Thinking it wouldn't be strange if someone were listening, Tatsuya admonished her while shrugging. Kyoko, realizing she had teased too much, replied in a way that sounded like a joke. As for how much of it was actually a joke... Yugen estimated at most 10%.
He could say this with near certainty because the gaze Kyoko directed at Tatsuya was strikingly similar to the heated gazes Maya and Remi directed at him.
As Tatsuya said, if Maya found out, it was obvious she would use every trick in the book to pressure Tatsuya into making a baby... It was an act included in premarital relations, but seeing as Maya would likely involve Midnight, Hayama, and even Gozo and Senhime, Yugen, who already had a relationship with his fiancée, couldn't help but shrug.
January 8, 2097 AD. The first day of the new semester.
Yugen and the other three arrived at school 30 minutes earlier than usual.
Just as there hadn't been a ceremony on the last day of the previous term, there wasn't one on the first day of the new term either. The reason for their early arrival was a summons from the school, stating they wanted to hear the circumstances regarding the notifications filed mainly for Tatsuya and Miyuki.
Unlike the original story, the explanation regarding Tatsuya and Miyuki was to be given not just by the Yotsuba family but also by the Kamiizumi and Kagurazaka families. Yugen, as the current head and a "Guardian" figure, was accompanying them.
From the school's perspective, they likely wanted to conduct a hearing, reprimand them for the false information previously filed, and also—since the school was naturally aware that Yugen was living at the Shiba home—tell them to maintain proper decorum.
Saying that now? Yugen spat internally. In the principal's office, Vice Principal Yaosaka and Principal Momoyama Azuma sat across the heavy desk. Originally, the email had only been delivered to Tatsuya and Miyuki, so Minami was in her classroom, and Yugen was watching from the corner of the room with a concealment spell active.
In the original story, it was treated as an error on the birth certificate. However, using the Yotsuba family's alias as a pretext, they adopted the narrative: "Fearing the tragedy that once befell her would reach her son, the true mother, Maya, had Midnight, who acted as a surrogate, register Tatsuya as her own child to hide him within the Shiba family."
It was true that Tatsuya's life had been targeted, so it stood as a rational reason for not letting him take the Yotsuba name to protect him. Besides, if one were to nitpick that, what about Yugen himself, who had attended middle school as "Nagano Yuto"? Not just Ancient Magicians, but many Modern Magicians changed their names due to unavoidable circumstances.
Not only magicians, but human beings lived with secrets, more or less. Pry into every single one, and you're the rude one.
Momoyama frowned slightly at Tatsuya's unshrinking attitude. Sensing this, Yaosaka continued the Q&A while flustered. For Tatsuya, this level of questioning was easily brushed off. Yaosaka finished the necessary questions and reported to Momoyama that there were no discrepancies or inconsistencies.
Hearing this, Momoyama spoke.
"I understand the circumstances. Indeed, you are not responsible. As an educator, punishing the innocent must not happen. However, this matter could have been a grave error leading to expulsion. Therefore, we will be lodging a severe protest with your guardians."
"Understood."
Setting aside Tatsuya, who had realized the truth with his Elemental Sight, the phenomenon of "siblings actually being cousins" applied perfectly to Yugen's past self and Selia. Unless you did a DNA test, you could only believe what your parents told you.
Pressing the individuals themselves about the truth of blood relations was grossly "misguided." They should just ask the parents, Maya and Midnight. The proper course of action would be to provide student guidance to the individuals, including reporting the results of that inquiry.
In the end, perhaps they, too, feared the Yotsuba name.
"Also, it seems Kagurazaka-kun is living at your house, and I hear Shiba Miyuki-kun is his fiancée. Please maintain proper decorum within the school. Given the special circumstances, we will not question the cohabitation."
"Thank you very much."
After watching Yaosaka remind the two of them, Yugen used Mirror Gate, which he rarely used on campus, to jump to the roof, and from there headed to the classroom of Year 2 Class A. Just as Yugen was about to enter the classroom, he ran into Miyuki.
"Yugen-san, weren't you in the classroom?"
"No, well, after that announcement, the atmosphere in the classroom is a bit... So, I was wandering around until just now."
"Is that so?"
Apparently, when he used his concealment to that extent, even Tatsuya struggled to find him. Yakumo had said, "If you hid seriously, it would take even me a week to smoke you out." It was flattering to receive such an evaluation from a ninja master, but it was mostly due to Gozo... and the abilities Yugen had acquired.
When he entered the classroom, gazes naturally turned toward Miyuki but were quickly averted. There was fear, of course, but also excitement among some students wondering if this engagement between classmates would turn out like the current third-years, Isori and Kanon. It was sad that he could grasp most of what was going on, but he called out to Shizuku and Honoka.
"Good morning, you two."
"Good morning, Yugen, Miyuki."
"Good morning. Um, well..."
"It's okay, Honoka. I was prepared for this much."
When Honoka spoke with concern, having sensed the surrounding atmosphere, Miyuki replied with her usual smile. The fact that Miyuki and Yugen were engaged meant their romantic feelings didn't clash, allowing them to remain close friends. Since both Miyuki and Honoka had delicate personalities, following up was difficult.
"I knew it, but getting shaken up by this is weird."
"S-Shizuku..."
"I think it can't be helped, Honoka-san."
"Selia, when did you get here?"
"Yahallo, everyone."
Selia acted brightly, as if nothing had happened. For her, it could be a matter of life and death (physically), so even when asked about the Yotsuba family, she answered, "Well, looking at it within the school, Tatsuya beat my sister, and Miyuki overwhelmed my sister, so isn't it appropriate?"
In Tatsuya's case, the match was decided by a "Lucky Pervert" incident, so it was a problem even before winning or losing.
"Still, looking at us like we're a sideshow... I wonder about that."
"Um, I apologize."
In the original story, they learned Miyuki was a Yotsuba after the New Year's reception. However, thanks to Yugen's existence, the fact that they knew before the reception helped their friends process their feelings, which was significant... coupled with the judgment that she was "better than Yugen." It was extremely difficult to accept.
"There's no need for Miyuki to apologize. I understand how they feel, but if they change how they treat you because of it, that just shows the extent of their character."
"...You walked into a very dry scene right off the bat. And you're harsh, Shizuku."
"If I freaked out every time, my heart wouldn't last."
Himeri arrived while they were talking. Glancing at the classmates shaken by the Yotsuba name and the other girls excited about Yugen and Miyuki's engagement, she muttered her impressions of Shizuku's merciless words.
Note:
Dear readers,
The Lunar New Year is approaching, and I wish you all a new year filled with success, good fortune, and prosperity!
Holiday Announcement:
I'm writing this to announce that I will be taking a short break from posting to celebrate the holiday from February 15th to February 22nd, 2026. I will officially return to work on February 23rd.
Don't worry though! During this break, I'll be busy prepping a bunch of new chapters so I can post them consistently once I'm back. I promise the upcoming parts will be even more exciting, so please stay tuned!
Thank you so much for your understanding and for always being such a supportive community.
Happy Lunar New Year!