After celebrating his birthday with school friends, Tatsuya's communication terminal buzzed, cutting through the evening's calm.
"Hello?" he answered. "…Right now? Alright… I'll change and head over."
"Onii-sama?" Miyuki's voice carried a hint of concern, her brow furrowing. She knew the few people who'd prompt such a formal tone from her brother.
"It's a call from the main house," Tatsuya said. "Unusually, they want me to come there directly."
Miyuki frowned deeper. "Aunt Maya? I'd expect her to pick another location…"
"I thought so too," Tatsuya said, "but this summons feels different."
Miyuki had planned a private birthday celebration with Tatsuya, but defying the Yotsuba main house could cost them their freedom. Reluctantly, she let him go. "Onii-sama, don't do anything reckless."
"I know," Tatsuya said. "Besides, if they're calling me, Aoki's probably not there."
Aoki, the fourth-ranked Yotsuba retainer who shadowed their father, was one of Tatsuya's staunchest detractors, always glaring at him with disdain.
"Alright, Miyuki," Tatsuya said, "I'm off. Lock up tight and don't stay up too late."
"Onii-sama, I'm not a child anymore," Miyuki huffed.
"To me, you'll always be my little sister," he teased, his smile softer than usual.
"Oh, Onii-sama," Miyuki said, cheeks flushing.
Gently ruffling her hair, Tatsuya flashed a smile too tender for a brother before heading out.
Miyuki muttered to the empty house, "I'm not a child…" She retreated to her room, where faint giggles soon echoed. Luckily, no one else was home to hear.
Tatsuya rode his bike to the Yotsuba estate, handing it to a waiting maid before heading to the room where his summoner awaited.
"Excuse me, Hayama-san," Tatsuya said, entering.
"We've been expecting you, Tatsuya-dono," Hayama replied, his tone warm but formal.
Hayama, Maya's most trusted confidant, had called him here. "May I know the reason for the summons?" Tatsuya asked.
"Don't you already have a guess, Tatsuya-dono?" Hayama countered, a rare move.
Tatsuya's eyes narrowed, his suspicion confirmed. "Today, of all days? Tomorrow would've worked."
"Maya-sama values you greatly," Hayama said.
"And Aoki's on a trip?" Tatsuya asked.
Hayama chuckled softly. "You even knew that."
"It's obvious," Tatsuya said. "You called me to the estate. Aoki, who despises me, wouldn't be here."
Hayama stifled a laugh at Tatsuya's bluntness. "Indeed, he does see you as an enemy."
"Getting worked up over me?" Tatsuya said dryly. "Aoki must be bored."
Hayama burst out laughing. Tatsuya knew the Yotsuba butler wasn't idle—his jab was pure jest.
"Where's Aunt Maya?" Tatsuya asked, glancing around.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!" Maya's voice rang out as the door flew open with a bang.
"Aunt Maya," Tatsuya said, unfazed. "What's with the entrance?"
"Hm? What?" Maya said, tilting her head.
"You're awfully dressed up," Tatsuya noted. "Guests?"
"I dolled up for you, Takkun!" Maya chirped.
Tatsuya sighed, shooting Hayama a look. Hayama raised an eyebrow, offering silent sympathy.
"Hayama-san, the item," Maya said.
"Of course," Hayama replied, bowing and exiting.
Tatsuya turned to Maya. "You remembered."
"Of course!" Maya said. "My adorable Takkun's birthday? Unforgettable."
"I wonder how Mother would've reacted," Tatsuya said.
"My sister?" Maya mused. "She'd probably be jealous."
"Why?" Tatsuya asked.
Maya's smile softened. "She lost most of her emotions, like you. A complicated situation."
"Like you, Aunt Maya?" Tatsuya asked.
"I'm not as bad as you two," Maya said, stepping closer, her well-preserved figure pressing against him—a gesture far too intimate for an aunt. "I can still adore my Takkun."
Tatsuya didn't flinch. "Do you hate this house, Takkun?"
"I don't have the emotions to hate," he replied.
"I'd love for you to be the next head," Maya said. "But that's impossible, isn't it?"
"Obviously," Tatsuya said. "The branch families and retainers wouldn't stand for it."
"In raw ability, you're unmatched," Maya said. "But by public standards…"
"The secretive Yotsuba caring about appearances? Ironic," Tatsuya said.
"The head has to show their face," Maya explained. "Normal magic power is preferred."
"So Mother made me Miyuki's guardian," Tatsuya said. "To tie my low magic to the Yotsuba."
"Not just that," Maya said.
"To keep me from becoming an enemy," Tatsuya finished.
"You knew," Maya said, sighing and nodding. Tatsuya was one of the few mages who could rival her—a threat the Yotsuba couldn't afford.
"You favor me," Tatsuya said, "but expecting all of Yotsuba to agree is unrealistic."
"That's why we rarely meet like this," Maya said.
"Aoki's your devoted follower," Tatsuya said dryly.
"What, am I a cult leader?" Maya teased.
Tatsuya's lips twitched—a rare, genuine smile, his fullest expression.
"Hayama-san, how long are you eavesdropping?" Tatsuya called.
"As expected, Tatsuya-dono," Hayama said, reentering with a tray. "You noticed."
"Bad manners, Hayama-san," Maya said lightly.
Hayama bowed, setting the tray before them—a meal prepared for Tatsuya's birthday.
"For you, Takkun," Maya said.
"The chefs agreed to this?" Tatsuya asked.
"You don't know, but you're popular among the maids," Maya said.
"Several wish to bear your child, Tatsuya-dono," Hayama added.
Tatsuya nearly laughed it off as a joke, but their serious gazes stopped him. They're not kidding.
"Oh, about your bride candidates…" Maya began, pulling out photos.
Thank god I didn't bring Miyuki, Tatsuya thought, eating while eyeing the pictures.