Inside it, a "parasite"-turned fish swam in circles.
Hmm, it seemed the little creature had been quite well-behaved during this time.
"They're very beautiful."
"Eh?"
"?"
Suddenly praised by Mahiro, neither Shizuku nor Honoka could react immediately.
"I mean your outfits—you both look very beautiful today."
The form-fitting dresses outlined their delicate figures, and the sheer shawls draped over their slender shoulders gave them an air of noble princesses.
At his compliment, Honoka's face instantly flushed red.
"By the way, come with me for a moment. There's something I want to tell you."
Suddenly, Mahiro took both Honoka and Shizuku's hands and headed out of the banquet hall.
They arrived at the second-floor balcony, which was completely empty.
The moment she stepped in, Honoka felt a warm aura envelop her entirely.
The sensation was unfamiliar to her, yet the owner of that aura felt deeply familiar, causing her whole body to stiffen instantly.
"M-M-M-M-M-Mahiro-kun?!"
Like a steam-powered maiden, Honoka—held from behind in his embrace—blushed so deeply it seemed blood might drip from her face.
It was no wonder she was so embarrassed.
Not only was this her first time being held by a boy, but more importantly, Mahiro's draped arms had passed right over her chest, clasping together just above her abdomen.
"Mmm, it really is comfortable. I've wanted to do this for a while now."
"Ehhhhhhhhhh???"
Ignoring Honoka's startled cry, Mahiro only held her tighter, savoring the warmth and softness in his arms. He slowly rested his head on her shoulder, inhaling her faint, delicate fragrance.
"N-No... it tickles..."
Feeling the warmth of his breath against her, Honoka felt her body go weak.
A sensation she had never experienced before began to sprout in her heart—like a flutter—making her feel ticklish and eager to release it immediately.
But just then, Mahiro suddenly whispered softly by her ear:
"You and Shizuku wanted to know what Mrs. Kitayama and I were talking about earlier, right? Actually, it was about the relationship between you, me, and Shizuku."
Hearing this, Honoka's eyes widened slightly. The flutter in her heart vanished instantly, replaced by a sudden jolt.
It felt as though her heart had been squeezed, tightening ever so slightly.
She wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat, unable to come out.
Although Shizuku had never explicitly told her, Honoka had vaguely sensed that ever since returning from studying abroad, the relationship between Shizuku and Mahiro had gradually become subtle.
Though she didn't mind this, she didn't dare bring it up, afraid of losing that tiny spark of love with Mahiro, and even more afraid of losing Shizuku, her best friend!
"Don't worry, I won't give up on either you or Shizuku. I just don't know if you're willing, Honoka."
Mahiro seemed to see through Honoka's thoughts, feeling her heartbeat, he could guess what she was thinking.
His words made Honoka let out a small whimper of distress.
There was no verbal response.
But her body leaned back slightly, as if trying to melt into his embrace.
Nearby, Shizuku watched this harmonious scene, and even her typically expressionless face showed a faint smile.
"How nice..."
Whether for her or for Honoka.
But the next moment, while still watching, she was suddenly pulled into Mahiro's embrace by him.