Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

A+A-

Sunday, July 14th. 9 a.m.

As planned, Lt. Col. Kazama flew to Iwo Island.

Kazama's assistant, Senior Lieutenant Fujibayashi, went to Nara to attend the funeral of her grandfather, Kudou Retsu. Kazama's escort today was Major Yanagi and several junior officers and soldiers of a separate magically equipped battalion.

Also with him were two more "fellow travelers" - Jasmine Williams and James J.

Johnson, combat magicians from Australia. In the spring of this year, they were caught red-handed for attempting to commit sabotage in Okinawa, and until yesterday were imprisoned in a military prison (not in the one for prisoners of war, but in the one containing enemy soldiers who are not considered prisoners of war). Kazama's task was to hand these two over to a representative of the Australian army, who would arrive on Iwo Island.

Jasmine Williams and James J. Johnson were informed that they were being released.

They were both very surprised, but didn't even think to suspect a trick. Therefore, they behaved obediently.

I hope that today's mission will end without incident, thought Kazama, and once again ordered his subordinates on the plane to watch over them.

Elsewhere, approximately 30 minutes after the departure of Kazama.

Tatsuya along with Miyuki and Lina boarded a VTOL with Hyougo as the pilot.

Their goal was to provide the means to pursue and rescue Minami. In particular, they wanted to check on how the progress was going on the development of the four-seater air-car that is capable of flying to the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.

Tatsuya has not yet decided whether he should fly directly to Midway Island and the Pearl & Hermes Atoll by air-car. A full round-trip flight in an air-car would be a rather extreme measure. It seemed foolish to join the battle immediately after flying more than four thousand kilometers. Even the idea of hijacking a warship of the USNA army seemed to Tatsuya more realistic.

Tatsuya flew to Miyakijima, considering a plan to which he might have to attract third parties.

At the same time, an aircraft carrier approached the island of Iwo from the west. And this ship didn't belong to the Australian army. It was an aircraft carrier in the British Navy.

About an hour before the aircraft carrier arrived on the island of Iwo, a small hyper-sonic transport aircraft came closer to the aircraft carrier. The plane also belonged to the British army. Approaching, the plane landed on the corner deck of the aircraft carrier.

A plane was also approaching Miyakijima from the west. However, it was a domestic aircraft - a business jet flying from Fukuoka International Airport.

This small jet plane landed at the Miyakijima airport shortly before Tatsuya arrived.

A vertical take-off plane with Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Lina on board arrived at Miyakijima at the beginning of the eleventh hour of the morning. Their arrival took place at the scheduled time, and the visit was announced in advance, so they didn't have to wait for a car to meet them when they landed. However, the car that picked them up drove them to a different place instead of the planned one.

Instead of driving to the research buildings in the eastern part of the island, the car drove to the buildings along the west coast, which once housed the administrative staff of the magician prison.

They were brought to the former office of the head of the prison. In this room that was converted to the highest standard with a luxurious interior decoration, Yotsuba Maya, the head of the Yotsuba family, was waiting for them. She was sitting on the couch, and

behind her, as usual, stood Hayama.

Miyuki involuntarily turned around and looked at Hyougo accompanying them. But he only shook his head barely noticeable with a look on his face saying "I didn't know."

Obviously, he was also not informed that Maya would be coming to Miyakijima.

In any case, surprise here won't help. First, Tatsuya decided to greet Maya. Miyuki followed suit. Lina was at a loss what to do, but in the end she chose a silent bow.

Maya invited them to sit down, and Tatsuya sat on the right end of the three-seater sofa. It was a place directly opposite Maya, who was sitting to the left on one of two single sofas, standing in a row on the opposite side across the table. Near Tatsuya, in the middle of the sofa, sat Miyuki, and after her, on the opposite end of the sofa from Tatsuya, sat Lina.

Sorry to be so sudden. A visit to the research lab will have to wait a bit.

From these words, it was clear that Maya arrived at Miyakijima not by accident. After examining Tatsuya's schedule, she chose the right moment.

Previously, this would mean showing the highest degree of vigilance. But the present Tatsuya wasn't particularly tense in such a situation. An enemy can become an ally, and an ally an enemy. The concept of "volatile relationships" doesn't only occur in romantic relationships between a man and a woman. The enemy of yesterday, today will become a friend, and who today was a friend - tomorrow will become the enemy. Like Tatsuya had told Honoka at the hospital yesterday, the Yotsuba family, which he had previously considered his enemy, is no longer antagonistic towards him.

No problem. So, can you tell us on what business you arrived?

Sure. Guests who came from far away were already waiting.

Oh? Tatsuya thought when he heard the answer. From her words, she suggested that these were not her guests, but guests for him. It would be unnecessary to say that Tatsuya wasn't aware of any guests in advance.

Yesterday I could not talk about them.

From the following explanation of Maya, Tatsuya switched his attention to his thoughts.

There was no point in guessing who these visitors were. In any case, he will soon meet with them. Judging in this way, Tatsuya went back to focusing on the conversation with

Maya.

But first, I want to clarify something else.

What exactly?

Tatsuya-san, perhaps I should not ask about this, but... What do you intend to do in the near future?

It was a rather abstract question, but Tatsuya wasn't embarrassed.

Going to get back Minami.

I see... Do you know where Minami-chan is now?

Yes. A transport ship with the kidnapped Minami on board is currently heading towards the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.

And how do you intend to get to this place?

I am still thinking about this issue.

I see... Tatsuya-san.

Maya's passive face has changed to that of the head of the family.

Wait 2-3 days.

...Can you say why?

Tatsuya asked about the reasons for this order from Maya.

When there is news, no matter good or bad, I will certainly inform you of them without hiding anything.

Maya didn't answer Tatsuya's question. But not only Tatsuya, but Miyuki and even Lina realized that she was up to something.

I get it. I will follow your order.

Tatsuya bowed to Maya, expressing his agreement.

Tatsuya, along with Miyuki and Hyougo, went to a reception room located in the same building. Their guide was Tsutsumi Kotona. She was both the guard and bride of Shibata Katsushige, the heir to the title of head of the Shibata family, a side branch of the Yotsuba family.

Lina stayed in the (former) directors office, as Maya told her, we need to talk. And when the conversation with Maya ends, Lina will again unite with the rest.

Kotona knocked on the front door. They answered from the other-side rather quickly.

Katsushige-san. I brought Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san.

More specifically, Hyougo was still with Tatsuya and Miyuki. But Katsushige... more precisely, the guests were waiting only for Tatsuya. Miyuki, the heiress of the title of head of the Yotsuba family, could not be ignored, but the fact that Hyougo wasn't counted among those who arrived could not be called arrogance and indifference.

Come over here.

Katsushige got up and led Tatsuya and the others to the sofa. In front of the three-seater sofa, there was a woman with dark skin and specific features, presumably 40-45

years old. And behind her stood a tall and slender beautiful woman with cocoa-colored skin that looked 2025 years old.

?

The woman, who looked older, Tatsuya knew in person.

"Dr. Asha Chandrasekhar...?"

She is the leading figure in her country in the field of magical engineering, and also a professor at Hyderabad University, located in the south of former Central India, and the center for the development of magic in the Indo-Persian Union. She is the developer of the Strategic-Class magic "Agni God Downburst" (Agni Downburst).

"What is the VIP of the Indo-Persian Union doing here?"

Without showing his suspicions outwardly, Tatsuya went to Chandrasekhar. Miyuki walked up and stood next to him, and Hyougo behind Miyuki.

Professor. This is Shiba Tatsuya, and next to him is Shiba Miyuki.

First, Katsushige introduced Tatsuya and Miyuki to Dr. Chandrasekhar. And without any pause, looking at Tatsuya and Miyuki, he continued:

Tatsuya-kun, Miyuki-san. This is a professor at Hyderabad University of the Indo-Persian Union, Asha Chandrasekhar.

I am honored to meet with you. My name is Shiba Tatsuya. I've already heard your famous name.

I am also glad to see you. My name is Asha Chandrasekhar.

Chandrasekhar held out her hand. Tatsuya squeezed it carefully.

My name is Shiba Miyuki. Nice to meet you.

I am pleased to meet you too. With such a beautiful heiress herself to the famous Yotsuba family.

After ascertaining that Miyuki and Chandrasekhar also shook hands, Katsushige invited the three to sit down.

The woman standing behind Chandrasekhar didn't budge. Even without explanation, it was clear that she was the guard of Chandrasekhar.

With one quick glance at her, Tatsuya could not determine who she was. But, Chandrasekhar herself revealed her identity.

Interrupting her sitting halfway, Chandrasekhar turned back. But Tatsuya and Miyuki didn't sit down, politely waiting for the elders to sit down first.

Her name is...

Having said this, she returned her gaze to Tatsuya.

Arya Krishna Shastri. She is my bodyguard and an unannounced Strategic-Class Magician. Just recently she learned "Agni Downburst" in March of this year.

Miyuki widened her eyes and held her breath.

My name is Shiba Tatsuya.

Without raising an eyebrow, Tatsuya introduced himself to Arya and bowed slightly.

Arya silently bowed to Tatsuya with the same light bow.

Grinning, Chandrasekhar sat on the sofa.

Following her, Tatsuya and Miyuki sat on the opposite sofa. Katsushige sat on a side chair, and Kotona stood behind him.

The conversation between Tatsuya and Chandrasekhar began.

Behind Maya stood Hayama, waiting for orders, and behind Lina there were no allies.

For her it was like she was alone and without help on the battlefield.

In addition, her opponent was a sorceress, known under the pseudonyms "Demon Lady of the Far East" and "Queen of the Night." But Lina was also one of the strongest in the world, being a Strategic-Class Magician. However, Maya was rumored to be a user of magic that "surpassed Strategic-Class magic in a one-on-one battle" and from which "it is impossible to defend oneself." Lina already understood that Maya wasn't her enemy, but in this situation she simply couldn't help being nervous.

Are you already used to living in Japan? Now you are in a position slightly different from the last winter, when you were here, aren't you?

Maya who spoke to her first made a friendly face.

Everything is fine. Miyuki and Tatsuya are really nice to me

Encouraging herself with the thoughts don't be afraid and don't be too alert, Lina answered with a smile on her face.

I'm very grateful that you undertook being the escort of Miyuki-san.

I'm also very grateful that you helped me with shelter.

I see...

From somewhere, Hayama took out a cup and a glass of tea, and set them on a low table. A cup is set in front of Maya, and a glass of iced tea is set in front of Lina.

Will chilled black tea suit you?

Yes, thank you.

Lina immediately sucked on the straw. Without any ulterior motives. She was just thirsty from the exertion.

In fact, the ordinary black tea wasn't on Lina's list of preferred drinks, but she calmly drank the iced tea prepared by Hayama without milk or syrup. Not because it wasn't bitter, but because she didn't care right now. In such conditions, on the contrary, it seemed to taste good enough.

And the delicious drink eased the tension a little, and she relaxed.

Of course, this was Maya's psychological trick.

I want you to continue to accompany Miyuki-san for as long as possible, but...

Hearing Maya's words, Lina didn't spit out her tea in surprise, on the contrary, she swallowed it.

Fortunately, the tea didn't enter the respiratory tract, so she didn't start coughing.

However, she did need to catch her breath before she could give an answer.

I wonder what Shields-san is planning to do in the future? Will you return to America?

Or will you stay in Japan?

All of a sudden she was faced with a tough call. This question has been bothering her for a long time already, although only now was she put under such pressure.

... Last February, Tatsuya said that he would help me if I wanted to leave the Stars.

Maya was showing surprise by widening her eyes slightly. It was a little bit of her acting, but also she was really surprised. She had never heard of such a thing before this conversation.

At that time, I replied that "I don't think I want to leave the Stars." But now...

You wanted to leave them?

I don't know. More precisely, I am confused and can't make a decision.

As if in order to gather her thoughts, Lina lowered her eyes to her hands lying on her lap.

I don't hate the States. Even now, I still have patriotic feelings towards America. But does my homeland really need me...

Lina remembered the day when she had to escape from the headquarters of the Stars, and her voice trembled.

Such issues are not so easily resolved. You dont have to rush to make a final decision.

Maya comforted Lina with a (outwardly) kind, love-filled face.

...Thank you very much.

If Shields-san wants to become a Japanese citizen in the future, I can make the arrangements quickly. Shields-san, if you become an adopted child of Japan, is there anyone who can object to it?

No... I've pretty much never saw my parents since joining the army.

You didn't talk on the phone with them, either?

They didnt communicate with me either by phone or letters.

Lina was also a little unlucky with her family. As if considering her really high magical characteristics as something sinister, her relatives, both close and distant, preferred to

stay at a distance from her even before she was taken into the army. Also, her stunningly beautiful appearance also became one of the reasons that family ties were practically nonexistent.

But despite all this, when she was 10 years old, the army noticed her. Almost immediately after this, the army took custody of her, and from that moment on, her parents almost didn't come to meet with her, which was rather insensitive behavior from her parents. Although, perhaps, the army and the government had a hand in this without the knowledge of Lina.

... For example, for the reason that it was part of a policy of concealing the identity of a Strategic-Class Magician officially recognized by the state.

I see, so that's what happened... Sorry to touch on such a sore subject.

After hearing Lina's revelation, Maya understood how difficult her relationship with her parents was. Therefore, her voice was filled with sympathy.

It's alright. On this issue, everything is already decided. Therefore, no one will oppose my adoption.

I see. As I said before, you can contact me about this at any time.

Okay.

Lina bowed to Maya, not getting up from the couch.

Mister, what do you think of the current situation of magicians?

Chandrasekhar asked Tatsuya.

In their conversation, such appearances were established: Tatsuya - Mister, Miyuki -

Miss, and Chandrasekhar - Doctor.

More specifically, I mean the means of control for magicians by the government of each individual country.

Tatsuya thought for a moment and answered:

If you look from the point of view of the government, then don't these measures work as they should?

Precisely "as they should." However, that's with the reservation that it is "from the point of view of the government."

Chandrasekhar correctly understood Tatsuya's train of thought.

Okay. But the government of any country, even such as the NSU and the GAA, will always consider that control of magicians is not enough.

Probably.

Tatsuya agreed with the words of Chandrasekhar, nodding slightly.

And from the point of view of magicians, this is something completely unacceptable.

...

Tatsuya refrained from commenting this time.

This didn't bother Dr. Chandrasekhar, and she continued to explain her theory.

In modern society, the human rights and freedoms of magicians are neglected. Even basic human rights, which must be sacred and inviolable even in a democratic society, are not recognized as belonging to magicians. Or they are easily limited and violated.

The use of magicians for military purposes is the sphere of their application, which most clearly reflects this situation. For example, in countries where conscription for military service as a whole has been canceled, for magicians conscription remains.

Compared to non-magicians, magicians are treated with clear discrimination.

Tatsuya was surprised to hear the fiery speech of Chandrasekhar.

After all, she was a scientist who developed not only the "Agni Downburst", but also many other magics for military use, which made magicians useful for the government.

Chandrasekhar herself is also a magician, but her magical power is so weak that she is unsuitable as a combatant. That is, she is not one of the magicians used by the government, but, on the contrary, she is a person from that same government that uses magicians. At least, that's how it was previously.

On the other hand, citizens who are not magicians insist that magicians are

dangerous creatures that have the power to kill ordinary people even without weapons, and therefore their freedom must be further limited.

But only a small part of the anti-magicians behave this way, right?

Involuntarily Miyuki interrupted her. Tatsuya was still silent.

Chandrasekhar's face faded. Moreover, it seemed that on her face reflected not only despondency, but also suppressed anger.

In Germany and France, on the initiative of the government, collars are being developed to neutralize the wearer with electroshock if signs of activation of magic are noticed. At the end of the development, a law is likely to be passed requiring all magicians to wear these collars. Many European countries, with the exception of Britain, will follow this example, and ultimately, this idea will spread throughout the world.

"It can't be! Isn't that like treating livestock??

In a voice that almost seemed like she was about to cry, Miyuki was simultaneously angry and trembling.

Right. Not even slaves, but cattle. But this idea continues to spread not only among radical anti-magicians, but already among ordinary citizens.

Chandrasekhar didn't even try to console Miyuki.

They can't be allowed to do something like that!

Yes, miss, you are absolutely right. I think exactly the same.... In the past, I tried to provide magicians with a status in society, making them an indispensable fighting force for the state. But now I have changed my mind.

Do you have a specific plan?

Tatsuya asked Chandrasekhar in a restrained tone.

I believe that magicians have already reached the stage where they must independently defend their rights. And it is necessary not only to unite within the borders of their countries, but also without regard for state borders.

Doctor, you're not one of those who consider magicians to be a superior race, are you?

No. My opinion was formed solely as a result of the emotional rejection of the doctrine of the anti-magic movement. My intentions are not in enmity with citizens who are not magicians, but in organizing a moderate movement that protects the rights of magicians in a peaceful cohabitation.

Cohabitation [??]? Not coexistence [??]?

[The difference is in the first character, as you see. In general, the Japanese have a dozen different words for the word "coexistence," and all dictionaries simply write

"coexistence" without giving any explanation. For the Japanese themselves, apparently, there are differences. I suppose that the first word means approximately existence together, but contrary to something, and the second simply means existence together.]

Fear of civilian magicians has risen to such a level that it already causes mass hysteria among the people. Germany and France are good examples of this. And although I dont want to say this, its the Scorched Halloween that happened two years ago that caused the current world situation. That was, in fact, because of your Strategic-Class magic, mister.

Tatsuya didn't deny the words of Chandrasekhar with any phrase, like "it wasn't me."

Very few people can maintain sound judgment, believing that the possibility of falling under a nuclear strike can be caused not by a government decision, but by the whim of just one person. Of course, I am sure that Mister is not such an unreasonable person.

However, there are many people who think otherwise. They not only don't want to know the character of Mister, they don't even want to know what you look like. Not wanting to know either your origin or name, they are simply afraid of Mister as a magician with catastrophic destructive power, and as the personification of death and destruction itself.

There was no doubt Chandrasekhar had hard evidence on Tatsuya being the strategic class magician. Even if she wasn't aware of "Material Burst", she definitely had information on the utilization of the magic, that surpasses strategic nuclear weapons in terms of power. There was no point in interrupting her to deny that it wasn't true.

In such a situation it is difficult to hope for reasonable decisions. Therefore, you need to temporarily place magicians and non-magicians at a distance from each other.

But there are not so many magicians. Magicians themselves won't be able to maintain modern social standards at the required level.

Magicians, that is, those who are able to use magic at a practical level, are only 0.01%

of the adult population. Although, there are those who have at least a slight compatibility with magic, and there are 10 times more than that. If you look at the 0.1%

of the world's population in real numbers, you get a very small number. After the Third World War, the world population fell to three billion, but according to estimates for the last year, it has already exceeded five billion. It will be difficult to collect all people suitable for magic, but even if we could collect only one-hundredth of them, the result will be 50,000 people.

Even if you succeed in gathering people suitable for magic all over the world, it will be impossible to gather 50,000 people in one place.

An organization with 50,000 members and some economic power will have a voice that can influence governments of different countries. The plant with Mister's Stellar Furnace Energy Reactor is capable of serving as such an economic basis.

Now the purpose of Chandrasekhar was clear. She flew to distant Japan because she wanted to use Tatsuya's Stellar Furnace Energy Plant in the fight for the human rights of magicians and magic-fit people.

However, Tatsuya did not feel any resentment. The goal of his ESCAPES project, also known as the Stellar Furnace Energy Plant Project, was precisely aimed at freeing magicians from their fate of being used as living weapons, and let them play major and essential roles as engineers and manufacturers. As such, Chandrasekhars and Tatsuyas visions were compatible with one another.

What exactly do you want to do? Transform the International Magic Association into a magician human rights organization?

Chandrasekhar didn't answer in the affirmative to Tatsuya's question, which was slightly off topic.

The International Magic Association has a very stable position as the organization needed as a deterrent against the use of nuclear weapons. To fight for the human rights of magicians, it would be better to establish a new Non-profit Organization. Also, to

designate people with aptitude for magic, in addition to words such as magician,

engineer of magic [magic constructor] and creator of magic [magicrafter], you need to enter some broader definition. For example, what about magian* as opposed to the word "civilian"?

[I didnt figure out how to translate it. But since the characters speak the exact English variants of words, then from now on I will also have English to show this "author's style."]

Magian... By the way, magic, have you added the suffix "an", which carries the meaning of "man"?

Yes, because the word magician for people is usually associated with the image of some magician-illusionist.

Okay. "Magian." I think this is a good name.

I also think that it sounds beautiful. But if you take this word into use, then what do we do with the word "magician," which is now in use? It seems to me that people who simply have a suitability for magic and people who can use magic in practice, still need to be distinguished from each other by name.

Tatsuya and Chandrasekhar pondered the question identified by Miyuki.

The Japanese word "magician" [???] is an abbreviation for "magic technician" [?

?

?

??], so I think that you can leave it, but...

... What about calling a magic constructor with the word magist? In the sense that it is a magian-technologist.

Technologist... Does this mean a person professionally working in a specialty based on knowledge in his field?

In this case, it is closer in meaning to the concept of capable of magic than to the concept of person who builds magic [magic constructor]. For us Japanese magicians, this is an easy-to-learn word.

All three nodded to each other with smiles. At that moment, about the same image of the future appeared in their minds.

Chandrasekhar's face became serious, and she corrected her posture.

Not today or tomorrow, of course, but within a few years I will be ready to create an international association of magians. And you, Mister, I would like to ask for cooperation in the establishment of this association.

If the situation allows, then I would like to join your association, doctor.

Then at the right time, I will contact you again.

Chandrasekhar and Tatsuya held out each other's hands.

This time, Tatsuya shook her hand a little harder than when meeting.

Even when Chandrasekhar and Arya left the reception room, there was no sign of Lina's appearance, so Tatsuya and Miyuki decided to return to the directors former office.

Ah, Miyuki. Have you finished your conversation?

Lina... What are you doing here?

On the table in front of Lina, many sweets were lined up. Maya, sitting opposite her, watched what was happening with a smile.

?

I AM...? Yes, Im trying delicious things.

Miyuki-san, do you know that there are a lot of different pleasures on this island? But since there is no longer a prison, now we need to improve this area. To begin with, I invited confectioners here.

...

I believe that the pleasure of eating is important to maintain morale. Tatsuya replied in a neutral tone instead of Miyuki's speechless voice.

Nodding agreement on her face, Maya got up from the couch.

Miyuki-san, will you try?

Maya gestured to Miyuki: "Sit here."

Miyuki looked at Tatsuya, bewildered.

Seeing that he nodded slightly, Miyuki went to the place where Maya was sitting.

At the same time, Maya sat in a luxurious leather chair, standing at a table in the back of the room.

Leaning back and relaxing, Maya looked at Tatsuya.

As if answering this look, Tatsuya stood in front of the table.

How was the conversation with Dr. Chandrasekhar?

It was pretty interesting. Oba-ue, do you know what we were talking about?

Of course, she previously told me.

In other words, Maya has already agreed that Tatsuya will collaborate with Chandrasekhar's plan.

Now it was possible to get a clearer promise from Maya to take on any obligations. But Tatsuya didn't dare to ask for it. Because he didn't want to pre-bind himself in the future with any activity entrusted in the form of orders.

Understood.

He answered only that.

Maya nodded generously and ordered Hayama to arrange a chair.

Tatsuya himself refrained from finding a place to sit, but he didn't need to go anywhere to do this. The office chair on wheels rolled itself to a place in front of the table. It wasn't as luxurious as that of Maya, but it also looked solid and had leather-covered armrests and a high back.

At the direction of Maya, Tatsuya sat on this chair when it stopped.

Tatsuya-san, about what happened the day before yesterday. It seems like you defeated Fujibayashi Nagamasa with some new magic?

Like waiting for Tatsuya to sit comfortably, Maya asked this with interest on her face.

Yes, I used a new magic to break through Fujibayashi Nagamasa's magic.

I wonder what kind of magic it was?

This minor correction of Tatsuya didn't seem to bother Maya. All her attention was directed to the new magic of Tatsuya.

In order for the pushion informational body to exist in this world and influence the phenomena in this world, it needs a psionic informational body, which will be an access point for it, a kind of conductor. It is like a support for existence in this world, or, to paraphrase it, it can be called a foundation supporting existence.

Tatsuya felt the gaze directed at him, not only from the front, but also from behind, and from different sides. In addition to Maya, everyone was attentively listening to Tatsuya's story: Miyuki, Lina, and even Hayama and Hyougo.

And Tatsuya-san confirmed this theory?

Only indirectly, based on observations. But based on these observations, "Astral Dispersion" gave the expected effect, so we can make an unambiguous conclusion that these conclusions are not erroneous.

And this new magic is called Astral Dispersion...? Please continue.

When the phenomenon changes, information remains about this. Even reason is no

exception to this rule. Even when the phenomenon was caused by reason, if it had an impact on this world, then there will be a record about this in the informational dimension.

... Do you mean that pure thoughts and emotions do not directly affect this world, therefore they leave no traces in the informational dimension, and the projections of spiritual bodies and interference in the minds of other people are recorded?

At least, the phenomena that can be reproduced by external systemic magic are accurately recorded in this story.

... Go on.

By reading the Eidos, the psionic informational body containing records of phenomena, we magicians recognize the very essence of these phenomena. At the time of using magic, this, although with some differences, is done by all magicians, even those who do not have an ESP like "Eye of Spirits" such as mine.

I see... When these some differences become absurdly large, then this is reflected in the result. But if we talk only about recognizing the essence of the phenomenon from the Eidos, then Tatsuya-san is right.

Tatsuya bowed slightly and continued to explain.

The East Asian continental ancient magic Sekihei Hatidzin turned out to be magic, for which the corpses are processed into magical containers containing the Psionic information bodies known as ghosts. Using the power of interference in the phenomenon that these "ghosts" possess, Kimon Tonko is supported at fixed points.

The power of interfering with the phenomenon... in ghosts?

The true form of the force of interference in the phenomenon is pushion waves. I discovered this during a battle with a hostile astral body over at Mount Takao. A

ghost is, in fact, a pushion informational body, therefore it is possible to extract from it the force of interference in a phenomenon, gradually cutting pieces from it and using them as fuel.

Lina also listened, so Tatsuya only said "a hostile astral body," without giving the name Arcturus.

This is very interesting.

Maya was only interested in Tatsuyas new discovery, and showed no interest in the enemys personality.

It seems that Tatsuya-san has made many important discoveries related to magic and reason over the past few days.

Yes. Thank you.

In response to Mayas praise, Tatsuya made an even more courteous bow than the last time.

Fujibayashi Nagamasa released these "ghosts" from their containers, and used them as a means of attack against me. After searching on the basis of information about the modification of the phenomenon caused by the external systemic magic used by him for this purpose, I discovered a psionic informational body that serves as a supporting basis for ghosts. After reading its structure, and expanding it, I made the existence of these "ghosts" (pushion information bodies) impossible in our world. This is Astral Dispersion.

That is... it's magic that separates spiritual bodies from our world?

Yes.

So this magic doesn't destroy the spiritual body itself, but destroys the foundation

through which the spiritual body exists in our world and intervenes in it?

That's correct.

Madam. Impossible to exist in our world from the point of view of our world is like death.

At that moment, Hayama intervened in the conversation.

If spiritual bodies separated from our world could come back, then our world would be filled with ghosts. I suppose Tatsuya-samas new magic can be called magic that kills spiritual bodies.

Kills ghosts. This is something revolutionary... Tatsuya-san. I dont want to rush too much, but could you describe the new magic in a detailed report? Your discovery and invention will be an important asset of the Yotsuba family.

The Yotsuba family is not only a clan of combat magicians, but also a clan of magic researchers. Seek and explore the possibilities of magic. And as a result, answer the question "what is the mind/soul?". That was the purpose of this clan, which the other Master Clans didn't know about.

As you command.

Tatsuya had a different goal, but he was also a researcher of magic. He didn't mind leaving his magic in a document for magic research.

11 a.m. The plane with Kazama, his subordinates, and also the soon to be freed Australian magicians landed on Iwo Island at the appointed time.

The other side to which the captives will be issued has already arrived.

Is the ship not Australian? Is that... Royal Navy aircraft carrier, Gibraltar?

With suspicion Kazama muttered to himself.

There can be no mistake, this is Gibraltar from the British Navy.

Kazama's question was answered in almost a whisper by the foreman Tateoka, who was appointed temporary assistant to Kazama instead of senior lieutenant Fujibayashi, who had left today for the funeral of Kudou Retsu.

Britain was currently considered an allied country for Japan. The call of the Royal Navy vessel to the Japanese port wasn't a problem in itself.

Contact headquarters. Ask if the Royal Navy is the other side to which the captives must be released.

If they are the ones who need to surrender magicians captured as saboteurs, then this is another conversation. The escorted agents are Australians by nationality. Kazama didn't hear that Britain would come to pick them up.

The answer from the headquarters of the 1-0-1 brigade came quickly.

The answer is from the brigade headquarters. They say there is no mistake, pass them

on.

Australia asked Britain to mediate the extradition...?

This time, Kazama really spoke to himself. He was so bewildered that he unconsciously said his thoughts aloud.

Although the number of countries of the British Commonwealth of Nations has significantly decreased, but formally it still existed. Australia remained a member of the Commonwealth, and was in close allied relations with Britain. According to one popular theory, Australian army units are trained and formed with the help of secret knowledge obtained from Britain.

But even if this is true, then the arrival of the British Navy in order to pick up the agents of the Australian army, can not be considered an ordinary event. Despite membership in the Commonwealth and allied relations, Australia is an independent state. And Australia itself is much closer to Japan than Britain. Kazama could not think of a single reason why Australia could ask Britain to take the captured agents.

"Or does Australia have no need for this at all, and is... the business of Britain itself?"

He had a vague feeling that what he really had to give was the letter entrusted to him, not the captured agents. Kazama thought about this, remembering the envelope in his inner pocket.

Kazamas confusion intensified at the time when he came face to face with a representative of the British side who arrived to pick up the prisoners. There was no room for misunderstanding in Saekis order. Give her letter to the representative of the host captive. Nevertheless, the doubt didnt disappear from his head as to whether or not to give this person a letter, in which, probably, some important military information was written.

The British representative turned out to be William McLeod, officially recognized as his country's Strategic-Class Magician.

"What is one of the Thirteen Apostles doing here...?"

Not only Kazama, but anyone in his position would think exactly the same. However, this wasn't a completely impossible development of events. Jasmine Williams, one of

the prisoners that was going to be released, was a user of Ozone Circle, although in terms of scale her magic didn't reach the Strategic-Class. And the one who developed this magic was none other than William McLeod.

Also, through interrogation, it was found that Jasmine is the so-called "improved magician", that is, her genetic code was modified. It is highly likely that Britain provided the improvement technology. Australia's science and engineering industries were not backward, but since the Third World War, a policy of actual isolation was chosen as a protective measure, which caused stagnation of the development of magic-related technologies that can be used for military purposes.

Therefore, even before coming here there were already speculations that there might be some kind of connection between William McLeod and Jasmine Williams. However, it was hard to believe that such an important person as one of the Thirteen Apostles

would appear at the military base of another country with such a minimal escort.

Yes, McLeod arrived, accompanied by an entire aircraft carrier. More precisely, he arrived on an aircraft carrier. But based on the name "aircraft carrier", it is only a mobile air base with airplanes. An aircraft carrier moored in the port doesn't possess any military strength. The ship itself has no means of attack, and airborne fighters will be shot down before takeoff.

McLeod himself, as a Strategic-Class Magician, although has tremendous combat power, but his magic is Ozone Circle. It turns oxygen in the specified area into ozone gas. If he uses Ozone Circle in the current situation, it will affect his allies too.

Is there really something so valuable in Saekis letter that Britain is prepared to take the risk of losing their Strategic-Class Magician if something happens...? Struggling to break the seal and look at the letter, Kazama first handed over the captives to McLeod, after which he handed him the envelope entrusted to him by Saeki.

McLeod immediately, on the spot, without much enthusiasm opened the letter (he didnt tear it off, but cut off the seal with a paper knife taken from his assistant), and while standing, he read the message written to him.

Understood.

McLeod said and handed the envelope and letter to Kazama.

... Are you sure I can read this?

Yes. In order for us to have no misunderstandings.

Kazama ordered his subordinates to move away. In response, McLeod ordered his guard and assistant to leave the premises altogether. Surprised by such a reaction, Kazama also ordered his subordinates to leave the room. When they stayed in the room only together, Kazama invited McLeod to sit on the sofa, after which he also sat down and unfolded the folded letter.

The English text, written by Saeki's familiar handwriting, wasn't so long.

McLeod spoke after Kazama finished reading and looked up.

Sending the NSU fleet south across the Sea of Japan was an unexpected military decision, in my opinion.

His first phrase at first glance seemed unrelated to the contents of the letter.

I collaborated with the Dion Project to prevent the possibility of a Matter to Energy Explosion targeting the United Kingdom. I dont need anything else. I wasn't going to take away the freedom and future of promising young people.

From the context it was clear that by promising young people, McLeod meant Tatsuya.

I also evaluate his project of the Stellar Furnace plant as extremely significant.

Attempts to prevent him may result in significant missed opportunities for a civilized society. Moreover, for us magicians, this can also lead to negative consequences.

From such an unexpectedly high assessment of McLeod, Kazama could not find the right words to even maintain a conversation.

Assessment of the Stellar Furnace plant is nothing more than my personal impressions.

However, regarding the dispatch of the NSU fleet south, I have the opposite opinion.

Yes, I had a secret connection with Dr. Bezobrazov through the Dion Project, but a military invasion of Japan is unacceptable, even if it was only a simulation.

... Do you speak on behalf of the United Kingdom?

Yes. And from the Kingdom, and from the Commonwealth too.

In response to a question from Kazama, McLeod openly admitted that the royal familys

intentions were behind his actions.

As I said earlier, if we get guarantees that the Matter to Energy explosion magic won't be used against the United Kingdom, then we will have no reason for enmity towards Japan.

Kazama remembered the sentence written in the letter he had just read.

Saeki invited McLeod to work together to implement the "Strategic-Class Magician Control Agreement."

According to her draft of such an agreement, the revealed Strategic-Class Magicians must be registered with the International Magic Association, and their country must take responsibility for controlling them.

By control obligations here is meant taking responsibility for their actions. However, they won't take responsibility for the consequences caused by the used Strategic-Class magic (especially the Matter to Energy explosion magic). If so, it will keep the Strategic-Class Magicians in such a position that they won't be able to freely use magic.

Even if this agreement is concluded and enters into force in the form that Saeki intended, then for those magicians who have political power and privileges, or are representatives of the government or the leader of their country (such as McLeod, Bezobrazov, the Strategic-Class Magicians of the USNA Eliot Miller and Roland Bart, Leonid Kondratenko from the NSU) - nothing will change for them. But for magicians like Carla Schmidt, who are far from politics, a catastrophic restriction of freedom is inevitable.

"... No, everything is clear. The true goal is Tatsuya."

Kazama quickly realized that the goal of his boss was to take Tatsuya from the Yotsuba family and make him her subordinate. Anyone in his place would also have come to that conclusion.

"Her Excellency won't be satisfied with the separation of Tatsuya from the Yotsuba family. She is going to take all freedom from Tatsuya."

Saeki is a scorched military man. For her, national interests are always in the first place.

"This magic is too strong to respect personal rights."

If we take that as the basis, only the logic of the military, then Kazama thought the same way. He had to admit this and that bitter feeling of hostility that came from the depths of his heart. He had this acute hostility towards himself, who had allowed such a train of thought.

It will take some time, but I will do my best to have a conference to discuss the draft agreement.

In the letter, Saeki asked McLeod to engage his personal as well as British international influence.

Pass it on to Her Excellency Saeki.

I understand.

Kazama in his position could only bow in gratitude to McLeod's promise to cooperate.

1:55 p.m. Five minutes later, the funeral ceremony of the elder of the magical world of Japan, Kudou Retsu, will begin in the large ceremonial hall of the city of Nara. The preparation was already completed, and all members of the family of the deceased were already seated in their places. The guest seats were already almost all occupied.

A noise was heard from the entrance to the hall. The participants thought that the monk had arrived earlier than scheduled, and turned around... and so froze in that position.

Three people entered the room. They came literally at the last minutes, but the uproar wasn't accusatory voices. It was only senseless sighs of admiration that rang out from different angles.

There were two women and one man. Both women were incomparable beauties. The lady, who was older, looked to be in her early 30's, maximum. Those who immediately recognized her also knew her real age, and knew that she looked 15 years younger than her actual age. She shone with her charming, young, gorgeous, and vivacious look.

The younger one was in her late teens and looked exactly her age. Although she could

be called a girl by age, the attractiveness of an adult woman has already begun to manifest in her. The surrounding people tried to find words in their thoughts to describe her ethereal beauty. But, couldn't find anything suitable. Elegance, grace, neatness, purity, splendor, extraterrestrial charm. Yet, none of those terms could really describe her. As a result, they were able to express their thoughts about her only as

"she is so beautiful."

Behind these two women was a young man... or even a teenager. Compared to the woman and girl, he looked completely ordinary. At the very least he was not someone who was able to incite awe from other people. Nevertheless, his existence wasn't lost against the background of the woman's charm and the girl's beauty. Also, the people around didn't see anything unnatural in this.

These three sat down in their seats. Thus, the spell that riveted the eyes of those around them was dispelled. Sighs turned into whispers.

... Who is this beautiful girl? Is she really a living person...?

... Don't you know? That is Shiba Miyuki-jou from the magic high school, First High.

... And the guy with her is Shiba Tatsuya. There can be no mistake.

... You mean that Taurus Silver?

... Yeah. So that lady with them is the mistress of the Yotsuba family...?

What?... It's true. That is Yotsuba Maya-dono in person.

"To show herself in such a crowded place... How many years ago was the last time this has happened?

The gossip continued until the host announced the entry of the monk responsible for the ceremony.

Four hours later, the monk left and the host announced the closing ceremony. There were a great many visitors who came to burn incense. Two weeks have passed since his death, so the funeral ceremony was different from usual. The coffin was taken out in the presence of only the closest relatives, and the organization of the commemoration after the ceremony was undertaken by the family of Makoto's wife, whose surname is

Fujibayashi*. Incidentally, Kyouko's family with the surname Fujibayashi, and the family of Makoto's wife with the surname Fujibayashi* are very distant relatives. They have no direct relatives, even if tracked by the family tree at least until the last century.

[In fact, these two surnames are pronounced the same, but are spelled differently. For Kyouko's family, fuji is a word meaning a wisteria flower, and for Makotos wife, fuji

is written in the same way as for Mount Fuji. Ill write a new surname with an asterisk to distinguish it from the usual one.]

However, as could be seen at today's funeral, the Fujibayashi* family clearly shunned the Fujibayashi family. When the Fujibayashi family offered any help, they politely refused. Perhaps the circumstances surrounding the birth of Minoru (Minoru's genetic mother is the younger sister of Makoto, who married a person from the Fujibayashi family), which cannot be disclosed, influenced the relationship between the two families.

If the events of the day before had not happened, then they might have helped today at least at the front desk.

But in the end, the Fujibayashi family had no responsibilities at this event. Fujibayashi Nagamasa, the head of the Fujibayashi family, helped with the escape of Minoru, the killer of Kudou Retsu. Therefore, today everyone tried to completely avoid contact with representatives of this family.

Senior Lieutenant Fujibayashi Kyouko stood in full prostration in the corner of the hall used for the funeral dinner.

She had no errands.

She could not occupy herself with anything.

Her heart was hurt harder than expected.

She felt the same pain yesterday, when she couldn't apologize.

... So Kyouko thought.

... And yet, it's good that we managed to get here in time.

Really. I was also a little worried.

Actually, I didn't plan to talk for so long. But Tatsuya-san's story was very interesting.

... I'm sorry.

Perhaps the reason for this was her psychological state.

Excuse me!

Kyouko unwittingly intervened in the conversation between the aunt, nephew, and niece.

Ara? This is the daughter of the Fujibayashi family, isn't it?

Yotsuba Maya responded with a smile to such an unbridled call from Kyouko.

Yes, my name is Fujibayashi Kyouko. Thank you so much for coming so far to mourn grandfather.

I studied with Sensei. I would come to say goodbye, even if it was on the other side of the globe.

Grandpa would be glad to hear that.

After Kyouko answered with a standard phrase, she finally overcame her indecision and asked Maya:

... May I take a little of your time?

Sure.

Kyouko made a slightly surprised face because she didn't expect Maya to agree so easily.

Let's change the location. You also dont want to attract excessive attention, right?

...Yes.

There were also various people who were somehow connected with the army and the Magic Association. Also, in addition to the head of the Yotsuba family, the heads of the Ichijou, Futatsugi and Saegusa families also came here. Other Master Clans also sent their representatives on behalf of the heads of families. From the Eighteen Replacement Families, there were either heads of families or their representatives

here. Both Kyouko and Maya didn't want other people to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Hayama-san.

Yes, Milady.

Hayama replied with a respectful tone, who suddenly appeared behind Maya.

Surprise appeared on Kyouko's face. She didn't understand when and where Hayama came from.

I would like to calmly and without haste talk with this young lady. Can you tell me where I could speak with her?

I will call a car. Please follow me.

Good. Fujibayashi-san, will this suit you?

... Yes, I don't mind.

Kyouko showed some hesitation for a moment, but she didnt really want to stay here.

Therefore, in the end, she agreed with Maya's proposal.

Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san, you can return to Tokyo.

As you order.

Tatsuya answered Maya.

Her word may sounded like permission, but it was actually an order. Maya didn't want Tatsuya and Miyuki to attend her conversation with Kyouko. They both understood this perfectly.

Tatsuya-sama, Miyuki-sama.

Hyougo stood behind Tatsuya unnoticed and called Tatsuya and Miyuki.

Preparations for take-off are completed.

Coming from Miyakijima, they eventually got on two different vertical take-off planes and rushed to the funeral ceremony. One of these aircrafts was the one on which

Hyougo originally took them from the building in Tfu. That is, Maya had her own plane to return home, so Tatsuya and Miyuki didn't need to wait modestly for her.

Got it.

answered Tatsuya.

Haha-ue. In that case, goodbye.

Realizing that they were heard from all sides, he said goodbye to Maya with the "right"

words.

Oba-sama, goodbye.

Yes, take care of yourself.

After Maya said that the two of them left.

Hayamas words about calling a car didn't have the standard meaning rent a car for this idiom. His words meant that "a personal car will be served." Maya's visit to Kudou Retsus funeral has been planned for a long time. It was routine for the Yotsuba family to prepare a suitable vehicle in advance in case the head of the family needed to move somewhere.

Hayama sat in the front passenger seat, after which the driver, who was also a security guard, pulled the control lever. Behind them was followed by a car with four additional guards.

Instead of preparing a separate room, Hayama brought them to a small restaurant that Kyouko liked to visit. Without any particular wariness, Maya sat down at the table.

Hayama stood behind Maya, and four guards stood in the corners of the room. Kyouko could not hide her tension from such a picture.

Nevertheless, while standing, she also could not conduct a conversation, and given that it was she who asked for this conversation, it was impolite to continue to stand. Kyouko was very nervous about the fact that she would have to turn her back on the fighters of the Yotsuba family, but still sat down at the table in a place opposite Maya.

After which she held her breath and bowed low to Maya.

First, I would like to apologize. The day before yesterday, my father did something completely unforgivable.

Kyouko froze in that position.

You mean that Fujibayashi Nagamasa-dono helped Kudou Minoru escape?

I'm talking about my father helping in the kidnap of Sakurai Minami-san.

Without raising her head, Kyouko answered Maya's question.

If you are talking about that, then you do not need to apologize. Nagamasa-dono probably had his own reasons for doing so. But as a result, your father was seriously injured and was hospitalized. Therefore, I believe that he has already received a sufficient amount of punishment.

But...

But shouldn't a loser suffer? Shouldn't the criminal take the blame? Kyouko wanted to say that, but...

Besides, our Minami was eventually taken away through no fault of your father.

Huh?

Because of this unexpected statement by Maya, Kyouko completely forgot the words prepared for her answer, after which she unconsciously raised her head.

Maya's face frowned in frustration.

Kyouko didn't expect the head of the Yotsuba family to make such a face, so she completely forgot about the apology, and involuntarily asked:

What do you...?

Maya didn't answer Kyouko's unsaid question.

Although your father was unable to prevent Tatsuya, the day before yesterday's chase ended in failure anyways. Therefore, you no longer need to torment yourself with guilt.

Maya regained her smile in the blink of an eye and reassured Kyouko in a friendly tone.

The interference of Yakumo wasn't noticed by either the army or the police. Neither sensor networks stretched across the streets, nor reconnaissance satellites, nor surveillance devices installed on the stratospheric platform recorded the battle between Yakumo and Tatsuya.

The skills of Yakumo, hiding not only himself, but also the enemy with whom he fought, were far beyond Kyouko's imagination. Therefore, she didn't even suspect that there were some other obstacles besides her father.

Therefore, Kyouko didn't understand the meaning of Maya's words. But when the injured party in the form of Maya says that you are not to blame, it will be strange if Kyouko continues to insist that it is my fathers fault.

...Thanks for your consideration.

So Kyouko took Maya's words.

Finished with her apology, Kyouko didn't want to detain Maya any longer. Having gulped down the chilled black tea remaining in her cup, she tried to get up from her seat. Of course, she didn't forget to pay the bill.

But before she could say goodbye, Maya called the waiter and ordered some more tea and snacks.

Fujibayashi Kyouko-san.

Kyouko could not get up when her name was called in a completely different tone than before.

Yes?

The strength seemed to leave her legs, and she again sat back down on the chair.

I believe theres a better use for such a valuable asset, in comparison with the current situation

Maya said in a low voice, sitting in a completely relaxed and laid-back pose.

Kyouko could tell by Maya's voice that she was talking about her.

What are you talking about?

But out loud she asked about the meaning of her words.

Fujibayashi-san. Would you retire from the military and come to our house?"

Instead of answering Kyouko's question, Maya answered with an invitation.

... You mean... I should become a Yotsuba magician?

Kyouko answered in a stiff formal tone.

No, this is not coercion. We have no desire to quarrel with the self-defense forces.

Maya smiled.

This smile was so charming that Kyouko involuntarily fell under her influence.

Speaking about leaving the army, I do not mean that I demand that you leave there with a scandal. I say that if you yourself want to peacefully resign, we will gladly accept you as an employee in one of our companies, for example, in FLT.

Maya's suggestion was more reasonable than what Kyouko first thought.

Her tension eased slightly.

And in this relaxed mind, as if through the opening of a gap, Maya's voice crept in.

Changing your profession to a civilian magician is neither treason, nor a betrayal of the government. In a suitable environment that allows you to reach your full potential, you, on the contrary, will be able to contribute to the development of society, using your abilities to the fullest.

I... have not yet revealed my full potential?

I believe that Fujibayashi-san's magic and mind are able to cover a wider field of application. Here... for example, have you ever thought about why you can interfere with magic in electronic information networks?

... Electrical signals and electron flows are also physical phenomena, so its not strange that they can be affected by the magic of the release system, right?

Are you talking about exposure to electromagnetic waves or to electric current and voltage? But how can magic recognize the simple motion of electrons as meaningful information?

That's...

Are you translating electron movements into machine language right in your head, and machine language into human? And all this during the use of magic?

... That would be hard to do.

But you can use magic to influence electronic information networks. You can search for the necessary information with a speed and accuracy higher than that of the well-known Echelon III system. And you do this by using not the power of supercomputers for hacking, but only magic and a regular home information terminal. How do you do this?

Fujibayashi could not answer Maya's question. It was natural for her that she could manage electronic information networks as she wished, but she never wondered why and how she could do something like that.

Therefore, I believe that you underestimate yourself. You have a talent that can expand the capabilities of the whole world of magic, and you use your abilities only to collect and operate military information.

Maya's words shocked Kyouko greatly. Initially, she planned to become a researcher of magic. She joined the military only because of the death of her fianc. Kyouko, a former military groom, died in Okinawa - at his very first place of service, where he was appointed immediately after joining the army. Kyouko decided to go to military service just after that.

Now even she herself doesn't know what kind of mental state prompted her to do this.

But after hearing Maya's words Kyouko noticed.

That she lacks motivation to continue in military service.

I can ensure you that in the future you will be able to freely use your magic.

...

Of course, I'm not demanding an immediate response.

... Please let me think about it a little.

Of course. Please take your time. Fujibayashi-san, some more tea?

No. Sorry, it's getting late. I think I should go.

Really? In that case, I will wait for a positive response.

Until the very end of the conversation, Kyouko didn't say a single word that could be mistaken for refusing the invite to Maya.

Soon after Kyouko left, Maya also left the restaurant. After all, she came there only for a conversation with Kyouko. And since she left, there is nothing more for her to do there.

Maya and her escort team got into two cars and drove to the airfield, where their vertical takeoff plane was parked.

Madam. As far as I know, you had no plans for recruiting Fujibayashi-sama.

Hayama asked Maya shortly after the car started. His words were not just a question, but more like a rebuke for an unplanned act.

I couldn't miss such a rare opportunity.

Maya realized that this was a rebuke, but she wasn't at all embarrassed.

With all due respect, but were you serious with your invitation?

Asked Hayama, slightly surprised.

Of course, I was serious.

Hayama sat in front and looked forward, so he could not see that the face of the responding Maya was completely serious. However, in her voice, Hayama still caught some bad intentions.

It is dangerous to give the enemy the ability to collect and process information from

Senior Lieutenant Fujibayashi. Especially recently, when Her Excellency Saeki began her various activities.

Based on the recent conversation, do you expect her to become a researcher of

"information networks"?

Yes, I hope so too. Everything on earth has its own Eidos, and it is located on a platform called the Idea... If you shed light on the principles of the information network connecting the various Eidos within the Idea, this can become an important key to understanding the very essence of magic.

I totally agree with you.

This is a rather complicated topic. If you take it seriously, you wont have time for anything else, right?

And this is an exclusively secondary goal?

Right.

Not only Hayama, but anyone would have guessed that the main and secondary goals were mixed up in Maya's story. Yes, and Maya herself should have understood this.

Therefore, Hayama didn't question further. If the mistress is lying deliberately, and if it is beneficial, then the servant should not intervene