“This is defiroubling.” The Prime Minister, Abe-san, rubbed at his temples, a grave expression on his face. “Sometimes I deeply regret timing my political career to cide with this mess.”

  “On the bright side, you’ll always be remembered in history.” I joked, though I uood how he felt sometimes. We were gathered in the Prime Minister’s residenear the Diet building in Chiyoda ward, in an underground, sealed room that was meant for use in wartime. It was sort of like a bunker, and had no i or other teleunications except a single, wired hardlio the outside, to prevent any possibility of being hacked or tapped. Which is very important sidering what I’ve brought.

  “I’d settle for a peaceful, easy time in office.” He ughed dryly. “Wouldn’t you both agree?” He addressed the other two people here with us.

  “I would settle for having my Undersecretary actually avaible to me on occasion.” The austere and prim Minister for Spiritual Matters, Morita Yuna-san pined. With her bck rimmed gsses and hair pulled into a tidy bun, she reminded me of a schoolteacher. Since she had five or so years on me in age, or maybe a few more, but I always felt it was best to uimate a woman’s age, rather than be wrong iher dire, I addressed her very politely.

  “Sorry about that, but Haru’s abilities are indispensable, and it certainly es uhe remit of your Ministry, iional Choseed work, and the safety and wellbeing of our Chosen citizens. Nobody do what Haru , at least not that we’ve found, so for now she’s got to do her part.”

  “If you wanted a quiet life, Morita-san, you never should have taken such a key post.” The final person here, my grandfather-in-w, Tsumura Katsuro-san, pointed out, his tone gruff, though his smile was kind. “But the rewards are ensurate with the struggles. Everyone knows your name now, you are almost as famous as the Prime Minister. As for Suzuki-san… her work is indeed vital. If we restore some of these Chosen to a measure of health, their talents be put to use, and Britain is further in our debt. South Korea too, but…”

  Yeah, that’s one of our problems, their respoo our efforts. Not the biggest ohough…

  “Yes, that’s for the loerm. Now…” The Prime Minister looked at the tablet sitting oable between us like it was an unexploded bomb. “…we have this to deal with.” He rubbed his temples again. “Christina Bakker is certainly a dao herself and us. It would be far easier if you could take her in hand, Akio-san. She’s too dangerous to be running loose.”

  “I’ll pass thanks.” I snorted. “While she does have an uhy infatuation with me, she’s not my type, and she wouldn’t gel with the others.” I Katsuro-san. “I wouldn’t subject Motoko to getting along with her. Besides, I’m sure she’ll find someoo fixate on in due course. I do agree though, she’s… a wildcard.”

  “This data… if the Ameris are aware we have it, this will be a seed of diste between us.” Abe-san warned. “It’s not merely proof of their crimes, including which members of their Senate have approved such extra-legal killings, but… this data on so many fn Chosen offers unpreted tactical scope. Why, there’s even tanese Chosen on the list we didn’t know about, who haven’t e forward. While we ’t legally force them, those that don’t certainly bear watg.”

  “Her research data as well.” Katsuro-san agreed. “It leaves a sour taste in my mouth, but just as after the War, many Japanese and German stists were absorbed by the West, and their work, though furthered by uhical means, was iterated upon… we ot afford to ighis, despite the cruel, immoral way it was sourced.”

  “I agree.” I ceded, feeling bad about it, but knowing grandfather-in-w was right. “Having had a quick skim through, she’s realised a great deal just from experimentation and interviewing Ameri Chosen, and while most of it is behind what we know, she has exceeded me in a few insights.”

  “I’m more ed with our immediate problem. Fortunately she revealed the presence of this agent, Mariam Samuelian. She entered as an ordinary tourist, and as you reported, did nothing to arouse suspi. That proves we could well be infiltrated by any number of others.” Morita-san sighed. “Though numbers of Chosen worldwide are limited, and there aren’t many who have been trained, like your daughter, Tsumura-san.”

  As he nodded, I offered my opinion. “Yeah. Though the Church of True Revetions has a simir scheme, I remember from London there were others than Mary Stuart who could infiltrate the Boundary. a has their Cultivators too. Though…” I pondered what we could expect them to achieve. “Assuming they were just a Cultivator, at Daiyu’s previous level, which isn’t likely, as she was a true prodigy…” I couldn’t help but brag about her, which earned me some gently mog smiles. “…they could certainly kill a number of ordinary people, but against armed police or the army they’d be quickly killed. And we’re not America, where you buy guns easily…”

  Katsuro-san agreed. “Yes, while arming oneself with knives, axes or other ons is hardly difficult, pared to the damage that automatic ons or explosives cause… yet if the correct target is attacked…”

  “You mean schools, politis, high-i media figures such as poor Shinohara-san… oh wait, she’s all fixed thanks to you now, isn’t she? Never mind… but yes, there are still circumstances where a fairly minor attack cause panid loss of faith in both the gover, and Chosen as a whole.” Abe-san mused.

  “Yeah.” I agreed. My Fht was still niggling me, aings like this, while dull, were also important to prepare our tingencies ready for potential avenues of danger. Fortunately, I was also in the Boundary having rather more fun at the same time, though I was starting to sweat a little, as the effort of mitigating Shiro’s Berserk Blessing for Asha’s Tree was increasing as each minute passed. I just have to tell myself it’s good training, and that we are ing iher because of it. I mean, it’s true… doesn’t make it hurt less though.

  “…although, there are some w possibilities. An ability like Ginneka has, or even Nie Ling’s, or some sort of mass buff skill… they could turn a lot of ordinary people into dangerous ons.” I finished, and Morita-san iffly.

  “We have sidered it. The Ministry has been building a register of known abilities, looking for patterns. I had hoped to have Suzuki-san to help with that…” She frowned meaningfully, making me feel a little guilty. “…but as, she is always tasked with other matters. But this…” She eyed the data tablet. “…will save us a great deal of effort.”

  “We ’t just let you add it to your database though.” Abe-san shook his head. “In case of data leaks. In fact, oside of here, we ’t even speak of it. The only time it be discussed is in here, or simir isoted rooms, or in the Boundary.” Abe-san marvelled at that strange world. He had received Chirurgery from me and had a brief orientation, though he wouldn’t be entering himself except in very special circumstances, obviously. The main reason was to get him the stat boosts a work provided, as he was stantly w long hours under intense pressure.

  “…you use a little of the data if it is massaged to disguise it, and we make pns to ter other threats, but… for now, it’s under s.” Abe-san finished. “This Mariam woman, she’ll be very discretely watched as well. Also… we’ll have to look into ret immigrants, see if ot any suspicious features, but the numbers are simply te to have any degree of trol. We use AI to sift datasets for patterns, and employ some clerical staff from various Ministries to double-check it… but don’t hold out hope we’ll find anything.”

  “The JSDF is on full readiness.” Katsuro-san promised. “We respond quickly. But against Chosen… it depends on their strength. If it is on the lines of those from a st time, some of them we likely kill ventionally. But if it is someone of my grandson-in-w’s calibre… all we do is buy time…”

  “We do have some assets. For example Bunta Futamura-san, in our Ministry Iigative Division. But deploying them would be plicated.” Morita-san pointed out, and I realised that was the first time I had heard Bunta-san’s family name. Shiro and Suzu-san both just call him Bunta…

  “Well, we have some potential aveo explore. Shall we things up for now?” Abe-san asked, and I nodded. I had memorised all of the information oablet using my signifit Intellect, so leaving it secure here seemed the better pn. Turning to Katsuro-san, I asked him a question.

  “We’re having a family dinner, everyoogether this evening, since I’ll be away for a week or so.” I’ll be back before Shaeu’s birthday, and then it’s the Pilgrimage, so there won’t be a lot of time for the others, so this evening we’re going to all e together… “Natsumi’s and Hinata’s parents are ing, and I hope Motoko’s will too, but it’d be o have you there as well, grandfather-in-w.”

  Katsuro-san thought about it, befreeing. “Will my grandsohere?” he asked, and I shrugged.

  “I hope so, but while I’ve not met him much, he doesn’t seem to be overly fond of me.”

  “He is a proud young man.” Katsuro-san shook his head. “Tsumura house is sed only to the three great houses, so he likely believes Motoko is wasted on you. He also has no i in Tsumura Arts, finding them outdated and worthless pared to modern military tactid equipment. As heir to the house, he has his own opinions.”

  “Not very wise ones.” Abe-san said, before apologising. “Sorry Katsuro-san, I spoke out of turn again. But you have to admit, Akio-san here is hardly a poor match. Though I wouldn’t want him around my daughter. Oh, again, no offense.”

  As Morita-san s his blunder, Katsuro-san waved it off. “It is fihe way of the nobility is not the way of others. And perhaps it is not the right way. But… for Motoko’s sake, I wao be happy. And she is. Though of course, I worry. She is not a Chose she still wishes to fight.”

  “She’s giving her all, Natsumi too.” I reassured him. “And everyone is w together to make sure everyone fulfil their potential. Anyway…” We talked idly about various unimportant things as we left the room.

  Moments ter, we heard footsteps, and a young woman came barrelling around the er, running iremely undylike fashion. On seeing her, Abe-san’s face lit up, before he realised he was in pany, a on a stern expression, though it was too te to cover his blunder. I guess that must be his daughter? He obviously dotes on her.

  “Hotaru, don’t run around the halls. Especially today of all days. Besides, weren’t you with your mother? Don’t you have homework or something else to do?”

  “Homework’s such a shitty bore. Fuck that.” The pretty young woman cursed, her incredibly foul mouth at odds with her appearahough her hair was short firl, and a little boyishly cut, she was tall and had long legs, and a det figure. She was wearing faded jeans and a t-shirt with the name of some band I didn’t reise embzoned on it.

  “Hotaru! How many times have I told you not to speak like a drunken yakuza?” Abe-san seemed exasperated, and Morita-sa out a dry snort. Katsuro-san and I exged a gnce, and I could see he was amused, and likely pario his ow, impeccably mannered granddaughter.

  “Shit, I’ll talk how I want, dad. I’m my own woman. Besides, it’s not how we say it, but what we say, right?” Her eyes brightened as she saw me, a grin crossing her face. “So, we meet again.”

  Again? I don’t think we ever… oh, that oime... Seeing my ging expression, she realised I remembered. “Yeah, at the party that old bas…” Seeing her father’s impl look she ged what she was about to say. “…old man’s party. What do you think, Akio-kun?” She immediately jumped to first name basis, no hint of shame. “Didn’t I look hot as fuck?”

  Remembering the rather daring pink dress with a very short skirt and bare shoulders, I nodded. “Yes, you looked very pretty.”

  “Of course I did. I’m cute. Oh dad, stop eyeballing me. Akio-ku mind my nguage, right?”

  “I’ll excuse myself…” Morita-san was holding in ughter, and quickly scuttled off, g she was busy. Katsuro-san also left, saying he would try and clear his schedule for ter, and as I also tried to excuse myself, Hotaru-san wouldn’t let me.

  “No running off, Akio-kun! I’ll be fucked if I let this ce to talk to you get away. Shit, I’ve been so curious about you fes. Dad won’t tell me much of anything, you know!”

  “Hotaru, please…” Abe-san pined. “This is my official residenot yround. You’ll get me into trouble.,”

  “I won’t tell if Akio-ku.” She winked, grabbing my arm pyfully. At that Abe-san frowned, and I tried to reassure him with my eyes everything was fine. All this after what he said earlier… “Go on dad, shoo. Make yourself fug scarce. I want to talk to him.”

  “No way, you shouldn’t be aloh a man at ye…” Abe-san protested, unmoved.

  “Oh get over yourself, dad. Shit, that’s so old-fashioned. What, you think Akio-kun is going to push me down whes me alone? Fuck, could you stop him if he tried it now? I don’t thihat sort of man, is he?”

  “I’m not.” I insisted. “It may not look it, but I’m rather picky about who I date.”

  “Saying I don’t qualify, huh? Shit, way to cut a girl down to size and fuck with her pride.” Hotaru-san giggled. “Dad, I promise to only be a few minutes. Half an hour maybe. Shit, I know he’s busy. Probably more so than you. But I really have to ask him some questions. Bring us some fug tea, okay?” She tightened her grip on my arm, smiling cheekily.

  Giving up, Abe-san apologised. “My daughter is… a good girl. I just whish she spoke like irls her age. I really don’t know how this started. At school…”

  “Hey now dad, don’t be a fug snitd tell him about all the demerits I get. Most of the teachers quit b me now anyway…” Hotaru-san snorted. “Anyway, go on, shoo!”

  She led me to a side room, and as she shut the door, she smirked at me. “Now’s your ce, Akio-kun. Push me against the wall, and otle thrust and dad would insist we got married. Fuck, he’s old-fashioned like that.”

  I eyed her, surprised, and she ughed loudly. “I’m just fug with you, don’t sweat it. Though to be fair, you’re hotter in person than on TV. Maybe I won’t scream too loud…”

  “So what did you want to talk to me about?” I asked, tactfully avoiding that line of talk, and she rolled her eyes, seeing through me.

  “Like, you know the Takakura girls and Shiori-, don’t you?”

  “Not well.” We sat down and she finally released my arm, winking. “Though we’ve met a couple of times. I’m well acquainted with their grandfathers.”

  “I see. Yeah, makes sense. Anyway, what about that Mizuki-, right? The size of the honkers on her, fug amazing! I’m so jealous. You’d never know she was still in middle school. Holy shit, they’re ginormous.”

  Well yes, but… “Everyone has their own body shape, it’s not good to point these things out.” I tried to be respectful.

  “Oh, yeah, sure. You ’t tell me you haven’t been ogling those huge fug jugs. Or maybe is Katsuki- more your thing? She’s got that whole elegant young dy down perfectly. Shit, I’m happy enough being me, but… sometimes I think it’d be cool to be so graceful. Then, Shiori-’s cute herself. She’s quite in awe of you too. Stupid shrine shit, but…” As Hotaru-san rambled on, she still hadn’t got to her question. My phohen rang, as I had switched it ba when I left the secure room, and Hotaru-san shrugged, indig for me to take the call.

  Haru, huh? “Hi, what’s up?” I answered, and after a pause, Haru’s voice came back over the line, and she was sounding unusually irritated. Oh Gods, I hope Christina didn’t upset her again.

  “I’m not having a good day, Akio-kun.” Haru pined. “Not that I bme you, but… no, maybe I do?” A long sigh could be heard. “She came back, you know. Miss Bakker? She apologised if she had upset me, and I asked her if she uood why, and she said she didn’t, but that she was still sincere, and… get this… she… she…” Haru struggled to get the words out, and I had a horrifying premonition.

  “She pointed out I could share my memories and experiences, and she asked if I could share mih her as an apology, so she’d uand my feelings!” The shod annoyan her voice alpable.

  “You didn’t… did you?” I frowroubled, and her reply momentarily relieved me, before her words shattered my hopes.

  “I was sorely tempted.” she admitted. “But despite how hateful the woman is, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. But she wouldn’t stop b me. She then insisted on sharing the pains of the repatriated citizens, saying that it would show you she meant what she said. That… in the end I gave in.”

  “And what happened?” I asked, dreading the answer.

  “She colpsed eventually and is still unscious. She’s not physically hurt though. Before she passed out, she was trying to tell me she was fi would have been more ving if she wasn’t sweating, shaking and g. But… it’s vexing. While it doesn’t in any way make up for what she did, and she’s doing it just to get you to like her… it’s in a small way, making a little amends. I still loathe her though.” Haru finished, and I let out a bitter sigh, while Hotaru-san smiled at me reassuringly.

  “Just… yeah. I get it, I ’t abide her either. But she’s right about ohing. Even if her as are motivated by self-i, at least she’s trying, in her own idiotic way. I assume you’ve made sure she’s got medical care?”

  “Of course. I’m dead, not a monster. Or are Onryō monsters after all?”

  Hearing Haru make such a joke I knew she was rattled, so I soled her, and after she vented for a few minutes, eventually she hung up, having done her duty for the day. I did invite her to the dihis evening, but she wao spend time with her father, so I agreed we’d meet up aime.

  “Sounds rough.” Hotaru-san iserated when I hung up. “Shit, don’t I know how hard things be? Dad’s almost going bald from the stress. Mom’s pissed off at that. Speaking of…”

  Are you getting to the point then?

  “…I’m like… well, first.” She seemed nervous, for some reason. “Okay… deep breaths girl, deep breaths.” She worked herself up, before asking me her favour. “Firstly, I know that mom and I are on the list for Chirurgery, like dad, but I get you and Shaeu- are fug busy. Dad always says so.” Seeing me raising an eyebrow, she flushed a little. “Hey, Shaeu-’s like… my idol. One of them anyway. She was so fug cool in London! You would bar-bar my way? Shit, so awesome! But yeah, while you’re here, you do us? I know it hurts, but I’m fug tough, get me?”

  “I suppose I , so long as your father agrees.” That’s a small favour, and she’s right, family of high-ranking politis and Ministry employees o be protected.

  “Awesome! Knew I could t on you, no shit.” She ughed loudly, sounding rather dirty and boyish. “But… well, I know that old man you were with was a bigshot from the nobility. You’re dating his granddaughter, getting married, aren’t you?”

  I nodded, and she tinued. “So… well, year’s my st at school. Shit, I don’t think I’m cut out for uy, but… fuck me, you don’t care about that. Sorry to waste your time. But yeah… like… Shiori- and big jugs, tiny cutie and elegant-…” Her niames for I presumed the Takakura sisters were unique, certainly. “…they’re totally cool, and I like them a lot. Hey, wao put in a good word for you? Who do you like best…?”

  I headed off that argument. “I think I’m rather full in terms of girlfriends, and Kiaria-san and Mizuki-san are way too young.”

  “Shit, I get you.” Hotaru-san nodded. “Guess I should be thankful you’re not a fug pervert. But they’ll grow up to be beauties, just like me!” She thumped her chest proudly, no shame at all. “Anyway… they’re so fug lucky, getting to go to Hanafubuki. Graduate from that school and you’re set for life. Not only do you get to know all the girls from the rich families, but you get to meet a better css of guy, get it? Shit, I hate the fact they don’t let daughters of politis or eainers enrol. They say that politis e and go, depending oers. I get it, but shit… my dad’s not going to get voted out. Sure, he’s stressed as fuck, but… nobody hahe situation like he . After all, you support him, right Akio-kun?”

  “I’d work with whets into power…” I admitted, and she chose to ighat.

  “You don’t want to hear me running my shitty mouth, do you?” she shrugged. “I’ll get to the point. I’d be in your debt for fug ever if you could put in a good wet me admitted to Hanafubuki for the st year. Pull some strings, like? I may not be able to do much, but… you’d be surprised.”

  That’s it, huh? Well, knowing Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi, Miyu, Honoka-san and many irls from there… yeah, I don’t think she’s a good fit… I was about to tactfully turn her dowhe door opened, and Abe-saered with a tray of tea, shaking his head.

  “Hotaru, we’re going to have to have words ter.” He bowed to me then after setting the tray down. “Sorry Akio-san. Hotaru’s… very selfish. But she’s my daughter and I love her, so please five her for me.” He bowed again, and I felt bad for him.

  “It’s not a big deal.” I shrugged. “All she was doing was asking for a favour.”

  “But she doesn’t know you. That’s rude in itself. Look, Hotaru, this is why the nobles behind Hanafubuki exclude us. You’re the archetype of what they think ordinary girls are. Vulgar and unrefined.”

  “Shit dad, I may be vulgar, but I’m not unrefined. I’ve good grades and I’m athletic…” she protested, and he asked me my thoughts.

  “Holy, from knowing a lot of Hanafubuki girls, I don’t think it’d work. But…” I frowned. “Look, I give you Chirurgery, and why don’t you attend the training school a few times, mih some of them? I know it’s always more of a lesson to see it for yourself.”

  “I’d appreciate that. Although…” Before his daughter could speak, Abe-san asked me a favour himself. “…while it’s likely a flict of i, and politically damaging… if Hotaru could attend your training surly, and learn a few things, I’d feel more at ease. Especially after our talk today.”

  Oh yeah, about possible targets for attack. Politis and their families would be prime propaganda if they were killed.

  “It’s also the best ce I give you to mih the children of nobility, a tend the schurly. You just have to accept that’s the way it is…”

  “I don’t mind. Though it be hard work. We take training seriously…” I warned, and Hotaru-san seemed excited.

  “Fuck me, thanks dad, thanks Akio-kun!” She grabbed a mug of tea and dow, clearly eted. She then wi me. “I’m still not ting myself out of my dream of attending Hanafubuki, no fug way. But I’ll take your advid see the real flowers of Japan in a. Also… you wao help you charm any of them, just say the word!” She gave me a lewd grin and a thumbs-up, followed by Abe-san chastising her, embarrassed and sdalised…

  “What’s so funny, Aki?” Shiro said, as we were sitting under Asha’s Tree in the Boundary. “You’re smiling. Has the pain gone and driven you crazy? Shit, just let me know and I’ll dismiss the buff if you ’t hack it anymore.”

  “It’s not that.” I promised, looking up at Asha’s Tree. The glow around it, rainbow energies and silver ether glittering around the upper branches, was the most inte had ever been, showing the fruit of our efforts. “You know, you have a rather foul mouth sometimes, Shiro?”

  “Shit, that’s rude.” Shiro snorted. “Nothing this princess does is ever foul. When a beautiful girl swears, it’s just endearing. What’s brought this on, Aki?”

  “I just met a girl who would make a sailor blush with her swearing. And she’ll be ing to the training school soon. It’s just unusual firls to swear a lot, isn’t it?”

  “That’s sexist.” Shiro snorted. “Your sister swears sometimes, doesn’t see?”

  “Yeah, but only when she’s really mad.” I defended her.

  “Yeah, sure, I shouldn’t have expected you to say a wainst your beloved sister.” Shiro snickered. “So, is she pretty?”

  “She’s not bad, but the training school is already full of pretty girls. She’s the Prime Minister’s daughter…”

  “Ah, a big catch then.” Shiro teased me, and as I expi wasn’t anything like that, I once more ied our ether stocks, very pleased by the progress. We were now holding just under forty millioher. So far Shiro’s extra buff was helping us pull in a milliora ether per Material day, although as I was suffering greatly today and it wasn’t yet done, we would likely clear an additional half a million or so extra today, assuming I could tio protect Asha’s Tree from the side effects.

  “She’s definitely a unique girl, from just my brief meeting. She’s got an i in noble girls, so…”

  “Say no more.” Shiro grinned. “I’ll put Miyu in charge of her.” Shiro stretched, yawning. “Anyway, you’re stayio resoh the Tree, right? In that case I’ll be off. I want to make it back before the meal, and I o shower and ge first. It’ll be good to have everyone all together. Although…” Shiro seemed a little sad, and I wondered if she was missing her own parents, but when I voiced that thought, she rolled her eyes.

  “Don’t be an idiot, Aki. They’re hardly parents at all. I’m more than happy to take yours. Your father’s always rather o me, and your mother’s hirious. No, I was just thinking you’ll be away for a week. It’s not like you’ll be able to keep your Astral body here long…”

  “Will you miss me?” I teased, and she retorted quickly.

  “Who’ll miss you? Why would I? I’ll actually be able to take a break on supervising all these buffs, it’ll just be once a day… no, I’m not tsundere, I promised myself I wouldn’t be. Yeah, of course I’ll miss you, Aki. But nobody minds. If you have to do it, do it. And Hinata could use her turn. Don’t worry, we’ll hold the fort…”

  After a little more jovial jesting, Shiro vanished, leaving me alone uhe Tree, while oerial, I finalised the details with the Prime Minister a his residence. I called Haru again, and she assured me grumpily that Christina Bakker was fine, just sleeping, and with that I hopped in my waiting car and was driven back to our estate, ready for what would be a raucous and iing meal, no doubt…

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