This Child Is Destined for Greatness

She hadn't expected to take a liking to someone so quickly, but he seemed to possess a kind of irresistible magic that made her unconsciously want to get closer to him, approach him, and learn more about him.

"What a wicked junior!"

Saegusa Mayumi pulled herself together. After all, there was no point in worrying about it now. She didn't know Kudo Mitsunobu, and at the very least, her life wasn't in her own hands.

I'm on my knees begging you all for votes and comments.

First chapter at 12:00.

Second chapter at 18:00.

Chapter 6: This Child Is Destined for Greatness

The key turned, and the heavy iron gate swung open.

"Why would anyone still use a door with a key in this day and age? Just how old is this place?"

Kudo Mitsunobu pushed his motorcycle inside and parked it in its spot.

Once he was home, he casually set the helmet he'd been wearing on the cabinet in the entryway.

He made himself a cup of coffee, took a sip, then set it down on the coffee table.

He tapped his communicator, and the large screen on the wall lit up with the same image as the one on his phone.

Only a few seconds later, the call screen changed, and an elderly man with pitch-black eyes appeared.

It seemed the other party had been waiting for quite some time. Otherwise, he couldn't have answered so quickly.

The moment the call connected, Kudo Mitsunobu stood up. "Good evening, Grandpa."

Retsu Kudou nodded, then asked, "How was school today?"

"Everything went smoothly enough."

"Is that so? Good."

"Mitsunobu, I'm sorry the matter discussed by the Master Clans caused you trouble. I was the one who urgently called you back on the day of the exam." Retsu Kudou's voice held a trace of apology.

"It's all right. It was my duty, Grandpa. You don't need to apologize."

Kudo Mitsunobu shook his head. When he had come into this world, he'd been an orphan. It was the old man's devoted care that had taught him what family love felt like.

Retsu Kudou said nothing more. Perhaps out of guilt, he had poured more affection into this grandson than he ever had before.

Though he didn't regard magicians as mere weapons and tools as completely as some did, he hadn't been so kind in his youth.

As a result, he couldn't say that he had a good relationship with his own children, and even his relationship with his older grandchildren was only so-so.

It wasn't until Kudo Mitsunobu was born, a child who held a mistaken view of what a magician should be, that he finally realized what he ought to do.

"By the way, have you met Saegusa Mayumi from the Saegusa Family today?"

Seeing that Kudo Mitsunobu didn't want to dwell on the earlier topic, Retsu Kudou let it go and asked about something else.

"I have—well, I did meet her. She seems like a considerate senior."

The slight hesitation in Kudo Mitsunobu's voice came from remembering what had happened in the reference room after school. His mind had wandered for a moment.

Retsu Kudou seemed to notice that brief lapse. A faint smile appeared on his deeply wrinkled face.

"So, what do you think of the young lady from the Saegusa Family?"

As soon as Retsu Kudou asked, Kudo Mitsunobu knew what he was getting at.

They'd had similar conversations countless times since he turned fifteen.

"I've told you, Grandpa. I'm not very concerned about that sort of thing. Just make the arrangements you think are best." Kudo Mitsunobu gave the same unconcerned answer as before.

"Very well. But after the Nine Schools Competition, I imagine plenty of people will come looking for me." Retsu Kudou gave Kudo Mitsunobu a teasing look.

Kudo Mitsunobu was at a loss for words.

Retsu Kudou was absolutely right. Magicians encouraged marrying and having children early—and the more children, the better.

The genes of outstanding magicians were highly sought after. It wasn't unheard of for a young lady from a great family to offer herself as a concubine if you were exceptional enough.

If he could outshine everyone at the Nine Schools Competition, and given his status as a member of the Kudo Family, one of the Ten Master Clans, things would surely turn out just as Retsu Kudou predicted.

Requests for a political marriage would come pouring in.

"Grandpa, if there's nothing more important, I'll hang up now."

The next day, at noon, in the cafeteria.

Kudo Mitsunobu carried his tray as he looked for an empty seat.

"Hmm? This presence..."

A figure as imposing as a mountain stood behind him, watching.

"Good reflexes."

The muscular man regarded Kudo Mitsunobu with approval.

"Hello, Senior Jumonji."

A solid chest, broad shoulders, and muscles that showed even through his uniform.

Not just his physique; every element of his being, even his presence, was compressed to the utmost limit.

So this was Jumonji Katsuto, the next head of the Jumonji House?

"What an imposing presence."

"We're both members of the Ten Master Clans. No need to be formal. How about we sit and talk?"

"Your Student Council vice president, Hattori, is here too."

Jumonji Katsuto stopped Kudo Mitsunobu from bowing.

"Of course. I'd like to talk with you seniors as well."

Kudo Mitsunobu followed Jumonji Katsuto around a few corners to the table. A man with short brown hair was already waiting in his seat.