The second exception is arguably the most contentious. It concerns the Conclave names — the designations used to identify which person belongs to which group.

  Many argued vehemently that the same principles of subtle anonymity and plausible deniability should apply, as openly declaring one’s Conclave could pose a significant risk. The Order’s ancient enemy, the Mages’ Covens, had long held grudges against specific groups, after all.

  Still, others within the Order contended that secrecy carried its own dangers. Without clarity of allegiance, misunderstandings could fester; allies might mistake one another for adversaries, and the delicate web of cooperation that sustained the Order could unravel into suspicion and isolation.

  In the end, a compromise was reached: any Conclave wishing to adopt a subtler name could do so, provided that all other members of the Order were informed of the change. This ensured that no one would jeopardize the safety of their fellows through ignorance.

  The various Conclaves are thus named: Nippon, Asia, Samasta, Oceania, North, Africa, Arabia, France, Albion, Reichland, North America, and South America.

  Yet even these may not be their true names.

  Some have chosen to display their identities proudly, invoking their regions as badges of heritage and power. Others, however, cloak themselves in mystery, adopting internal names whispered only in the shadowed halls of their gatherings.

  -excerpt from the personal lecture notes of Rami Abdallah, Teacher, and member of the Order.

  ========================================================================

  “Yes, his grades are selective, in his own words, but he’s smart to achieve higher grades—when he wants to. But he’s already got a high-paying job,” Mother said, half bragging, but also sounded half exasperated. “He often travels to the capital, though he also enjoys staying home.”

  “And his hobbies?” asked Tsukiyo, her gaze curious.

  “Computers. I suppose that is what allowed him to get that job,” Mother replied brightly. “The two organizers said he’s quite talented at programming and even impressed his boss.”

  “No physical activities?” Tsukiyo tilted her head, as if making a mental note. “Surely he does something that helps him shed a few pounds?”

  “Unfortunately, no. The only things requiring effort are his instruments. He loves the cello but can also play violin, guitar, and piano. He learned through the church at school,” Mother said enthusiastically, before her expression twisted. “Though sometimes he plays at night when he’s bored. It annoys the neighbors and his uncles because the dogs join, howling along.”

  “Please, don’t worry. My Shizuku is strong, she can handle him,” Tsukiyo said proudly. “She’s won two championships and holds a fourth dan in kendo. She’ll whip him into shape in no time!”

  “To recap,” she continued with cheerful authority, “there’s no problem with his talent, skills, intelligence, or finances. The only issue is his physical appearance.”

  “Well, there’s also his—tendency towards mischief,” Mother added cautiously, like someone poking a live wire. “He enjoys pranks.”

  “Oh, that much is fine,” Tsukiyo said casually with a dismissive wave. “It gives them something to bond over. Besides, Reyvidaneo-san, don’t you want to see your son lose some weight? My daughter can help guide him. All he needs is direction.”

  Mother looked unexpectedly touched, for whatever reason and with all the sincerity she could muster, she said, “Please, call me Anna.”

  That was the conversation on one side of the hall. On this side, however—

  “How do you get yourself into these—weird situations!?” Father hissed through gritted teeth, massaging his temples.

  Yes, Father, I too would like to know how these things keep happening. Last I checked, it usually takes longer to get into this much trouble. Maybe burn down a small hut or something first.

  “Why must you cancel out every good thing you do with something completely insane!?” he went on. “You’re smart, but do you have to be this kind of crazy!?”

  Ouch. Yeah—that’s a bit uncalled for. It’s not like I try to. Besides, if I cancel out every good thing I do, what would I have left to brag about? And don’t people say there’s a fine line between genius and madness?

  “I—”

  “Be quiet!”

  “Shutting up.”

  Despite the fact that our preeminent doom might just be around the corner, I am stuck with lectures that involves international relationships. Strange, this wasn’t included in the pamphlets they gave us.

  The old lady excused herself just before my father launched one of his longest but also quietest tirades. Yep, I get it from my old man. The two women were still gossiping about “compatibility” and “schedules.” I, however, kept zoning out until Father grabbed my head and forced me to focus.

  Was I born under a star of chaos? Or just bad luck? I’ll have to check with the dragons at some point, maybe there’s been a mix up.

  Fortunately, my long-ass purgatory of self-reflection ended when the two women came over and my mother tapped father on the shoulder.

  A good thing too, I would have dropped a pepper bomb on the hallway. Yeah, my dwindling reserves of sanity was at a point where I considered throwing it.

  “We’ve decided,” Mother said slowly explaining, “that we won’t interfere in how things between the three of you play out.”

  “But we’ll support whichever candidate we prefer,” Tsukiyo added proudly. “And support your weight loss, Vi-kun.”

  “Just, don’t make those two, cry,” my mother finished sternly.

  “Ma—make, them, cry?” I repeated, enunciating every word. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The idea that that fucking traitor could survive the hells was more believable than this!

  “Mommy, They’re the ones making me want to cry!” I protested. “I’m already at the point where I want to tear my own hairs out!”

  The two women looked at each other skeptically while to the side, my old man’s basically nonexistent, practically catatonic.

  “Great! They can literally take anything of mine and no one bats an eye,” I said, my voice rising. “I try to be nice — give one of them a car — and suddenly it’s a hate crime!”

  “Oh, don’t be so dramatic,” Mother said casually.

  “When have I ever—! Wait. No. Don’t answer that,” I muttered, glaring at the ceiling. “Those two will suck the ever-living life out of me!”

  Yeah, let’s go with that.

  “Anyway,” Mother said, brushing off my outburst like I was an overly dramatic weather forecast.

  “Oi!”

  “We’ve already decided. You’ll meet them again after you graduate,” she said magnificently ignoring my comments. “Considering that you won’t be taking the board exam anytime soon, and you still have your plans with the two organizers, that would be the best time. Besides, I would love to see other parts of Japan.”

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  “Meet them again?!” I yelped. “What for? To compare BMI scores?”

  Tsukiyo laughed politely the kind of laugh that said she wasn’t joking but also didn’t want to admit it. Kuuko baa-san wasn’t like this, maybe she got it from her father.

  “Oh, nothing so formal,” she said. “Just a friendly get-together. Maybe some kendo practice involved. You know, so you can gain some skills for you to beat our tradition.”

  “Some humiliation, you mean,” I muttered.

  “Think of it as motivation,” Father said dryly, finally regaining enough will to speak. “Maybe we’ll throw in a few jogging courses as well. Don’t worry, me and your brother will join in.”

  “I already jog,” I protested. I just climbed a freaking mountain the other chapter. Metaphorically but still.

  “Jog? To the fridge doesn’t count.”

  “Okay, that’s— Wow. Thanks, Dad. Love you too.”

  Tsukiyo clasped her hands together, beaming as if the tension was non-existent. “Isn’t it wonderful? Everyone’s already getting along.”

  I blinked at her. Getting along? One person was plotting my public execution, my father was offering to supervise it, and my own mother will be providing the snacks.

  “Everyone can stay at our house, we have a lot of spare rooms,” she continued happily. “Also, my husband would want to meet with him.”

  “We’ll definitely bring gifts,” Father asked kindly. “What kind of drinks would your husband enjoy?”

  I suddenly saw a vivid image.

  Father and Shizuku’s father standing across from each other, exchanging business cards. One bows, the other bows lower. Then my father would lower his, and the other man would lower his. Then lower. Then lower still. Soon, the air thickens with unspoken challenge.

  “Oh? You're presenting it lower than me, Diyo?”

  Cards flying through the air like daggers. Suits tearing. Punches, counters, with kicks flying all around. Their battle will be legendary, a thunderous duel shaking the very earth and heavens. At the height of the clash, it would tear the land asunder with violent fury as two titans vying for domination over who gets to give their card—

  “Oi,” father said, while snapping his fingers in front of my face.

  “I am having my delusions right now, so can you not?” I replied swatting his hands away. “And it was getting to the best part.”

  You can imagine the kind of lecture that followed. Honestly, I don’t even know how long we’d been stuck in that damned hallway. Somewhere between I don’t care and way too long.

  “Oh, Ae, good—you’re there.”

  Someone called out, and judging by the tone, it could only be one person. I turned around to see the two she-witches emerging from my room, both smiling like cats that found a laser pointer. In perfect unison, they held out their hands.

  I stared. “You see! You see!” I turned to the three adults, pointing accusingly at the outstretched hands. “They’re going to suck—No! No!”

  Too late. One grabbed my right hand while the other went straight for my pocket. The three adults, of course, did nothing—just watched, like they’d bought tickets to this circus. We struggled a bit—two on one, a perfect stalemate. I fended off one with my left hand while the other latched onto my right like a leech.

  “Okay! Okay! Fine! Fine!” I surrendered, exhaling through gritted teeth. With trembling hands, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my wallet.

  Everyone stared at it like it was an ancient relic.

  “You should really buy a new one,” Shizuku commented.

  “Achichistsutsupapatsupapa,” I said, waving a hand and making bird noises—because words had long abandoned me.

  Without further commentary, I took out four five-thousand-yen bills and handed them over. Reika made a great show of counting them to my face—something I definitely didn’t appreciate—before handing one bill to Shizuku and pocketing the rest.

  “Thanks,” Shizuku said brightly. “Now I’ve got extra allowance for the trip.”

  “At least I have enough for a month,” Reika added. “Now I just need to figure out how to get more for the trip.”

  And with that, the two went back inside—mission accomplished.

  I turned toward the adults, who now wore expressions of amusement, confusion, and pride. I’ll let you guess which face belonged to whom. I felt tears starting to stream down my face.

  Shizuku’s mother, a smile on her face opened her mouth to speak.

  “No! No! Leave me out of your mad ramblings, woman!” I cried, cutting her off before bolting toward the only safe haven left in this god forsaken place—my room.

  The last words I heard was her saying proudly, “You see that, my Shizuku can handle him just fine.”

  ========================================================================

  I stormed into my room and immediately began searching for the safest spot available.

  “What are you doing?” Kat asked as I grabbed her with my left hand while Remy was in my right.

  “Okay, here’s the deal,” I replied as I sat down comfortably between them. “If anyone so much as utters the words marriage or relationship, I’m going to throw both of you at them. Deal? Deal.”

  “He’s rambling mad again,” Remy said casually, completely unbothered by what I said.

  Kat simply nodded at Remy’s words and turned her attention back to the show. The one on the hot seat this time was Konrad and Diocletian.

  The other three adults returned only after the room erupted in laughter after the two organizers second round. They were dangerously close to breaking but didn’t which shows their rather impressive levels of composure.

  After that they excused themselves and it was Arthur against surprisingly, Taka. The two combatants were as these things go, psyching themselves up by, encouraging each other in their own unique way—half pep talk, half insult contest, but whatever works.

  Meanwhile, Shizuku was caught by her mother and was practically dragged toward my parents. A few moments later, her face turned beet red and she started shaking her mom exactly like Reika had been shaking her a few chapters ago, like a ragdoll. Then the four of them disappeared outside.

  That was may or may not be—vaguely—my problem. Maybe.

  Deprived of her best friend to complain to, Reika stood up and forcibly wedged herself between Kat and me. Kat, snickered and quickly retreated to join Eli and Henri.

  Another round of laughter broke out, mixed with a few playful jeers at Taka, who’d gone crimson. Then Konrad’s voice rose above the noise.

  “Everyone, the time is already 5:00 o’clock and it seems we can’t stay much longer,” he said kindly. “Diocletian and I still have a few things to take care of, so we’ll be heading out soon.”

  The group nodded and murmured their thanks, but Konrad still had a few things to say.

  “A little announcement, though I will also be making this announcement later,” he paused before continuing, making sure everybody had his attention.

  “Just a quick announcement,” he continued, pausing to make sure everyone was listening. “My partner and I have decided to add a few games to our little event to make things more—interesting. Three from me, three from him. A trivia here, a quiz there, maybe a few fun activities as well, just to keep everyone engaged.”

  The room went quiet. Everyone knew contests meant prizes, and he hadn’t mentioned those yet. However, it was Diocletian who continued the announcement with a knowing grin.

  “Of course, there will be prizes,” he said leadingly. He paused for a few seconds possibly for dramatic effect, that or he just likes to blue ball people. “How about a thousand dollars for first place winners?”

  The energy in the room spiked. If the way someone was squeezing my left hand was any indication, excitement levels were off the charts.

  “So, there is a possibility for six people to walk away with a thousand dollars, each?” Konrad asked, feigning surprise. “And what about the rest?”

  “For the trivia, it is winner takes all. But for the other games, for second placers, five hundred. Third gets two hundred,” Diocletian finished, still smiling. “So, I do hope you all do your best for tomorrow.”

  “And Vi,” Konrad added. “I know you won’t be participating tomorrow, and that’s fine—but on one condition. Wake up early and see us off.”

  “How about if I give you, a leg?”

  That got a few snickers from the boys.

  “No.”

  “I’ll throw in a kidney.”

  “No.”

  “A lung?”

  “Okay, everyone, have a good afternoon,” he said warmly, completely ignoring my final offer.

  With that, the two old monsters made their exit after a final wave. The room burst into chatter—the participants were practically buzzing. All were talking with each other, the earlier game completely forgotten.

  “Vi, vhere should ve eat tonight?” Karl asked in English. Beside him, Henri nodded eagerly. Right, these two would want to talk about a few things.

  “Zere is zis restaurant on ze upper floorz,” Henri said enthusiastically. “I heard zey haf somesing called Katsu Burga zere! I vant tsu try zhat!”

  Well, when a cute underclassman asks nicely, there’s only one possible answer. I flinched slightly when the person beside me squeezed my hand. I gave her a look before I noticed the room. Everyone had suddenly focused their attention on me. I sighed.

  Speaking in Japanese I said, “Alright, everyone, we’ll eat at the restaurant at the 45th floor, at the restaurant there. I’ll treat you all, but only up to 10,000 yen per person.”

  The room exploded in cheers. Suzu stepped forward a moment later, fidgeting a little.

  “Uhm, Vi-kun. I know this is shameless of me, seeing that we just met,” she said, her face growing a shade of pink. She took a deep breath. “But, will it be possible for you to add two more? I don’t want my other two friends to miss out.”

  “Oh, you mean the one who’s sick?” I replied scratching my neck. I waved my hand dismissing her worries. “Yeah, sure I don’t mind and if they still can’t make it, then at least we can get them take out.”

  “Really!?” Her smile practically bright enough to light up the room. She bowed low. “Thank you so much! I’ll go tell them!”

  We watched as she bolted for the door, though despite her excitement, she managed to closed it gently. I was shaking my head when I felt a tug on my sleeve and I turned.

  “Ae, do you think I should join the competition?” Reika asked curiously.

  “No.” I deadpanned.

  “I need to show mother and father how smart I am.”

  “You don’t.”

  “They’ll probably think that I’m not smart, if I don’t enter.”

  “They don’t.”

  “I mean, it’s not about the money.”

  “It is.”

  “I’m a nice person.”

  “You’re not.”

  “And I don’t ask for much.”

  “You do.”

  “But I need to show them what I am capable of.”

  “You don’t.”

  “Thanks for listening Ae!”

  “I’ve got no choice,” I deadpanned.

  “I think I’ll go and study a bit,” she said brightly before she too left the room.

  With that kind of conversation, the snickers came again. Something about henpecked but I magnificently ignored them. I leaned back from where I was sitting and muttered for everyone to hear,

  “Yup. I’m surrounded by lunatics.”

  Kat smirked. “Takes one to know one.”

  Touché.