Suo's Testimony: The Archives Visit
Haru stood over Suo, the heavy truth of the Pact and the exposed nature of Himari hanging in the air.
Haru: "Now tell me, Suo. That forbidden book she took—what exactly did she risk everything for?"
Suo blinked, the intensity of Haru's gaze momentarily blinding him. He felt the weight of the question, but truthfully, he had no answers about the book's contents.
Suo: (Nervously adjusting his glasses) "How could I know about that? I didn't see the book until she was back."
He gestured vaguely. "She came to the Rep Room earlier this week. We were talking, and she asked about the assignment—she's in the same group as the Rep, remember? They told her about the topic and said she could find material at the Archives. Then she left."
Suo thought for a moment, trying to recall the details clearly.
Suo: "She didn't have her entry card yet, so she left along with Kiro—the Archival Assistant. He was heading over there anyway, so she got him to sign her in. After she left with him, I don't know anything else. You can ask her what was in the book."
Suo finished, feeling relieved to have passed the interrogation. He had told the truth, but it was clear to him that the simple logistics he offered didn't satisfy Haru.
Haru's face tightened. Kiro. A low-level Archival Assistant. It was far too easy for Himari, a high-value target, to get access.
Haru: "So you're telling me she went to an isolated, easily compromised section of the city, at a time when we know The Agnès Pact is actively sweeping, to look up a school assignment... and she went with a random assistant."
Suo: "Well, yeah. But she must have just gotten into a fight with someone else there, right? I mean, she fights everyone."
Haru turned away, running a hand through his hair, the frustration evident. The situation was worse than he thought. Himari's arrogance and recklessness, combined with the extreme danger of the Cleaners Sweep, meant they had zero time for assumptions.
Haru: "Fine. If you don't know what's in the book, then we need to know how they found her. Tell me exactly what happened when she came back—the fight, the injury, everything."
Haru stood up and said so Suo your expression saying u don't know what happen huh , his composed expression demanding clarity.
Haru: "Fine. If you don't know what's in the book, then we need to know how they found her. Tell me exactly what happened when she came back—the fight, the injury, everything."
Suo, with his usual charming yet worried demeanor , shifted uncomfortably. He was observant; he saw things others missed, especially about Himari.
Suo: "It was late. She didn't call, she just... appeared. But she looked exactly the opposite of how she usually does. You know how she moves—all fluid and fast, like she's already ten steps ahead? She wasn't that way. She was listless. But after she left rep room I didn't met her again and I met her today when I go to pick her up from dorm that's all "
Haru: (Adjusting his glasses slightly) "Listless? Give me a detail, Suo. We deal in facts."
Suo: (Recalling the specific, worrying details) "Her Wind Magic is always active, Haru. It makes the air around her feel charged. But when she came back, she was… static. Her eyes were cloudy, and she was sweating. She looked less like a fighter and more like something breakable. That's when I saw the bandages what u all also saw I don't know how it happen and she didn't tell me."
Suo recounted the IV marks and the cut on her head.
Suo: "She was insistent saying its not a big deal She just kept repeating that her Cyprus bracelet was gone and that her Illusion magic felt thin, like she couldn't properly cloak herself. She was terrified, and Himari doesn't get terrified."
Haru paced back to the window, the cold reality of the situation perfectly matching his mature, clinical assessment.
Haru: (His voice hardening, the authority unmistakable) "The bracelet is what matters. It was a Focusing Conduit and a signature dampener. They weren't just attacking her; they were cataloging her. We need to move. Now."
Suo's Intervention: The Boundary
Haru paced back to the window, the image of his powerful cousin appearing "static" chilling him to the core.
Haru: (His voice hardening, the authority unmistakable) "The bracelet is what matters. It was a Focusing Conduit and a signature dampener. They weren't just attacking her; they were cataloging her. We need to move. Now."
Haru turned, ready to march downstairs and confront Himari, but Suo quickly stood up, stepping between Haru and the door. Suo's usual relaxed smile was gone, replaced by a quiet intensity that matched the maturity in his eyes behind the glasses.
Suo: "Wait, Haru. Hold on."
Haru: (Frustrated, the need for immediate action overriding diplomacy) "What, Suo? We don't have time for this! She is a walking beacon for an ancient death cult!"
Suo: (Holding his ground) "I know, but don't you think you are intervening in her personal life too much? Like, I mean, you are right—she is our cousin and an important person, even your friend—but still, as I know Himari, she doesn't like when people interfere in her life."
Suo gestured towards the door, his tone pleading for understanding, not arguing the danger.
Suo: "She's here to escape that life, Haru. She's already been hurt by the Archives attack and by our Mothers' coldness. I think we need to not ask anything and intervene until she asks. It's her personal matter how she deals with the emotional side, and we risk pushing her away entirely if we force it."
Haru stopped, the force of Suo's earnestness momentarily checking his military impulse. Suo was right; Himari's strongest defense was always distance, and pushing her now might cause her to flee the only safe place she had.
Haru: (Sighing, running a hand over his tired face) "Fine. We won't pry. But the physical danger isn't up for debate. We need to go downstairs and tell her the truth about the bracelet and the Pact. If she insists on handling the danger alone, she does so knowing the full stakes."
Suo nodded, relieved. "I agree. Just... let her lead the conversation, Haru. Please."
They turned and quietly left Haru's room, the serious discussion complete, ready to face Himari in the kitchen.
The Summons
Haru and Suo quietly descended the stairs, their recent, intense discussion about the Pact and the stolen Conduit heavy between them. Suo followed close behind Haru, as he knew his older brother very well and had little doubt he was about to launch into a demanding interrogation of Himari.
They entered the kitchen/dining area. Himari was seated at the dining table chair. Her silver-brown hair was braided, and the bandage was stark against her temple.
Haru approached the table. His Mother was also in the room, engrossed in a phone call, completely oblivious to the situation.
Haru: (Voice low, firm, standing next to the table) "Himari, come into the living room."
Himari, who had been staring blankly at the tabletop, simply nodded once, her crimson-pink eyes lacking their usual fire. She immediately recognized the tone of command.
Haru paused, looking toward his Mother.
Haru: "Mother," he said quietly, trying to get her attention regarding the severity of the situation.
His Mother held up a hand dismissively without looking at him, clearly signaling her phone call was far more important than her son or her niece. Haru sighed, a muscle tightening in his jaw.
Haru turned back to Himari. "Now."
Himari immediately got up, followed by Suo. They all moved out of the kitchen and into the living room, leaving the Mother alone on her phone call.
The Denial and the Evasion
Himari walked into the living room, followed by Haru and Suo. Haru immediately took a position near the center of the room, standing with his arms crossed, his pose commanding and serious.
Suo, however, moved to the plush couch, sinking into the corner and pulling out his phone. While he was monitoring the conversation closely, his posture was deliberately casual—a subtle act of solidarity with Himari, trying to signal to Haru to ease up.
Himari stopped near the sofa, looking pointedly at Haru.
Himari: (Tired and annoyed) "Okay, what?"
Haru: (Ignoring her challenge, his voice clipped) "Sit down, and tell me first, Miss Himari, what book you were reading in the Archives that day."
Himari let out an audible sigh, clearly looking both annoyed and profoundly tired.
Himari: "Look, Haru, listen. I just took a single book, and listen: people get injured sometimes. At the Academy, some get in accidents at the road, and some fall. So basically, I mean it was just one mishap which happened to me. There's nothing related to anything that you are thinking. And the bracelet and the injury, it's nothing to be worried about that much."
She waved a dismissive hand, trying to inject a note of false, casual cheerfulness.
Himari: "I am thankful for all your care, but still, you came home to spend your holiday, so don't drown your brain in worries. Got it?"
Haru stood unmoving, his gaze unwavering, easily seeing through the transparent attempt to evade the true threat and deflect the conversation. The mention of his "holiday" was a direct, irritating challenge to his authority.
Haru: (His voice dropping, making it clear the pleasantries were over) "It's not a mishap, Himari. It's an attack. And I'm not on holiday. I'm on assignment because of people like you."
The Cozy Chaos
Himari huffed in exasperation and finally sank onto the couch, deliberately choosing a spot near Suo. "Look, I know you're an officer, but sometimes, take a chill pill and relax, okay?"
Haru understood perfectly. He knew Himari was not going to reveal anything. He sighed and sat down on the armchair opposite them. He was still worried, but he didn't want his anxiety to further distress Himari.
Himari leaned toward Suo, her entire posture shifting from defensive warrior to curious, slightly immature student.
Himari: (Eyes sparkling with mischief, dropping the serious tone) "Okay, Suo, business time. So, tell me, is the market here as ridiculous as it was in Cyprus? Did you find any good vintage shops, or is the currency still behaving like it's having an existential crisis?"
Suo: (Instantly engaged, happy to follow her lead into normal conversation) "The market is acceptable, actually. Better than Cyprus, unless you like your vintage shops smelling perpetually of sea salt and regret. And the currency? It's currently fluctuating wildly because everyone is trying to convert their allowance to buy tickets for that new magic demonstration next month. It's chaos, I tell you, chaos!"
Himari: (Clutching her hands together dramatically) "Oh, stop! Don't even mention demonstrations. They're so painfully staged. Actually, forget that. Tell me about Professor Livent. Is he really as... stuffy as he seems?"
Suo: "Livent? The one who teaches 'Advanced Charm and Etiquette' and 'Magical History'? Yes, he is."
Himari: (Rolling her crimson eyes) "Great. Because on my first day, I got a full-blown scolding from him in the main hall just for wearing the wrong color scarf. He looked like he was going to spontaneously combust over a minor dress code violation. Does he always take himself that seriously?"
Suo: (Chuckling, leaning back) "Worse. He takes everything seriously. He tried to assign me remedial 'Sitting Posture' last week just because I dared to slouch slightly during his lecture on the proper way to address a Grand Magus. He also uses those awful velvet slippers."
Himari: (Letting out a genuine, infectious laugh that made Haru momentarily forget the danger) "A Grand Magus! Who even sees a Grand Magus outside of a history book? Oh, Suo, I've missed this kind of quality academic gossip."
The living room filled with their easy laughter and exaggerated complaints, successfully drowning out the earlier tension. Haru watched them, a small, involuntary smile touching his lips. This was Himari's true self—funny, dramatic, and effortlessly drawing people into her orbit.
Suo: (After their laughter subsides, turning serious but keeping his voice light) "Alright, alright. Enough about velvet slippers. Let's talk about your future, Himari."
He settled back on the couch.
Suo: "Since the whole 'elite Academy' situation is finished, what's your next move? As you know, after this first term at Arthford, all students get divided into two specialized groups. One track is sent to the Echelon Military Academy to pursue careers in magical security and intelligence—like Haru. The other track goes to the Magus Collegiate side to pursue their career in advanced magical theory and teaching. Which one are you planning to choose?"
The Military Decision
Suo's question instantly shattered the easy, cozy atmosphere. Himari's future—and the reason she was at Arthford in the first place—was a heavy topic.
Haru, who had been leaning back in the armchair, immediately sat straight up at the mention of the Echelon Military Academy track. As an officer himself, he knew the discipline and danger involved.
Himari smiled, a mischievous, slightly evasive glint in her crimson-pink eyes. She made a quick, ambiguous expression, raising her hands slightly as if to say, I haven't thought about it.
Himari: (Leaning forward conspiratorially) "Look, as you know, I am planning to go into Echelon Military Academy."
Suo, who was younger than Himari but often acted as the responsible one, went rigid. He sat ramrod straight on the couch, mirroring Haru's shock. Haru, however, was the first to speak.
Haru: (Voice sharp with concern) "Wait, are you serious, Hima? Echelon? That's where they send the tactical specialists. That's serious service."
She just smiled, a challenge in the curve of her lips.
Himari: "Of course, I'm serious. Why are you getting surprised? I always wanted to be an officer."
Suo: (Worried, his voice high) "But—but Uncle wanted you to be in his business. On last Christmas, he even announced that you would be starting training immediately after your degree."
Himari made a distinctly exasperated, skeptical expression .
Himari: (Waving a dismissive hand) "Oh, really? But I never agreed."
Himari has solidified her defiance: she is choosing the dangerous, military path over her father's stable business empire. This choice directly leads her into Haru's world.
The Dire Prediction
Himari: (Waving a dismissive hand) "Oh, really? But I never agreed."
Haru just smirked. He knew Himari was far too rebellious for anyone to truly control her path, even her own father. Her stubborn independence, while admirable, also filled him with a growing worry. He looked at her, his expression a mix of resignation and slight amusement – a confident, shrugging, "what can you do?" sort of look, a silent acknowledgment of her unyielding spirit.
Suo, however, was genuinely shocked. His glasses slid slightly down his nose, and his mouth hung open.
The Reassurance and the Slap
Suo: "Hima, are you crazy?! You are going to die there! Maybe we won't even be able to find your dead body, buried under some training rubble! Hima, be real!"
Himari's confident smirk faltered. She slowly turned her head toward Suo, her crimson-pink eyes wide, taking in his horrified expression. Her initial defiance was momentarily replaced by a look that was utterly taken aback, almost comical in its sudden dismay at Suo's blunt, morbid honesty.
Before Himari could fully process the comment, Haru moved instantly. Without a word, he reached out and delivered a quick, sharp slap to Suo's head, instantly silencing him.
Haru: (Voice firm, though laced with exasperation) "Hey! Watch your mouth! You don't say things like that, especially not to Hima."
Suo immediately rubbed the back of his head, looking wounded but chastened.
Himari seized the opportunity to turn the situation back into a joke, reaching out and affectionately ruffling Suo's neat hair, messing up his carefully composed look.
Himari: (Dramatic sigh, shaking her head) "Ayaa, you are killing me too soon, Suo! I didn't even marry yet!"
The ridiculous comment made Suo forget the slap entirely, and he couldn't help but laugh, despite his earlier fear. Haru, too, let the edge of his lips curve into a brief, genuine smile. The dangerous conversation had once again been successfully deflected by a burst of cousinly chaos.
The Hoodie Dare
The dangerous conversation had once again been successfully deflected by a burst of cousinly chaos. Himari was still laughing, and Suo was rubbing his recently ruffled hair.
Suo: (Still grinning, his eyes twinkling mischievously, leaning into the joke) "All jokes aside, Himari, I think you are really getting adult and mature! You're serious about Echelon, aren't you? Hmm. I think I should tell Uncle about your future plan and then see his reaction. Just for fun, you know."
Suo delivered the line with a perfectly innocent shrug, clearly expecting an explosion from Himari. He just wanted to see her reaction.
Himari's laughter died immediately, replaced by a mock-furious scowl. Her crimson-pink eyes narrowed dramatically. She launched herself across the couch, grabbing the front of Suo's hoodie and pulling him forward in an exaggerated, cartoonish tug, bringing their faces uncomfortably close. The image was intense and chaotic, reflecting their volatile, playful relationship. .
Himari: (Her voice a low, theatrical growl, full of mock-menace) "I dare you. Suo, I absolutely dare you. I'll make sure Professor Livent assigns you remedial posture for the rest of your life!"
Suo burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying her over-the-top threat. Haru, watching the playful skirmish, couldn't help but crack a full, genuine smile. The family dynamic was back to its delightfully chaotic default.
Haru: (Standing up, but with a softer, almost affectionate tone in his voice) "Alright, alright, that's enough, you two. Playtime is over."
He clapped his hands together, bringing them back to reality.
Haru: "The question isn't what Uncle wants you to do, or what you want to do. The question is what the people who stole your Focusing Conduit plan to do next."
. The Innocent Joke
Haru: (Standing up, but with a softer, almost affectionate tone in his voice) "Alright, alright, that's enough, you two. Playtime is over."
He clapped his hands together, bringing them back to reality.
Haru: "The question isn't what Uncle wants you to do, or what you want to do. The question is what the people who stole your Focusing Conduit plan to do next."
Himari sat back on the couch, folding her arms. The mention of the Conduit brought a flash of seriousness back to her crimson-pink eyes, but she still couldn't resist one final, defensive joke to lighten the mood.
Himari: (Pouting slightly, her expression innocent but utterly serious) "I still think this is all too dramatic. Look, if they want a Focusing Conduit, why don't they just go to the market? I'm sure someone sells knock-offs there for like, ten bucks! It's just a bracelet, Haru. It's not like my magic is actually valuable or anything."
She finished the sentence with such earnest, childlike innocence—completely dismissing her status as a prodigy and the immense value of the artifact—that the irony of her statement hit Haru and Suo instantly.
Haru and Suo exchanged a look of sheer, horrified amusement. Haru, the veteran military officer, and Suo, the observant academic, both realized the profound level of denial and genuine lack of self-awareness Himari possessed regarding her own importance.
Haru quickly buried his face in his hand, a muffled laugh escaping him. Suo immediately joined him, stifling a hysterical giggle with his own hand. . They were laughing at the absurdity of the most valuable Dual Magic user in the generation suggesting her irreplaceable signature dampener could be bought as a ten-dollar souvenir.
Himari watched them, thoroughly confused by their reaction.
Himari: (Huffy, slightly offended) "What? Why are you guys laughing? Did I say something wrong?"
The Price of the Conduit
Haru slowly lifted his face from his hand, his eyes—magnified behind his glasses—now perfectly serious. Suo, still suppressing giggles, watched his older brother intently, knowing the humor was about to stop entirely.
Himari watched them, thoroughly confused by their reaction.
Himari: (Huffy, slightly offended) "What? Why are you guys laughing? Did I say something wrong?"
Haru: (Taking a deep, stabilizing breath) "No, Hima. You said exactly what's wrong with the situation." He leaned forward, the casual atmosphere completely gone. "You still think you're an ordinary mage who got into an ordinary scuffle over an ordinary bracelet. You're not. And that bracelet wasn't a charm."
He pulled out a small data chip he'd retrieved from his intelligence bag and placed it on the coffee table.
Haru: "It was the only thing preventing you from being detected. Your Dual Magic—the Wind and the Illusion—creates a signature that is unique, massive, and highly unstable. That 'bracelet' was a highly specialized Focusing Conduit built by Uncle to do two things: First, to stabilize the clash between your Wind and Illusion powers. Second, and most crucially, to act as a signature dampener." .
Himari's expression finally shifted from annoyance to dawning comprehension.
Himari: "A dampener... so, if it's gone..."
Haru: "It's gone. Which means that every single time you cast an Illusion spell—even the smallest, easiest one—you are broadcasting a magical signature equivalent to a Class Three Siren Beacon. The Agnès Pact knows your precise location, and they know you're injured and vulnerable."
Suo, hearing the full, technical gravity of the situation, winced and looked nervously toward the window.
Haru: "This isn't an accident or a scuffle, Himari. They didn't steal the Conduit to silence you; they stole it to track you. The only reason they haven't moved on this house yet is they are waiting for you to heal just enough to make a move, ensuring your magical potential is intact when they capture you."
He paused, the look in his eyes cold with warning.
Haru: "We are not on a holiday. We are on borrowed time. Now, tell us what was in that forbidden book, because whatever you risked your life for must be the key to fixing this."