Much of the experimental equipment at the former Fourth Institute had been in use since the World War, and while repairs had been made as needed, many items had basic performance that was outdated. Even so, if the equipment of the former Fourth Institute—which covered areas that current modern magic research could not fully encompass—were discarded as it was, it would undoubtedly cause inconvenience to ongoing research.
『At this rate, when Miyuki-san returns, she might pounce on you by way of giving thanks.』
"Please don't say that so gleefully... Well, I am grateful to be liked, but..."
Therefore, Yugen, who possessed world-class skill in hardware design, decided to step up. Specifically, rather than just returning the research equipment to brand-new condition using "Tenyo Shoran" (Sunlight Illumination), he planned to redesign the equipment through FLT to meet current component standards. Instead of replacing everything at once, the plan was to bring the research equipment of the former Fourth Institute to state-of-the-art condition through a phased update. This served as a "return favor" for the shares Yugen had been granted when assigned to FLT.
Once that topic concluded, the conversation moved on to the contents of the youth conference.
『I assume you already know about the meeting's contents, but I heard from Takkun that Saegusa brought up the idea of using Miyuki-san as a figurehead, but Takkun fiercely refuted it and forced them to withdraw it. Mitsuya, Ichijo, Mutsuzuka, Isshiki, and Shippo, along with His Excellency's grandson Kousen-kun, agreed with Takkun's opinion as well.』
"...I can only think that many families are opportunistic or peace-at-any-price types. Though perhaps inspiring Mitsuya's older brother had something to do with it as well."
Regardless of whether the proposing Saegusa family accepted the balance between the benefits of an idol and the accompanying risks, they likely tried to hoist Miyuki as a figurehead as a counterattack against being humiliated by the Yotsuba family at the Master Clans Conference. Of course, Yugen had intended to use his authority as chairman to reject it the moment the Saegusa family presented it at the meeting, but he was relieved to find it was an unnecessary worry.
『Come to think of it, regarding the absence of the Kamurazaka and Kamiizumi families, Saegusa-dono reportedly explained that he "had received notice of your wish to be absent."』
"Is that so... I don't recall giving any such explanation to those involved. Either way, since we're flying to Okinawa at the end of this month, if Saegusa tries anything, it will be completely obvious."
To be frank, this was also one of Yugen's strategies.
They had overhauled the structure of the Master Clans Conference using the detainment of terrorists as leverage, but naturally, that didn't mean complaints wouldn't arise. In the first place, under the current system, if one of the Ten Master Clans suffered functional failure, there were no forces capable of stepping in to take their place.
That was precisely why the Guardians stepped to the forefront to overhaul the system.
The capacity for training magicians was far too small compared to the vast number of higher education and employment opportunities available—a situation akin to an hourglass structure. While several countermeasures had been proposed, they still hadn't managed to cover every individual possessing magical aptitude.
If other Ten Master Clans or Eighteen Assistant Families were willing to pick them up, that would be fine, but currently, they were only enthusiastic about picking up personnel who could become immediate assets. The reality was that it fell short of the Magic Association's motto of "Protecting All Magicians." Considering the cost of training, it was a reasonable judgment, but it was still a problem that no concrete opinions regarding such matters were brought up at the youth conference.
"I am well aware that I am young. However, focusing solely on magicians who can serve as immediate assets is, in itself, negligence. I believe that saving those magic-aptitude holders who fell through the sieve is what leads to the pride of an organization that leads magician society."
『Those words hit close to home even for us, the Yotsuba family. Is there anything we can do to help?』
"Let's see... The youth conference ended in what felt like a 'breakdown of talks,' so this time, I intend to issue a joint call from four parties: the Kamurazaka and Kamiizumi families, alongside the Mitsuya and Yotsuba families."
On the surface, the absence from the previous meeting was due to an inability to attend owing to meetings with the government, and the new call was to "chastise" them because the contents of the youth conference were so abysmal. Hearing that Tomoichi boasted about the Zhou Gongjin incident—despite hardly being involved—was one thing, but Yugen also intended to take a stern stance toward Katsuto for failing to reprimand him.
The basic conditions would conform to the call previously made by the Jumonji family, but the venue would be a rented conference room at a resort hotel in Hakone owned by the Kamizaka Group. It would also be explicitly stated that all transportation and accommodation expenses would be fully covered by the Kamurazaka family.
"In line with that, I have a request for you: I would like the Yotsuba family to lend its name as a co-proposer."
『Fufu, I don't mind at all. Since you're planning payback for us being looked down upon at the previous meeting, by all means, allow us to cooperate.』
This upcoming meeting would fundamentally not allow absentees. Even if the excuse was related to the National Defense Forces, he would launch a statement of censure as Chairman of the Master Clans Conference against the National Defense Academy, the National Defense Forces, and ultimately the Minister of Defense. If they intended to take it lightly, he would not hesitate to exact retaliation behind the scenes.
After all, bearing the name of the Twenty-Eight Families was synonymous with taking on the corresponding duties and responsibilities.
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