"I..." Yukino bit her lip. She initially thought it was just a visitation application, and there wouldn't be any problem.
Never expected that the issue would arise from the guild first.
A member's relative being a criminal—is that truly intolerable for a Legitimate Guild?
In fact, Jerman didn't need to hear her answer, as the application listed the applicant 'Yukino Agria' and the visitation subject 'Kono Aiguria.'
Their relationship was practically self-evident.
Jerman said, "Now I'm giving you one last chance. As long as you deny your relationship with that woman and perform exceptionally in the future, you'll be allowed to stay in Sabertooth as a special case. I will also explain to the Council."
A Star Spirit Mage with Zodiac keys is extremely rare.
Jerman acknowledged Yukino's strength and future potential, eagerly anticipating her appearance in this year's Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts to add glory to Sabertooth.
Therefore, he was willing to solve a minor problem for this, but Yukino must also express an appropriate attitude.
Yukino bowed her head; she never imagined the President would make such a demand.
Choosing between her sister and Sabertooth?
Then there's no need for hesitation.
"No." Yukino lowered her head, her eyes hidden behind her bangs, and softly but firmly uttered the word.
"What?" Jerman didn't hear clearly or didn't dare believe what he heard.
"I said I refuse!" Yukino raised her head, looked Jerman in the eye, speaking louder than she ever had since joining the guild,
"I am Yukino Agria, former cadre 'Angel' of the Oracion Seis Dark Guild, and now a prisoner of the Council—Kono Aiguria is my sister! I will never deny this fact!
"If President Jerman insists on ordering me as the guild master, then..."
The following sentence was challenging for Yukino, but she still spoke each word clearly: "Then I will leave Sabertooth!"
The entire guild fell silent, followed by an uproar.
This newcomer who addressed everyone politely, this consistently gentle girl, had the courage to stand up to the stern President Jerman.
They couldn't believe someone would willingly leave Fiore's leading guild.
Floros looked worried, eyes already brimming with tears.
Rekete was in shock.
Stinger and Rogue, who had been watching, also stood upright; Yukino now seemed so resolute that she felt unfamiliar.
Jerman was silent for several seconds, unable to believe Yukino would make such a choice: "Do you know what you're saying?"
"Yes, I am willing to take responsibility for what I've said." Yukino spoke, lifting her clothing with her right hand, her left index and middle fingers together, glowing with a golden light.
Then, she pointed her fingers to the blue emblem on the left side of her navel, which turned into stardust and disappeared as if blown away by the wind.
Having done this, Yukino tidied her attire and bowed faintly: "And saying goodbye this way, thank you all for the care, then, goodbye."
When others hadn't yet processed, Yukino already turned and walked toward the guild exit.
Her cape flapped lightly with her steps, looking effortlessly stylish.
Jerman hit the armrest of his seat, suddenly standing, with a severe tone:
"Removing the emblem by yourself, arrogantly spouting words belittling Sabertooth, and planning to leave this lightly?!"
"Then, what does President Jerman intend to do to a wandering mage who left the guild?" Yukino tried to remain calm, tightly clutching three keys in her hand.
To her, facing the angry President Jerman was still very stressful.
Jerman stamped his right foot hard on the ground, fists infused with astonishing magic power: "At least make you remember deeply..."
Bang!
A smoke bomb exploded between them, Jerman stopped, dispersing the smoke with a wave.
Dobe Gal, dressed as a ninja, already stood in front of him: "President, please compose yourself."
Jerman snorted coldly: "I thought your recent strict self-punishment would show progress. Indeed, your courage has grown a lot, daring to defy my will!"
"Punishment? You understand it that way... no, that's not important." Dobe Gal, feeling Jerman's pressure, confirmed something.
——Indeed, President Jerman not only lacked strength but even magnanimity compared to that man.
However, the most urgent task now was to assist Yukino.
Relying on the mask, he calmly said, "I didn't come to oppose you, but for Sabertooth's reputation."
These words gave Jerman a bit more patience.
Dobe Gal seized the opportunity to explain: "Since she has left the guild, it would be inappropriate for you to act personally.
"Moreover, using force against a wandering mage poses the risk of violating the 'Prohibition of Armed Conflict Treaty.' If she goes to the Council with injuries, it would negatively impact Sabertooth.
"Someone like her isn't worth you bearing this risk as President. If someone must teach her a lesson, let it be me."
Jerman pondered, though somewhat unsure, it seemed indeed reasonable...
Yukino wasn't as confused as Jerman; she sensed Dobe Gal's goodwill. Those words were more a reminder than a belittling.
"Then..." Jerman's attitude softened.
Stinger crossed his arms, raising his chin slightly: "President, let her go if she wants, she will regret this decision her entire life."
Rogue coldly supported: "Losing a newcomer isn't a big deal."
Jerman was eventually convinced, waved Dobe Gal away, and coldly told Yukino: "Get out, never set foot in this city again."
Yukino pressed her lips together, restrained the impulse to thank those three, and turned to leave in silence.
"Yukino..." Only Floros openly expressed reluctance, but was promptly stopped by Rekete.
That day, Sabertooth's atmosphere was abysmal, everyone was cautious, some found excuses to leave, others hurriedly took tasks and went out.
Yukino left Sabertooth somewhat despondently, stopping only when she exited the city.
She turned back to look at the city she had lived in for quite some time; even she couldn't believe she had such courage.
But since it was for her sister... Yukino believed she was right.
She gazed at the sky somewhat lost: "What should I do next, sister..."