"The International Magic Association has extended an invite to come to speak to the annual convention. This year's site is in The Hague."

He never turned back from looking out the sunlit windows of his office as his subordinate read out the information on the pad in his hands. He simply replied in his usual calm tone of voice.

"What topic?"

"International cooperation on issues of magician rights and societal integration."

If his subordinate could sense his lack of interest it was only natural. He received this annual invite every year.

"When is it again?"

"The week of October 13th."

For the last five years, though worded differently each time, magician rights was the latest topic the IMA thought he was some kind of specialist in.

He might have even entertained attending if they had presented him with another topic of discussion.

What they really wanted from him was his name on the list of speakers to attract additional attention to the conference.

Such is the lot of a world-famous magician.

"Let them know that we appreciate the offer, but we'll have to decline this year."

He had done the same speech three years ago, to virtually the exact same people. It was true that in the current hostile environment, magician rights were indeed an important topic that needed addressing, but not by him, again. They could simply watch the replay of his speech to them three years ago, or better yet, have someone else deliver it to them.

The problems hadn't changed since then, only the intensity level.

"Yes, Sir."

"Anything else?"

There was only a brief pause as his subordinate quickly reviewed the data before replying.

"The arrangements for your visit to the Elder have been finalized. You're scheduled to depart for Nara the day after tomorrow at thirteen hundred hours."

Kudou had asked him to come out for a "discussion". Since it wasn't something the Elder thought couldn't be said over electronic communication mediums, he assumed it was important.

He also owed the Elder for helping him save face at the last Clans Conference. It had cost the Kudou their previously unbroken tenure on the Ten Master Clans, if even for just one four year term.

The Kudou would probably be voted back on in three years' time, but it had been a very public gesture of "sacrifice" for the greater good. So even if the Elder just wanted to shoot the breeze, Kouichi had to answer the call.

The Elder, however, was not one to call him out west in this way on a whim.

"It has to be about the boy."

He suspected the Elder had really laid out his own family's place on the Ten Master Clans on the chopping block to protect the involvement of that woman's "son" during the events of the previous 9SC from becoming known.

He certainly didn't do it just to protect the Seagusa, no matter what it looked like to the other clans.

"She certainly wasn't fooled by it."

He suddenly realized his subordinate was watching him and waiting for a response.

"Very well, that will be all for now."

The man nodded solemnly to Kouichi's back and left the room. Once the door had closed, Kouichi breathed a sigh.

The man was competent, but he was no replacement for the late Nakura. Kouichi had to now divide the work Nakura had previously done with seeming ease over several less-able subordinates.

He sat down in one of the two chairs that flanked a small table, which served as an informal sitting area before the windows.

Tapping his first two left fingers on the small table top, a few seconds later a glass appeared. The HAR knew that before lunch, he never drank alcohol, so the usual Bourbon on the rocks was replaced with coffee.

He lifted the cup and took a sip, then placed it back on the table.

"Nara."

He sighed as he thought of that place.

Of that time.

He allowed his thoughts to drift as he stared blankly out the window towards the elms his father had planted those many years ago.

Nara was where it all had begun to go so very wrong.

The Kudou residence was expansive and impressive. Though the building itself was slightly smaller than the purposefully overpowering Saegusa residence, the grounds were far and away more expansive. Just to get to the house one had to cross a maze laced with sophisticated magical, electrical and mechanical traps. The grounds themselves expanded all the way back towards the surrounding hills. Kouichi suspected that what was seeable above ground was figuratively the tip of an iceberg. Someone of Kudou Retsu's prestige and importance would command vast amounts of resources and responsibilities.

He had arrived the afternoon before and had been settled into his rooms in a traditional style Sukiya building about a half-kilometer away from the main house. It was here and in the facilities that surrounded it that the Yotsuba twins and he would receive their training. He seriously doubted someone as busy as Kodou-kaka, especially with the peace negotiations reaching their conclusion, would have time to oversee their training on a daily basis.

He suspected capable subordinates would supervise most of their training.

Kudou-kaka's youngest daughter had greeted his car on arrival to the Kodou mansion, profusely apologizing for her father's absence.

An emergency that only the general could solve had called him away suddenly. To be expected of someone in his position. He had only been able to see the Elder for the first time at breakfast the next day. The impression Kouichi got was that Kodou-kaka had arrived back home well after the date change.

His daughter had given Kouichi the tour of the house and the grounds, finally helping him settle into his quarters in the Sukiya.

Kouichi hoped she hadn't noticed how much he found her presence….stimulating.

She was only a few years older than him, but at this young age, that difference was as deep as the Pacific. She was a fully formed woman of beauty and grace, with a vivacious smile and the personality and intellect to match.

She had a powerful effect on a young man still learning to deal with the results of the onset of puberty.

Kouichi could see himself being quite happy to be "forced" to marry her. If only he had been a little older.

Of course, even then, there was no guarantee both sets of parents would have seen the need for such a marriage alliance. The Saegusa and Kudou were already relatively close, Kodou-kaka's scheming with his father to make this "opportunity" with the Yotsuba girls occur was all the needed proof of that.

Even Kouichi had heard the rumors that Kodou-kaka's youngest child was already promised to a prominent Ancient magic clan, though there had been no official announcement of such yet. He had a hard time imagining this vivacious young woman in priestess robes and sitting through hours of incantations.

"What a waste."

He'd have had her in the Capital in elegant gowns at every important function. He knew she could light up a room all on her own. Draping her in heavy kimonos for solemn and relatively quiet ceremonies no one of importance ever bothered to attend was just…..a waste.

From Kodou-kaka's perspective though, it would be a good marriage alliance. There was bad blood between the modern magic families produced by the Ninth Research Institute and most of Japan's Ancient magic houses. If the rumored groom's family, the venerable Fujibayashi Clan, could help ease these tensions, it was all for the better.

The Ancient magic houses, with a few notable exceptions, hadn't provided very much support during the war. Apparently, the "theft" of their gifts, as they saw it, by the Ninth Institute was more important to them than the safety of the nation. It certainly made them wary of dealing with the Authorities and their "puppets", as they liked to refer to modern magicians by.

They were just another unstable element that Kodou-kaka surely wanted to stabilize, and a marriage alliance between two of the most prominent houses on both sides looked good for solving some of that tension, at least on paper.

Kouichi tried to put the Kodou-bishoujo out of his mind as he used Multi-Scope and a specialized rifle-shaped CAD to take out target drones flying over Lake Biwa, some thirty kilometers away to the northeast The grizzled veteran that Kodou-kaka had assigned to him seemed very impressed with this, but Kouichi was still disappointed he couldn't find the way to use Multi-Cast and Multi-Scope at the same time from this distance.

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself young man. It's far beyond most magician's abilities already."

The veteran said this to Kouichi after witnessing his downtrodden expression. To add emphasis, the veteran invoked the elder Saegusa's name.

"I served under your father, the Major. I'm sure he is quite proud of your achievements."

Kouichi nodded solemnly, but wouldn't allow himself to use that excuse.

"My father's opinion of me is of great importance Sergeant, but at the end of the day, it is me that I must answer to for my failures. It only takes one mistake to result in a disaster."

The veteran soldier looked at the young man with what Kouichi already knew was some form of sympathy.

"Young master, you shouldn't try to carry the weight of the whole world on your shoulders alone. There's more than one way for a magician to burn themselves out."

Kouichi was about to retort that position when the sound of an all-terrain vehicle reached their ears. Turning they saw the youngest Kudou daughter at the wheel and Kouichi instantly forgot the sage advice he had just received.

"Sorry to interrupt the training Sergeant, but father sent me to come for Kouichi-san."

Despite his best attempt not to be excited, getting to spend any time with her made his heart race slightly.

"Our other students have arrived."

The truth was that Kouichi was much more interested in simply being in the presence of the youngest Kodou child than meeting the Yotsuba twins.

Their pictures were pretty enough, but neither looked like they had been anywhere near starting their journey to womanhood. At their young age, how could they hope to compare to the vivacious almost adult woman seated beside him?

"Still, I will be meeting my future wife today for the first time."

Even this thought couldn't seem to make him turn his eyes from the person driving the vehicle beside him.

He suspected she could already tell he was attracted to her. Since that morning she had become a bit more flirtatious with him. A teasing kind of flirtation where one party, in this case, her, had no intention of letting it be anything more than innocent fun.

He was mature enough, even at this age, to understand this much. She was not for him, no matter how much he wished it were otherwise.

That didn't mean he couldn't enjoy the next few weeks being around her, just so long as the twins didn't take notice of his preference.

His father had given him an assignment, his first non-training assignment, and he had to carry it out to the fullest of his ability. For the future security of the nation, and for the Saegusa legacy.

Up ahead was the "woman" he'd spend his life with and the mother of his future children. The future mother of that same Saegusa legacy.

The only question was, which one of them was it going to be?

The all-terrain vehicle pulled into an underground garage near the main residence. At the entrance to the main house from the garage, they disembarked from the vehicle as an attendant brushed the dust off them.

After entering the elevator alone together, she turned slightly his way to talk to him with a wicked smile.

"Nervous?"

He cut his eyes sideways at her with a confused look.

"Not particularly."

She shrugged at the unexpected answer, but a moment later he asked her a follow-up question.

"Should I be nervous?"

She gave him a sympathetic smile.

"Well, I was nervous when I met my fiancé, and I was sixteen."

Before now it had just been rumor and speculation. Now he knew for certain what before had just been assumed. This woman was to belong to another man.

It was surprisingly painful for him.

He'd only known her for less than a day, but it had apparently been very impactful for him.

He then chided himself for his foolish attachment to this relative stranger.

As his self-criticism settled in, he let the rest of her statement sink into his mind.

"Your father…told you?"

She squinted at him for a second with a curious look on her gorgeous face.

"What? About you and those two?"

After a second of contemplating the results of answering her in the affirmative, he finally nodded confirmation.

She straightened back up with a nonchalant smile gracing her delicate features.

"No, but it's a bit obvious, right?"

All Kouichi could do was agree with her.

"I suppose so."

At his less than enthusiastic expression, she teasingly bumped his shoulder with her elbow.

"Cheer up, I hear they're both very beautiful."

Kouichi gave her a half smile and an answering nod. He found it hard to believe either of them could be as beautiful or as fun as his present company though.

The lift stopped and the door began to open. Kouichi could just make out the familiar outline of Elder Kodou approaching them down the hallway.

As they stepped out she took the chance to tease him one more time.

"So, do you have to pick just one or do you get the set?"

Her words stopped him in mid-step and she delivered a devastating smile of satisfaction over her shoulder as she continued forward towards her father.

It took him a good two seconds to find his feet again and he could feel the heat of his embarrassment on his cheeks, ears, and neck.

"Ah, there you are Kouichi-san!"

Elder Kodou had a strong and firm voice that was neither loud nor soft. He was the type of man who naturally drew everyone's attentions to his words. He had a commanding, but not domineering presence.

Perfect for a leader.

When he got close enough to see Kouichi's embarrassed state, he cocked an inquisitive eyebrow upwards. A moment later, after darting a glance at his youngest's amused expression, he joined her in a knowing smile.

"Have you been at him dear?"

She giggled at her father's mischievous question.

"I'm afraid so father, but he's held up well."

Kouichi didn't feel like he was holding up well at all. If anything the skin around his face and neck felt even hotter now than before.

Kodou-kaka could see as much and began asking him about his training session that morning. He clearly wanted to give Kouichi the chance to compose himself before meeting the sisters for the first time. Kouichi realized as much and was grateful for the Elder's tact. For her part, his beautiful daughter didn't complicate things any further.

"Now, let me introduce you to your fellow pupils."

With these words Kouichi knew the Elder had judged that he was ready, finally, to meet his future wife, and her sister.

Kouichi nodded his consent and all three proceeded to the end of the hallway. He opened the doors at the end and allowed Kouichi to step in first.

One of the sisters was standing near the window, looking out on the gardens below. She wore a deep red day dress and had her hair in matching bows on either side.

The other sister wore a matching dress but in blue-grey. She had her hair pinned back with clips and was intently reading a rather large book in front of an ornate bookcase containing hundreds of similar heavy tomes.

The one at the window turned around rather quickly at the sound of them entering the room. Though you could tell only a second before she had been scowling, her instant smile flashed brilliant white teeth and her eyes glowed like jewels, even from that far away. The one with the book closed it purposefully and replaced it on the shelf before turning her body slowly to face the new people in the room.

"Here we are, young ladies. We apologize for keeping you waiting."

The one who had had the book bowed gracefully towards the Elder as she replied in a smooth and even tone.

"Not at all Kudou-sensei. We have just been admiring your wonderful book collection and gardens."

She hadn't even bothered to look at Kouichi yet.

"This one is Miya, the eldest."

The one at the window bowed only when she noticed her sister starting too and thus seemed more rushed in doing so. Her eyes had locked onto Kouichi the second she had turned around and even now she was trying to see him from under her dangling locks of hair.

"Maya, the younger one."

They were born only minutes apart but already Kouichi could sense a great gulf in maturity between the two twins. They both rose back up gracefully. Only then did Miya let her eyes fall on Kouichi.

Where her sister's eyes had shown nothing but excitement, Miya's eyes barely showed curiosity, but she was curious about him. This sister was more cautious than the other.

"The leader."

Either way, he was pleased to see both sisters looking more feminine and less girlish than the clearly dated images their father had supplied his own with.

They were, in their own unique way, beautiful young women now.

"This young lady is Yotsuba Miya-san."

By this point, Maya had rapidly moved towards her sister's side and both had advanced to stand before the new arrivals.

Kouichi bowed to her and when he rose back up he made sure to make direct eye contact.

"And here is her younger sister, Yotsuba Maya-san."

Where the elder sister seemed the picture of serenity and placidity, Maya gave off the impression of a tea kettle ready to boil over. Her smile glowed like the sun.

Kouichi made direct eye contact with her and returned her smile. This resulted in a slight pink tinge on her cheeks and her eyes moved away abruptly from the intensity of his gaze.

When he bowed towards her, his thoughts formulated on her quickly.

"If she's the one, then this will be easy."

He had clearly already won her admiration by just being there. The converse was also true. If Miya was the Mental Interference magician, she'd be a much tougher nut to crack.

When he returned to an upright position, Kodou-kaka finally introduced him.

"Please allow me to present to you both Saegusa Kouichi-san, heir of the Saegusa Family."

Kouichi exchanged nods with both and then finally spoke to them himself.

"It is an honor to meet you both. I am looking forward to getting to know you better over the course of our training together with Kudou-sensei."

Maya showed off her winning smile again and Miya finally gave him a slightly pleasant smile of her own, but without showing her own teeth. Then the older sister replied for them both.

"We are also looking forward to training with you this summer, Saegusa-san."

"Please, call me Kouichi."

For a split second Miya looked as if she didn't approve of such informality with a stranger, but that look quickly passed from her face.

"A proper Ojou-sama."

Kouichi approved of her propriety.

"Of course, and please feel free to call me Miya."

They nodded to each other pleasantly again. Then a strange silence fell over the group. Miya began to look towards her right with slight disapproval.

Maya was just staring wide-eyed at Kouichi now.

"Sister?"

An almost whispered question from her sister seemed to snap Maya out of the trance she had fallen into. Her eyes widened and her cheeks tinged pink yet again. She even raised her hand to cover her mouth.

"OH! Please forgive me, Saegusa-san."

A quick bow was followed by another embarrassed smile.

"I am Maya, please call me Maya, if you like."

She was charming, if surprisingly open for the daughter of someone with Yotsuba Genzou's reputation. Miya fit the image he had expected of both girls much better, but at least Maya seemed interested in being here. The same couldn't be said for her taciturn sister.

"Very well, Maya-san."

He cracked a grin at her, then decided to make physical contact by extending his hand to her. She was plainly delighted by this and placed her palm inside his hand most willingly.

"You must also agree to call me by my name as well."

This made her blush even more than before.

"As you wish, Kouichi-san."

He thought he detected the slightest attempt by Maya to lower her voice when she said his name.

Clearly, he wasn't the only one that heard it.

Kouichi could sense that to his side, the oldest female in the room was having a hard time not smirking with amusement at the display going on before her.

He didn't need to make this gesture of physical contact for Maya's sake. She would have been enthusiastic about him just with bows and words.

It was an ice breaker for the older sister though.

An excuse to do the same with her.

He extended his now empty hand towards Miya.

Seeing this she almost smirked at him.

"I'm being too obvious?"

The look she gave him as she laid her hand in his practically screamed to Kouichi that she saw right through him.

"Much more difficult than I thought."

As if to confirm his suspicions she didn't let the hand linger in his palm and immediately turned her attention back to Elder Kudou.

Kouichi was too busy analyzing Miya's reaction to notice the disappointed look on Maya's face.

"Ah! Now the introductions are out of the way."

Elder Kudou gave the three youngsters a warm paternal smile.

"I have heard from your fathers about your abilities but I wish to see them for myself."

All three nodded in turn, then Kouichi turned towards his female companions and bowed slightly again.

"Ladies first."

Miya smiled at his suggestion and moved towards the doors, but not without giving him one more appraising look.

Her sister followed with a glowing smile for him.

That afternoon, the three would show the Elder their abilities for the first time.

Several days passed and to Kouichi's surprise, Kudou-kaka always ran the morning sessions of their training.

It only took a few demonstrations of his abilities to convince the three youngsters that learning from him would be a great benefit to them all.

That morning the grizzled old Sergeant turned up and began their training in the Elder's place. The three had assumed something important had finally claimed the Elder's attention elsewhere.

It wasn't till a few minutes before noon when all three suddenly found themselves on their backs with the Elder laughing in their midst.

He had used a magic called Parade to conceal himself amongst them all morning long. Quietly observing their training.

Even Miya seemed quite impressed, which Kouichi had already determined was a hard achievement to earn.

For the last two days, the Elder kept one of the girls back after lunch to talk about their experiences so far. First was Miya, and then yesterday Maya's turn.

Today it was finally Kouichi's turn.

"Your suggestion about adding a long-range tracking projector to the specialized CAD rifle was also much appreciated. I was able to hit three targets simultaneously over Lake Biwa yesterday because of it."

The Elder smiled as he sipped his tea. Once he placed it back on the table he replied.

"Your abilities, like many in your generation, already exceed the previous generation at a similar age. Most can't match you even as an adult at full strength."

He had a serious expression as he continued.

"When I heard how effective you were with Multi-scope and Multi-cast, I suspected the technology was what was holding you back from combining both techniques."

He then directed a benign smile at Kouichi.

"Unfortunately we are still largely reliant on CAD imports from America and Europe to fulfill our needs. They tend not to send us the cutting-edge equipment. Hopefully, once the National Magic University is up and running some of its first graduates can come together and build a domestic CAD base."

Kouichi's own father had bemoaned Japan's reliance on foreign technology where casting devices were concerned.

In the brief gap of silence, Kouichi ventured a question of his own.

"There are more rumors every day in the press that the treaty will soon be signed. May I ask, will we soon have peace?"

The Elder gave him a bright smile then.

"I believe so. It's in everybody's mutual interest."

Then his expression turned slightly bitter.

"The GAA are demanding Tsushima and Okinawa. Which obviously isn't going to happen while our forces are still in Shanghai, Shandong, and Dalian."

Kouichi nodded thoughtfully, but after a few moments revealed some information to the Elder he was uncertain he should.

"My father…..thinks we'll have to abandon our gains on the mainland."

Though he thought he kept his expression neutral, he couldn't help letting his disappointment seep into his next words.

"Even…..Korea."

The Elder gave an understanding sigh as he held his cup and saucer in each hand respectively.

"If we want peace, he's probably right."

Kouichi nodded his understanding. The elder applied Latin words to their conversation.

"Status quo antebellum."

After a few moments of silence, the Elder expended further on the situation.

"Except of course for Dahan's independence. Wedged between Japan and Dahan, the GAA will be forced to play nicely in the future. Especially now that the New Soviet Union has cooled their relationship with the GAA significantly."

More silence followed. Kouichi, lost in his thoughts, didn't notice the Elder casting a concerned gaze in his direction.

"I, of course, knew your mother."

Kouichi was startled out of his thoughts with this unexpected statement.

"She was a remarkable magician and a wonderful person. You can be very proud to be her."

Was mind reading one of the Kudou's unknown abilities? Both the Elder and his daughter seemed to be able to read minds.

Or was it just his mind?

"I do feel very proud to be her son Sensei."

He smiled sadly at his pupil.

"She would have been very proud of you too."

Expecting Kouichi to take solace in these words, the Elder seemed somewhat surprised as Kouichi's mood continued to darken. A moment later, Kouichi spoke further on the situation.

"It would be better if I had something she should be proud of me for on my resume already though."

"Nonsense!"

The Elder wasn't the type to raise his voice. Doing so now briefly stunned his young companion.

"The Sergeant told me how hard you are on yourself and I have seen it myself in your training."

He placed his teacup and saucer on the table before them and shook his head sideways in disapproval.

"You're very mature for your age, but you are still young, and have a full life ahead of you."

Kouichi already had learned that the Elder was a master of using words and body language for maximum effect on his audience. He had a particularly interesting way of correcting one while never seeming to criticize.

"Your mother, like your father, would be proud of you for your remarkable achievements, AT YOU AGE. All things must be appropriate to their surroundings and conditions."

Kouichi knew he was being subjected to that same iron fist in a velvet glove treatment even now.

"I stand by my earlier statement. She would be proud of you for who you are NOW, and for who you will become in the future."

There was no arguing this point, especially since the Elder was probably right.

Parents tend to see only the best traits in their children.

His father was that way and nothing he had ever heard about his mother lent itself to suggesting she'd be any more critical of him.

Kouichi nodded thoughtfully as he acknowledged the Elder's words.

"Yes, Sir."

The Elder seemed pleased by this and took up his beverage again.

"Now, having discussed your training and current world events, let's turn our attention towards your beautiful companions."

There was a glint in Kodou-kaka's eyes as he directed a conspiratorial smile at his young companion.

"Tell me your initial impressions of young Maya."

Kouichi composed his thoughts for a moment and then began to speak.

"She's enthusiastic. Likes attention. Easily distracted. Lively and charming. Exceedingly skilled at systematic magic, especially for her age. Eager to prove herself capable, but mostly because she desires to be seen as praiseworthy. I suspect a subconscious need to compete with Miya is behind that. A bit flighty, yet capable of being serious, but only when absolutely necessary."

When the room went deadly silent after his statement, Kouichi began to wonder if he had made a grievous faux pas. He had assumed the Elder wanted his honest assessment but had he gone too far?

After a few moments of concerned contemplation on whether he had offended the General, Kouichi mustered the courage to look to his side.

Kudou-kaka shook his head chidingly but smiled with apparent mirth.

"Your father warned me that you were an honest and observant young man!"

Kouichi could only sigh in relief to hear the Elder's amused tone, though he didn't understand the reason behind it.

"I simply can't wait to hear what you have to say of young Miya."

Kouichi once again composed his thoughts and released them in the same "stream of consciousness" style as before.

"She's observant. Hates attention. Focused. Capable of great charm but uses it sparingly. Also very skilled with systematic magic, but refuses to show off with it. I suspect she's even more capable with it but doesn't want to tip her hand. Where Maya overwhelms with her magic, Miya is subtle and calculating. She only uses the bare minimum to achieve her goal. Very serious, very studious. I think she feels a great sense of responsibility where Maya is concerned."

He then looked at the Elder with a serious expression.

"Of the two she is the quiet, no, that's not right."

He shook his head mildly and he tried to find the right words. Then he nodded before speaking, satisfied with how he wanted to phrase things.

"She's the reluctant leader, where Maya is the exuberant follower."

When Kouichi looked over to his senior companion, he saw the Elder rubbing his chin in thought. A few moments later he spoke.

"You are an observant young man."

His eyes fell on Kouichi once again.

"I think, in general, your assessment of the two is correct."

Kodou-kaka then looked away again with a contemplative expression.

"However, I caution you to not make your thoughts on them permanent in your mind."

His eyes returned to his curious companion and showed a bit more mirth again.

"They, like you, have a lot of learning and maturing ahead of them. You may find out that twelve-year-old Miya and Maya look nothing like themselves in five or ten years. You may even find that Maya has a seriousness within her you cannot see yet, or that Miya may be more fun than she appears, once you get to know them even better."

Kouichi could only nod his agreement to his elder's outlook.

"I'm sure you are right Sensei. I will endeavor to keep an open mind."

"That's good since you have to pick the one best suited to you to make your wife."

Kudou's eyes took on a serious light again as he continued.

"I suspect you feel pressure to pick one over the other for…..shall we say, family obligations."

Kouichi tried not to look too exposed by another example of Kudou-kaka's apparent mind-reading skills. He judged he was at best just partially successful since the Elder's expression took on a sympathetic look.

"I would caution you that the only real way you can make the wrong decision would be to pick the one that you personally liked the least, for dynastic reasons. Even if you marry the one you think would be not as advantageous to your bloodline, you still have a very talented member of the Yotsuba Family as a wife, and a solid connection to that family as well."

Then he gave his pupil a warm and reassuring smile.

"The most important thing is your, and her, whomever you choose, wellbeing and satisfaction with each other. After that everything else will fall into place naturally."

After a moment

"I am curious though, have you developed an early personal preference for either young lady?"

Kouichi hoped that he wasn't showing on his face to awkwardness this question was causing him. He had already thought about which sister he preferred and had come up with no clear winner. Remembering his own conclusion, he decided that the best policy with Kodou-kaka was to be honest about his lack of preference.

"I can see advantages, both personal and dynastic, to them both."

The Elder's ponderous nod told him to continue with his thoughts aloud.

"I think Miya is the one most like me. We both seem very serious."

The Elder seemed to ponder the similarities between these two before making a supporting statement.

"Yes, I can see that too."

Kouichi took this vague supporting statement as an indication for him to continue.

"However, she seems reluctant to open herself up to me, so she remains a mystery."

Kouichi then turned his attentions to the younger sister.

"Maya, being very outgoing, would make a great companion for all the social responsibilities of my future position, and so far she seems more open and adventurous."

Apparently, the General could see the confliction on his young companion's face.

"You just wish she were a bit more serious, like Miya, right?"

Kouichi reservedly nodded his agreement. Elder Kodou then made a point of his own.

"Well, it's good you are keeping your options open at this point. We have several more weeks for you three to get to know each other better."

After a few more pleasantries Kouichi understood the interview was over and made to take his leave. Before he could leave though he had a question he wanted to ask the General, though he was having a hard time phrasing it the right way in his thoughts.

"What is it?"

The Elder was excellent at reading body language and demeanor. He immediately saw the young man's hesitation. Kouichi turned and bowed to him while asking for permission to discuss something…off topic.

"Forgive me Sensei, can I inquire about one more thing?"

As he rose upright, he sensed the slightest bit of amusement in the General's smiling nod. He couldn't help but think the General knew exactly what was going to be asked of him.

"Of course, you should feel free to discuss anything you like with me."

Kouichi took a deep breath to steady himself, and then let the words flow out from his mouth.

"It's just…..I haven't seen your daughter in a few days. May I ask if she is well?"

If he didn't know better he would have thought the Elder was on the verge of laughter at having heard this question. He seemed to be working to suppress his enjoyment of the young man's awkward situation. The question certainly didn't take him by surprise. His reply came late enough after being asked to almost make Kouichi think he had no intention to answer at all.

His mirth was a bit too evident for Kouichi's comfort.

"She is well indeed. She is, like you, undergoing training for her future."

His reply held the slightest hint of satisfaction and amusement in its tone. Kouichi felt even more awkward now, but bravely pressed on.

"I see, may I inquire as to what type of training sir?"

The Elder nodded before responding and took on a more serious expression, but the light in his eyes never diminished.

"She's learning her roles and responsibilities as a future member of the Fujibayashi Clan, with her future in-laws."

Kouichi suspected as much after the beautiful young woman's abrupt "disappearance", but having it made fact by the Elder's confirmation was unpleasant for Kouichi to hear. He fought hard to remove the disappointment from his face and voice.

"I see."

The Elder's lips cracked into a thin smile again and he raised the slightest of eyebrows at the young man.

Kouichi felt naked before that amused gaze, but he had one sliver of hope left to him.

He pressed his luck with another question.

"Will she be returning anytime soon?"

The Elder's expression remained smiling but his eyes took on a sadness to them.

"No, I'm afraid not, She'll be staying with them through the formal announcement of the engagement. We're waiting until after the peace agreement is signed to make the announcement."

Kouichi nodded, but couldn't help asking one final and way too obvious question.

"So…..we will not be seeing her again before our training is over?"

The Elder looked at him with an odd mixture of mirth and sympathy on his face. It seemed to Kouichi that the man understood his young companion's heart maybe even better than he did himself."

"….I doubt it."

Kouichi must have looked miserable after hearing these words because the Elder choose to make a final point for him.

"Like you three, she's taking up her new training seriously. She's also trying to avoid distractions that could arise being at home."

Kouichi's eyes locked with the Elder's after the later put added emphasis on the word "distractions".

"Just like you are Kouichi-san."

The point hit home. By definition, a "distraction" was something of no lasting consequence that could only divert one from their objectives. There was no plausible situation in which Kouichi would ever be paired with the slightly older girl.

Also, she was already spoken for.

He was here to make a good marriage for the Saegusa Family with the Yotsuba's. He could only risk that if he continued to show interest in the other girl.

It was time to put the childish fantasies away on focus on reality.

"Yes, Sir. Thankyou Sir."

Kouichi bowed, and at the Elder's returned nod, he turned and left the room.

Years later, Kouichi would mark that moment as a significant point in his development into an adult, without ever acknowledging that something inside him died at that very same moment.

He lost all faith in silly notions such as hope.