Subjected to an intensity from Retsu's gaze he had never seen before, even Kouichi, though still seated, was forced to bow his head. Retsu continued speaking, aware that Makoto's expression had stiffened.
"Maya. Before the Master Clans Conference was established, I was threatened by 'those people'—who are now deceased—and acted to sell out the Yotsuba, including you. I do not mind if you condemn or despise me for failing to offer even a single apology for over thirty years. Though I do not have long left, I intend to use this life to fulfill my share of responsibility for letting Genzo die."
"Sensei... please raise your head. If I held onto my original emotions, I would likely have been angry enough to refuse calling you Sensei. However, when I was saved by my father and sister, my connection to you came to feel like something happening to a stranger."
Normally, Maya would have the right to condemn Retsu as a victim. However, she did not choose that path. Even if she killed Retsu here as her parent's enemy, there was no guarantee that those who admired him wouldn't direct hostility or killing intent toward the Yotsuba.
Retrieving a past that has already gone by is a feat nearly impossible even with the power of magic. Maya knew of a person who likely made that possible, but precisely because she knew, she accepted the current situation. If she were to regain her happiness as a woman, she would want to marry him first and foremost; therefore, she wished for her sister—who had suffered until now because of Maya—and her sister's child to be happy instead.
Furthermore, if the truth came to light, there was no guarantee that people wouldn't bring up past engagements. Thus, Maya concluded that having Tatsuya, who carried her blood, was sufficient.
"Also, the letter my father left touched upon you as well, Sensei. My father realized you had sold out the Yotsuba, yet he carried out that revenge tragedy knowing full well. 'I won't tell you to forgive the sin Retsu committed, but understand the suffering of the "have-nots," including Retsu'—those were my father's last words."
She possessed Tatsuya, the ultimate joker, as a countermeasure, but she didn't want to force the suffering she endured onto her own son. She didn't know if it was maternal affection toward a son born to be entrusted with the world's revenge, but Maya frankly felt, "That is somehow different."
"Therefore, I forgive you. I believe there is someone else more suitable for the role of scolding you."
"Maya... I am truly sorry."
Even if Retsu hadn't sold the Yotsuba's information, Elder Todo—Aoba's father, who was one of the Four Elders at the time—could have investigated the Yotsuba himself. Even if Kouichi and Maya hadn't attended the exchange meeting in Taipei, it was conceivable they could have been targeted on another occasion.
Comparing the presence or absence of Retsu, there was even a possibility that Miya, not Maya, could have been targeted. "Ifs" do not exist in the past, but when she considered that Miya might have suffered the same fate as her, Maya concluded that while Retsu was not blameless, the tragedy might have occurred even without his involvement.
Besides, the reason Retsu had gone out of his way to appear was to deal with the Kudou family, including Kouichi; the apology to Maya was merely piggybacking on that. The sin of degrading the Yotsuba was Retsu's own, and since he was showing a posture of atonement, Maya felt it would be "uncouth" to pursue it further here.
"So, Sensei. Setting aside your own matters, how do you intend to intercede regarding Lord Saegusa? That is what everyone here, including myself, is concerned about."
Honestly, Retsu had come prepared to die by Maya's Meteor Line right then and there. But not only did he receive words close to forgiveness, but he opened his eyes wide at the revelation that Genzo had seen through his actions yet still executed the revenge tragedy.
Wearing an expression that said "now of all times," Retsu thought, I never could beat Genzo until the very end. Feeling the gazes of those around him due to Maya's words, he braced himself, showed a serious expression, and made his declaration.
"Indeed... This involves the agreement with the Kagurazaka family, but in exchange for the Saegusa family remaining in the Ten Master Clans, I request that the Kudou family step down from the Ten Master Clans to become one of the eighteen assistant houses, and be stripped of the qualification for promotion to the Ten Master Clans for the next 15 terms. For the time being, would you accept this to settle the matter?"
"Former Head... that is...!?"
Fifteen terms—meaning, for the next sixty years, including after Retsu's death, the Kudou family would lose the right to ascend to the Ten Master Clans. Retsu requested a heavy punishment, second only to the deprivation of one's number (Extra). Makoto looked at Retsu imploringly, but Retsu directed a fierce gaze at Makoto.
"Makoto. You are guilty of directly facilitating Zhou Gongjin. Regarding the continental Taoists sent by Zhou Gongjin, you have caused trouble not only for the Ichijou, Yotsuba, Mitsuya, Mutsuzuka, and Jumonji families but also for the Chiba, Yoshida, and ultimately even the Kamiizumi and Kagurazaka families."
"Wh... !?"
Retsu had heard that the continental Taoists—and the 'Traditionalists' brainwashed by them—had caused a situation where Ancient Magicians from Kyoto and Nara appeared and targeted not only the Yotsuba family (the involved party) but also the Kanto region. Having involved half of the Ten Master Clans, part of the Hundred Families, Ancient Magic families, and even two Guardian families, Retsu felt strongly that continuing to sit in the seat of the Ten Master Clans was conduct unbecoming of a Master Clan.
"Furthermore, regarding the great feat of reconciling the 'Traditionalists' accomplished by the Guardian Kagurazaka family last autumn. Including the fact that the current Lord Kagurazaka achieved what the house of 'Nine' should have done, this was something you should have brought up yourself—of course, myself included."
"Former Head... Father!"
"It is not for me, who has committed a grave sin, to say this, but... Makoto, I am disappointed in you."
The participants were surprised by the fact mentioned by Retsu—that Yugen was primarily involved in the reconciliation of the 'Traditionalists.' However, struck by Retsu's scathing words of disappointment, Makoto hung his head as if he had lost all strength. It was Maya who interceded at that sight.
"Sensei, is that not enough? If the Kudou family is taking responsibility, the Yotsuba family accepts that. It is sufficient if Lord Saegusa atones for the scandal through future contributions."
Maya felt it would be better to take the lead on this, considering earlier events, but she also did it out of consideration for Retsu's desire to maintain the current Master Clans Conference system for the time being.
Currently, regarding the power balance of the Ten Master Clans, the Yotsuba, Mitsuya, and Saegusa possessed rivaling influence. If the Saegusa family were to withdraw here, a heavy burden would fall on the Mitsuya family. Since Maya's niece's husband (currently fiancé) was related to the Mitsuya family, her statement also stemmed from the thought that causing them trouble would be discourteous.
"If Lord Yotsuba says so..."
"Indeed, if Lord Saegusa were to leave the Ten Master Clans now, the hole would be too large."
Atsuko and Raizo showed understanding of Maya's words while directing strict gazes at Kouichi. Kouichi, for his part, kept his head lowered with an expressionless face like a Noh mask. Seeing this, Maya smiled slightly, as if to say, "I've seen something rare."
"Everyone, pardon my rudeness. Let's go, Makoto."
At Retsu's words, Makoto walked out of the conference hall with unsteady steps. Retsu bowed his head once more, saying, "I am truly sorry," and closed the door. Although everyone was speechless from the series of surprises, Gen spoke up.
"Lord Futatsugi. With Lord Kudou, who was acting as chairman, having left, you as the next in line will serve as chairman. Are you alright with that?"
"Y-Yes. Thank you for your concern, Lord Mitsuya. Then, we must decide on a Ten Master Clan to replace the Kudou family."
"Indeed. Lord Mitsuya, do you have anyone in mind?"
Normally, if a family could not fulfill its duties as a Master Clan for some reason during a term, a replacement member would be chosen from the eighteen assistant houses through recommendation and consultation by the other nine clans. Since the Selection Conference was tomorrow, there was no need to force a selection, but leaving a seat of the Ten Master Clans—which stood for the order of the Japanese magic community—vacant would affect their dignity.
Since Makoto, the former chairman, had left, Mai, the next eldest, proposed selecting a replacement member. Gouki agreed and asked Gen.
"If we ignore all entanglements, I believe Lord Shippou would be the appropriate and solid choice."
"Oh, Lord Mitsuya also intended to recommend Lord Shippou?"
"Does that mean you as well, Lord Yotsuba?"
"Yes. Although Lord Shippou has few magicians under his command, his financial power is considerable, and the man himself is prudent."
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