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Chapter 9

On Friday, July 12, Tatsuya remained in the laboratory in the morning, located on the underground floor of their high-rise building. Based on information he received from Fujibayashi on Parade and Sekihei Hatidzin, he brainstormed in order to find a way to overcome these two magic.

To hide, Minoru uses both of these magic. It won’t be possible to return Minami, who was abducted by Minoru, until he can at least partially neutralize “Parade” and

“Sekirei Hachijin.”

The purpose of the current study was exclusively the return of Minami. The prerequisite for this was determining their location. While working on the analysis of Parade and Sekirei Hachijin, Tatsuya never for a second forgot about his original

goal. Although physically he was now underground, his mind regularly looked at Minami’s condition through his magical perception.

When his "sight" caught the change, it was already past 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

It wasn’t a deterioration. On the contrary, this change could be called convenient for Tatsuya.

“Is there a hole in the barrier?"

The magical barrier hiding the location of Minoru and Minami weakened. The weakening magic was “Sekirei Hachijin." This didn’t mean that the disguise was completely canceled, but the current state looked like if you hurry to the site right now, you may be able to break through the barrier by force.

But this weakening was clearly limited. And it aroused interest.

“Does that mean... that someone passed through the barrier?"

The masking barrier was not destroyed. But they didn’t go through it according to the established rules.

Someone found a loophole, and through it penetrated “Sekirei Hachijin." As a result, a small hole remained in the barrier.... Which was Tatsuya's impression.

"The Fujibayashi family went ahead of me...?"

That was the possibility Tatsuya first thought about. He arranged with Fujibayashi Nagamasa that he would meet with the Fujibayashi family at noon tomorrow.

However, at first, the Fujibayashi family told Tatsuya that they wanted to capture Minoru only on their own.

“The probability of this is high. But I can’t just say that.”

It wasn't only Tatsuya and the Fujibayashi family that were hunting for Minoru. The Ten Master Clans were also pursuing Minoru. There was also evidence that the Self-Defense Forces are also working on capturing Minoru. In addition, in Japan there are groups that, in tribute to tradition, regard “demons” as “evil." Parasites for them –

this, too, are also “demons" that must be destroyed. Therefore, it was likely that such forces also began to move.

“I'll observe the situation a bit..."

If you blindly rush there, not knowing the circumstances, then everything can end with the addition of new enemies.

Tatsuya temporarily suspended his analysis of “Sekirei Hachijin" (he had already studied “Parade" before), and the first thing he decided to do was to ask the Yotsuba's main house if there might be a third party involved.

At 3 pm Minoru was sitting in the dining room at the same table with Minami.

When Minoru was still living at his parents' house (that is, only a month ago), he wasn't in the habit of holding "tea parties," but now he couldn’t refuse an invitation from Minami.

In front of Minoru there was a cup of classic black tea, and in front of Minami - tea with milk. The dessert for tea was lychee mousse (similar to berry jam). Of course, prepared by Minami.

Everything that Minoru ate in this hideout, was prepared by Minami. However, Minoru (who still didn’t have a girl at his age, because his beautiful appearance had the opposite, repulsive effect) was worried like on the first day he met her. He decided to forget, for a while, the feeling of guilt from the abduction, and tasted the

“dessert prepared by the hands of a girl."

But he didn’t enjoy this taste for long. The situation didn’t allow to soar in the clouds, running away from reality. He was intoxicated with happiness only for a short time, while he tasted the mousse. Putting the spoon on the table, Minoru looked at Minami with a serious look.

Minami still had about a quarter of the mousse left in her bowl, but she noticed

Minoru's gaze and removed her hands, putting them on her hips.

Then she looked straight ahead at Minoru.

“... Um...”

Mentally encouraging himself so as not to lose his presence of mind, Minoru immediately turned to the main topic.

“I'm going to leave this hideout, today or tomorrow.”

“Good.”

Minami replied curtly and offered to continue with a look.

“To begin with, I'll go to Yokosuka.”

Minoru has already told so much. It was too late to stop.

“And from there I'm going to escape from Japan on a USNA Navy ship.”

“......”

Minami's face expressed astonishment. Escape from the country. It was so unexpected that she couldn’t utter a word.

“Sorry.”

She couldn't even ask Minoru what he was apologizing for right now.

However, she didn’t need to ask.

“I said that there is no need to hurry with your answer, but now I have to change my words.”

Minami squeezed her hands tightly around her hips. Not only her palms, but her hands up to her shoulders, were very tense.

“If you can make a decision right now, then I want to hear the answer. If you decide that you want to remain human, then I will go to Yokosuka alone.”

“......”

“If you haven't decided yet, then please make a decision before arriving in Yokosuka.

If you say that you don’t want to become a Parasite when we get there, then I will board the ship alone.”

“......”

“If you're still in doubt... still can’t decide, then I want you to board the ship with me.

But even in this case, I give you my word that I won’t do anything against your will, Minami-san. And I won’t let the USNA military force you to do anything.”

“...Where...?”

Minami couldn't give an answer, but with difficulty she managed to get one word out of her mouth — and it was a question.

The question consisted of just one word, but its meaning was obvious.

“... I'm sorry. I don't know that either.”

However, Minoru was unable to answer this question.

Minoru's thoughts were filled with the realization of his own insignificance.

Driven by this thought, he tried to open a line of mental communication with Raymond.

“North-West of the Hawaiian Islands. I think it will be Midway Island or the Pearl and Hermes Atoll located next to it.”

But before he could do so, the answer came from a voice unfamiliar to Minoru.

“Who is there!?”

Minoru jumped up so abruptly that even his chair fell.

The chair fell with a heavy crash, but Minoru didn’t have time to get distracted by it.

Only Minoru and Minami should be in the dining room.

In all of this mansion there should've been only Minoru and Minami.

And this skinny man who looks like a monk shouldn’t be here. Minoru didn’t notice not only breaking through the barrier, but even entering into this room.

“Yakumo-sozu* -sama!?”

[Buddhist monastic title. In the ranking table of 15 places ranked 7th from the bottom. In general, with the name of as many as 6 ranks, from “junior" to “senior".

Minami could simply be reduced, so that its present title can be different.]

Minami also stood up, but the surprise in her voice was slightly different from Minoru's.

Suddenly, a man in a monastic attire appeared in this room as the “ninjutsu user”

Kokonoe Yakumo, whom Tatsuya called “Master Yakumo,” and Miyuki 'Yakumo-sensei.'”

“I feel embarrassed when such a young maiden calls me a monastic title.”

“...Excuse me.”

“There is nothing wrong. It is a kind of pleasant feeling.”

Minami called Yakumo, using the system of monastic titles. She met Yakumo through Tatsuya, but for her Yakumo wasn’t one who could be called a “master" or

“Sensei."

Tatsuya told her that calling him “the abbot of the temple" would be wrong, which finally confused Minami, and in the end she decided to call him “(Yakumo) -sozu-

sama."

By the way, it wasn’t the first time when Minami addressed Yakumo using the monastic title. A similar conversation during their greeting has already happened several times.

“By the way, Minami-kun. Your boyfriend seems a bit confused.”

“P-guy...”

“How innocent. Tatsuya-kun wouldn't show such a reaction.”

Yakumo narrowed his eyes with a satisfied smile, looking at the completely reddened faces of Minoru and Minami.

However, the conversation wouldn’t have worked if he concealed his identity.

Yakumo had that kind of common sense.

“You're Kudou Minoru-kun, right? My name is Kokonoe Yakumo. I work as a monk, but I'm actually a shinobi. Please forgive me for entering without permission.

Sneaking in and all that is our nature.”

Other ninjas ("ninjutsu users") would probably be outraged if they heard these words, but despite such a frivolous tone, Yakumo was serious. Perhaps this intention conveyed itself to Minoru, or perhaps such a foolish formulation stunned him. In any case, he relaxed his guard a little.

“... It looks like you already know me, but I would like to introduce myself anyway.

Kudou Minoru, The Parasite.”

Minoru's introduction was a kind of provocation.

“Yeah, I'm in the know.”

But Yakumo only nodded in response. From such a reaction, Minoru was ashamed of his useless efforts.

“... I apologize, but let's return to the previous topic.”

Overcoming his embarrassment, Minoru returned the conversation to a question that he couldn’t ignore.

“Is it true that the Parasites from the USNA army are going to take us to Midway Island?”

Minoru didn’t realize now that his statement said that Minami would go with him. He simply didn’t notice this. Minami didn't notice either.

“I don’t know for sure whether it will be Midway or Pearl and Hermes.”

The answer was given in such a tone that it was clear that Yakumo was fooling around, pretending to be ignorant. However, from this answer, Minoru realized that Yakumo had already narrowed down the list of suitable places to two points: Midway Islands and Pearl & Hermes Atoll.

If it was true, then it meant that Yakumo possesses phenomenal intelligence capabilities.

Minoru's back was covered in a cold sweat. He hadn’t felt such awe even when he encountered his grandfather, Kudou Retsu.

“But how did you...”

“But how did you know that?" - Minoru couldn’t finish this question to the end. He didn’t have enough breath to finish it.

“How? Of course, that’s a secret.”

But Yakumo's answer was simple. When he answered, it seemed as if he winked, even though he didn’t.... As expected, he replied in his own style.

Minami's hands were no longer tense. With such behavior from Yakumo, she could no longer remain tense.

However, Minoru was tense and kept vigilant so as not to make a mistake.

“Instead, let's move on to the main topic. I don't care if you get on the ship alone, or if you continue your journey together. But if you intend to leave this country, I would like you to promise me something.”

“... That is, you don’t mind that I abducted Minami-san?”

In his question, Minoru used the eloquent word “kidnapped."

“You're not forcing her, are you?”

The tone of Yakumo's voice remained frivolous.

“But it won't stop others, will it? It is unlikely that you want to get caught and die.

And we, in turn, will only be glad that you have become a Parasite leave this country.”

This meant that he was being hunted by many different powerful people. But Minoru couldn’t afford to worry about that now.

“... And what am I supposed to promise?”

Yakumo behaved unobtrusively. However, his expression and behavior, on the contrary, gradually exerted more and more pressure on Minoru. And now this psychological pressure was so great that Minoru could barely remain conscious.

“I want you to keep secret the secret knowledge of the magic, “Parade.” The fact that no one should be taught this is self-evident, but I would like you to also pay special attention to ensuring that this technique isn’t stolen.”

Prior to this, Yakumo's tone remained such that his true motives were very difficult to grasp. But now his tone has changed in such a way, so that in his words, his intentions and his earnestness were unmistakable.

“If you promise me this, I will promise in return that I won’t interfere with your escape.”

In other words, this meant that if Minoru refused Yakumo's offer, he would help

Tatsuya or the other groups in trying to capture Minoru.

Minoru couldn’t ignore such an unfavorable situation.

Yakumo had abilities that allowed him to break through Minoru's magic of disguise

& concealment. Proof of this was the fact that he was now standing in this room.

Yakumo, by himself, would probably be able to grab him, and then his escape would end there. Minoru's mind and intuition came to the same conclusion.

From the very beginning, Minoru had no intention of sharing “Parade” with anyone.

He wasn’t going to reveal his secrets even to other Parasites.

“... I promise.”

For Minoru, this was only an addition to his plans of another constraint from a verbal promise. He had no choice but to accept this offer from Yakumo.

Leaning back in his chair, Tatsuya stared into space with half-closed eyes. He immersed himself in meditation, not in the underground lab, but in his room on the top floor.

He interrupted his research, because something strange had happened to the concealment barrier covering the hideout in which Minami (Tatsuya believed) was locked up in.

This “something strange” wasn’t an unfavorable change for Tatsuya. On the contrary, one could say that the situation has improved, bringing the rescue of Minami closer.

A small hole appeared in the barrier. Not such that through it you could look inside.

The functions of the barrier itself remained in working order. At least, by observing through the information dimension from here, from Tofu, it was impossible to determine the exact location of their hideout through this gap.

But in this case, there was a saying “even an ant can destroy a huge dam.” Only this

case wasn’t close to the saying itself, but to its original meaning “even a small leak can sink a huge ship." Due to this newly-discovered small hole, the Sekirei Hachijin barrier concealing Minami's location may soon prove to be completely useless.

The question was what caused this “hole” to appear. The probability of the barrier wearing out over time was not zero either, but at the moment it could be ruled out of consideration.

Why did this “hole" appear?

Who made this “hole?”

Without knowing the answers to these questions, it will be difficult to deal with. It should also be kept in mind that a clash with this “someone” may ultimately result in a difficult situation which will end up helping Minoru escape.

In search of information, Tatsuya called the Yotsuba's main house some time ago.

Now he was waiting for a response.

An hour had already passed since his call with a request for information. Tatsuya didn’t expect the investigation to take place in an instant, but the wait dragged on longer than he expected.

But if you try to hurry them, it will only give the opposite effect. To be ready to set off at any moment, he was already dressed in his “Freed Suit” and was holding the helmet in his hand. He even wanted to return to the laboratory dressed as such in order to continue his research.

At about four o'clock in the afternoon, Tatsuya decided to “go back underground.”

And it was at that moment that he felt “something strange” for the second time.

“Is the barrier broken!?"

From that moment on, about an hour ago, Tatsuya had been watching the barrier,

“Sekirei Hachijin," that was hiding Minoru and Minami. It was a long-range observation, so as not to be noticed by the enemy. And by this “adversary” meant not only Minoru, but also that “someone” who made a hole in the barrier.

And now Tatsuya's “Elemental Sight" detected that someone else broke through the barrier and penetrated inside.

The concealing effect of the barrier, “Sekirei Hachijin," recovered in an instant, but in that short time Tatsuya clearly saw what was inside the barrier. Due to the observation range, he couldn’t identify the identity of the intruder, but he “saw"

information about the “mansion" located right in the center of the barrier.

“This time I managed to get the exact coordinates."

Unfortunately, to determine the location of the hideout hidden behind the barrier, he used all his strength, and he didn’t have enough resources left to neutralize “Parade"

with his magic. He was unable to locate the exact location of both Minoru and Minami. Therefore, he couldn’t shoot a tracking marker. Still, it was a good chance.

Tatsuya hurried to the videophone.

“... Tatsuya-sama. Hyougo at your service.”

Before the three beeps had passed, the upper half of Hanabishi Hyougo's body appeared on the screen in a bow.

“The request we received recently is still under consideration. I apologize.”

“No, I'm not calling on this case.”

Assuming why Tatsuya called, Hyougo apologized. However, Tatsuya hinted with his answer that one shouldn't jump to conclusions in this way.

So before Hyougo began his useless apologies again, Tatsuya went on to the point of his call.

“I just noticed that someone had entered Kudou Minoru's hideout.”

“Someone else who isn’t related to the one you reported earlier?”

“Obviously someone else. Unlike the first, this one had a rougher way of penetrating the barrier.”

Although Tatsuya called his way crude, he didn’t mock him. Because this someone, unlike himself, (probably) was able to break through the barrier. Compared to the first person who made a hole in the barrier, it was something else.

“The hole in the barrier has already been closed, but I was able to establish the position of the hideout's location.”

“So you're going there?”

“I will go on Wingless.”

Having informed him about the method of transportation, Tatsuya gave a positive answer to Hyougo’s question.

Wingless is an electric motorcycle designed to be used in conjunction with the Freed Suit. Its flight function is arranged in the same way as that of the “Aerocar,” but it’s not intended for long-distance flights.

“Really. Although, ground travel takes a little more time, but it won’t cause problems with law enforcement.”

This Monday, Tatsuya first flew from Tofu to Miyakijima and back in the Aerocar, and then flew to the Western slope of Mount Takao in the Freed Suit. These noticeable unauthorized flights, obviously, caused a lot of problems among the officials responsible for domestic air traffic. In addition, this was an unauthorized use of magic. If you don't follow the laws, he could be arrested at any time. Hyougo's words about the fact that you shouldn’t mindlessly annoy law enforcement agencies coincided exactly with Tatsuya's thoughts.

“If you find out something, contact me via radio in the suit.”

“As you order. Be careful.”

Nodding in response to the polite bowing of Hyougo, Tatsuya turned off the

videophone.

It has been an hour since Yakumo disappeared from the dining room, and the dining room table was already empty. But despite this, Minoru was still sitting at the table, and Minami was sitting opposite him.

Minoru didn’t hold her here. They just sat and did nothing.

Minami spent more time in the dining room than in the bedroom. In most cases she spent her free time (when she wasn’t busy with housework), sitting at the dining room table.

So it was Minoru who was acting differently from his usual behavior. Minami has always been concise, and Minoru simply didn’t know how to make small talk. And both of them were such people whose language begins to stumble in conversations with a representative of the opposite sex. Minami didn’t usually worry about this silence, but Minoru was always bothered by this silence without talking, and he usually returned to his office.

Today, however, Minoru didn't leave the table after the dishes had been cleared away, or even after the ten minutes of silence that followed. In fact, Minoru didn't have time to sit still right now. He decided to leave this hideout no later than tomorrow.

They couldn’t take a lot of luggage with them, but a minimal set of personal belongings was vital. As for a change of clothes, they could easily take things from this mansion. And if the end point of their escape is another country, then just in case, it was necessary to make fake passports. It was also necessary to ensure that they were ready to leave without delay, so as not to waste time.

Minoru understood that he shouldn’t waste time. But he couldn’t proceed with any specific actions, because the visit (more precisely, the intrusion) from Yakumo was too shocking.

Minoru didn’t think that “the barrier that hides this mansion will never be broken."

And both “Kimon Tonkou," and “Parade" can be neutralized if you had more powerful magic or more advanced magic techniques against them. It was with this understanding that Minoru’s desire to leave this hideout was connected.

However, Yakumo didn’t penetrate and didn’t disperse the barrier, “Sekirei Hachijin," and he didn’t go through it in the correct way. He made his way through a hole in the barrier that Minoru didn’t even know about.

He was on a completely different level.

If Yakumo had joined the pursuers, then Minoru would have been caught by now. If you think about the connections between Tatsuya and Yakumo, then it is very strange that Yakumo didn’t join the chase.

...What the hell was this Kokonoe Yakumo thinking?

...With what intention did he just take and let me go?

Such doubts have been tormenting Minoru for some time now.

The pretext to get rid of this confusion was a new attack on the concealment barrier.

“Did someone slip through the barrier?”

Although the identity of the intruder couldn’t be established, but someone partially and temporarily neutralized the barrier accurately and penetrated inside. The magic structures from which the barrier was composed of weren’t destroyed. Instead, it was neutralized by an anti-phase shock wave. And this time, Minoru noticed it.

The barrier was disabled by anti-phase neutralization, therefore, if these waves cease, the barrier will restore its functions. After the invasion, there is no need to maintain the neutralization spell. And the barrier returned to its original state.

“...We have guests?”

Hearing this question, Minoru noticed that Minami, who was sitting across from him, had a worried expression on her face. He wanted to say his previous words in his

thoughts, and didn’t even notice that he had said them out loud.

“Everything is good. Whoever it is, I won’t let them touch Minami-san.”

For Minoru, the fact that his words caused concern for Minami wasn’t welcome. It was with this feeling that he hastened to reassure her. So that these words didn’t turn out to be a lie, Minoru directed his full attention to the search for the intruder.

He didn’t believe that his speech was convincing. Besides, he didn’t notice that Minami's cheeks were slightly red right now. Because he was focusing on signs of the intruder's presence.

About five minutes have passed since Minoru noticed that the barrier had been disabled.

Minoru got up from his chair and headed for the door to the dining room.

He knew that the one who had passed through the barrier was already inside the mansion.

“Please, come in.”

Minoru opened the door.

“I didn’t think you would come to such a place.... Father.”

Minoru recognized the identity of the intruder through his “Elemental Sight."

“I apologize for the intrusion.”

Kudou Makoto, head of the Kudou family and Minoru's father, entered the dining room, without being surprised at all.

“Tatsuya-sama, can you hear me?”

Hyougo got in touch with Tatsuya immediately after he left their high-rise apartment building.

“I hear you well. Did you find out something?

“Besides us, the other Master Clans didn’t send any people to the Aokigahara “Sea of Trees.” There is also no corresponding movements of the Self-Defense Forces either.”

“In other words, is it someone other than the army and the Ten Master Clans?”

Tatsuya quickly noticed that Hyougo was indirectly hinting at something. If he hadn't figured out anything, he wouldn't have made contact with only such data.

“The person who discovered them wants to tell you personally.”

Before Tatsuya managed to ask, “and who is this?" the one in question spoke himself.

“Tatsuya-niisan, I'm sorry for interrupting you while you're driving.”

“Fumiya?”

Tatsuya was going to ask why he wasn’t at school, but changed his mind, deciding that he shouldn’t ask.

“Sorry to rush you, but could you get down to business right away?”

Instead, he asked about the results of the investigation.

“Y-yes!”

From the speaker in his helmet came Fumiya's cheerful voice. With this reaction, he seemed like a puppy, rejoicing that he was helpful to Tatsuya.

“Starting this morning, it became impossible to determine the location of the head of the Kudou family and his second son .”

“Were they under surveillance? Although, no, this is logical.”

No need to repeat once again that Minoru is a member of the Kudou family. If you think about what Minoru can hope for besides Zhou Gongjin's networks, then it is the Kudou family that comes to mind first and foremost. Tatsuya said that “this is logical," based precisely on this reflection.

“True, only since Tuesday, but...”

“Tuesday” was the day after Minami's abduction.

For her abduction, parasite dolls were used. These humanoid magic weapons were developed at the Kudou Family Research Center. Kudou Retsu, the previous head of the Kudou family, died trying to stop Minoru from coming to steal these parasite dolls. This fact saved the Kudou family from suspicion of colluding with Minoru, but the allegation of the complete innocence of the Kudou family can be called a hasty conclusion.

The current head of the Kudou family is Kudou Makoto. The fact that the relationship between the previous head Retsu and the current head Makoto didn’t develop very well is a fairly well-known fact.

Although, the relationship between Makoto and Minoru was also not very good, but they were still father and son. The likelihood of Makoto working with Minoru couldn’t be completely ruled out.

Fumiya's unspoken remark said it had something to do with this fact. It was estimated that the number of parasitic dolls involved in Minami's abduction was more than the number of gynoids stolen on the day of Kudou Retsu's assassination. Perhaps, if the Kudou family would have been put under surveillance even earlier, then it would have been possible to prevent the use of that tactic with the self-destruction of a large number of parasite dolls, as explosions. In such case, the detachment of the Juumonji family would survive, the perimeter wouldn’t have been broken, and Minami wouldn’t have been kidnapped.

“We don’t have enough people, nothing can be done. There are too many things to do

lately.”

But Tatsuya wasn’t going to criticize Fumiya.

The fighting force that was lost 34 years ago in the “war” with Dahan, who controlled the Southeast region of East Asia at that time, was restored to a decent amount in the past 30 years. However, the Yotsuba family still remained in a state where they had to compensate for quantity with quality.

However, the cause that led to this chain of events, which grew into all sorts of collisions of different forces, was Tatsuya himself. And Fumiya, who even had to wear a “priestess outfit," was only a victim in this whole story. It was impossible to scoff at the poor man who had already suffered.

“If you say so, then I feel a little calmer.”

Fumiya said with sincere gratitude in his voice.

“From the very beginning, you shouldn't worry about it. So the head of the Kudou family and his second son are nowhere to be seen this morning?”

Tatsuya easily parried the influx of emotions from Fumiya and asked him a counter question.

“Yes. However, the abilities of the person sent to observe them are at the “average"

level, so there is also a chance that they set in motion during the night, and not in the morning.”

“No. If we consider the time it takes to go from Ikoma to Aokigahara, then they left the Kudou mansion in the morning.”

“So, they have a secret connection with Kudou Minoru, after all?”

“The probability of this is quite high. But for Minoru, this seemed to be an unplanned event.”

“Are you talking about his father and brother visiting their hideout?”

Fumiya spoke on the basis of the assumption that Kudou Makoto and Kudou Soushi were the intruders at Minoru's hideout. Although, Tatsuya didn’t point out to him that this hadn't been precisely determined yet.

Perhaps because he himself believed that it was, nevertheless, true.

“If they had agreed with Minoru in advance, they wouldn’t have needed to break through the barrier. Even if Kudou Makoto is the visitor who came to Minoru, he obviously didn't do so in the form of a friendly family visit.”

“Oh, I see.”

“I'm going to go to Aokigahara anyway.”

“Do you need any help?”

“It will be needed if he escapes.”

“Good. We'll be ready.”

Tatsuya turned off the radio and increased the speed of the motorcycle.

 

Drinking tea from a cup, Kudou Makoto exhaled in satisfaction. At the request of Makoto, Minami brewed hot tea instead of ice tea for him.

“So, isn’t it time to get down to business?”

Although Minoru said “isn’t it time,” as if he were hurrying his conversational partner, but the delay was caused by him. It was Minoru who asked Minami to serve tea so that he had time to put his thoughts in order.

Despite the fact that he learned in advance that the intruder was his father, he couldn’t get rid of the excitement that he felt when they met face to face.

“Before that, could you let Soushi inside?”

“Did Soushi-niisan come too?”

There was a note of surprise in Minoru's voice, but it was his acting. Minoru had already seen with “Elemental Sight” that two large cars were outside the barrier, and Soushi was sitting in one of them.

Since the enemy wasn’t Tatsuya, he could freely use “Elemental Sight" without fear of reverse detection. Also, the fact that Tatsuya wasn't the intruder was indicated by the fact that the barrier wasn't completely destroyed, but only temporarily neutralized.

Makoto nodded, not noticing the pretense of Minoru (or not showing what he noticed).

“Yes. He's going to work as bait for you.”

“... I would like to hear the details when Soushi-niisan joins us.”

Before he answered, there was some unnatural delay. Minoru still continued to worry openly.

“Should I go meet the guest?”

Minami’s proposal wasn't only the manifestation of a maid’s professionalism, but also, perhaps, carried a hidden meaning in the form of helping Minoru until he collected his thoughts.

“Thanks, but not necessary. I will send a gynoid to meet him."

The battle-like gynoid (not converted into a parasitic doll), which was used as a driver during the escape to this place, was now stored in the lobby of the mansion in standby mode. Minoru took out a thin mobile terminal from his breast pocket, entered the command to cancel the gynoid standby mode through it, and then gave him the command to meet the “guest.”

Returning the terminal to his breast pocket, Minoru sipped some tea from his cup.

Makoto also took his cup in his hand.

Minami went to the kitchen to make some more tea.

Kudou Soushi, the brother of Minoru and the second son of the Kudou family, arrived in the dining room even before Minami returned.

At the time of the meeting with Minoru, the behavior of Soushi showed that he was a little scared. The fear left over after Minoru's attack on their home in Ikoma hasn’t yet passed.

“Nii-san, please come in.”

“Don’t be shy, Soushi, sit down.”

While maintaining a serious expression on his face, Soushi followed Minoru's request and Makoto's order, and sat down next to his father.

At that moment Minami returned from the kitchen, carrying a tray with cups of tea on it. She showed no reaction to the strained atmosphere caused by Soushi, took away the old cups and saucers that stood before Makoto and Minoru, and put new cups of tea in front of all three people.

“Minami-san. That's enough, so I'm sorry, but...”

With such a slightly vague wording, Minoru wanted to ask Minami to leave the room.

“Yes, I understand.”

Minami understood everything perfectly, bowed politely and walked out of the dining room.

“You could have left that girl here. She was the reason you gave up your humanity, wasn't she?”

“Yes, I became a parasite for her sake.”

Minoru answered his father's question, with an elevated tone. He didn’t like it when they talked about Minami with that attitude.

“I see.”

Makoto smiled slightly at the difference in enthusiasm between him and his son.

It looked like a taunt, but Minoru didn't show any negative reaction at the time.

“So what is the reason for your sudden visit?”

Minoru spoke in a rather constrained tone, but it wasn't just now that he was beginning to behave this way. The relationship between Minoru and Makoto lost interest a few years ago. Makoto's attitude toward Minoru was close to dismissive, and if his grandfather Retsu had died much earlier, Minoru would have given up his humanity much earlier and in a different form.

“I've been wondering, do you need any help?”

“Help?”

This time, the surprise on Minoru's face wasn't faked. He didn’t think that in his father he could suddenly awaken any late parental love. Minoru couldn’t understand the reason why his father was offering him his help.

“You can’t escape in the current situation.”

Makoto noticed that Minoru was feeling doubt. But he didn’t begin to explain why he was offering his help.

“Even if you have a Parade capable of fooling the eyes of your pursuers, you lack the necessary “vessels” that will carry the illusions, don't you?”

“... You've prepared other “actors" besides Soushi-niisan?”

Minoru indirectly agreed with Makoto's inquiring, answering him with a question.

“Except Soushi, all the others are androids. After all, one doesn’t need to be a man to take on the role of a “vessel” for Parade.”

“...I'm very grateful. So you suggest I use them to leave this place?”

“Yes. Do you have anywhere to go? I have connections in Taiwan and Indochina. If you want, I'll talk to my intermediaries.”

Minoru wasn't thinking at all about the fact that there was no parent who didn't think of his child, despite his cold attitude towards him.

“So you want to expel me out of Japan?”

That's his father’s goal. When this became clear, Minoru finally understood the meaning of this "friendliness" shown by his father.

“If the other Master Clans find out that you are helping me, then this time the Kudou family will surely be kicked out of the Twenty-Eight Families. Maybe even lose their place in the magical world. So you want to help me escape before the Yotsuba family or the Juumonji family catches me?”

The “magical world” is a society of magicians. The Twenty-Eight Families are the Ten Master Clans plus the Eighteen Substitute Families. Minoru asked his father, Makoto, if he wanted to get him out of the country in order to avoid the “social death" of the Kudou family.

“And that too.”

Makoto nodded slightly in response to Minoru's counter-question.

“But other than that, the fact is that you are the greatest magician and masterpiece of the Kudou family. It will be a pity to lose you.”

Continuing, Makoto unleashed heartless, insensible words on Minoru.

“Then we'll play it as if you manipulated Soushi. Sure, the Kudou family will lose some of its reputation, but it will be better than giving away the valuable finished product to the Yotsuba or Saegusa.”

Soushi's whole body trembled. The man sitting next to him had just said, without hiding it, that he would have to become a bargaining chip. It was quite humiliating.

But Soushi said nothing, and showed absolutely no resistance at all.

“Everything is already prepared.”

“... Did you use the “Puppet Law" on Soushi-niisan?”

This question meant: “Did you turn Soushi into a controlled doll with the help of the magic for controlling a man's will?" But Makoto shook his head no at Minoru's question.

“I just reminded him that he should perform his duties as a magician of the Kudou family... the magicians of Nine should be fulfilled.” Soushi gave his consent.

Minoru turned and looked over at his second oldest brother, Soushi. He had a facial expression that didn’t speak at all about his consent.

“Okay. In that case, I will accept your generous offer.”

However, Minoru with this stopped the interrogation of Makoto. The kindred feelings between them were rather weak, so Minoru couldn’t really reproach Makoto now.

Minoru won’t grieve when Soushi, who plays the role of bait, is caught, and his reputation sinks to the very bottom. Although,Minoru also didn’t have such feelings like “it serves him right.” The expression that most accurately describes Minoru's attitude was “I don’t care.”

“However, from the proposed destinations, I'll have to refuse. Because my friends have already organized an escape route for me.”

Hearing Minoru's answer, Makoto nodded and asked:

“Parasites from the USNA Army?”

According to this behavior, the head of the Kudou family didn’t seem like he wants to completely control the movement of his son.

“On a ship from Yokosuka?... No, wait, don’t answer. When is the departure?”

“Immediately, as soon as preparations are complete.”

“Don't you have to persuade that girl?”

Obviously, by “that girl,” Makoto meant Minami. To more effectively expel Minoru, it was necessary for him not to take Minami with him, however, Makoto didn’t seem to have any intentions of separating Minoru and Minami.... Or, he simply didn't care.

“Not necessary.”

Minoru answered Makoto's question with a clean and innocent smile on his face.

“I decided that I wouldn’t force or try to convince her.”

Minoru swore to himself that besides the already-made “restriction of freedom” by Minami, he wouldn’t oppose her will.

“Ah, being young.”

Makoto mumbled in an uninterested voice, realizing that Minoru was filled with determination.

After leaving the dining room where the conversation between the son and father of the Kudou family began, Minami went to the room that took on the role of her bedroom. She only used this room for changing clothes and sleeping, but besides the closet and bed there was also: an old-fashioned writing desk, a small piano, and a bookcase with books.

Minami sat down on the classic-designed chair that came with the antique writing desk. The chair had curved legs and no rollers, but despite such an elegant design, she didn’t have any difficulties with its movement. Minami herself, who has a frail build inherent in girls, had no problems sitting on this chair, but a large man weighing 90-100 kg would be better off not sitting on this chair.

The desk was the type that, when you use the table you need to open the top of the table top. But Minami sat sideways to the table, not opening the tabletop.

The bookcase was full of paper books that are rare these days. About half of the books were in Japanese, and the other half were in Chinese. The Japanese part of the collection included the complete collection of literature from the last century, which on the contrary, was new to Minami. She spent most of her time in this mansion in the dining room reading these books in order to distract herself and diversify her leisure time.

But now she didn’t even reach for the bookshelves. She was lost in thought, and she had no time for books.

Escaping abroad is too sudden of a news.

Reason told her that “you shouldn’t do this."

Minoru said he would let her go if she refused to follow him. In addition to the thought “I can’t appear before Miyuki-sama's eyes,” there was also a feeling inside Minami saying “I want to go home.”

Both her reason and senses gave the same answer. But Minami still hesitated.

And that was because her feelings weren't one.

“Am I trying to compare Miyuki-sama and Minoru-sama right now...?"

The desire to return to Miyuki and the desire to at least be with Minoru a little longer.

Minami hesitated between these two thoughts.

“... I'm disgusting..."

... betraying her mistress Miyuki, and wanting to return to her?

... Without giving an answer to Minoru, being in an unclear relationship with him, enjoying the desired feeling of falling in love?

The more she thought about it, the lower, meanest and disgusting person she considered herself.

Her psychological state didn’t fall to a level where recovery is impossible...

“...BUT! Who is there!?”

... because her alertness rose sharply when the room suddenly showed signs of the presence of another person.... It would probably be more accurate to say “thanks to the fact that it had risen."

“Sorry, Sorry.”

Surprisingly, at first only her voice reached her consciousness.

“Looks like I scared you a little.”

Minami blinked unconsciously several times.

“Sozu-sama (Yakumo)...?”

After she heard a voice in front of her, Yakumo finally became visible.

“When did you get here...”

“Just now. Sorry I didn’t knock, but I didn’t want to be noticed by those sitting over there.”

Yakumo said while looking in the direction of the dining room.

“No... I was just immersed in my thoughts, it's no big deal.”

?

It was an invasion without permission into the room of a young girl. In fact, this shouldn’t be forgiven so easily, but Minami simply couldn’t get angry because she was caught off guard.

“Better tell me sozu-sama, why did you come back...?”

During this recent visit, Yakumo said: “I would like you to promise me something."

And Minoru gave him the answer. Minami thought that was the end of Yakumo's business here.

“I would like to inform you of something.”

“Me?”

As Minami thought, the deal with Minoru was over. Instead, it turned out that Yakumo wanted to discuss something with Minami. Moreover, the word “inform"

usually meant that the conversation would be about some already known topic, with the addition of some facts.

“Tatsuya-kun was asked to release several magicians from the American military prison located on Midway Island.”

“Insane...! Even for Tatsuya-sama it will be difficult.”

“With his abilities it won't be a problem. Moreover, for Tatsuya-kun himself this will be a personal gain.”

Minami considered that attempting to get into the American military prison as recklessness. But she understood that Yakumo knows Tatsuya's abilities better than she does.

But Minami had no idea what all this has to do with her.

“The point is location. Tatsuya-kun doesn't seem to be able to make up his mind yet.”

A sly smile appeared on Yakumo's face.

“Well, that's not surprising. Tatsuya-kun doesn’t seem to understand the real benefits he will receive from fulfilling this request. For him, this is just a request from a familiar pretty girl, and he has no particular desire to go on an expedition to the remote island of Midway.”

The words “pretty girl" Yakumo singled out in his speech, saying them with a mischievous grin. But Minami's attention caught on to the repeated geographic name, and she realized what Yakumo wanted to say with this.

“... Sozu-sama, you mentioned earlier that the destination of Minoru-sama would be Midway Island.”

Yakumo slightly widened his eyes from these words of Minami, as if asking “what's next?".

“If I follow Minoru-sama...”

“Tatsuya-kun will pursue you...”

Yakumo's smile changed from a “smirk” to a “smile from ear to ear.”

“... even to the island of Midway.”

“...You think so?”

“Yes, I am sure. And in the meantime, while on Midway Island, Tatsuya will at the same time fulfill the request to release those magicians from prison.”

“... And this will bring Tatsuya-sama much benefit?”

“I believe that this will be one of the factors that will ultimately ensure the future for Tatsuya-kun and Miyuki-kun.”

Yakumo's answer exceeded all Minami's expectations.

“Okay, I understand. Honestly, I didn’t know what to answer, but thanks to the advice from sozu-sama (Yakumo), I made a decision.”

“I didn't mean to give you any advice, but if my words were useful, so be it.”

Minami bowed low to Yakumo. When she raised her head, Yakumo had already disappeared.

The conversation between Minoru and Makoto lasted about 15 minutes. He decided to accept the help of the Kudou family with their escape rather quickly, but it was also necessary to clarify some small details.

After sending off his father Makoto and elder brother Soushi (Makoto went home, and Soushi waited in the car outside the barrier), Minoru went to Minami's room.

Overcoming indecision, he knocked on the door.

An answer was heard from within: “Wait one moment, please."

Then from inside he heard a sound similar to the slamming of a suitcase.

Is she collecting her things?

To go back home?

Or to go with me...?

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

While Minoru was already dreaming about an appropriate interpretation of this sound, the door opened.

“Oh, yes, I'm sorry.”

Seeing Minami, he apologized reflexively.

Minami, of course, didn’t understand what he was apologizing for.

When Minoru saw that Minami tilted her head inquiringly, his heartbeat increased.

“Um...”

Minoru adjusted his breathing and tried to start a conversation.

“Minoru-sama.”

But Minami interrupted him.

“Abandon humanity or abandon magic. I haven't made a choice yet.”

“I see...”

Minoru tried to hide his disappointment, but couldn’t do it completely. His voice completely betrayed his mood.

“So could you give me a little more time to think?”

“Uh...?”

When Minami continued, the faint disappointment on Minoru's face gave way to unconcealed hope.

“I can’t say when I'll give you an answer. Still, could you let me go with you?”

“Yes of course! With joy!”

Minoru's face lit up with joy. Even if his beauty wasn’t of this world, it only confirmed his similarity with some young deity, commanding art and light.

Minami was so overwhelmed by this beauty that she began to feel light tingling sensation in her heart.

Minami didn’t lie about the fact that she's hesitant between the two options. She was

afraid that she would turn into a useless creature.

Useless for everyone, not needed by anyone. This is what Minami was blindly afraid of. It could even be called paranoid fear. That was how Minami envisioned her worst future.

Losing her magic, she will become unsuitable for Miyuki-sama's service.

Renouncing her humanity, she will no longer be able to stay close to Miyuki-sama.

She couldn’t even conceive of the fact that Minoru really needed her. There was no doubt that Minoru was serious about her treatment. Now he is serious, but she didn’t think that it would continue after.

Now she wanted to stay with him.

But she didn’t know how long it would last.

... Minoru-sama and I don’t match, there is no balance between us.

... I can’t believe that I have the charm that can attract the attention of Minoru-sama.

Therefore, Minami couldn’t decide.

She didn’t pretend to be hesitant, but really couldn’t decide.

However, it was obvious that Yakumo’s phrase “this will provide a future for Tatsuya and Miyuki” influenced her decision to go with Minoru.

... Minoru-sama sincerely worries about me.

... And I take advantage of this grace of Minoru-sama.

That was the feeling of guilt, like thorns stuck in her heart now.