Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

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August 3 rd , 2097.

The Ministry of Defense has been in a tense atmosphere since morning.

This was because, based on the current course of the USNA Navys landing vessel Guam, that departed in the morning of July 30 th (Japanese time) from Oahu island of the Hawaiian archipelago, they identified its final destination was definitely the Izu archipelago .

At first, neither the civilian nor military personnel of the Ministry of Defense believed the forecast made by the Tactical AI; however, they also couldnt simply ignore it either. So, the military turned to the Navy Pacific Fleet command of the USNA with a request for information about the purpose of the Guams voyage.

The USNA Navys response caused panic in the Ministry of Defense.

They replied: Guam is in a secret operation and cannot answer the question. And added : We cant find out their current location due to a malfunction in their information equipment.

From that response, it was obvious that they were lying. Its impossible for the USNA, which operates more military satellites than Japan, to not be able to find its own ships position ? even in the middle of the ocean. For them t o make such a lie without hesitation , it was a clear indication that they were planning something hostile.

In this case, the tactical AI results could no longer be dismissed as a simple Calculation Error. Among the military, theres been an increasing number of people who expressed their opinion of the need to prepare against the USNA ships attacks on the Izu archipelago.

The naval officers held antipathy against the USNA from the start.

This was because of the sudden attack of the landing party, which landed from a transport ship onto Miyakijima , in the Izu archipelago, as if it were carried out alongside the invasion of the New Soviet Union.

Due to agreements between the Yotsuba, the actual islands owners, and the Ministry of Defense, this incident was never officially recorded. However, it was known that the transport ship used for the attack was the Midway which belonged to the USNA Navy .

It was difficult to determine whether this was an indicator of hostility, so the Japan-USNA allied relations still persisted. However, a surprise attack by the USNA Navy was nothing more than an act of betrayal of this relationship. Moreover, after the sudden attack failed, there wasnt even any kind of explanation whatsoever, not even an apology. They acted as if nothing had happened.

For the military, the USNAs attitude and behavior was making a fool of them. The opinion for immediate interception grew stronger among those that were field officers and lieutenant ranks.

In contrast to the military personnel, the prevailing opinion among the civilian employees of the Ministry of Defense was that armed conflict should be avoided at all costs.

Since November 2095, relations between Japan and the USNA have been slightly strained. After Japan defeated the Great Asia Alliance with unbalanced military power, the USNA unilaterally regarded Japan as a threat, which Japan couldnt do anything about. Before the last World War, Japan could have reduced its own military power, but in the post-war situation, when it was no longer possible to count on the allies help in case of emergency, weakening oneself was equal to abandoning their responsibility towards their people.

Even so, that didnt mean that relations between Japan and the USNA became overtly hostile . For Japan, the decision to enter into a full-fledged confrontation with the USNA due to a minor blow to their honor would be tantamount to suicide. After all, it is already surrounded by hostile countries with the Great Asian Union in the west and the New Soviet Union in the north. National security cannot be upheld unless their friendship is maintained (at least formally) with the east. The era of the so-called Prideful Isolation has passed.

In other words, civilian bureaucrats were in favor of giving up honor to get a result. This meant that one should humbly suffer some damage in order to avoid a final breakdown in relations. That disharmony of intentions inside the Ministry of Defense had led to the delay in taking actions against the approaching foreign warships.

Because of that, they also failed to give any warning to civilians.

Tatsuya-sama, theres an incoming phone call.

Minami came to notify Tatsuya about the call at the moment when dinner with their friends, who had come to visit after a long separation, had ended.

Since the news reported that Tatsuya was discharged from the hospital, Tatsuya has been receiving various phone calls from sales people, which were almost equivalent to fraud calls. No matter how much time he had, he wouldnt be able to accept all phone calls.

As Minami also understood this, she filtered it first, but there were still many calls that she had to ask Tatsuya to decide whether to accept or not.

From whom?

Tatsuya asked, while thinking about who might possibly be calling.

From Ichijou-sama of Third High.

From Ichijou?

This option hadnt even come to Tatsuyas mind. Minami added of Third High to distinguish between Masaki and his father, the head of the Ichijou family, Ichijou Gouki.

At this unexpected phone call, Tatsuya wasnt the only one surprised. Miyuki also had a dubious expression, while his friends were whispering among themselves.

Fine. Is the call on hold?

Yes, in the 1 st reception room.

They currently werent in the apartment that Tatsuya and Miyuki used as a temporary home. The room they were currently in was a small dining room for visitors. Next to it were several reception rooms for business meetings, and the first reception room had equipment for video conferencing so that one can participate in the Master Clans meeting online. Ichijou Masaki probably contacted him using the line for the Ten Master Clans.

As Tatsuya stood up, Minami headed towards the door to lead him, but he stopped her.

Minami, take care of drinks for everyone.

Although there were other waiters in this dining room, no one would complain if Minami helped, as she has sufficient skills to be Miyukis exclusive maid, which means to be the exclusive maid of the next head of the family.

There are some people who also want to talk to you. After youve given everyone their drinks, could you talk to them?

Understood.

Tatsuya headed to the first reception room by himself, leaving Minami, who politely bowed, with a slightly unsatisfied expression.

Im sorry to have kept you waiting.

Tatsuya apologized to Masaki , who appeared on a large monitor screen after releasing the hold status.

No, I should be the one apoligizing for the sudden call.

Tatsuya and Masaki were both people with common sense in that part of everyday life which didnt involve magic . They were not insulting each other because of the suddenness nor did they unilaterally rush to state their business while ignoring greeting phrases .

Do you have some urgent business? Has something happened?

However, they werent good enough friends to gossip with each other. After the minimal amount of greetings, Tatsuya urged Masaki to get down to the main topic.

Actually, my father told me that he heard something from an acquaintance in the military.

Ichijou-dono did?

The dono is a suffix used when calling the head of another family among the Ten Master Clans. In this case, Ichijou-dono referred to Masakis father, Ichijou Gouki, who is the head of the Ichijou family.

Shiba, keep calm and listen.

Rather than Tatsuya, its Masaki who actually needs to be calm from what Tatsuya saw on the display, but he didnt interrupt him with Im calm.

The USNAs amphibious assault ship Guam is heading to the Izu Islands, accompanied by two destroyers. Their target is probably you.

Are you sure that they intend to attack, and its not for military exercises?

It seems that the USNA military didnt answer the inquiry about the purpose of its voyage.

Its certainly not an exercise then.

Three warships are heading straight to Miyakijima. Our military expects it will enter into the attack zone tomorrow morning.

What is the type of destroyer? Missile-type ship?

That information

Ah, sorry.

After Tatsuya left the small dining room, a bit of a strange situation was formed around Minami. Not only the fact that shes alone as a 2 nd year student when everyone else is a 3 rd year student. But the main reason is that Tatsuyas friends were only partially informed about the misfortune that happened with Minami.

Ah, Sakurai. Have you recovered already?

The one who first broke the awkward air was Leo. He and Minami had a senpai-kouhai relationship in the Mountaineering club.

Thank you for your concern. I even have a document from the doctor saying that physically, Ive completely recovered.

Thats good!

However, I can no longer use magic.

Huh?

Leo wasnt the only one who was surprised. Everyone here knew that Minami was a talented magician. So her confession of being unable to use magic was a big shock to all.

Thank you, Saijou-senpai and everyone that has taken great care of me all this time, but I think I will probably drop out of First High.

What do you plan on doing after quitting school?

Tatsuya-sama has offered for me to continue serving Miyuki-sama, which Im going to accept .

Erika was the first to react to Minamis words with an exaggerated nod.

Yeah! Being a magician isnt the only way to live.

Thats right. It will be quite difficult to convince yourself of this, and it will take a lot of time to put your thoughts and feelings in order However, most people living in this world cannot use magic. ? Mikihiko followed up after Erika.

Minami-chan had good grades in general studies, right? Whether liberal arts or science, she can transfer to an ordinary high school and go to any prestigious university.

Honoka said so, as she was a member of the same student council as Minami, who also knew her grades.

Minami-chan is also very good at cooking.

Yeah. Even I want to make her my house maid. Minami, wont you work at my house? Added Shizuku in response to Mizukis line.

Ah, no, sorry. Im

Minami was seriously nervous about Shizukus offer.

No way, Shizuku. I wont give you Minami-chan.

Miyuki, who had been silent until this moment, invited herself into the conversation.

Greedy.

As laughter followed Shizukus complaint , the awkward air that was floating around was alleviated.

After returning to the dining room, Tatsuya sensed the leftover awkwardness in the atmosphere , but didnt ask what happened.

Everyone, I have a serious conversation for you.

As he now had a more important and urgent matter at hand.

Are you talking about the phone call from Ichijou-san?

Yes. ? Tatsuya nodded to Miyukis question and turned his gaze to Shizuku.

Shizuku, it would be better to stop your plans for a vacation at your villa.

But Tatsuya-kun. I dont think its a bad idea to leave Miki here, regardless of whether hes participating or not.

It was Erika who argued on behalf of Mikihiko who had lost his words.

It will be bad if you have only the testimonies of the parties involved. And if you have the testimony of a civilian who was accidentally present during the battle, it will then be easier for you to legally argue for the right of your self-defense. Also, it will be easier to convince everyone that the USNA is breaking the rules.

Indeed You have a point.

Erikas opinion was not immediately dismissed by Tatsuya.

But you dont have to go that far. Even if it gives an advantage in the information war, its still not worth it to risk your lives.

However, in the end, Tatsuya still rejected Erikas claim.

Do you really think so?

But unlike Mikihiko, Erika didnt withdraw easily.

Tatsuya-kun says its risky, but you wont endanger the life of your friends, whove come only to see you and not to take part in the battle , right?

Thats right, but

Tatsuya-kun, last time, you said youll protect Honoka. Will you protect only Honoka?

Erika was talking about the promise that Tatsuya made in response to Shizukus request. This happened in the hospital ward, where Honoka ended up after being abducted by the USNAs illegal operations unit called Illegal MAP. Also the other day, Tatsuya informed Miyuki and Lina that not only Honoka, but also Erika , Mizuki and their other friends are under the protection of the Yotsuba family or rather, under his personal protection as the fianc of the next head of the Yotsuba family . However, Erika shouldnt have known about that conversation.

Tatsuya unconsciously looked at Miyuki with suspicion.

Miyuki slightly shook her head with a face saying Ive got nothing to do with it.

Erika was grinning while seeing the wordless dialogue between those two. She seemed to be able to read the situation from their behavior.

Ill guarantee all my guests safety.

In the end, Tatsuya was only able to return a reluctant reply.

A triumphant grin appeared on Erikas face.

Then, can I stay here too? I told my home that I would camp out for four nights and five days, its kinda harsh to come home so soon.

Then it will be at your own risk.

I wont do anything risky.

Resigned, Tatsuya made a final warning. To which Erika answered with a completely serious expression.

Well, me too.

Count me in.

Shortly thereafter, Honoka and Leo immediately said at the same time.

Then me too.

After the two of them, Shizuku went on like that.