Chapter 320: Why Is It You, Bastard!
In the study, Miya was using the Throne of Supremacy to search for something.
Her long dress, resembling an evening gown, remained a low-key yet luxurious dark red. However, at this moment, her fair thighs, exposed beneath the skirt, were crossed.
Swaying lightly and idly, the dark high heels traced one enticing arc after another in the air like the tip of a brush.
The dark red and snowy white complemented each other, enhancing one another.
Normally, Miya, having received top-tier education, would never make such an unladylike gesture. But at this moment, she was deeply agitated, her brows slightly furrowed, and for the first time, a trace of anger appeared on her face.
It was as if she had found a long-lost enemy.
After a while, Miya had already logged out of the Throne of Supremacy system.
Her expression had returned to normal. After pondering for a long time, she showed a hint of weariness, though she quickly concealed it well.
Just then, the study door was knocked.
"Come in."
As soon as the words fell, the door opened.
Led by the butler Aoki, Mahiro and Miyuki entered the study.
The furnishings in the study were not the high-tech style of this era but rather somewhat retro, much like Maya's room.
The overall tone was dark, and due to insufficient lighting, it was difficult to see Maya's face clearly.
After butler Aoki withdrew, Mahiro unceremoniously pulled out the chair in front of the desk and sat down, while Miyuki bowed politely before taking her seat.
"Aunt, may I ask why you called us here?"
It was Miyuki who spoke, while Mahiro watched from the side, occasionally picking up tea snacks and fruits from the table to eat.
According to Yotsuba family rules, such a rude gesture should not have occurred, even though Maya was already the former head of the family.
But at this moment, Maya only looked at Mahiro with a doting expression for a while before withdrawing her gaze and getting straight to the point:
"Not long ago, Jiedo Heigu left the USNA and has now infiltrated Japan."
After saying this, Maya picked up the teacup in front of her and took a light sip, as if waiting for them to digest this news.
Indeed, this news required digestion, as Miyuki had no idea who this Jiedo Heigu was.
Only Mahiro sat up slightly straighter, his brows furrowing slightly.
"You said Jiedo Heigu?"
"Hmm." Maya seemed to hum indifferently, but her hand holding the teacup trembled for a moment.
Why does this name sound so familiar? Who is it?
Mahiro showed a moment of distress, then quickly recalled the plot of the Mahouka world in his mind.
After a while, he sorted out the information on this Jiedo Heigu.
Jiedo Heigu—that was the name he changed to after fleeing to the USNA. His original name was Gu Jie, probably similar to Kudou Retsu.
His pupils were black, and his hair was white.
Although he possessed East Asian features, he also had dark skin.
Moreover, like Kudou Retsu, he was a mage skilled in ancient magic.
He was once a member of the Kunlun Fangyuan, a mage development organization under the Great Han, but later stole research results, fled the Great Han, and became a traitor to Kunlun Fangyuan.
After fleeing to the USNA, he began living under an assumed name and took on many disciples, one of whom was Zhou Gongjin from Chinatown.
The anti-magic international political group "Blanche" and the international crime syndicate "Headless Dragon" were also among Gu Jie's pawns.
The technology to create tools like the "Magic Amplification Device," which uses humans as components, was also this man's handiwork.
Thinking of these things, Mahiro once again raised his eyes to meet Maya's gaze.
"I remembered that beef pizza. What do you plan to do about it?"
"..."
Maya was amused by his words. Even though he was called Jiedo Heigu, he was mockingly referred to as "beef pizza."
But her laughter quickly subsided, and she maintained a slight smile as she said:
"The Great Han and Kunlun Fangyuan have conflicts with the Yotsuba family, especially you, little Mahiro.
You've repeatedly removed that man's pawns, so be careful when going out lately. It's best to bring guardians and bodyguards.
As for other matters, I'll take care of them."
Was it really just a simple conflict?
Both the Great Han and Kunlun Fangyuan were crushed by the Yotsuba family. It was precisely because of the Yotsuba family's intervention at the time that Daya was able to unify smoothly.
However, in his memory, that man Gu Jie wasn't seeking revenge for Kunlun Fangyuan. He simply hated the Yotsuba family for stealing his prey—a paranoid lunatic.
Moreover, with his abilities, did he really need things like guardians and bodyguards?
He was about to say this but immediately met her unwavering gaze.
Alright, he conceded.
This woman, even though she was no longer the family head and was gradually relinquishing her authority, remained the lofty Queen of the Night.
Seeing that he didn't refuse, Maya nodded in satisfaction.
Then, shifting her gaze to Miyuki, she said:
"That's roughly the situation, Miyuki. You can leave first. I have a few more words to say to little Mahiro."
Miyuki looked at Maya, then turned to look at him. Without a word, she stood up, bowed respectfully, and left the study.
"Did you ask her to leave because you didn't want Miyuki to hear what comes next? Or is there something you need me to do?"
After confirming that Miyuki had left and her footsteps had faded into the distance, Mahiro spoke first.
But Maya didn't answer his question. Instead, she picked up a spoon and stirred the black tea in front of her. After a long while, she shook her head and said:
"I'll handle the matter of Jiedo Heigu. You just need to ensure your own safety."
"I don't think there's any need to worry about safety," Mahiro said casually. "Why not let me take care of it... Hey, hey, hey—"
Before he could finish speaking, a sudden, suffocating embrace enveloped him.
Maya had stood up, walked around the table, and gently pulled him into her arms. A soothing rose fragrance, accompanied by warmth, surrounded him.
It was comfortable and reassuring.
Then, Mahiro heard Maya's whisper.
"There's no need, my little Mahiro. Leave these trivial matters to your mother."
Hearing these words, the restlessness that had risen within him settled down. Nestling into Maya's embrace, he found a comfortable position and asked quietly:
"Is this Gu Jie connected to the Great Han incident?"
The moment he asked this, he clearly felt Maya's body stiffen.
Even without an answer, he already had his confirmation.
The answer was yes.
Although Maya was abducted by the Great Han in 2062, while Gu Jie left the Great Han for North America as early as 2054—back when the country was still called the USA—Gu Jie's ties to the Great Han, and even to its remnants after its collapse, had never been severed.
Even though Gu Jie had been a wanted man by the Great Han at the time.
But then, Mahiro raised another question that had long troubled him.
"Tell me, have you ever considered why you were captured during the 2062 exchange conference?"
This was a taboo no one in the Yotsuba family dared to mention, but for Mahiro, it was different.
It could be said that in the entire Yotsuba family, only he could freely bring up this question and touch the scars deep in Maya's heart.
Upon hearing his words, Maya's embrace around him didn't loosen in the slightest; only her eyes grew shadowed and unreadable.
As his mother, how could she not understand what her child, Mahiro, was implying?
It was nothing more than the suggestion that her capture back then was due to a traitor.
But investigations had been conducted, and no connection was found to the Asian branch of the International Magic Association at the time. Everything seemed like a mere coincidence.
If one had to pinpoint where the information leaked from, there was only one possibility: the Ten Master Clans.
And among them, the only families with intricate ties to the Great Han and the Kunlun Institute were Kudou and Saegusa—both of which were deeply connected to her, Maya.
Back then, Saegusa Kouichi had lost an eye and been left half-crippled while trying to save her.
That left only one family as the remaining clue.
But Maya's heart refused to believe it. Even the Yotsuba family was unwilling, let alone wanting to entertain such thoughts.
It was one of the few remaining soft spots in Maya's heart, not to mention that person was her teacher.
Yet, now that Mahiro had brought it up, Maya felt no discomfort at all.
Instead, she regained her elegant and composed demeanor, asking softly:
"My dear child, Mahiro, what do you intend to do?"
"Revenge, of course."
Mahiro declared resolutely, "I want to unify the Ten Master Clans and even the Hundred Families, and while I'm at it, take care of that old bastard Gu Jie as well."
If that old man Gu Jie had kept to himself, Mahiro might not have remembered so much.
But since he'd shown his face on his own, he couldn't blame Mahiro for taking action.
Moreover, based on the available information, the inexplicable gaze he'd felt at the mall was likely Gu Jie's doing.
After all, only those bizarre ancient magics could evade his detection.
As for evidence?
Sorry, since when has Mahiro ever needed evidence to act? Suspicion alone was enough—no need for definitive proof.
Even though Mahiro didn't voice these thoughts aloud, Maya understood them perfectly, letting out a soft, melancholic sigh.
"Integrating Japan's magical community is a sound idea, and I can arrange a meeting of the master families. But Mahiro, Jiedo Heigu is a very cunning and dangerous man, so leave this person to your mother to handle."
Even though she knew full well that in today's world, no one could truly threaten Mahiro, as a mother, she still did not want her child to face any danger.
Moreover, this was a matter of personal resolve for her.
And Mahiro was not a cold-hearted person; how could he not sense the worry and affection coming from Maya?
Thus, for now, he chose to agree.
"Alright."
Hearing his agreement, Maya released him and settled back into her seat.
This time, they did not continue with the topic, instead chatting casually for a few moments before Mahiro stood up and left the study.
In the empty corridor, Mahiro wandered aimlessly until he reached a window where a gentle breeze was blowing.
He paused there, as if deep in thought, or perhaps waiting for someone.
After a long while, he suddenly spoke softly:
"Zeta."
"At your command, my lord."
Zeta's figure abruptly appeared behind him, kneeling on one knee, her long cat tail swaying slowly.
"Help me find a man named Jiedo Heigu. He has black eyes, white hair, but dark skin, and is likely between 60 and 90 years old."
"Yes."
With that acknowledgment, Zeta vanished from the corridor, as silently as she had arrived.
Mahiro remained leaning against the window, gazing at the distant scenery.
After all, he had only promised not to act against Gu Jie for now—that didn't mean he wouldn't search for him. Once he found that old scoundrel, he would decide how to deal with him.
Several days passed in a flash, and the appointed day arrived once more.
Today, Mahiro was dressed in formal attire. Under Miyuki's gaze, which held the reluctance of a newlywed wife, he left the Yotsuba main residence.
By the time his plane landed, a car was already prepared for him.
Naturally, the one who came to greet him was Shiba Miori.
It had been a long time since they last met, yet she was still dressed in an exquisitely ornate kimono, habitually holding an iron fan in her hand. However, her demeanor had grown more mature and capable than before.
Even with her gentle and radiant appearance, she could no longer hide the aura of a strong, independent woman.
"Long time no see, Mahiro-kun~ I've missed you so much!"
The moment she caught sight of him, Shiba Miori sweetly rushed forward, ignoring the surrounding gazes as she threw herself into his arms, nuzzling against him like a cat.
"Alright, there are so many people watching."
"Hmm, you're right… Let's get in the car. I have a gift for you, Mahiro-kun~"
Shiba Miori glanced at the onlookers around them, a flicker of mischief in her eyes, before pulling him into the car.
But as soon as they settled into the back seat, they found an old acquaintance sitting across from them.
"Well, if it isn't the famous Sirius, Major Angelina Kudou Shields? Long time no see. How have you been lately?"
Mahiro's gaze swept over the person opposite him.
She wore a pure white T-shirt paired with shorts, knee-high straight boots with thick soles, and white lace-patterned stockings that faintly revealed her skin.
She looked just like a delinquent girl from the early 2000s.
Not to mention her golden hair was tied into a side ponytail, exactly like a delinquent girl.
"As long as I don't see you, everything's fine!"
In response to his enthusiastic greeting, Lina crossed her arms, turned her head away coldly in a sulk, and her golden ponytail swayed slightly with the movement, resting against her chest.
The humiliation engraved on her body—she still remembered it all too well.
"What a shame, you'll probably have to look at this face for the rest of your life."
Mahiro shrugged indifferently.
Lina muttered under her breath, "Jerk..."
"Ara ara, it seems Miss Lina and Mahiro-kun get along quite well."
After getting in the car and seeing Lina sulking at Mahiro, Shiba Miori couldn't help but tease, "It seems my judgment was spot on. I didn't waste all that effort for nothing, going out of my way to ask Mother for Miss Lina to serve as a bodyguard."
"You woman, where do I get along well with this pervert!" Lina shouted in denial, flushed with embarrassment and anger.
"But I see Mahiro-kun likes it."
Angelina: "..."
With just one sentence, Lina was left speechless, unable to refute.
Yeah, as long that damn bastard is happy.
This was also the reason she, Sylvie, and a few other team members could stay safely on Yashio Island under the protection of the Yotsuba family.
No matter what Mahiro wanted to do, she had to agree unconditionally.
After all, they were prisoners, and Mahiro wasn't some heinous criminal. Apart from those excessive things he did to her at the beginning, he hadn't crossed any other boundaries since.
Moreover, it was she who had deceived him first, trying to extract information. In the end, she had brought it upon herself.
Thinking of this, Lina's demeanor visibly deflated.
Seeing that Lina was no longer arguing, Shiba Miori smiled and turned her gaze away from her, then plopped herself onto Mahiro's lap.
She wrapped one arm around his neck and grabbed his wrist with her other hand, guiding it toward her collar.
"Starting off this intense right away?"
"Of course, this is my gift to you, Mahiro-kun. Do you like it?"
What man could possibly say he didn't like such a gift?
The driver, hearing their conversation, silently raised the partition.
"Y-you shameless people, what are you doing!"
Witnessing it firsthand, Lina's fair face flushed visibly, even turning red to the tips of her ears.
"Ara, what's wrong? Does Miss Lina want to join in? If it's Miss Lina, I don't mind at all."
"...W-who wants to join in! And this is in a car, can't you two be a little more proper?"
"No."
Mahiro and Shiba Miori answered Lina almost in unison.
Just kidding, if you want to join in, go ahead, but if you want to stop it, Lina certainly doesn't have the right to do so.
And so, the black sedan continued on its absurd journey.
When getting out of the car, Lina was the first to escape from the sedan, her face still faintly flushed, and even her neatly tied ponytail had come undone by now.
Shiba Miori, on the other hand, stepped out of the car unhurriedly, straightening her collar.
She then took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of her mouth, removing a stray black hair that had clung to her lips.
As for Mahiro, he looked completely refreshed.
With a smile in his eyes, he glanced at Lina, who was retching, and said:
"Hey, car sick? Feeling unwell?"
"Bastard!"
Leaning against the car door, Lina gritted her teeth fiercely, her voice filled with shame and anger:
"I'm never riding in the same car with you again!"