Headmaster's Residence – Top Floor Office
Accompanied by the group of girls known as Setsugetsuka, Rozen strolled in leisurely like a visiting guest.
There, a crowd of people awaited his arrival.
"Oh! We've been waiting for you, little one of the Akabane clan!"
The speaker was a young girl sitting at the desk directly opposite the entrance. Legs crossed, she had been casting a teasing glance to the side, but when Rozen entered, her eyes lit up, and she stood up with energetic enthusiasm, shouting out loud.
An intense aura of bewitchment emanated from the girl. At her side were a mighty lion and a singing demonic eagle. A vague sense of overwhelming danger hung in the air, causing the Setsugetsuka sisters to freeze in place.
Rozen immediately recognized her. This unexpectedly youthful girl was the one he had been "seeing" all along—the leader of the attackers who had released a miasma-like aura and even defeated the Headmaster.
Around them, black-clad magus accompanied by panther-type automatons stood in formation like an army, their gazes filled with killing intent.
Nearby, the hostages—including the Headmaster—were either lying bruised and battered or bound with magic-suppressing devices that completely incapacitated them.
The Headmaster, in particular, had suffered grave-looking injuries and was tightly bound, unable to move a muscle.
"To think you'd see me in such a shameful state, Arneet-kun."
Noticing Rozen's gaze, the Headmaster gave a bitter smile.
But Rozen only glanced at him before turning his attention to the witch.
"Who are you?"
Rozen's voice was curt and straightforward.
No beating around the bush, no pleasantries—just a direct question to the witch.
His blunt attitude made the surrounding magi's murderous aura flare.
Yet the witch appeared completely unfazed.
"Now that you mention it, I haven't introduced myself yet."
The witch cheerfully gave her name.
"My name is Astrid Seth. I belong to the Order of the Rose, and I am the Rose Witch whose symbolic color is gold. You may call me Golden Rose if you wish."
Astrid's demeanor was full of enthusiasm, as though she were genuinely pleased to welcome Rozen.
But Rozen remained unmoved.
"What is this Order of the Rose?"
He continued to question her calmly.
"What? You don't know about us?" Astrid blinked in mild surprise and frowned. "That's odd. With your rank, I'd have thought there's no way you wouldn't know about us."
Clearly, while not just anyone knew about the organization Astrid belonged to, anyone at a certain level could not not know them.
Because...
"The Order of the Rose is a magical society with a history spanning over two thousand years. We are the oldest magical group, dating back to the Roman Emperor Nero's era. In fact, we are the origin of the very concept of 'magic societies.' Many simply refer to us as The Society, as we represent the pinnacle of magical power."
Astrid spread her arms wide, as though trying to embrace the world, speaking with pride and grandeur.
"We were founded to restrain authority and prevent its abuse. Our origin lies in a group of persecuted Christians who hid from Nero's tyranny, and we remained in the shadows until the late Middle Ages. Even compared to Automaton Magic, our history is far older and deeper."
Perhaps it was precisely because of such a background that the Order of the Rose sought to become a force that held power in check.
And they had the credentials to do so.
"Since emerging from the shadows, we've attempted to manipulate politics from behind the scenes across various nations. We've had deep ties with Britain. During the conflicts between Protestants and Catholics, we received the protection of the Church of England and fought against the domination of the old Church. Our current goal is to prevent a world war and oppose imperial domination."
Astrid spoke openly and confidently.
"We are completely different from the despicable bystanders of the Mage's Association. They merely observe the world's injustices and do nothing. Yes, they play an essential role in managing magical order, but their actions only promote magical advancement. They do nothing to stop the rampage of the great powers or imperialism. If a world war breaks out, they'll simply stand by as observers, recording the history. To expect justice, fairness, or safety from them is nothing short of a dream."
There was clear disdain and scorn in Astrid's voice when speaking of the Mage's Association.
If what she said was true, then the Order of the Rose and the Mage's Association had deep-rooted connections. Both had originated from Christian groups in the distant past.
But unlike the Association, which chose to become a balancing force in magic, Astrid's Order of the Rose chose to become a check on political power.
In other words, despite their shared roots, the two factions had gone down completely different paths.
"Take you, for instance. Your talents are so rare and valuable. You should be properly protected, given assistance, and allowed to show your full potential on the world stage. That would be the correct approach. But the Association only watches you from the shadows, even supervising you. Their treatment of you isn't like that of a treasured magus, but more like a criminal about to commit a crime. Utterly disgraceful."
Astrid's tone shifted as her gaze toward Rozen became heated.
"But we're different. We will help your talents grow and realize your full value. That's why I came to welcome you."
She made no attempt to hide her purpose or her stance.
"You?"
Rozen looked at Astrid with a faint, amused smile.
"That's right." Astrid nodded with certainty. "The Order of the Rose is governed by great magi bearing the title of Rose. We, the Roses, are the executives of the Society. I, the Golden Rose, am one of the top executives. Aside from one other major figure, I hold the most power and influence. I even have the authority to judge and sentence other Roses, and I can nominate others to become new Roses. If you're willing, I'll personally vouch for you and place you on the seat of a Rose."
That was no small offer.
The Order of the Rose, as the oldest magical society and a force that held power in check, might be little-known but was immensely powerful.
They were capable of opposing the Mage's Association and even challenging world powers. Their presence could be seen behind the scenes in every country—a hidden but dominant force.
If the Mage's Association ruled the magic world, then the Order of the Rose ruled the underworld.
They were like the Rebellion in the world of Chivalry of a Failed Knight—rulers of the hidden world.
To become an executive among them meant attaining unimaginable status, power, and wealth.
However...
"What if I say no?"
Rozen's casual reply instantly shifted the atmosphere in the room.