[Lone's POV]
Once the headache subsided, I panted and lay down on my bed in contemplation. A massive flood of information had flooded my brain all at once, and I struggled to process everything. Sixteen years of mannerisms, habits, feelings, memories... a deep resentment toward myself was also evident.
I, Mashiro Yatsushiro, had suffered an accident that caused me to black out and be rushed to the emergency department. It struck without warning, though I could guess the reason: my arrival... Lone's arrival.
Mashiro Yatsushiro, I must admit, was a truly pitiful figure. He was the son of Mikage Yatsushiro, the previous Clan Head of one of the Ten Master Clans, a highly respected figure in Japan and even abroad. The clan is primarily based in Kyushu, in the south of Japan, far from my current location in Tokyo.
Aside from his father, he had no close family beyond two older brothers and some distant cousins, aunts, and uncles who all lived in the south but with whom he rarely spoke. Despite their immense wealth, the clan remained quite traditional, and its members did not live like magnates. Mashiro was supposed to have led a relatively comfortable life. But... nothing could be further from the truth.
Despite all his efforts, it seemed nothing was ever enough, as if he was doomed never to be acknowledged. Mashiro was destined to live in the shadow of his elder brothers, Raizou and Takara, simply because he could not inherit the family's signature magic: Gravitation.
In Japan, all of the Ten Master Clans possess a unique magical trait, a sort of military deterrent. In the case of the Yatsushiro Clan, this magic is gravitation; it is passed down through the bloodline, and not every member possesses it. However, the heir is expected to wield it. And I did not.
That single fact made me a failure in the eyes of Japan's magical elite. For such a simple reason, he was despised by the rest of the clan, falling under the reluctant protection of his elder brothers, who were not exactly warm, but at least recognised him as their sibling and wanted to look after him.
The clan's roots lie in the 8th Research Institute in the south, where they actively pursued research into electromagnetism, nuclear forces, and gravitation. Of all the clans, they were among the least focused on warfare and leaned more toward pure magical research.
Mashiro, however, was different. Seeing his inability to carve a path through magic, he chose magical engineering instead. Unfortunately, in the eyes of traditional Japanese magician families, that path belonged to the losers. Mashiro was fascinated by engineering, CADs, their calibration, and creation. Therefore, his brothers decided the best course was for him to follow his own road and attend the 1st Institute in Tokyo instead of the 8th in Kyushu.
After completing the practical and theoretical exams, they became even more convinced it was the right decision.
*knock*
*knock*
I heard two knocks, then someone entered without waiting for my permission. In came a maid, a strikingly beautiful and tall, nonchalant maid with long straight black hair and deep marine-blue eyes. She wore the perfect anime-style maid attire.
"..."
"..."
We stared at each other in silence. She approached the bed, sat on the side chair, and placed what looked like a bento box. Then she stayed there, watching me. I know who she is from my new memories... and she is behaving exactly as she always does.
"Good morning, Houki," I greeted.
"Oh, you're awake, Mashiro-sama!" She gasped in surprise, making me twitch inwardly.
'You won't speak until I do, huh...?'
"How long have I been unconscious?" I asked.
"Two days. Don't worry, Mashiro-sama. You didn't miss your entrance ceremony. Sadly, you won't enjoy your weekend as planned. Pft, sadly." She blurted out, barely suppressing a laugh.
"You're laughing?" I asked ominously.
"Not at all, Mashiro-sama."
I—no, Mashiro—was already accustomed to this annoyingly cute maid. She was supposed to serve, but they shared more of a friendship than anything else. Mashiro also had a crush on her... yet her somewhat hurtful remarks always discouraged him. Poor fool.
I don't need a magnifying glass to see she looks down on him, too, just like everyone else... only she performs her duty.
"I'm glad I didn't miss it. Do my brothers know what happened?" I took the bento and started eating.
"They do not know," she answered.
"Father—"
"Not aware," she replied again.
"..."
I guess no one cares if Mashiro Yatsushiro collapses in the middle of the street, fine!
"Such a minor mishap, there is no need to alert the Clan Head and the elders," she mumbled seriously.
'Me passing out is a minor mishap, huh?'
Truth be told, I did more than pass out. Mashiro died, and I took his place... not that they care.
"Did you cook this?" I asked. It was a hotpot, very delicious. The moment I asked, I felt the urge to sigh. Yes, I knew the answer.
"No, Mashiro-sama, I bought it at the hospital café. I hope you enjoy it. I put a lot of effort into waiting in the queue~"
'How is she such an un-maid-like maid...?' It's as if maids are supposed to be beautiful, disciplined, well-spoken, cultured, versatile, and skilled... this girl is just pretty... and wears a maid outfit. That's all.
Nikaidō Houki, 28 years old, belongs to one of the 18 Assistant Houses. And she is my personal maid. When I was told I would travel all the way to Tokyo, contrary to my expectations, they told me, the wastrel, I couldn't go alone.
Houki has been taking care of me for two years and volunteered to accompany me. Very enthusiastically, I might add. Somehow, I feel she just wanted to sightsee Tokyo more than anything.
She doesn't cook.
She doesn't clean.
She doesn't work.
She's a feminist through a through, but she takes care of me and protects me while using the hefty economic assets of the Yatsushiro Clan, though.
Houki is the laziest maid ever, but in a way, she's also very obedient, so I suppose no complaints. Whatever I tell her to do, she does. She gets me good food, whether she cooks it or not. The previous Mashiro was very annoyed and desperately wanted something made by her.
But me? I call that efficiency. Besides, there are those anime characters who, when they cook, produce radioactive poison. I wasn't willing to test if Houki was one of them. I only have five iterations, and I can't afford to waste any.
"Thanks, Houki," I smiled at her.
She appreciated the gesture but still squinted her brows and remained silent, sitting there the entire time I ate. I realised I had done something uncharacteristic—something Mashiro Yatsushiro would never do.
Say thank you to her.
But I couldn't care less about being out of character. I have his face, his blood, his pupils, his fingerprints... what exactly are they going to accuse me of? So long as I don't go over the top, there shouldn't be an issue.
"Am I going to be discharged?" I asked after I finished.
"Once the head nurse checks your condition, she should release you, and we can return home, Mashiro-sama."
"Cool. Say, Houki... do you think our Yatsushiro clan is very influential?" I asked genuinely.
She frowned. "Mashiro-sama, as one of the Ten Master Clans, it is obvious our clan is influential."
I had limited knowledge from Mashiro about the Ten Great Clans. The Kudou clan was the leading one, the one that called the shots. Then there was the Yotsuba Clan, whom I was tasked to 'make submit,' and... that clan is supposed to be untouchable, the strongest strategic magician force.
They possess enormous deterrent, political, and military power. There are certainly ten great clans in Japan, but they are not equal by any means. They are all influential in their own ways, but when it comes to military and political power, some stand out far more than others. Yotsuba, Ichijou, and Jumonji, to name a few, carry immense weight.
Then there is Saegusa with huge political influence. Some families are notorious for research like mine, while others own massive magical conglomerates. I needed to know where I stood because all my missions require support.
The way I see it, the way I am now, I can't even kill a fly, let alone destroy the USNA.
"Do you think our clan has political leverage in this country?" I asked one more question.
"You're rather eager and curious today, Mashiro-sama," she replied with a frown, but I smiled.
"Well, can't a person change? Suddenly, I feel like I want to understand this world better. Perhaps become someone able to assist my brother in the future. Don't you think that's honourable?"
"... Mashiro-sama should just focus on becoming an engineer, then we can move to the USNA and live a peaceful life away from the Ten Great Clans~" She clapped her hands lightly and said with a smile that left me speechless. Her expression then turned cold, though she kept smiling.
"Don't you think that would be ideal, Mashiro-sama?~"
'A yandere...? But so far she hasn't shown any interest in this guy...'
"That would be ideal," I lied with a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "But even then, I would like to be able to help my brother."
Houki sighed. "Political leverage, huh...? I do not think the Yatsushiro clan has that much, Mashiro-sama, but it has always held a relevant seat in the international magical research council—" She began, jumped to defend the clan's dignity at every opportunity.
'That's not what I asked'
The Magical Research Council has no role in military matters. Although they possess some political influence regarding weapon development, resource exploitation, and other topics. This clan's political and military influence couldn't help me accomplish any of the missions, but it could serve as a proxy.
From Mashiro's perspective, I understand the following: This world's major social divide is mages versus non-mages. Mages form the elite of society. Non-mages are generally relegated to engineering—whether mage-sourced technology or CADs (Casting Assistant Devices), which are also available to mages. As a result, in every major country, there is always this political division. It's like the right and left of this world, with mages as the right and non-mages as the left.
Mages consider themselves superior, while non-mages despise mages and pursue technological development to counter them. In the middle of all this is the Yatsushiro Clan.
Clans involved in magical research and development are usually the most traditional and right-leaning. I couldn't help but smile. There is something about this clan that may help me. Compared to other families or organisations actively researching magic in Japan and the world, the Yatsushiro are known for developing theories and research into electromagnetism, nuclear forces, and gravitation.
They are deeply involved in the development and management of nuclear warheads. And so, even though they lack direct military power, their voice among the ten clans cannot be ignored. That said, the one who holds that influence is my brother, Raizō, not me.
"What are you thinking, Mashiro-sama?" I didn't notice when, but Houki's face was very close to mine, studying me.
'Does she suspect...?'
"I'm just thinking how many friends I'll make at school," I smiled.
"Probably none."
"Excuse me...?" I asked aghast, even for her, this was quite the low blow.
That's what I mean—this girl takes every possible chance to put me down. How could Mashiro be so stupid as to fall in love with this girl?
"Mashiro-sama is the only member among the ten great clans relegated to the second course due to low practical test results, an embarrassment to the Yatsushiro Clan while simultaneously dragging down the reputation of all the ten great clans," she said, each word more painful than the last.
I could feel Mashiro's heart shrieking, "T-Thank you for reminding me."
"But regardless of how useless you are, I will always be by your side, Mashiro-sama~" she said cutely. So pretty... so cute that I want to strangle her with my own hands.
That's right. Mashiro has almost no magic capacity... thankfully, he at least took care of his body, and I am not a complete waste physically.
'But this is a problem...' I sighed inwardly, 'How am I going to accomplish these missions without magic?'
After I finished eating, I spoke with Houki for a while about the clan's affairs, as much as she could tell me. Then the nurse came, checked me, saw I was alive and kicking, and discharged us. Houki drove us back home in a car that looked like a futuristic Rolls-Royce, and I felt my legs still wobbling slightly from weakness as she helped me into the apartment. She placed me on the sofa and went somewhere—I assumed to the kitchen—then returned quickly with some tea. I tasted it and smelled the sweet, slightly spicy fragrance of ginger.
"Did you make this tea, Houki? It's delicious––"
"No, Mashiro-sama, I bought it~"
'Woman, you can't even make tea? You're a failure as a maid!' I sighed inwardly, hearing her giggles as she took a seat next to me.
'Efficiency. If she had made it herself... it would have taken longer,' I thought, calming Mashiro's impulses.
I looked at Houki, who sat in a meditative pose in all her alluring glory. She was charming, I won't deny that. Was she a blockhead? Probably not... just not your usual maid.
My brows furrowed. 'And she's probably here not only to make my life miserable, but also for surveillance—to report everything I do to my father.'
My brother Takara was quite fond of Houki; they were within the same age range, and he actively courted her in the past. But... I guess Houki is a mean bitch to everyone, not just me. Nevertheless, he wasn't happy to know she was coming with me. He's the family's prodigy, so I was surprised to know my father assigned Houki to me and not him. Even if Houki wanted to come with me, she didn't have much of a say if my father ordered her to go to him.
That told me they're not as disinterested as they claim to be. But it is up to me to know why it is like that.
"I will retire for today, Houki" I mumbled, I was about to say thanks for today, but recalled that's not something I am supposed to do, so I didn't. It is my first time as Lone, having a maid, even if she's a bit annoying, it is good to have someone to do everything for you.
"Have a good night, Mashiro-sama. I will make sure to wake you up early for your bath, then drive you to the entrance ceremony at the First Institute," she smiled and bowed.
"Thanks. Good night." I said, then flinched and realised I did say thanks at the end of it all. I am Japanese, dammit! What do you expect from me!?
I went into my room, closing the door behind me while hearing some giggles outside. I sat on the bed, gazing at the empty sky and the full moon, watching the timer.
0mn 0d 7h 34m 20s 1ms
Seven hours had passed in which I had done nothing but ruminate and talk nonsense with Houki. Ten days to clear, three months overtime. First of all, I need to know what resources I have. Chronoire and Anti-Material Burst are my two skills, and I still don't even know what they are. I have no magic capacity in this body... but... is that true?
Intellect: 5
In all games, intellect represents the ability to use magic, as well as the strength of that magic. It is also my highest stat. So, how is this body so useless with magic? Also, if I received Anti-Material Burst through the starter package, then what exactly is Chronoire?
There were many questions. I know the family bloodline heritage is Gravitation, which I do not possess, as I can confirm.
'I need to learn how to use my skills first and foremost.'
This first Iteration is likely going to be for training and reconnaissance. I don't think I will be able to complete any mission yet. Three months is a very tight timeframe for all the research I need to do.
So, if there is any hope, it is by buying the Mahouka script for 500SP.
Which means... I have to complete some side missions to get that 500SP.
Defeat Tatsuya...? The guy is so strong that they call him Shiba Godsuya in fandoms, the legendary onii-sama. Nevertheless, the mission says defeat, not kill. So would a game of chess count? Or do I have to face him in a duel?
'System...?' I asked mentally, hoping the almighty chicken would descend, but there was no answer.
"System?" The same result when I asked out loud.
I checked the system, and there was no customer support button. Garbage. So much for an omnipotent god, can't even make a good system.
(A/N: Fuck you...)
'Okay...' If we consider that this guy is Shiba Godsuya, it will probably be difficult to defeat him in any setting.
What about the other missions?
I don't know who Angie Sirius is; that's a girl's name. Let's assume she's someone as troublesome as Tatsuya, not someone I can take on yet, but we will see.
As for making the Yotsuba Clan submit? Good luck with that. How am I supposed to do that when I am the wastrel of the Yatsushiro Clan? Forget about submitting—they probably wouldn't even say good morning to me the way I am now.
Things are looking grim, but that's how I like it.
The difficulty!~
Lastly, the three biggest ones. Destroy the equivalents of China, America, and Russia? Yeah, no...
So far, my only advantage is that I belong to this clan, but I have no real say in it. I gain SP by completing missions or levelling up. My other option is to level up, and upon reaching level five, I will unlock Attribute Enhancing, which I imagine will help me increase strength, intellect, and other attributes. This is a world of magic, so physical strength should have little meaning. I need to bet everything on Intellect and Vitality.
"Alright, in any case... tomorrow is the entrance ceremony where I will go to school, meet some interesting people... let's see how that goes."
I have five iterations, which means a total of fifteen months. No, actually twelve months because in the last iteration, if I don't complete the main missions within ten days, I'm done.
'Twelve months... a year.'
Straight away, I can see one big advantage: I will know future events, even if only a few months' worth of future knowledge. Perhaps I can find somewhere to find SP across iterations; we will see.
The room was warm, I covered myself in that fluffy bedsheet and dozed off. It was my first night in another world.
...
I went to sleep that night and woke up the next day feeling rather constricted, bound...
"Good morning, Mashiro-sama~" I opened my eyes, and a naughty maid was straddling me, staring at me with those deep blue eyes.
"Time to wake up~"
She poked my nose over and over. We were in a very compromising situation, but the thick bedsheets and her maid attire kept it from becoming awkward.
"... Houki? What are you doing?" I asked with a frown.
"You don't like me waking you up this way?" She said, moving away from the bed and yanking off my precious bedsheet. The room was warm anyway, but still—my bedsheet!
"Would you prefer me to wake you up by throwing cold water on you? Research shows it would be the most efficient method since all your senses would flare up, adrenaline would kick in, placing your brain in a state of alert and attention—"
"No, thank you. Wake me up with a good morning kiss and a cup of tea from now on. I'd appreciate that," I said, snatched my bedsheet back, and walked to the bathroom with it to brush my teeth. Why? Because I can. She stared at me the whole time with a gasp that eventually turned into a salacious smile.
"As you wish, Mashiro-sama~"
A sultry glint flashed in her eyes.
...
Houki helped me dress in this white and green attire that, compared to the high school uniforms of my previous world, made me look like some wannabe diplomat with rather questionable fashion sense. Why the hell are underage students wearing green trench coats to school in spring?
"You look very charming. If your magic capabilities weren't so useless, I'm sure you would be a very great marriage prospect, Mashiro-sama~"
"..."
'How can you be so cute yet so hurtful? Why is there not a mission to kill this maid? I'd get some easy SP right off the bat, completely justified'
I left my room, and she had already prepared breakfast... prepared? Yeah, of course.
Without even asking, I sat down to eat. She sat down with me, and I could tell she was amused that I didn't ask.
We still had plenty of time.
"Houki, is there a place where I can train my magic?" I asked her. She tilted her head.
"Do you wish to train with your CAD, Mashiro-sama? I believe the school should have available training grounds."
"Yes, I know, but I would like something more private. I can't be a wastrel forever, can I?" The school is bound to have camera surveillance; I don't want anyone to know my capabilities.
Then again, I don't know if she can help me with this. Houki is the one with access to the clan's funds, not me. She giggled with a touch of pity.
"I can arrange that for you. Should I hire a small room with specialised equipment for training purposes?"
"Yes, please do so... once I finish class today, we're driving there."
"As you wish, Mashiro-sama." Once we were ready, we boarded our car, and she drove me dutifully.
I was ready for my first day at school.