Kapitel 1438: -1419- The nostalgic scene
"Ro... Rozen-senpai...!?"
With Yuri's astonished shout, everyone finally noticed that the office door had somehow been opened.
There, standing while holding a bunch of documents, was Rozen, who shrugged his shoulders as if he had intruded into a place he shouldn't have.
"Seems like I came at the wrong time."
This statement told everyone that Rozen had heard the entire conversation.
"...Does the mighty 'Mage King' really need to be taught about knocking?"
Freon remained silent for a while before speaking extremely unhappily.
This made Rozen raise an eyebrow and give a rather fake smile.
"Better than someone who secretly discusses things behind others' backs, right?"
Rozen was naturally referring to the conversation about him earlier, not the issue of the large mutant species.
But Freon remained cold-faced.
"I am the Head of the Sky Wizard Division. Discussing and arranging things for the wizards under me is a natural part of my duties."
Freon asserted this firmly.
"That's true." Rozen nodded seriously but then lazily added, "That being the case, please use not just your mouth but also your ears a bit. Discussing so happily over there, yet not hearing others knock. Isn't it inappropriate to criticize others under such circumstances?"
Apparently, Rozen had knocked on the door earlier, but Freon simply didn't hear it.
After all, the matter they were discussing was one that could potentially threaten the very existence of Mistgun. It was only natural to ignore a knock on the door while talking about such a topic.
However, it was another matter entirely to find fault with someone over this.
"You...!" Freon gritted her teeth and said quietly, "Even so, you can't just barge in without my permission!"
"No choice. I happened to hear my name." Rozen responded with an exceedingly insincere smile and said, "The timing of my entrance was simply perfect, don't you think?"
Freon stopped speaking.
Rozen also maintained his calm smile.
But the sight of the two facing each other, their gazes seemed to generate sparks, so intense was the confrontation.
"Ah, here we go again..."
Chloe said with a bitter smile.
"It always ends up like this with these two..."
Kanata, however, seemed quite amused, watching Rozen and Freon's clash with great interest, as if enjoying the chaos.
Even Yuri felt a nostalgic sense watching this scene.
In the past, Rozen and Freon had always been like this, constantly at odds, arguing loudly every time they met, without exception.
However, since Rozen had been preparing to transfer to the Alchemist Division, he hadn't come to the Sky Wizard Division Head's office, and the meetings with Freon had become rare. Whenever there was an issue, Chloe would act as the go-between. Therefore, Yuri hadn't seen this scene in a long time.
So, Yuri felt both nostalgic and somewhat sad.
Because...
"Why is senpai here?" Yuri forced herself to suppress her emotions and spoke in a rather unhappy tone, "Weren't you almost severing all ties with the Sky Wizards Divisions?"
This statement sounded almost like a grievance.
Rozen glanced at Yuri and said nothing, simply raising the documents in his hand.
"I just came to apply for some squad activity funds because someone dumped the weakest squad full of problem children on me."
Rozen's words successfully shifted the topic.
"Wha... What does that mean?"
Yuri was puzzled.
"What's happening? Something interesting?"
Kanata also became intrigued.
In this situation...
"Let me explain." Chloe stepped forward with a gentle smile and said, "Due to the Sky Wizard Division Head's request and my recommendation, Rozen is currently serving as the instructor for the second-year preparatory students in the E-rank squad."
This matter had not been announced by Freon or Chloe before.
Now, it was finally revealed in this setting.
"Instructor...!?"
Yuri's eyes widened.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Kanata was also a bit surprised but then smiled, as if recalling some memories, his eyes showing a hint of joy.
But Rozen needed to correct something.
"I haven't agreed to take the instructor position yet. Whether I become E601 squad's instructor depends on those girls' performance."
With that, Rozen threw the documents onto Freon's desk.
"That said, I want to apply for some activity funds for E601 squad. Approve it, Sky Wizard Division Head."
Rozen's tone was quite unceremonious.
Freon suppressed her inner displeasure, picked up the documents, and glanced at them.
Then, Freon was stunned.
"What do you mean by this?" Freon frowned and said, "The amount of these funds clearly exceeds what an E-rank squad can get. Do you think I will approve this?"
Freon's tone became unfriendly.
Rozen didn't seem surprised at all.
However...
"If you don't want to approve it, I won't argue. Given my position in the Alchemist Division, getting the allowed resources won't be difficult."
Rozen looked at Freon and smiled slightly.
"But in that case, your inability as the Sky Wizard Division Head to fully support the training of potential future Sky Wizards for Mistgun might become a blemish on your record, don't you think?"
Hearing this, everyone was stunned.
"Potential future Sky Wizards for Mistgun?"
Yuri couldn't quite understand.
"This..."
"To receive such an evaluation from Rozen?"
Chloe and Kanata trusted Rozen's judgment but were still somewhat astonished.
"Are you kidding?" Freon straightforwardly mocked, "The squad you lead is recognized as the weakest, full of the most severe problem children. Yet, you say they could become future Sky Wizards for Mistgun?"
Freon couldn't believe Rozen's words at all.
"Yes, that's what I'm saying." Rozen didn't mind, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone, as if expecting something, with a knowing smile, "If they grow according to my expectations, they might become comparable to the special squad. It's really exciting."
This amused and anticipatory smile and words finally changed everyone's expressions.
Even Freon collected her sarcastic expression and stared at Rozen's face.
Despite their disagreements, Freon could tell.
Rozen was not joking.
And that was only natural, right?
"Regardless of the others, you should know quite well about the condition of one person in that squad."
Rozen looked at Freon and smiled slightly.
"So, do you really think they don't have that potential, Freon Flamel?"
Hearing this, Freon closed her eyes.
A moment later...
"I understand." Freon spoke in a business-like tone, "I will approve this application. I hope you're not just boasting."
Saying so, Freon prepared to sign.
However...
"Wait!"
Yuri finally couldn't hold back and spoke up.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein