Chapter 7.5: Magic Stone Δ

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In a spacious room, several luxurious sofas were arranged, each occupied by people in military uniforms glaring at one another.

The elderly man seated farthest back and the elderly man next to him began speaking.

“Have we still not found the seller of Magic Stone Δ?”

“We’ve already had people stationed at the purchasing center for days. But it seems there’s been no contact at all.”

“……Of all times, for something like this to show up now.”

In front of them lay a five-centimeter purple glowing Magic Stone.

“Hey, hey, don’t just leave something that valuable out in the open.”

“Hmph. There’s no place safer than here in Japan.”

“Well, that’s true enough.”

“After all, two of Japan’s top-ranked individuals are right here.”

The eyes of the two people sitting on the farthest sofa glinted.

One was a young male soldier with a sturdy build, sharp eyes, and dark green hair. The other was a young female soldier with red hair and a prominent scar on her face.

“So? What do you plan to do with that Infinite Magic Stone?”

“For now, both the Kamui family and the Kagura family have made offers to buy it.”

“Those two families again, huh? Who leaked the info?”

At that question, the two seated at the back raised their hands.

“Figures. Of course it was you two. Ugh…… Is there a bigger idiot than someone who spills military secrets to their family!? You absolute morons!!”

An older soldier slammed the table hard, glaring at the two.

But they didn’t flinch at all.

“Marshal, with all due respect, have you forgotten the support from our Kamui family? You should hand over such critical secrets to us immediately.”

“Hey, hey, Akari. We’re in the same boat here. Our Kagura family isn’t falling behind either.”

“Hmph. We’ve provided more support than your family, Touma.”

“That’s just because your family’s history is longer. We have the right to know one or two secrets too.”

Seeing them bicker, the Marshal let out a heavy sigh.

“Marshal, we absolutely need you to hand that Magic Stone over to our Kamui family.”

“No, no, our Kagura family desperately wants it too.”

“There’s only one. It’s more important to us. Your family wouldn’t even have a use for it.”

“Huh!? It’s obviously better used for my little sister!”

“……Your family’s issue could be solved just by plugging her ears, right?”

“That’s the hard part!”

“……My little sister can’t even live normally without being isolated. I just want to give her a bit more freedom to move around the mansion. That Magic Stone might make it possible. So our family will buy it at any cost—I don’t care how much it takes.”

“……Are you serious, Akari?”

“Of course. If it means my sister can live even a little more comfortably, my life is a small price to pay.”

“Ha! Japan’s number two saying that is laughable! But your feelings for your sister are real. Still, I can’t just let this chance slip by either. Who knows how many years it’ll be before another Magic Stone like that shows up?”

“Then how about a duel?”

The red-haired woman’s words froze the room for a moment. Before anyone could react, the Marshal’s furious shout cut in.

“You two! Stop! I won’t allow a duel!”

” ‘Marshal!’ ”

“If you two fight, one of you will end up crippled—or worse. I won’t permit that. If you go ahead with a duel on your own, I’ll sink this Magic Stone into the ocean!”

” ‘Tch……’ ”

“Wait a little longer. If there’s a seller, that means there’s a chance another one could turn up. I’ll make sure both families can buy one, so just hold off.”

” ‘……’ ”

The two glared at each other.