Even though we’d only invited a minimum number of people, the plaza was packed.

Linna, Ray, Zahid, and Yuta stood at the very front with their Divine Beasts.

The Divine Beasts still couldn’t wield their old overwhelming power. But just the fact that their respective houses had stabilized again was enough to make them happy.

I was the master of all four Divine Beasts, and I could command them freely. Still, I had vowed not to use their strength unless it was something truly important.

Because they each had their true master, and I wanted to respect those old bonds.

“Woof! Woof woof!”

<Pretty! Pretty!>

As soon as I appeared, Fire barked happily and wagged his tail.

Not to be outdone, Athena let out a loud cry.

“Wroooargh!”

<Too many jewels!>

Cashie also waved his tail gracefully and let out a haughty meow.

“Myaaaoow.”

<Not bad.>

I looked at Liri, who was in Yuta’s arms.

Liri pretended not to notice and turned his head with a pout, muttering softly.

<Just start already...>

He looked the cutest, and had played the most crucial role during our final confrontation—and yet he was absurdly prickly.

‘Yeah, yeah. It’ll be over soon.’

Behind the four ducal houses stood the other high nobles.

Among them was Abraham, standing with perfect posture. He looked at me with a proud expression on his face.

And standing a little ways off from him was Grandpa.

Normally, he wasn’t someone to politely stand in the back during events like this. It looked like he was being quite mindful of Abraham.

‘Wow... even Grandpa has someone he feels inferior to...’

He might have built his fortune without blood or tears, but it seemed he hadn’t completely forgotten shame.

Next to Grandpa stood Ethan and Theo.

They were whispering intensely to each other, neither of them looking pleased.

From how passionately they were arguing, I could already guess it had to be about magic or something Academy-related. Those two never paid attention to time or place when it came to those topics.

"Then."

The Emperor, who’d been watching me with satisfaction, declared:

"Let us now begin the inauguration ceremony."

It was a bright and sunny day.

Everyone had cheerful faces, enjoying the occasion.

I had simplified the procedures as much as possible, claiming it was just an internal personnel transfer. So in the end, it concluded with the Emperor personally placing the laurel crown on my head in front of the nobles and Temple members who had been invited.

"May you become a High Priest who practices the teachings of understanding, empathy, mercy, and love."

The Emperor spoke solemnly, then added warmly,

"I recognized long ago that you were suited to lead the Temple. The Empire already owes you a great debt. The Imperial family will always support the path you walk."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

I bowed with reverence and accepted the laurel crown placed upon my head.

But even after I put it on, everyone kept looking at me like they expected me to say something.

"I understand this is only the beginning."

So, in the end, I cleared my throat and began to speak.

"Many things were wrong, and we’ll work to restore them to where they belong."

I looked out across the plaza, at the familiar faces gathered there.

"Nothing I’ve achieved was done alone. And going forward, I’ll continue to seek help, and offer mine in return."

I wanted to say the exact opposite of what Aietar had once done—trying to accomplish everything by himself.

"No one is perfect, so let’s live in harmony together. Thank you."

Applause rang out.

For some reason, I felt like I’d be able to do well.

Just like Julian had said—all the paths I’d walked were, in the end, paths of goodwill.

* * *

After the brief ceremony, a small tea party was held in the garden. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Many nobles attended, and even the Academy headmaster came.

"I hear you’re open to the idea of creating a course in ancient languages!"

The headmaster said excitedly, radiating the same vibe as Theo.

"Yes. Until now, the Temple has monopolized reading and writing ancient script, hasn’t it? I don’t think that’s necessary. Knowledge becomes more valuable when it’s shared."

Moved to tears by my response, the headmaster gripped my hand.

"Truly... You’re everything we hoped for in the Academy’s top graduate."

"Step aside, Headmaster. The High Priestess is also a failed mage from the Magic Tower!"

Next came the Tower Lord, then a caretaker from my old orphanage... There were too many people to speak with, even beyond my closest circle.

Perhaps understanding my need to play host today, Zahid didn’t stick too close. Still, I could feel his gaze watching me warmly from just the right distance.

Meanwhile, Theo and Ethan were fiercely arguing in a corner. It was so intense I wanted no part in it, so I kept pretending not to see.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way—no one else tried to intervene either.

Only Yuta looked increasingly anxious, and eventually hurried over to me.

"Those two—are they really okay being left like that?"

"They’re fine."

I shrugged casually.

"No matter how much they argue like they want to kill each other, it’ll never come to blows. It’s alright."

Yuta nodded, still looking worried.

"If they did get into a fistfight, it’d probably be evenly matched... A truly pitiful, pathetic brawl that would never end in a clear winner."

"Exactly. So stop worrying, Yuta-oppa."

"I’m only saying this to you, Rosie, but... it’s not that easy for me."

Yuta muttered with a conflicted look.

"The truth is... they’re fighting because of me."

"...What?"

I blinked blankly, then rolled up my sleeves.

"Oppas."

I marched over and thrust myself between Ethan and Theo, who were still arguing.

"I heard you two are turning this into some kind of love triangle drama over Yuta-oppa. I get it—you both like me, so your tastes overlap. But let’s not do this on my inauguration day, okay?"

Both Ethan and Theo stared at me, dumbfounded.

"What are you even talking about?"

"A love triangle? What kind of nonsense is that? Yuta-sunbae, what on earth did you tell Rosie this time?"

Theo even glared at Yuta, who was standing behind me with the saddest expression in the world.

"I’m just saying Yuta Orgon Duke should come to the Magic Tower!"

"And I’m just insisting Yuta Orgon-sunbae should return to the Academy as a professor!"

So in the end, they were fighting over Yuta’s future career path.

I blinked and turned to Yuta, who stood behind me.

"Oppa, what are your plans for the future?"

"Well... I haven’t decided yet..."

Yuta mumbled pitifully.

"I just always thought I’d die for Rosie. I never really considered something like a lifelong job..."

"So this is all happening because you couldn’t make up your mind."

After calmly analyzing the situation, I turned to Ethan.

"Then why exactly do you want Yuta-oppa to stay in the Tower?"

"...Because magic research naturally requires research into {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} divine power, its opposing force. Yuta Orgon Duke has been cooperative with the Tower so far. Now that he has no need to hide his identity, I hoped he’d help lead joint research projects."

"Sounds logical enough, but that can’t be the whole story. Keep going."

"...If I secure a research contract with him, I’ll be appointed Deputy Tower Lord."

At that, Theo’s eyes widened.

"What the hell—this guy’s just a power-hungry mage who forgot his duty!"

"I’ve achieved something major. Why shouldn’t I pursue a personal goal now? You’re no different, are you?"

Ethan shot back venomously.

"Weren’t you promised a full professorship if you brought Yuta Orgon back to the Academy?"

"Th-that’s not true!"

"Swear on your precious Magic Nanoscience notes, then."

"..."

"So what are you, if not another power-hungry professor who forgot his duty?"

And thus, I confirmed both of my oppas were driven by ambition.

‘Yep. It’s in the blood. The thirst for power...’

Shaking my head, I folded my arms and turned to Yuta.

"Alright then, Yuta-oppa, I’ll decide for you."

"Okay... what is it?"

"Protect House Orgon properly, and stay in the Temple to help Shulva a lot more. These two need to learn that you can’t use people as tools for power."

Then I raised my chin toward Theo and Ethan and declared,

"Got it? No more fighting. Make up now."

Theo and Ethan looked at each other and nodded without a word. Then they calmly resumed talking as if nothing had happened.

"About that new thesis you sent me—there’s a flaw in your mana purification logic."

"What? Are you referring to the Odatrio Principle? Yeah, that’s been bothering me too."

Well, it was a good thing they had overlapping academic interests.

Peace had returned.

They were both incredibly capable. I had no doubt they’d earn the positions of Deputy Tower Lord and full professor on their own merits.