Chapter 180: Adjustment of the Kudo Family—Kudo Mitsunobu
The night was as dark as ink.
Delicate plum blossoms clung to the branches, only to be buried by fresh snow.
Her cascading hair resembled a starry river suspended in the night sky.
Between the strands, a few locks stuck to the corner of her mouth. Miya's flushed face showed a dazed expression as she gazed blankly at the shifting night sky outside the window.
Her legs trembled uncontrollably.
Like dewdrops condensing into milk, they fell and formed pearls.
She never thought she would ultimately cross that forbidden line.
Miya couldn't help but wonder if she had been too indulgent with this child.
Someday she would meet her sister Maya—what expression should she wear then? How could she face her...?
Thinking of this, her hand slowly rose and rested on Mahiro's head as he slept on her chest, gently stroking his messy short hair.
She was already someone who should have passed away, having lost everything—how could she possibly change so many things...
...
"Senior Yotsuba, I'm Isshiki Airi from Class 1-A. I look forward to your guidance during the upcoming Nine Schools Competition."
The next day.
In the conference room at the Club Alliance headquarters, all participants of the Nine Schools Competition had gathered.
A golden-haired girl wearing First High's uniform, who carried herself like a young lady, was formally introducing herself to him.
Isshiki Airi, the young lady of the Ichijou family—one of the Eighteen Assistant Houses.
It was said she originally planned to attend Third High to challenge Ichijou Masaki for a position among the Ten Master Clans, but due to family circumstances, she transferred to First High instead.
Her true target needed no explanation.
The way Airi looked at him was filled with burning, fervent fighting spirit, much like an impassioned young girl.
She gave off strong vibes of a typical light novel heroine.
Besides Airi, he was also responsible for the originally assigned team of Miyuki, Shizuku, Honoka, and Sayaka, plus the first-year siblings Ayako and Fumiya, the Saegusa sisters Izumi and Kasumi, and his little maid—Minami.
He was in charge of CAD adjustments and tactical planning for all of them.
After completing the simple team assignments and introductions, they returned to the familiar auditorium for the award ceremony.
Early the next morning, everyone boarded the bus heading to the competition venue.
"You know, this is my first time riding this bus."
Mahiro looked around curiously at the equipment piled up inside.
Since he was no longer a competitor this time, he was riding on the technicians' bus, squeezed in with various CAD adjustment equipment.
To be honest, the space was quite spacious, and since there weren't many technicians, the bus wasn't crowded.
However, there were drawbacks. For privacy reasons, the transport bus had no windows. Even with air conditioning, it felt stuffy.
And most importantly, there were few beautiful girls accompanying him on this bus.
Besides him, Tatsuya, and the smiling Isori, plus a few unfamiliar boys, there was only Satomi Subaru who was dedicated to magic engineering, and the adorable, small-animal-like Azusa-senpai.
"Eek..."
Under his gaze, Azusa-senpai suddenly tensed up and let out a small whimper.
Mahiro: "..."
No, am I really that scary?
Mahiro awkwardly scratched his cheek and offered a friendly smile.
Back when Mine was little, along with the Little Emperor and the girls from the Enhancement Unit, they all used to stick close to him.
"Hey, Mahiro, have you seen this news?"
Suddenly, Tatsuya patted his shoulder and struck up a conversation. Initially thinking he had found some trivial gossip news and ready to mock him, Mahiro froze when he saw the content on the device handed to him.
The headline was concise, less than fifteen words, but those few words were shocking.
[War Flames Reignite in Europe, Plunged into Chaos of Conflict]
It basically meant Europe had fallen into a major war again.
For this world, this was an event significant enough to shake the entire globe.
After all, although conflicts occasionally arose between nations, most people still tried their best to maintain a facade of false peace.
A war on this scale, spanning an entire continent, hadn't occurred for decades.
But soon, he spotted a figure in the image.
Sapphire-blue long hair, a military uniform outlining a tall and well-proportioned figure, and a military cap worn to display authority to the world.
Though the photo was blurry, with that attire, who else in the entire world could it be but Esdeath!
"Didn't expect her to move so fast..."
Mahiro chuckled softly to himself.
He never thought she would set the stage for war this quickly.
He originally assumed she would lie low and observe for a while.
But then again, if she weren't swift and decisive, she wouldn't be Esdeath!
However, this also explained why the Nine Schools Competition suddenly changed its events to military training content.
It was all preparation for the impending war...
"Tatsuya, I recall you're in the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, right?" Mahiro lowered his voice, speaking in a tone only the two of them could hear.
Hearing this question, Tatsuya's previously calm eyes turned serious, and he nodded lightly.
"In that case, if a world war really breaks out, Tatsuya, I advise you to withdraw from that battalion, even if it's for Miyuki's sake."
"What do you mean?"
The moment Miyuki was mentioned, Tatsuya's eyes immediately turned dangerous.
"Calm down."
He patted Tatsuya's shoulder and said softly, "Miyuki is not only your sister but also mine, and you know how I feel about her. I would never harm her, much less you."
He left it at that.
Mahiro didn't continue.
There was no need, and what had been said was enough.
If one day, Tatsuya were to step onto the battlefield due to the escalating war, that would also be the moment Mahiro himself would step in.
At full power, Esdeath was indeed strong enough to dominate the world.
But if she were to face Tatsuya, she would definitely be no match.
After all, Tatsuya's magic had the capability to kill on first encounter.
Mahiro would never allow such a thing to happen.
As time passed, First High School's vehicle had already pulled into the hotel parking lot.
Familiar time, familiar place, familiar weather.
Just like last year, nothing had changed at all. However, unlike last year, there would be no disturbances from No Head Dragon this time.
As evening fell, the social gathering commenced as scheduled, still held within that grand hall where students from various major schools gathered together.
But unlike last year, it seemed the students from different schools no longer maintained the same level of separation as before, occasionally engaging in mutual exchanges.
Some clustered around the star students from each school who were strong contenders for the championship, attempting to gather information.
For example, Ichijou Masaki from Third High was surrounded by numerous female students, including some from First High.
Meanwhile, last year's undisputed champion stood alone, surrounded only by students from his own school.
This was hardly surprising.
Not only was he not participating as a competitor this time, his actions last year had been extreme enough that his absence from the competition actually brought sighs of relief from participants of other schools.
However, there was one person who caught his attention.
A student from Second High, but someone he hadn't seen in last year's competition—likely a first-year student.
Though similar in age to them, that appearance was breathtaking enough to reach supernatural levels of perfection.
"...Mahiro-sama?"
Taking advantage of others' inattention, Minami called softly to him, but found he didn't respond.
Following his line of sight, Minami couldn't help but cover her mouth with her hand.
The person Mahiro-sama was looking at...
Her gaze shifted repeatedly between that male student, Mahiro beside her, and Miyuki.
That male student from Second High looked exactly like Mahiro-sama and Miyuki-sama!
His features were flawlessly perfect!
He was the very definition of a "typical beautiful youth"!
However, Mahiro had some recollection of that person. If he remembered correctly...
"Hello~"
The sudden greeting interrupted Mahiro's thoughts.
Kyouko made her appearance at the banquet with light clicks of her high heels.
The form-fitting white blouse and blazer clung to her slender figure, paired with a pencil skirt that revealed her long, graceful legs as she walked toward him.
"Fujibayashi-sensei, I recall you're not the team leader for this competition, are you?"
"No, but I used some special connections to come specifically to watch all you students show your prowess on the field."
Kyouko's tone was somewhat playful and lively, yet she maintained that elegant demeanor on the surface, truly living up to the name of "Witch."
"But Yotsuba-kun, I noticed you seemed lost in thought earlier. What were you looking at?"
Fujibayashi Kyouko glanced in the direction he had been staring, just in time to see the young man he had been observing—who was also examining their group.
"Ah, so it's him. Could it be that Yotsuba-kun has also been captivated by my cousin?"
"...Fujibayashi-sensei's cousin?"
This surprise didn't come from Mahiro, but from Minami.
As a maid serving Mahiro and a magician from the Yotsuba family, she was well aware of Kyouko's identity. Beyond her lieutenant rank in the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, she was also connected to the Kudou Family. If that boy was her cousin, then wouldn't that mean...
"Minoru, come over and say hello!"
"Sorry!"
At Fujibayashi Kyouko's call, the boy squeezed through the crowd with an age-appropriate fluster and came to stand beside her—directly facing Mahiro and the others—before stopping.
"Nice to meet you all," he introduced himself in a still somewhat flustered voice.
"I'm Kudou Minoru, the youngest son of Kudou Makoto, head of the Kudou Family, and a first-year student at Second High. Mr. Mahiro, Miss Minami, it's an honor to meet you."
That's right, this boy was Kudou Minoru—simultaneously the pinnacle of Ninth Research Institute's technology specializing in ancient magic inheritance.
Like Mahiro and Miyuki, he was an adjusted-body magician.
But unlike them, Minoru had a weak constitution and was often ill.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Yotsuba Mahiro. I'm surprised the young master of the Kudou Family would know of me."
Mahiro's tone was friendly, while Minami, as his maid, gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.
"Nice to meet you, Lord Minoru."
"Ah, Miss Sakurai, there's no need for such formality... As for why I know Mr. Yotsuba, I mainly witnessed his remarkable performance from the audience stands during last year's Nine Schools Competition."
"Oh, and since I'm younger than both of you, please just call me Minoru. I'd also appreciate if everyone wouldn't use honorifics with me."
"Then please don't call me Mr. Yotsuba either, Minoru. Just Mahiro is fine."
"O-okay..."
Minoru showed a delighted smile, the kind one only wears when making new friends.
Despite possessing exceptional looks, his personality seemed excessively humble—completely different from other members of the Ten Master Clans, lacking the overbearing pride characteristic of people like Juumonji Katsuto or Ichijou Masaki.
Well, ultimately this was just surface appearance. In terms of actual ability, this Minoru was no weakling.
Even Kyouko couldn't help but praise him.
"My cousin Minoru's abilities are in no way inferior to yours. If you were participating as a contestant this time, I think the matches would have been spectacular. What a shame."
Kyouko whispered these words close to Mahiro's ear.
"Is that so? No matter. If there's an opportunity in the future, we could always spar."
Mahiro didn't argue, simply responding in accordance with her meaning.
He couldn't be bothered to debate such trivial matters—it felt meaningless.
What he failed to notice was the fleeting shadow of sorrow that passed through Kyouko's eyes.
Minoru's body was weak. Though he possessed unparalleled talent, he spent nearly a quarter of each year confined to a sickbed.
Even his participation in the Nine Schools Competition was something his cousin had rarely indulged—secretly bringing him out from home without the Kudou main family's knowledge.
He had only registered for one event, just to fulfill his wish, nothing more.
If Mahiro wanted to face off directly against him, given Minoru's physical condition, it would probably be quite difficult.
Soon after, Masaki also came over to greet him briefly, expressing regret that they couldn't have a match.
Mahiro simply nodded slightly in response. Social interactions really were exhausting...
Not long after, the banquet began with opening remarks.
Unlike last year, that old man Kudou Retsu didn't pull any tricks, just a standard opening ceremony.
Afterwards, competitors from various schools began returning to their rooms or working with technicians to prepare for the next day's events.
The atmosphere carried a certain tension, though.
Probably many had already noticed something different about this year's Nine Schools Competition.
"Well, not that it has anything to do with me."
"Big Brother Mahiro, what are you muttering about?"
"Nothing, let's continue."
Mahiro smiled and shook his head, turning his attention back to CAD adjustments.
The subjects of his adjustments were the two Saegusa sisters, Izumi and Kasumi.
The event they were participating in was the Rower and Gunner event.
Essentially, it required one pilot and one shooter, originally based on US Marine Corps amphibious assault training.
But for twin sisters with their innate tacit understanding, it was almost too perfect.
You could say it was tailor-made for them.
"If Big Brother Mahiro is worried about anything, please rest assured! Izumi and I promise we won't let you down—we'll bring back a championship!"
The lively Kasumi flexed her small muscles through her sleeve.
Izumi nodded along, saying "Mhm, mhm!"
Having fighting spirit was good, but sometimes it could backfire. For instance, right after the sisters made their bold declaration, another voice chimed in.
"Being overconfident isn't always good. With your personality, you might crash and burn during the competition."
The voice was elegant and gentle, yet carried a faint, condescending mockery.
Ayako and Fumiya walked in. Ayako gracefully lifted her skirt slightly and curtsied towards him.
"Brother Mahiro."
"What?! Why are you here, you wretched woman?!"
"My, my, I'm not wretched at all. Unlike someone who runs around all day with the disciplinary committee, I wonder if you even shower properly after sweating so much?"
Ayako smiled as she retorted.
"As for why I'm here, of course, it's because I need dear Brother Mahiro to help me adjust my CAD for tomorrow's competition."
Like the Saegusa sisters, she and Fumiya were also entered in the Rower and Gunner event.
However, they were participating in the individual category, so while not directly competing against the sisters, Ayako's words were enough to provoke Kasumi.
"What did you say?! What do you mean 'stinky sweat'?! I shower every day!!"
"Sister..."
Izumi tugged at Kasumi's sleeve, trying to stop her from saying more.
Even Ayako couldn't help but laugh.
Sigh, this kid is really straightforward to a fault... it even reminds me of that simple-minded little fool, Poney.
"Alright, let's call it a day for now."
Mahiro handed the adjusted CADs to Izumi and Kasumi. "The CAD adjustments are mostly complete. We'll just need some fine-tuning tomorrow morning based on your physical conditions. As for competition tactics, follow the plans I taught you earlier."
"Yes, Mahiro-nii (Brother)!"
The two sisters left the room, though Kasumi didn't forget to throw a challenging glare at Ayako before leaving.
Ayako paid no attention whatsoever, even going so far as to directly wrap her arms around Mahiro's arm right in front of Kasumi.
"Alright, enough playing around. Take out your CADs."
Following his instructions, the two placed their CADs on separate platforms while he multitasked, simultaneously adjusting the states of both casting devices.
With his current brain processing capacity, accomplishing such tasks was practically effortless.
Watching the dazzling data streams scroll across the screens, both Fumiya and Ayako's eyes shone with admiration.
"Mahiro-nii, you're amazing!"
"Mhm, Mahiro-nii's skills are probably something even top technicians couldn't match."
"Enough with the flattery, you two. Do you need me to help devise tactics or anything for tomorrow's competition?"
While operating both systems simultaneously, Mahiro still managed to spare attention to converse with them.
"Hehe, no need. Unlike those two fools from the Saegusa family, I wouldn't trouble Mahiro-nii with extra work."
Ayako clasped her hands behind her back, speaking with slight pride.
However, Fumiya beside her seemed to have something he wanted to say but hesitated.
If we asked Mahiro-nii to devise tactics, wouldn't that mean you could spend more time with him, sis...
But he didn't dare voice this thought, afraid that Ayako would beat him up the moment they left the room.