“That… it was absolutely not intentional…”
The woman, her face as pale as a sheet, stammered out a defense for herself.
It was less of a defense and more of an excuse, but what can you do when survival’s on the line?
“…That’s how it ended up. I absolutely didn’t mean it that way…”
“Haa…”
Arkan, having grasped the situation, let out a deep sigh.
With a subordinate who doesn’t help and only causes trouble, frustration is to be expected.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he turned his gaze toward the woman and coldly declared,
“Rebecca Rephen. Is it appropriate for a public official, who should always remain neutral, to voice personal opinions recklessly?”
“…I apologize.”
“With my authority as director, I sentence you to three months of reduced pay. Return to headquarters and clear your head. And afterward, there will be a disciplinary committee, so keep that in mind.”
“B-but, a disciplinary committee?!”
“Are you dissatisfied? Didn’t you have this much foresight before speaking? Or… are you perhaps hoping I’ll cover for you until the very end?”
“…No. I’ll return.”
The woman bit her lip and bowed her head.
As she left, Arkan made eye contact with me.
“If my punishment isn’t satisfactory, please speak up. If desired, I can issue an order for removal from position.”
He was essentially saying, “I’ve done my part; let’s move on.”
Honestly, I wasn’t particularly upset or irritated.
Given my spectacular past life, getting angry over something like this would be laughable.
This was merely a reminder to watch one’s words going forward.
Realizing he was a competent superior, I decided to let things slide.
“What do you mean? Was there an issue?”
I replied with feigned nonchalance, causing everyone to look at me with exasperation.
They seemed amazed that I could start trouble and then smile through it as if nothing happened.
Arkan perked up and bowed his head in relief.
“Understood. First, I’d like to express my gratitude for participating in this event.”
“Ah, it’s an honor. How often does one get the chance to match wits with the esteemed Golden Way Zodiacs?”
Though unwanted, since it was the Royal Palace’s directive, refusal would have been impossible.
Might as well respond positively.
Arkan nodded in understanding.
Indeed, someone who shares the same subordinate perspective—it’s easier to communicate.
“Shall we determine the order, then?”
The old sage began loosening his shoulders.
Really, why’s he loosening up just for a lottery draw?
He’s been ridiculous since the old days.
With a provocative grin, Leo stepped forward.
“Haha, elder, please sit back. As the youngest, I’ll handle facing the brother-in-law.”
At the taunting smile, veins bulged on the sage’s forehead.
“What? This brat still hasn’t come to his senses. Bow your head! I’ll blow it off right now!”
“Haa… Please stop already. Didn’t you sign an agreement to follow the Royal Palace’s orders without conditions? I’m here as their proxy. Are you refusing to follow the palace’s will?”
At Arkan’s sighing interjection, both backed down awkwardly.
From their behavior, I deduced one thing:
This special event wasn’t orchestrated by the Royal Palace but likely dreamed up by someone here.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have signed unconditional compliance agreements.
Who could it be?
The old sage complaining about being unable to fight properly due to command duties?
Leo, who recently caused chaos at Minerva?
Perhaps all of them were in on it—after all, opportunities for the legendary Golden Way Zodiacs to freely battle are rare.
“We’ll do the lottery later. Let’s start with explanations.”
While lost in thought, Arkan began explaining.
“Firstly, you are designated as the asymmetric power known as the Golden Way Zodiacs by the Empire.”
I wanted to protest, “But I’m not,” but decided to focus on his words instead.
“This event is purely a friendly sparring match, so please refrain from using your Divine Powers and Transcendent Magic.”
“But won’t that make it too boring?”
“I understand Thousand Gale Palace’s concern, but we cannot guarantee the safety of the audience if you use full force. Right, Infantry Palace?”
“That’s correct. Only I can counter these brute’s powers. The entirety of the Magic Tower’s strength might suffice, but it’d be excessive for just an event.”
Erias’s statement earned a tongue-click from the sage.
“Tsk, such a stingy old man…”
“Then how about I roast you, Gold Eagle?”
“Ho ho, it’s Gold Eagle Palace, not ‘Gold Water.’ Are you forgetting names in your old age?”
Seeing the sage’s sharp remarks today reminded me of something I’d heard before.
Does he truly enjoy fighting genuine opponents?
Perhaps this provocation is his way of bringing out the best in others.
Still, if left unchecked, this place might collapse before the event even begins.
“Enough. You’ll all fight seriously without needing extra taunts. And let’s not add unnecessary stress to those already burdened by this task.”
Arkan looked slightly moved, bowing his head to me.
Scoring points now might come in handy later.
Isn’t mutual support among civil servants ideal?
“Tsk, fine, fine. Did we really forget our battlefield camaraderie?”
“Don’t be like that. Let’s grab dinner after this. There’s a restaurant nearby that makes amazing shellfish dishes, perfect for you.”
“Tsk… whatever…”
Muttering under his breath, the sage turned away.
Simple as his strength, this reaction meant his anger had subsided.
With the situation somewhat resolved, I signaled Arkan to continue.
“Hmm, as long as the protective magic shielding the audience holds, any style of sparring is acceptable. It’s a single round, and the royal family requests a flashy display for show purposes.”
In essence, we’re being asked to entertain like animals in a zoo, yet no one seemed offended.
Were they prepared for this role, or are they so excited for the fight that they don’t care?
Rather than resentment…
“Without flashy Divine Powers, it’s no fun…”
There stood Leo, desperate to use his abilities.
How earnestly he wants to showcase his true strength…
“The use of Divine Powers is acceptable if the protective magic can withstand it.”
“Eh… you’re basically saying ‘don’t use them.'”
Anyone else might destroy the arena—or worse, half the Colosseum—if they unleashed their powers.
Could this be why Erias was especially irked?
Anyway, not being able to use Divine Powers puts me at a severe disadvantage.
Currently, my techniques heavily rely on them.
“As long as the audience isn’t harmed, it’s fine, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
If I can adjust within those limits…
Even as fellow Masters, there’s a vast gap between them and me.
I can’t afford to embarrass myself in front of my students during what’s supposed to be an exhibition match.
I’ll have to put up a good fight.
“So, who decides the winner? Most people wouldn’t be able to tell.”
Gamifer scratched his nose while asking.
True, who could possibly judge clashes between such powerful individuals?
“Primarily, we encourage you to judge yourselves. However, if there’s disagreement, the Captain of the Royal Guard will make the final call.”
“Hmm, fair enough.”
The mention of the Royal Guard captain seemed to satisfy Gamifer.
Whoever they are, they must be strong enough to earn the Golden Way Zodiacs’ respect.
Judging by others’ reactions, there appeared to be no complaints.
I wonder who this person is?
Given their apparent seclusion within the palace, gathering information isn’t easy.
“Since everyone seems agreeable, let’s proceed with the lottery. Please draw a stick from the box in front. It’s a straightforward, unenchanted process, so feel free to choose.”
A rugged box held six long wooden sticks.
As everyone hesitated, the sage smirked at Erias.
“How about elders first?”
“…Pray we don’t meet. Old man.”
“Ho, exactly what I hoped for.”
Despite Erias’s menacing glare, the sage blew a dismissive raspberry.
After their draws, Gamifer, Gliese, and Leo followed suit.
Once I drew last, Arkan suddenly remembered something.
“Ah, I almost forgot. His Majesty will personally oversee the event. Please ensure you present your best selves.”
“…Why now…?”
Yet, I had no choice but to accept.
And the result of the lottery paired me against…
“Haha, fate seems to favor us meeting again. Best of luck, brother-in-law! Let’s give Amy a great show!”
Leo Helios.
As the other Golden Way members watched enviously…
I forced a smile in response.
“…Yes! Thank you for your guidance!”
Damn it… Is this real?
