While Tatsuya was delegating the investigation to Masaki, a male student from Fourth High approached Shizuku.
"Shizuku."
"Cousin Harumi," Shizuku replied with a slight nod.
Honoka clearly recognized the boy as well—Harumi Naruse—and the two exchanged polite bows. Hearing Shizuku refer to him as "cousin" reminded Miyuki of a conversation regarding Shizuku's relative attending Fourth High. By focusing on that memory, she successfully maintained a mask of polite indifference, feigning ignorance of the Fourth High freshmen standing just behind him.
Shizuku spoke with her cousin for a few moments away from the main group before nodding and returning to Miyuki's side.
"Miyuki, I have a small favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"My cousin wants to introduce Tatsuya to some of his juniors."
"To my brother?"
"Yes. He's at Fourth High, and apparently, the new students have heard the rumors about Tatsuya and are dying to meet him."
"It depends on his schedule, of course, but I doubt he would refuse," Miyuki replied smoothly.
She made her way over to Tatsuya with a light, graceful step. Airi and the others shot sharp, questioning glances at her, but Miyuki paid them no mind.
"Brother, do you have a moment? A first-year from Fourth High would like to pay his respects."
"To me? Very well."
Airi and her companions looked satisfied—though for a different reason than Tatsuya. To them, the "First High technical genius" and "Fourth High" (known for its focus on engineering and ritual) were a natural pairing.
"Airi, if you'll excuse us, I'll be borrowing my brother for a moment," Miyuki said, her poker face impenetrable as she led Tatsuya toward the waiting freshmen.
"I am Fumiya Kuroba. It is an honor to meet you, Shiba-senpai."
"And I am Ayako Kuroba. I am Fumiya's older twin sister. It is a pleasure, Shiba-senpai."
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm Tatsuya Shiba. However, I'm a student at First High—I'm not technically your 'senior' in any official capacity."
"Even if our schools differ, you are our senior as a magician," Fumiya insisted.
"We may be Fourth High students, but neither of us is particularly gifted when it comes to the technical side of magic," Ayako added. "Even so, if you would be willing, we would love to receive your guidance. My brother and I were deeply moved by your techniques."
"I can't promise anything during the competition, but if another opportunity arises, I wouldn't mind."
"Truly?" Fumiya's eyes brightened.
"Thank you so much. We look forward to it," Ayako said with a graceful bow.
Behind Tatsuya, Miyuki remained silent throughout the performance. While her expression stayed calm, she didn't trust herself to join in on this particular charade. The three of them—Tatsuya, Fumiya, and Ayako—played their roles of "first-time acquaintances" perfectly.
Once they parted ways with the twins, Tatsuya moved toward the tables assigned to each school—an arrangement decided by unspoken etiquette—and fell into a deep silence.
"Tatsuya. About those Fourth High students..."
Tatsuya didn't look surprised as Mikihiko slid up beside him. Even with Mikihiko's stealth, he couldn't hope to bypass Tatsuya's perceptions.
"The two freshmen?"
"Yeah... they introduced themselves as 'Kuroba,' didn't they?"
"Have you taken up lip-reading, Mikihiko?" Tatsuya asked dryly.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop," Mikihiko apologized, his voice tinged with guilt at Tatsuya's sharp tone.
"It's fine. We weren't discussing anything confidential. Is there a problem with them?"
"There's been a rumor circulating since this spring... that there's a branch family of the Yotsuba called 'Kuroba.'"
"Since this spring? That's oddly specific," Tatsuya noted. "Do you think those two are related to the Yotsuba? Are you telling me I should stay away from them?"
"I think, at the very least, you shouldn't be the one to approach them."
"So it's fine if they approach me?"
"Well, it's not like you can help it if trouble has a way of finding you, Tatsuya."
Tatsuya felt that was a bit uncalled for and opened his mouth to offer a stinging retort, but the guest of honor began the opening remarks, cutting him off.
After the party concluded, the students retired to their assigned rooms. However, when Tatsuya entered his, his roommate Kei Isori was nowhere to be seen. In his place was Miyuki. Her suitcase sat open on the floor in front of the bed where she was seated. The situation was immediately clear.
"Lord Kudou was absent tonight," Miyuki began. "Shizuku heard that he's been in poor health..."
"A lie. Or rather, he may be suffering from some physical or mental ailment, but that isn't why he missed the party. If he were truly ill, he would be confined to his estate. At the very least, he wouldn't be here. I don't know what he's plotting, but Retsu Kudou's absence from the immediate vicinity is a stroke of luck. Miyuki, I'm heading out."
Tatsuya had changed into all-black attire. He would have preferred a stealth suit or a high-performance Movable Suit with enhanced optical camouflage, but he knew there was no point in wishing for what he didn't have.
"Please be careful, Brother," Miyuki said, standing up from the bed.
She didn't ask to go with him. She was restraining herself, fully aware of her own magical aptitudes and the nature of the mission. Her eyes pleaded with him to take her along, but Tatsuya feigned ignorance.
"You should be careful as well. Don't let anyone realize you're in this room. If you are caught, tell them the truth: that Chiyoda-senpai insisted on the swap and you couldn't refuse her."
Tatsuya wasn't lying, nor was he merely shifting blame; it was the simple truth. Kanon Chiyoda, who was supposed to be Miyuki's roommate, had practically forced the room exchange so she could spend the night with her fiancé, Isori.
Miyuki let out a small, melodic giggle. Tatsuya's total lack of hesitation in throwing his upperclassman under the bus was, in its own way, quite funny.
"I understand, Brother. If the worst happens, I shall tell them honestly that Chiyoda-senpai coerced me into it."
Tatsuya gave a small nod and slipped out of the room. Left alone, Miyuki reached into Tatsuya's laundry basket and pulled out the clothes he had been wearing just moments before. She held them close, trying to catch a lingering trace of him, a silent anchor in the quiet of the room.
She probably wanted to talk to him just a little bit longer...
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