Is this........your house?　It wasn't at all what I thought it would be.

　Marion looked around at the ceiling and walls in a curious manner.

'Yes, I never imagined such a large estate and large house. Do you live here by yourself?　Mr. Du,

But ... it's a bit tattered in places. Are you able to keep out the rain and dew?　This,

　Both Nina and Mizuho are looking at the tatami-matted living room with curious expressions on their faces.

''No, no, no, this is getting incredibly beautiful, right?　The last time I was here, it wasn't in very good shape to go inside. I guess they restored it while I didn't see it for a bit. I don't know how you had the money for that.

Well it was a tent before.

That was fun, wasn't it!

　Yuto brought out seven cups of barley tea and left them in front of everyone. The teacups were all from a 100-yen store.

''You don't need to look at it too much. This one, Gen and Aramitsu restored it for me.''

'Seriously?　How could those two be so handy?

Yeah, and they redid the bathrooms in a big way, which surprised me too.

'Heh, show me later, Yuto. Right!　You'll let me stay over next time. We can play video games all day long, but we don't have a TV. And there's no air conditioning, either.

''Haha........I'm going to think about that in my next reward....... I haven't gotten around to that, because before that it was more important to get the fridge and the washing machine and the lifeline.

'Hmmm, well then, it's no fun to stay at your place. I'll bring a game, at least bring a TV. Also, can't you do something about the fact that we only have a fan in the middle of summer?　It's too hot.

'Oh my God, all you do is complain about it, Ichigo!　I told you we're not supposed to talk about it at home!　Well, but we'll have to figure out a way to make it work... in time.

Oh, and I'll come stay with you!

What do you mean by that, huh?

"..........

　Mari, Mizuho, Marion and Nina stared, somewhat frustrated, at this uncomplicated conversation between men. Somewhat enviously.
　But now, I didn't come to talk about it.

''Well, let's get right to it, Mr. Doudou, let's plan a strategy for the upcoming Grand Festival of the Entrance of the House.

　Nina took the laptop out of the bag she had brought with her.

You're very serious, Nina-san. I'm going to be able to get one for you next time. I had a hard time convincing my parents to buy it.

　Even Yuto, who is not familiar with computers, or rather, has no connection to them, can't help but think it's cool to see Nina operating a computer normally.

''Well, it's not like I'm typing anything major but.......anyway, let me see the list of participants?　I'm going to make a table and type in each piece of information. The information items ... shall we all come up with them?

All right. Here it is.

'Put it there. This..........There are more participants than I thought. I wonder if they want to marry Mizuho-san that badly, these people.

''No, they're just people who got caught up in the name of Shitenji anyway. There's no way they would know about me with just a rumor...

　Displeased, Mizuho turned her face away.

''..........''

''........Then we must stop them even more. I don't want to see Mizuho-san get married to these people either. In general, if you want to marry Mizuho-san, I think you should come to the front. And if you have the guts to steal a maiden's heart, I'd tell you to come see her face first.

Niina....

'Of course!　If you have to have power, I think you should come and show it, too!　I want to complain on behalf of the common people!

'Mito-san represents the common people.......I can see that!

'What?　Hakamada-kun is a commoner to the core!　Hey!　You're laughing, but even Mari is similar in front of Shitenji-san.

It's like...

　Everyone smiled at Shizuka and the others' exchange, and Mizuho's expression softened as well.

''Speaking of which, Mizuho-san, have you seen the list of participants?''

　When Yuto asks, Mizuho replies with a sigh.

''No, I didn't see it. To be honest, I didn't even feel like watching it...''

'I don't need to see it!　This stuff!

Sounds like you're really excited about it, Mito-san...

Shizuka........has always hated this kind of thing. There was a scene in a movie I saw once where a character was forced into a marriage that he didn't like, and I shouted out, 'f*ck you!' at the top of my lungs... in the movie theater.

'Wow, that's embarrassing!　Raising your voice to the screen nowadays, not even downtown.

Oh, no!　It's bad enough that when I said I wanted to watch an action movie, Mari forced me to watch this one!

I'm the one who always has to watch sci-fi action movies with Shizuka!　Other than that, it's all detective stuff, like a locked room murder.

It's good!　That's fun!

　As I was buzzing around, Nina looked up from the computer screen.

''Yes, you've entered the information. Then let's enter as much information as we can and narrow down the number of people we can look into as much as possible, shall we? Right, first let's figure out how to narrow it down first.

Nina, input, fast!

　Thus, the first thing we all did was to discuss the general strategy.



'Eeeee!　That's so weird!　Why is it OK to use a fake name or something?　That's not like bringing in someone suspicious!

'Really, yes, I don't really understand the common sense of these people with abilities.

　On behalf of the general public, Shizuka and Mari complained when they heard that street names, two names, and even pseudonyms were allowed to register for the Grand Festival of the Entry House.

''Well, generally speaking, that's true, but the world of people with abilities is a special place.

But those are your real names, aren't they, Marion?

'We are, but there are some people with abilities that come from families that can't tell you their real names too much...'

'Hmm, I'm surprised too, but the organizers say it's a good idea, so I don't blame them. But on the contrary, I think it's a good idea to pick up someone who isn't their real name.

"Oh, I see, Nina, you're so smart!

''I'll ask Akira-san about those who aren't their real names later, but also...be careful of those whose affiliations, or something like that, aren't clear. I'll also list people who should have been hostile until now, famous families in the past, people who were influential people, just in case.

'What?　Nina, I know you list people who have been hostile, but what's with all the great families in the past and such?

　Everyone nodded in unison to Mari's question, but Yuto looked up, "Ah........

''Don't tell me you mean, easily taken advantage of?''

''That's right, Mr. Doe. How did you notice it? Maybe Mr. Du Du is suited to be a politician. No, joining a politician's house might be good for you in the future?

"...what?　Me?

　Nina grins as she looks at Yuto.

''Hey!　Nina, you can't be a politician, Yuto!　You're so gullible.

'Yes, sir!　Yuto-san isn't cut out to be a politician!

　Instantly, Mari and Marion immediately interrupted.

''........Mm.''

'What is it about that that makes you so easy to take advantage of, Nina?　What does that mean?

''Yes, Mizuho-san. People who have once been called a famous family usually have a similar thought process. Simply put, they want to revive their families. It's the same in every country. And yet the obsession with this is almost always strong. What happens when that opportunity comes rolling in there?

....

Don't you think it's easy to be seduced?　Those who are hostile to the Shitenji family are difficult to move outwardly. If that's the case, it's better to use the rest of the people to guide them. So, whisper to them. That this will be the perfect opportunity for you to regain your former fame.

　Mari has a point to make with what Nina says.

'I see. So those intriguers can easily get in on it. You can borrow the title of a relative of that house, or ... a squire.

'Yes. Yes, it was a common case of political strife, as was the case with the former Millmar. Pulling strings from behind the scenes, as is often the case with people with bad ideas, and yet it's the high road.

　Mizuho's expression disappeared and she listened to Nina's story.
　Right now, Mizuho's emotions were starting to disappear.
　It was something she knew.
　It was something she knew........but all that came out was the situation.
　Getting into Shitenji, getting recognized by Shitenji, using Shitenji to sell your name, reestablishing your family.......it all revolves around that.
　It is the Shitenji family that is there, not myself.
　Even though at the end of this great festival of entry into the family, it is also about you and your lifelong partner........
　
　That smile wasn't directed at anyone else. It was a smile directed at himself.
　He laughed at the trivial, worthless, illusion that showed its face only briefly in the depths of his own chest.
　He reaffirmed that he was a member of the Shitenji family before he was a Shitenji Mizuho.

''Then let's check the roster, shall we?　Let's check off the people we are currently interested in. Since we don't know this one, could you take a look at Mizuho-san and Marion-san?

Okay, okay.

Oh, yes.

　As Nina said this, Mizuho and Marion looked down at the names on the roster.
　The two of them checked the top of the roster and picked out the people they could recognize.
　Although Yuto was also an able-bodied person, he was almost ignorant of the other people with abilities, so he had no choice but to leave this task to Mizuho and Marion.
　While working, Mizuho....her eyes were suddenly drawn to the name at the bottom.
　And........she was shocked at the name listed there.
　Mizuho's body stiffens, and her face becomes strong.
　

(.........hmm?　(Mizuho-san?)

Mizuho-san....?

....

Mizuho-san?

What?　Yuto.

　Mizuho looked up with a huff as she realized that she was being called by Yuto.

''No, you look a little tired.... Was there a name on the name list that caught your attention?''

It's nothing.

Well that would be nice.

　While saying that, Yuto looked worriedly at Mizuho, whose complexion did not seem to be excellent.
　Mizuho.........looked down at the list of names again.
　Out of that Mizuho's gaze........

　Sanzenin Mizushige....

　At the name, Mizuho unconsciously clenched her hands under the table.

''Ah!　Mizuho-san, look at this!

　Suddenly, Marion exclaimed in surprise.

''Here's the Yellow Family's hero's name!

"...what?　

　Yuto also tilted his head at the name he had heard Marion say.

''Hero of the Yellow Family?　Hmm?　....Oh!　It's him!

What, what?　Who is it?　Yuto.

'No, I met him when I was taking the agency's rookie rank exams and he's got a... strong personality.

''Yes ... he lied to us and that's how Mizuho-san was once forced to share a meal with us.

'What's that?　How did that happen?　Mizuho-san.

　When Yuto was surprised to hear that too, which was new to him, Mizuho's face looked uncomfortable as if to say, don't remind me of a bad memory.

''Hey, Marion!　I'd just forgotten about it!

'Lying and having dinner with Shitenji-san?　What's that?　What's he like?　Yuto.

　Ichigo is curious and asks a question.

'Oh what do you call it?　For now, are you the kind of person who doesn't want to get too involved?

Hmm, that's unfortunate, isn't it? How strong is he?　Mr. Marion.

''Yes....He's from a famous family with a famous family of abilities. He was the one who obtained the same rank A as me and Mizuho-san in that test.

'What?　Isn't it great then?　I don't know what I'm talking about.

But I didn't expect him to join us. I took a quick look through it, and there are quite a few other people who are well known and talented. Since I know them, they are quite famous.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. You okay?　It looks like there are more bad guys than I thought. Can you beat people like that, Yuto?

Hmmm, I'll have to try but of course I'm going to take them all down, I am.

(...What?!)

　Mizuho looks up. I don't understand what Yuto is saying now.
　However, Ichigo, Mari and the others nodded as if it was obvious.

''Oh, please!''

'Yes, Yuto. Good luck.

I know.

Wait a minute!　What the hell are you talking about!　Yuto's going to take them all down....

　When Mizuho couldn't help but shout, rather than all of them there, what were they saying to Mizuho?　He gives me a look.

'What?　What do you mean, you're going to beat them all up and end this joke of a festival, right?　Shitenji-san.

....!

　Mm-hmm, they all nodded.
　As if in a daze, Mizuho looked back at the people who were turning to face us.

''But, Yuto just asked me to eliminate any suspicious guys if I find them...''

'Yeah?　So, you know, for us...

　Ichigo grinned and turned to look at Yuto and the others, and they all joined in with their own expressions.

''Weird, all of them!''

"...and...?

　Nina then explains to a surprised Mizuho.

'Honestly, I don't have a perfect idea of who's suspicious, Mizuho. What we're doing now is just screening out the most likely dangerous people as much as possible. Besides, what we're most worried about is if that suspicious person's target is Mizuho-san.

...What?

''Because the best way to bring shame to the Shitendera Family is to harm Mizuho-san, who is also the main character in this event. Especially since there are people who originally wanted to do something about the next head of the Shitendera family, Mizuho-san, so this is even better.

....

'And in the end, Mizuho-san will measure the other person herself, right?　So what if you stay quiet until the end and then turn on your fangs in the final battle with Mizuho-san?　Of course, if that happens, I'll have Doudou-san and Marion-san intervene immediately, but there's a chance that they won't be able to make it in time if they try to kill you with their first attack. Then.........

'The sooner I take down all the participants, the sooner I take them down. So now I have to be careful to see if there are any people trying to do anything else at the moment. They might try to involve Zhu Yin and the rest of the people from Shitennji.

　When Yuto said that.

Yeah.

'Yes!　Mizuho-san.

　Mari and Shizuka both look like it's natural.

''........Oh, when did you guys even think of such a thing......''

　When Mizuho said that, Nina winked at her.

''Actually, we had discussed this without Mizuho-san beforehand. You see, Mizuho-san is the party in question, so I'm sure she's in a lot of......trouble. I didn't think it would be good for Mizuho-san's mental health if we spent too much time talking like this, so I suggested it to everyone.

Nina-san....

　Mizuho felt her cold heart warm slightly at Nina's words.
　But now Mizuho felt like she wanted to be, but she wanted to feel it, and maybe she wanted to.

''I mean...''

　Then the girl who represents the angry common people says in a trembling voice.

''I knew it, I can't forgive you!　I hate to break it to you, Shitenji, but to find a man to marry at this stupid event?　Stupid!　I don't know if it's a famous family or an ability, but all those who don't know the value of a maiden should be crushed!

　Shizuka stands up and puts her feet on the table.

'Shizuka, oh, calm down,'

Shut up!　Mari!　I don't think I can keep this calm!　Mostly, I have to show these flies that are drawn to the name of Shitenji alone, or else I won't feel good about it!

You're a fly.

'Mito-san, that's a hell of a swashbuckling act. You really don't like this kind of stuff, do you?

Yeah.

Mr. Du Du!

Yes!

Okay?　Be thorough!　If you get beaten up by these scum...

Wow, okay!　Of course I'll go all out!　And that's what I originally intended to do!

""What?"

　The four girls are caught by the word "originally" by Yuto.

'Originally?　Yuto........what does that mean.......

　Mizuho asks the true meaning of that statement by Yuto as if she were probing.

''Eh........?　Ah........what?

'....Yuto?　You ... what did you originally have in mind?

　

''What does that........mean?　Yuto.

　Marion is smiling, but the light in her eyes is........not there.

''You don't think.......you don't want to use this as an opportunity to get into the Shitenji family, do you, Mr. Doe?''

　Nina chokes out like a prosecutor.

'No!　I'm not thinking about that!

"Mr. Du Du!　Take them all down!　Everything!　Until it is reduced to ash!

'You're scary, Mito!　No, we're all scared!

　Ichigo turns to Mizuho as if nothing is wrong.

The Irike's big festival is next week, isn't it, Shitenji-san? How long is this big festival?

'What?　Yeah, well, with this number of people it's going to take a week or so.

'What?　Seriously!　Well that's... unexpected... the dates might fall on...

"...?　What do you wear?

'Oh!　It's nothing!　It's nothing!　

　Mizuho tilts her head at the strangely impatient Ichigo, but shifts her attention to the members who are still rattling around.
　Normally, it would have been me in there, but...
　To the current Mizuho, all of those people were far away, and it felt as if it was happening on the other side of the TV screen.

(Why.........that Sanzenin Mizushige.......

　Mizuho's face and eyes clouded over, and she grabbed her chest as she struggled to breathe.