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Chapter 73
Jukka's Work
Translated by LyraDhani
Edited by LyraDhani
“A party with diplomats?”
“Yes. Several times a year, we have a party where important government officials, visiting diplomats and their families, and randomly selected business people get together to exchange information. I was hoping that Hagakure-san would attend that party at the end of this month.”
One day in the middle of May. After a regular meeting, Tsugumi, transformed into the form of Hagakure Sakura, was summoned by Hitsugi to a private room in a cafe inside the government.
According to Hitsugi, it was customary for senior Magical Girls in the government to attend the reception party, which also served as an escort for important people. The number of people was about ten each time, and until now it had been Rikka and other A and B-class Magical Girls who had taken turns.
“A party, huh
 I don’t mind if it’s work, but why didn’t you say it at the meeting?”
When Tsugumi asked that, Hitsugi answered with a wry smile.
“It was a little difficult to talk in that place. Normally, I would have selected at least two members of Jukka – Rikka, but many of them are not suited for that kind of place, right? I know at least Hyuga-san would want to go, but that child tends to cause problems with others
”
“
Oh, that’s for sure.”
As Hitsugi said, Hyuga didn’t get along with other Magical Girls. Suzushiro and Mibu had perfect human qualities, but they didn’t seem to be suited for such awe-inspiring occasions. With that in mind, it was not hard to understand why Hitsugi didn’t want to ask them.
“There’s no problem with Yukino-san’s and Toono-san’s behavior, but they don’t like to go out in public more than necessary. 
This time I ask Maki-san and you. If it’s okay with you. It will be great if you would accept it, but
”
Saying this, Hitsugi put her hands together apologetically.
Ruminating over Hitsugi’s words, Tsugumi softly put his hand over his mouth in thought.
–A round-table party with the big figures. From the bottom of his heart, he didn’t want to go, but since it was work, he had no choice. If it was called “escort,” he’d probably be fine in a suit and tie, there shouldn’t be any problems.
Then, Tsugumi turned his gaze to Hitsugi. Originally, this would be a matter for the government, not her, to bow down to. The government people seemed to be giving too much work to Hitsugi just because she was the oldest. It was a little questionable.
“–I don’t mind. In the case of Magical Girls, escorting is more important than socializing, right? I’m not very good at talking to people, but being a wallflower, I can do that.”
When Tsugumi answered, Hitsugi laughed in relief.
“Thank you. That really helps! Fufu, Hagakure-san is popular, I don’t think you can quietly become a wallflower, though?”
“Is that so?”
It was a gathering of big figures, why would they take their time talking to a mere Magical Girl? Tsugumi didn’t really understand.
While drinking the soy latte he ordered at the cafe, Tsugumi asked Hitsugi a question he had been thinking about for a while.
“Why do you devote yourself to the government so much, Hitsugi-san?”
“Eh?”
“From what I’ve seen, it seems you are forced to do a great deal of work by the government. Don’t you hate it?”
It was the same with this meeting. As a matter of fact, Hitsugi was facilitating and organizing the discussion. If she was satisfied with it, that would be fine, but if she was forced to do it, that would be a different story.
Hitsugi was an excellent Magical Girl who was trusted by other Magical Girls. She was also adored by that Hyuga. If she was being abused by the government, she should speak up.
He joined Jukka to gain the government’s trust, but if the government itself was corrupt, his plan was likely to fail. It would be much better to change the plan than to be used for their purposes.
Besides, it was easier to speak up like this because Tsugumi was a Stray and didn’t have ties, unlike the Magical Girls on the government’s side. If she wanted to, he would be more than willing to go directly to the government officials and ask them for help.
And above all, Tsugumi was indebted to Hitsugi. Since his appointment with Jukka, Hitsugi had followed up on every occasion to help “Hagakure Sakura”. It was sad to see such a kind person suffering.
When Tsugumi earnestly told her that, Hitsugi laughed and shook her head with a troubled look.
“No. It’s certainly hard, but it’s not painful.”
“Really? Are you sure you’re not overdoing it?”
“Yes. I’ll be patient for a few more years. When I retire, I plan to continue working for the government. I can endure it if I think of it as a temporary job. –Besides, there are many difficult girls in Jukka. I can understand why the clerks want to throw everything at me.”
Saying so, Hitsugi picked up her iced coffee.
“Thank you for your concern. –But I’m surprised. I thought Hagakure-san didn’t care much about other Magical Girls. Oh, no, I’m not trying to talk bad about you, okay?”
“No, I certainly don’t talk to other people very often
”
Making friends with the Magical Girls would make it difficult to deceive them. To avoid this, Tsugumi tried as much as possible not to get involved with other Magical Girls. Considering this, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Hitsugi Airi was the closest to “Hagakure Sakura” at this stage.
Hitsugi chuckled and opened her mouth.
“The truth is, it’s like a willpower thing.”
“Willpower, huh?”
“Yes. –If I continue to work for the government, I’m sure I’ll be on the fast track to success. Other people think I want that, too. But you know, I’m not that interested in getting ahead myself. My only goal is to become a government official who supports Magical Girls.”
“Then why? If it’s you, Hitsugi-san, you can get into the government through a regular route, can’t you? There’s no need for you to overdo it.”
“I promised a junior at school a long time ago.  I’m going to be a great Magical Girl, and she’s going to be a government official and support the Magical Girls who are working so hard. 
But that promise is no longer fulfilled. –Because that girl passed away.”
“Eh
 that, uh.”
As Tsugumi struggled for words to answer Hitsugi’s sudden confession, she gave a small shake of her head.
“It’s okay. It was a long time ago. But, you know, I wanted to make her dream come true instead. And if I am going to do it, might as well aim high, right? That’s why I’m still working hard. –I hope that makes sense.”
“
Yes. I’m sorry I made you talk about the hard stuff.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m happy that you’re taking care of me.”
Then Hitsugi took out a black file from her backpack and handed it to Tsugumi.
“This file contains all of the information about the party. Hagakure-san will probably be fine with the etiquette, but if you’re worried, do some prep work.”
“Ah, thank you
”
Tsugumi wondered why she thought his etiquette would be okay, but he smiled and thanked her anyway.
They finished the conversation and parted away, but then Hitsugi left a bomb for the last time.
“Oh yeah, you will wear a dress for the party.”
“Yes?”
“Because of security and barrier, the clothes shouldn’t have magic woven into them. The government will probably pay for some of the expenses, but it is advisable to prepare your own dress for the future.”
After saying this, Hitsugi left the private room.
In the empty room, Tsugumi muttered to himself with a blue face.
“Prepare a dress? 
It couldn’t have been a suit or something.”
–This is a very bad idea. With that thought in mind, Tsugumi gently held his head.