Night fell swiftly.
The news of Rozen's return spread rapidly through various circles, reaching all parties who had been monitoring the situation.
Many covert operations ceased immediately upon learning of his reappearance, as if unwilling to provoke further disturbances. Yet some undercurrents persisted despite Rozen's homecoming.
On Saikai Academy's rooftop, a bespectacled girl clutching a book frowned at her phone, visibly troubled.
This was Shizuka Koyomi - one of the Lion King Agency's "Three Saints" and among the world's strongest Attack Mages. The very saint who had witnessed Rozen sealing the Fourth Primogenitor sighed while processing the phone report.
"Of all times for His Highness to return - now of all moments."
Genuine frustration colored Koyomi's voice.
From the receiver came an antiquated yet crisp response:
"Indeed. For him to reappear precisely when we planned to act during his absence - our luck couldn't be worse."
The speaker was Endo Yukari - head of the Lion King Agency's Itogami branch office, who had previously met Rozen through shikigami and negotiated the agreement where Rozen accepted Yukina's surveillance in exchange for the Agency's magecraft knowledge.
As Yukina's mentor and local commander, Yukari had immediately relayed Rozen's return after receiving Yukina's report. The matter's sensitivity - particularly regarding the Lion King Agency's current operation - meant Rozen's potential objections could derail everything.
"After all," Yukari continued, "he's the one who subjugated the Fourth Primogenitor's power, defeated the Third Primogenitor Giada Kukulcan, and reclaimed No. 6. With ten of the Fourth's Beast Vassals under his control - inexplicably able to command them in battle - combined with his innate abilities, his threat level arguably matches the original Fourth Primogenitor."
"And we absolutely cannot afford his opposition. You understand?"
Koyomi massaged her temples. "What's Shirona's status?"
"Proceeding smoothly. Akatsuki Nagisa and Avrora Florestina have entered Tanzawa and should make contact shortly."
"Then we proceed as planned." Koyomi inhaled deeply.
"Are you certain?" Yukari cautioned. "The Divine Child will be most displeased."
"Necessity dictates our course," Koyomi sighed. "We require their abilities - even at risk of angering His Highness."
"Very well. I'll keep Yukina uninformed and suppress intelligence leaks."
"Best if possible. Concealing this from His Highness may work, but the Witch of the Void..."
Before Koyomi finished—
"It seems you still retain some self-awareness, Lion King Agency."
As these words echoed, Shizuka Koyomi's expression shifted slightly before she sighed once more.
"Really..."
On the other end of the line, Endo Yukari seemed to grasp the situation and likewise offered a bitter chuckle.
Koyomi hung up her phone and turned to face behind her.
There, the Witch had appeared without a sound.
"Plotting more unsavory schemes?" Natsuki's voice dripped with sarcasm.
"...As always, the renowned Demon hunter comes delivering warnings whenever her precious brother is involved." Koyomi adjusted her glasses, steadying herself.
Yet Natsuki's gaze remained fixed on Koyomi.
"What are you planning with Akatsuki Nagisa and Avrora Florestina?" Natsuki's tone turned icy.
"Nothing untoward," Koyomi responded straightforwardly. "We merely seek their assistance for a certain operation. You learned of this through the Management Cooperative's intelligence network, hence this interrogation?"
Natsuki fell silent.
Seeing this, Koyomi actually grew calmer.
"Since you're aware, I'll be direct. You understand the operation's critical nature—else you wouldn't have permitted their departure."
"And?" Natsuki's expression remained impassive. "Does that mean you'll sacrifice Nagisa and Avrora?"
"Of course not," Koyomi replied evenly. "We only require their power. There may be some effects, but we'll protect them as much as possible."
"'As much as possible'?" Natsuki's laugh carried frost. "Meaning you can't guarantee their complete safety."
"...We cannot," Koyomi admitted, lowering her eyes. "But with Shirona present, their lives at least are secured."
"Shirona?" Natsuki's eyes narrowed. "I see. So another of the Three Saints is involved."
"Correct." Koyomi nodded. "You understand we've no alternatives. What would you do in our position?"
Natsuki found herself at a loss for words.
She knew this operation wasn't unjustified.
While Nagisa and Avrora might suffer consequences, the situation would become far more troublesome without their intervention.
Though Natsuki wished to protect them, as a national Attack Mage, she lacked standing to interfere.
All she could say was:
"My brother isn't one for reason when his people are threatened. Are you prepared?"
Koyomi fell silent, recalling the youth's appearance and extraordinary power.
Then...
"Should it come to worst, I'll personally confront His Highness."
As these words left her mouth, a terrifying pressure descended.
Its source was undoubtedly Natsuki.
"Very well. I'll grant your wish and give you a warning."
Natsuki's overwhelming aura radiated as she spoke calmly:
"If any harm comes to my brother, the Lion King Agency shall cease to exist."
With these parting words, she vanished.
Koyomi watched the empty space, murmuring:
"May the worst-case scenario never come to pass."
Even she had no desire to oppose those terrifying siblings.