Gathered at a certain location on the continent, four magicians encircled a round table. An elderly magician spoke with a gloomy voice.
“For Zelos, the Flame of Ruin, and Merlyn, the Divine Water, to have died as well... I can scarcely believe it.”
Reina had been young and inexperienced, but the other two certainly were not. Although their ranks were on the low end, becoming Celestial Archmages in the first place meant they stood far above all others in magical prowess.
“The round table sure has gotten less crowded,” said a blonde woman in an upbeat voice.
The person she was talking to—a taciturn, green-haired knight—didn’t reply.
“You’re as quiet as always... Tee hee hee.”
These two were ranked third and fourth in the Seven Celestial Archmages, and more skilled than Merlyn, Zelos, and Reina. The old magician was fretting over whether to deploy them, but his train of thought was interrupted.
“We received a request from the kingdom.”
It was the final person in attendance. They were wearing a hood that obscured their face, but had the stature of a child. However, everyone present knew that this child was the strongest of the Seven Celestial Archmages, and the very finest magician on the continent.
“What for?” the old magician asked.
“To bring the hammer down on the saint who made a contract with an ancient archdemon. And not just her, but also the Witch of Destruction and that fool who claims to be a Hero.”
“My goodness,” the old magician said. “Does the kingdom think we don’t have an information network of our own?”
“Who knows? It doesn’t matter either way.”
How far had the kingdom’s corruption spread? The old magician knew that, at the very least, both the saint and the Hero were genuine. The Holy Church may hold influence across the continent, but the kingdom should have had the option to refuse. Naturally, they also should have known the truth about the saint and the Hero. This request to the Seven Celestial Archmages in spite of that could only mean one thing.
“So, the kingdom has chosen greed over God...” As a citizen of the kingdom and a believer himself, the old magician’s voice carried a hint of disappointment. From his point of view, it was the Church and the kingdom that had truly turned away from God, not the saint.
“Then, what do you intend to do?” he asked.
“There’s no need for us to concern ourselves with the kingdom anymore... But it’s also true that they may still be of value to us,” the hooded child said.
“So, shall we prioritize that request?”
When the old magician saw them nod, he looked at the remaining two.
“Carla Margueritte, Seti Baldur... Both of you were listening, yes? You’ll be chasing after the saint’s party.”
“Oh, a saint?” Carla paused, then laughed. “Ha! Sounds fun, doesn’t it?” she asked, looking to Seti.
“Seti, you’re interested in the Hero’s strength as well, aren’t you?” the old magician asked.
Seti, whose appearance was uncharacteristic of a magician, nodded wordlessly.
“As for the Witch of Destruction...” the old magician went on. “She’s said to be as adept with magic as us. Ascertain her strength first, and depending on the situation...”
“Convince her to join us?” Carla said. “We did just lose three of our members, after all, so she might be a good substitute.”
“Exactly. However, if she fails to live up to the rumors... I’ll leave it to your judgment.”
“Eheh, you got it.”
Seti remained silent, and took his leave with Carla.
Only the old magician and the child ranked first remained. They had been associates for a long time, but the former could never tell what the latter was thinking. However, when he saw the current sorry state of the round table, he felt a touch of regret.
“Zephyr,” called the child.
“Yes!” the old magician replied.
“The times are changing.”
“Huh?”
“I still have much work for you to do. Look forward to it.”
They’re still planning on making me work? the old magician thought. His role was to coordinate the uncooperative Celestial Archmages, which meant that he spent his days under constant stress.
He resolved to use the next chance he had to take some time off to go on vacation.