There were quite a few alterations in Tatsuya's extracurricular
activities. On paper there were only two, staying in the library or
patrolling the grounds as a member of the Public Moral Committee,
but the latter presented many interruptions.
Enough to give one pause and consider if someone was conspiring
something.
Today, this feeling was particularly prominent.
While Public Moral Committee members were bestowed with the
right to carry CADs on campus, however Tatsuya typically didn't use
one while executing his duties to the committee.
Originally, CADs were tools that shortened the time needed to activate
the Four Systematic Magics. It was only of limited use to other magic,
such as Outer-Systematic Magic, Non-Systematic Magic, Ancient
Magic, and especially if Non-Systematic Magic was only releasing
psions to the point that the lack of a CAD would not seem unnatural at
all.
After accidentally revealing his ability to use Gram Demolition during
the Nine Schools Competition, Tatsuya restricted himself to NonSystematic
Magic outside of class since the start of the second
semester. This was more than enough to handle any trouble, so there
was no need to carry a CAD.
The reason he carried the committee's CAD while on patrol was
because of its demonstrative power. Although they did not possess
great power as a deterrent, Tatsuya customarily returned to HQ before
his patrol and put on CADs on his two wrists.
As was usual, Tatsuya headed for the committee HQ after class today
and saw Lina's figure. Even from afar, that blaze of golden hair was
unmistakable.
Suppressing the urge to flee based on premonitions of trouble, Tatsuya
worked hard to keep his voice level.
"Good morning."
He had long become accustomed to the committee members' greetings
that paid no heed to the time of day. He walked past the crowd --
which was actually no more than 5 people, and deftly finished the
preparations on his hands.
"Ah, Shiba-kun, perfect."
Unfortunately, Tatsuya was nabbed by Kanon.
His ability to hide his disappointment was the product of his daily
training(?).
"What is it?"
Tatsuya's voice did not betray any subjective or objective warmth. It
was both a strong and weak point for Kanon that she paid no attention
to details such as this.
"This is Shields-san. I believe you already know her?"
It wasn't much of a question. Of course, Tatsuya's only option was to
nod.
"Shields-san wishes to observe the Public Moral Committee's daily
activities. I believe she wanted to see how Japanese magic high
schools govern themselves. Shiba-kun is on duty today, so would you
be able to bring her along?"
How troublesome, Tatsuya thought. He was unclear on Lina's
intentions, but he felt this definitely raised the probability of
troublesome events happening. This was a guarantee, since he was
sure they would run into male students (all the upperclassmen)
enamored of Lina watching him with sharp gazes. Even if he was
spared the jealous glares within the committee, he didn't dare to
imagine how incredibly irritating it would be to walk around campus
with Lina in tow. Alas, both Lina's request and Tatsuya's appointment
were perfectly logical turns of events.
"Understood."
Tatsuya had no options but to offer an immediate and unconditional
surrender.