―――January 2, 2097 AD.
On that day, a solemn atmosphere drifted through the main Kagurazaka estate. Today was the Kagurazaka Family Celebration—a day when the heads of the primary households and branch families connected to the Kagurazaka, as well as the heads of the Thirteen Court Guard Families connected to the "Nine-Headed Dragon," all gathered at once. This year was particularly significant, as Senhime, who had led the Kagurazaka family for many years, had retired, and sixteen-year-old Yugen Kagurazaka had succeeded as the 108th Head of the Kagurazaka family. Therefore, his debut—the Kagurazaka Succession Ceremony—would take place before the Celebration.
Today was a momentous day, marking Yugen's first step as the head of the Kagurazaka lineage.
The guests were an illustrious lineup. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess attended on behalf of the reigning Emperor, along with the Prime Minister, and Aoba Toudou, head of the Toudou family. Everyone was forced to feel the weight of these individuals who carried the future of the nation.
From the magician community, Tatsuya attended as the representative of the Yotsuba family head (as the next head), Shizuku represented the Kitayama family, Mikihiko represented the Yoshida family, and Erika represented the Chiba family (though she had wanted to decline). Hisui Tomitsuka, the current President of the Magic Association, was also present, as was Gozo, representing the Guardian Kamiizumi family as its head.
Amidst the large crowd gathered in the great hall, one person walked toward the seat of the head. Everyone sensed his presence rather than just seeing his figure, and naturally bowed their heads. He was not intimidating them, but the aura emanating from him created the illusion that a god had descended before their very eyes.
The boy first knelt before the Crown Prince and Crown Princess seated in the front row, then sat in seiza and bowed deeply.
"As the head of the Kagurazaka family, I express my gratitude to Your Highnesses for gracing us with your presence on this auspicious day of the New Year."
"Lord Kagurazaka, you are still young, in your mid-teens. I earnestly hope that you will consider enjoying your youth as part of your duty as a member of the Kagurazaka family, and fulfill that as well."
In response to the boy's actions, the Crown Prince offered words of blessing and bowed his head in return. The Crown Princess also bowed, offering words of concern: "It must be difficult, but please do not overexert yourself." This exchange also signified the Kagurazaka family head fulfilling his duty of respect and loyalty to the Imperial Family.
Having finished his greetings to Their Highnesses, the boy—Yugen Kagurazaka—stood out even more in his jet-black haori. Embroidered in gold thread was the Kagurazaka family crest: the "Four-Quarter Swallowtail Butterfly Chrysanthemum Crest" (a design featuring the Swallowtail Butterfly crest used by the Tsuchimikado family arranged in four directions surrounding the Imperial Chrysanthemum crest, symbolizing the protection of the Imperial Court and Imperial Family from all directions).
Yugen then bowed deeply once before the seat of honor, and after taking his seat, bowed deeply again.
"I am Yugen Kagurazaka, who has become the 108th Head of the Kagurazaka family on this occasion. It is truly a joy to accept this succession under the watchful eyes of not only Their Highnesses but also His Excellency the Prime Minister, His Excellency the Lay Monk Aoba Toudou, and the renowned hero His Excellency Gozo Kamiizumi. I hereby declare that the Kagurazaka family intends to devote even greater efforts, however humble, as bearers of this country's protection. This decision was made by the previous head, Lady Senhime... I trust there are no objections, Lord Yusaku Ise, head of the Ise family, the primary household of the Kagurazaka?"
"There are no objections. having witnessed with my own eyes that you have mastered the secret arts transmitted within the Kagurazaka, I pledge my loyalty to you, Lord Kagurazaka, as a bearer of 'Star Gazing,' so that you may fully display your abilities."
Starting with Yusaku's words, the members connected to the Kagurazaka branch families and the "Nine-Headed Dragon" loudly declared, "We pledge our loyalty to Lord Kagurazaka." Senhime had told him this was a rite of passage for succession, but sitting in the lower seats dressed in a juunihitoe, Senhime was smiling.
She whispered, "When I succeeded, they showed signs of outward obedience but inward defiance," suggesting that the demonstration last year had been quite effective.
"Very well. The world situation remains unpredictable. There are those who look down on us as an inferior race, but arrangements have already been made for their retribution. Like catching a big fish, let us reel them in surely without haste. That is the weapon we excel at."
With the Kagurazaka Succession Ceremony concluded safely, the Celebration turned into a New Year's gathering for close associates. Yugen, now the head, sat in the highest seat of honor, and next to him, Miyuki, dressed in a furisode tailored by Senhime, attended to him diligently.
Senhime, who had changed into a furisode, watched the scene happily.
"Fufu, they already have the atmosphere of a married couple. I can look forward to seeing my great-grandchildren."
"Mother... I am still a high school student."
"I know. Miyuki-chan, please take care of this son of mine."
"I understand, Mother-in-law."
Yesterday had honestly been tough. In addition to the reward from Maya, pushed by Miya, Reimi, and furthermore Miyuki, he had finally ended up having relations with Minami. When he asked Minami what kind of relationship she desired, she said, "I want to take care of Yugen-niisama," desiring the position of servant-cum-mistress herself.
For Minami, the influence of being raised as a Yotsuba Guardian remained strong due to her birth, and her spirit of service was at a level close to instinct, so even Miya had thrown up her hands in surrender.
Furthermore, concluding that Minami serving as Miyuki's Guardian made sense as a fellow woman, and that a peer who could accompany her to places forbidden to men was very valuable, they decided to grant Minami's request.
He had also embraced Airi, who had entered the fiancée ranking. When he confirmed with her after explaining everything, Airi also accepted it. She said with a sigh, "That attitude of caring for women is exactly how you earn more favor," causing him to wonder why.
Incidentally, the next morning Minami looked at him with a passionate gaze, saying, "Yugen-sama is truly a kind person." Needless to say, Miyuki and Airi, jealous of this, pestered him. The two were supposed to be rivals from different schools, but through his existence, a united front had also been born.
Well, he wanted to believe it was better than a melodramatic soap opera-like trouble. Regarding the matter with Miyuki requested via Tatsuya, he conveyed that he would allow it only when they were alone.
Leaving aside Miyuki, Shizuku, Himeri, and Selia who attended the same school, Touko and Airi were from Third High, Yuuka was a university student, and Alisa and Marika were middle school students, so following up with everyone was honestly difficult. As for Izumi, he judged that he couldn't touch her as long as she was a member of the Saegusa family.
He was sorry, but that was how much sin the Saegusa family bore against the Kagurazaka family.
"By the way, what happened with Shuji and Yumu? Mother wanted to marry the two of them."
"Oh yes, I wanted to ask you to handle that, Yu-kun."
According to Senhime, she had originally intended to settle it during her tenure, but due to the trouble between the Miyamoto family and Takatsuki regarding the Heavenly Blade Spiritual Equipment, a situation arose where she couldn't issue the marriage order in her time.
Specifically, relatives disputed over the treatment of Shuji and Yumu, saying things like "Marry Yumu into the Miyamoto family" or "Adopt Shuji as a son-in-law," ignoring the head. It nearly escalated into an internal family conflict, requiring Soushi Miyamoto, head of the Miyamoto family, and Ryumei Takatsuki, head of the Takatsuki family and chief priest of Izumo Shrine, to consult Senhime together, even dragging in the Ise family.
"…What were they doing? Well, I'm partly a cause of it, so I can't say I'm unrelated."
"By the time it was finally settled at the end of the year, I couldn't bring up their marriage anymore. Oh right, since Miyuki-chan will become the head's wife, she will also take on this role, so remember it well."
"Yes, I understand."
Normally, Ancient Magic families would perform marriage ceremonies according to their respective traditions while adhering to civil law. However, in the Kagurazaka family's case, not only did they secretly take in Imperial family members, but they also inherited all rituals transmitted in the Imperial Family and Court without omission.
This was in consideration of the event that the lineage of transmitters might die out. Because of this, they were trusted by the Imperial Household Agency, the Cabinet Office organ responsible for state affairs concerning the Imperial Family, receiving foreign ambassadors designated as acts of state by the Emperor, ceremonies of the Imperial Family, and custody of the Privy Seal and State Seal.
Returning to the topic, in the Kagurazaka family's case, the head confirms the will to marry of both the man and woman respectively. If the head judges that their wills match, the marriage is approved. It is close to a love marriage rather than a political one, but this is because the Kagurazaka family believes that strong romantic feelings between the couple strongly influence the magical aptitude of the child born—so-called curse elements being important factors determining magical aptitude.
In this case, Yugen would confirm Shuji's will, Miyuki would confirm Yumu's will, and Yugen would make the marriage decision by consolidating both opinions. Of course, Shuji and Yumu were members of the "Divine Generals," so their relationship was already known without needing to ask.
Still, since they would undergo a ritual—intercourse between man and woman, which Yugen experienced two years ago—there was also the implication of testing their resolve.
"Well, I understand the situation. Shall we set it up tonight?"
"That is the intention."
In any case, it was true that it would be troublesome if Shuji didn't make up his mind soon, so he was just giving him a light push. Not that he wanted to stick his neck into other people's love lives too much.
"Happy New Year, Yugen-kun, Miyuki-kun. Or should I call Yugen-kun 'Lord Kagurazaka'?"
"Sensei!?"
Approaching with a beaming smile was a figure clad in a monk's stole—Yakumo Kokonoe, the chief priest of Kokonoe Temple. Miyuki opened her eyes wide at this. Yakumo wore a satisfied smile seeing Miyuki's surprised expression, causing Yugen to mutter a warning.
Incidentally, Tatsuya had left the scene saying he was "going to the restroom." Coming to greet them during that interval was very much like Yakumo.
"Monk Yakumo Kokonoe—no, Kokonoe-sensei. Even for a born shinobi, keep your pranks in moderation. Tatsuya will seriously punch you."
"Rather, it's not worth teaching him unless he can put me in the dirt. Once again, congratulations on succeeding as head, Yugen-kun. Miyuki-kun also looks happy to be engaged to Yugen-kun."
"Thank you very much, Sensei. But when did you find out?"
Although Miyuki belonged to the "Divine Generals," she still did not know that Yakumo was the head of the "Nine-Headed Dragon." Since it was a matter originally known only to those related to the head, Yakumo attended merely as a humble ninjutsu user on good terms with the Kagurazaka family.
"I am a temple monk and a shinobi, you see. I can investigate that much, but this time, Lady Senhime, an acquaintance of my predecessor, told me."
"It's fine, Miyuki-chan. The corrupt monk here is one of my students."
"Oh my, I was very much indebted to you back then."
It was a fact that Yakumo had studied under not only Gozo but also Senhime. Since it was a more than sufficient cover story to hide the "Nine-Headed Dragon," Miyuki avoided further pursuit. Yakumo said he would go greet Tatsuya as well, bowed once, and left the scene.
The lively New Year's gathering passed. That night, he "counter-attacked" (in a meaningful way) the fiancées who attacked him one after another (also known as night crawling). The next day, after the second day of the New Year holidays passed, Yugen closed his eyes to the sight in front of him—"a state where I don't know how to express it gently"—and headed to the bathhouse to wash off his sweat.
Not that he wanted to forget the scene earlier, but since there was the matter of Shuji and Yumu last night, he wanted to think as little as possible. Just then, Shuji arrived wearing a towel. He looked visibly exhausted; it was evident he had been thoroughly squeezed by Yumu.
Then, Shuji noticed Yugen and called out.
"Morning, Yugen."
"Morning, Shuji. You look exhausted. Were you squeezed dry by Yumu or someone?"
"Well, in a sense, yes."
Sensing each other's circumstances, they washed their bodies without asking too many probing questions and soaked in the large tub facing each other up to their shoulders. Feeling the fatigue melting into the hot water, Shuji also wore a relaxed expression.
"Yugen, only three days have passed since the year started, but what do you think will happen?"
"…At the very least, since the Ten Master Clans Selection Conference is in a month, we cannot let our guard down."
The cause of concern was Gu Jie, Zhou Gongjin's master. He was one of the Ancient Magicians who worked at the Kunlun Fang Institute, the magician research institution of the former Great Han. However, defeated in a factional struggle with Modern Magicians within the Institute, they fled to North America (current USNA).
He built a network of fellow Great Han exiles and rose to the position called "Big Man" (Daren) as a mastermind of the underworld. He supported organizations like "Blanche" and the "No Head Dragon," and lost Zhou Gongjin, who was his pawn and disciple.
"Does this relate to the 'Seven Sages' you mentioned before?"
"It's highly possible. After all, there were too many doubts."
To begin with, it was questionable why Gu Jie and his disciples didn't defect to the Great Asian Alliance with the information obtained at the Kunlun Fang Institute. Originally, those from the continent valued Confucianism, so they were extremely harsh on traitors. Even so, from the perspective of the Great Asian Alliance, which was inferior in magical aspects, they could have proposed cooperation including the provision of magic technology in exchange for revenge against the Great Han.
The answer lay in the existence of an Oriental man who aided their escape. He had disguised his appearance, but it turned out he was Japanese, and moreover, an Ancient Magician. When he helped Gu Jie escape to North America, where it was easier to establish a base for revenge than the declining Great Asian Alliance, it is believed he placed a gentle suggestion on Gu Jie with his own "eyes." This is merely a deduction from information read from memories absorbed from Zhou Gongjin's ghost.
It was a suggestion that the more power Gu Jie gained, the stronger his desire for revenge against the Great Han would become. Even Gu Jie, who excelled in remote control magic and mental interference magic that remodeled humans into magical tools among Ancient Magicians, might not have been able to escape the brand of suggestion interfering with his emotions. If we assume that acted upon him, directing his resentment for unfulfilled revenge against the Great Han toward the Yotsuba family makes sense.
This is currently a hypothesis, but if this hypothesis is correct, there is no doubt that some kind of magical brand is embedded in Gu Jie's body. Since semi-permanent continuous magic like "Oath" or "Polar Star Spirit" exists, investigating it would reveal whose spell it is in one shot.
"A suggestion utilizing Gu Jie's emotions, huh... The possibility isn't zero."
"It was fully possible for them to bring information to the Great Asian Alliance and rival the Great Han. But the one who stopped that is believed to be an Ancient Magician sent by a member of the 'Senate.' I heard that those who excel in Eye Techniques are mainly seen among Ancient practitioners, especially those of Esoteric Buddhism or Shugendo lineages."
In fact, Aoba Toudou's cloudy white left eye is said to be the result of drawing out the innate qualities transmitted in the Toudou family through a procedure. This was something he heard from Sana; apparently, it is said that if an extremely skilled Ancient practitioner undergoes the procedure, color will dwell in their eyes.
Of course, in his case, since he possessed the "Osiris Sight" (Eye of the Heavenly God), he had no desire to possess such eyes. He felt full just with this power, and thought that gaining any more eye powers would only be a hindrance.
Author's Note:
The latter part includes settings added based on predictions considering that Gu Jie himself is unaware. If he had harbored a clear desire for revenge on his own, he should have remembered it no matter how old he got.
Even if one excels in mental interference magic, whether they can withstand a mental attack from an opponent is another story.
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