The Irregular at Magic High

Chapter 28

Even when off from the Student Council, one wasn't off duty. It was not a shift based system in the first place. Miyuki had work in the Student Council room today as well. Yet for the siblings, the concept of leaving the other and going back first simply didn't exist. —Looking at it objectively, there wasn't even any point teasing them with labels such as "brocon" or "siscon" anymore. 

Even so, "I'm terribly sorry, my dear Brother. I'll be making you wait all this time..." Just by having these concerns, like feeling guilty for keeping the other waiting, showed that they may still be able to be saved. 

"Even if I say something like don't worry about it, it probably wouldn't work..." 

Laughing affectionately, Tatsuya *pon* *pon* lightly tapped his sister's head. Rather than saying tapped, it was probably more accurate to say stroked, and, at the tender chastisement, Miyuki half closed her eyes with a look of utter bliss. 

Other students were also just happening to be walking back and forth along the corridor on their way home. Confronted with this scene, which was sure to cause misunderstandings everywhere (?), there were numerous hostile glances directed at the two headed towards the Student Council room. 

However, there was a marked difference in the feelings directed at the couple with the too good relationship, with Tatsuya single-handedly soaking up all the animosity. When walking alongside Miyuki, up until last week, the primary intent behind the malicious gazes would be scorn. Now, behind the enmity was, with careful discernment, fear.

Not a fear of strength, but a fear of the unknown. Also, those who should feel less bitter about his "activities", the Weeds, felt the same way. Because of that, this became the first time they were called out to by someone unfamiliar. "Shiba-kun." Both Tatsuya and Miyuki looked back at the same time. 

In terms of physical specs, Tatsuya far exceeded her. Yet the reason they reacted at the same time in spite of that was because while Miyuki turned reflexively, Tatsuya had spent a period of time debating whether the voice had been intended for him. 

It was somewhat husky, but definitely a female voice. "Good afternoon. Should I start by saying, pleased to meet you?" Her semi long hair done in a ponytail, she was a rather attractive girl. The hairstyle had changed, but her face was somewhat familiar to Tatsuya. "Ah, nice to meet you too. Mibu-senpai, correct?" 

To Tatsuya, she was the 2nd Year student from the Kendo club who had kicked off a whole week of headaches. The Kendo club had been the other party in the incident that had broken out. She rapidly approached the stationary Tatsuya without a hint of hesitation. It could be because she wasn't the shy type, or not worried since he was an underclassman — or simply because she was taking him lightly. 

Regardless, this was strangely less unbelievable than if she had reservations. Miyuki, despite being a Bloom, had earlier stopped in front of her brother but now moved to the back. Standing in such a way as to not be in Tatsuya's view if he needed to focus, yet naturally just within eyeshot, such was her position. 

"I'm Mibu Sayaka. In class E, same as Shiba-kun." Tatsuya's eyes were naturally drawn to her left breast. Sewn onto the green blazer was a green, plain pocket.

The meaning of 'same' was rapidly deduced by Tatsuya. "Thanks for earlier. Even though I was saved by you, I never properly expressed my gratitude." 

Bound by that friendly smile, most males of the same age would immediately be drawn in. -- These are words that come easily to one well versed in the use of magic, but it would probably be more appropriate to use the literary term that they 'contained the power to subtly charm one's mind', although when saying literary, it's referring more to popular literature. 

"I wanted to properly thank you, as well as have a little talk with you... Is it possible for you to accompany me for a bit?" She was probably well aware of the power of her smile to captivate the male students, whether consciously or subconsciously. However, as Tatsuya constantly had an all too beautiful little sister by his side, he differed in that slight advantage. 

"I can't now." 

Being rejected so unceremoniously, she didn't seem so much offended as simply taken aback. 

"If 15 minutes later is alright with you..." At Tatsuya's follow up line, Sayaka's expression fell, or rather, she slipped on a blank expression, and after blinking a few times, she finally seemed to take in what had just been said. 

"Um, then, I'll be waiting in the café." While the response was totally different to what she had expected, Sayaka at least successfully managed to extract that one promise from Tatsuya.

◊ ◊ ◊

Tatsuya accompanied her only as far as the Student Council room entrance. If he entered, the possibility of meeting up with Hattori was too high. Since neither would be particularly happy at such turn of events, naturally, Tatsuya simply avoided the Student Council room in which he had no duties. 

"I'll be waiting for you in the library then." 

Up until yesterday, it had been Miyuki waiting for Tatsuya. Today was the first time for Tatsuya to be waiting for Miyuki, but he had already simulated such a situation even before admission. He had known that without a doubt, Miyuki would hold some position of office. Therefore, he was not at a loss as to what to do with his time. 

One of the reasons he had originally come to this school was because of the presence of a large amount of private literature one couldn't access unless they were somehow connected to the National Magic University organization. 

"The library is it?" 

However Miyuki, who should have known that, questioningly tilted her head to one side. It didn't help that she seemed to be slightly suspicious. 

"...That's the plan, but why the doubt?" 

"No, it's just that I had thought you now have a meeting with Mibu-senpai at the cafeteria..." Miyuki's glance focused on a region around Tatsuya's throat. "Miyuki?" Even at Tatsuya's call, she didn't raise her head. It seemed she wouldn't meet his gaze. 

Rather, she was averting her eyes. As to why his sister would take such an attitude, Tatsuya was at a total loss. Thinking rationally, this would be considered sulking, but concerning this particular sister, it couldn't simply be just that. Even if he asked, they were standing right in front of the Student Council room, and they were starting to hold people up. 

"I won't be having such a long conversation with her. In any case, she's probably simply going to try recruit me to her club." It felt rather like he was guessing in the entirely wrong direction.

However, a chance to defuse the situation nonetheless appeared. 

"...Is that, really all?" 

"What?" 

"I'm wondering if she's really only trying to recruit you. I have a different feeling. I'm not sure why. But... Miyuki is worried. That Brother would have such a reputation makes me very happy... but if your true power is found out, there would be many who flock to you out of self interest or gain. Surely, those that do not would be the exception. Please, be very careful." 

It would be a simple matter to laugh that off as needless worry. If he had not been Shiba Tatsuya. If she had not been Shiba Miyuki. 

"...There's no need to worry. Whatever happens, I'll be fine." 

"That's why! That is exactly what I'm afraid of!" At last, Tatsuya began to faintly understand what was worrying his sister. 

"...There won't be a problem. Whatever happens, I won't cause any grief." 

"...It's a promise, Brother." 

"Got it. ...Speaking of which, Miyuki, saying that I have gained a reputation simply from high school committee activities is a bit much." 

"...It's fine! There's nothing wrong with that, is there? To me, Brother's name has the best reputation out there!" 

As Miyuki spun around and swiped the card reader, her cheeks, hidden by her flowing black hair, seemed to faintly glow with a red tinge.