What did I just hear?

The expressions on the faces of those sitting in the conference room all seemed to reflect the same thought.

At that moment, when everyone was too stunned to speak, it was Sylvia who first collected herself and retorted against Mark, who had made the suggestion.

“Squad Leader? Yoon Si-woo is my age and is supposed to be a first-year student at the Academy. Do you really think it makes sense to place such a young hero in a position to lead numerous heroes?”

Most of the people in the conference room nodded in agreement with Sylvia’s statement.

It was already unusual to appoint such a young boy as an official hero, let alone promote him to Squad Leader.

It was something that was utterly nonsensical by their common understanding.

However, Mark responded in a calm voice, as if to reassure her.

“I believe it makes sense if we look at whether it’s reasonable or not. The justification is definitely there.”

“Justification? What kind of justification could there possibly be for appointing Yoon Si-woo as Squad Leader?”

“Lucas Eloise, who was in charge of the city’s defense, was defeated by a witch, remember?”

Sylvia realized immediately what Mark meant by justification when he mentioned this during the course of his questioning, bringing her words to a halt.

With that insight into Sylvia’s reaction, Mark quietly continued.

“The witch who defeated Lucas, someone everyone rated as a Squad Leader-level talent, was defeated by Yoon Si-woo. Where else would we find such justification? That alone suggests he possesses the strength of a Squad Leader, fulfilling at least the minimal requirements for the position.”

“…I don’t think the position of Squad Leader is something one can take on just for being strong.”

“Of course, you’re right. Qualities like character and leadership are essential criteria. However, this is an exceptional situation. I don’t perceive any significant shortcomings in Yoon Si-woo’s character, so I think we can exercise some flexibility.”

Observing Mark’s indifferent demeanor, Sylvia bit her lip as she muttered.

“…This is a position that leads numerous heroes. Naturally, there come responsibilities and burdens with it.”

“I know.”

“…So, knowing that, are you planning to place such a heavy burden on a young boy? Do you truly think that’s acceptable?”

With evident outrage, Sylvia exclaimed as if she could not tolerate it.

Her erupted fury resonated with the elemental power she possessed, causing starlight to wildly flicker around her.

However, despite being an ordinary citizen without any magic, Mark responded in a consistent tone as if he felt no fear.

“I do not think that’s acceptable.”

“…What?”

At his remark, which contrasted with everything he had claimed earlier, Sylvia was taken aback and asked.

Mark responded to Sylvia.

“I said I do not think so. To be honest, I dislike it. Making Yoon Si-woo the Squad Leader. Since I’m the principal, I would prefer to not burden a student with heavy responsibilities.”

“…Then why?”

“For the city, he said he would do whatever it takes, asking not to think of himself and to focus on what he needed to do. I heard that Yoon Si-woo said this to Dean Eve. Dean Eve then asked me to consider how to use him as efficiently as possible for the city’s sake since he made that commitment, and all that led to making Yoon Si-woo the Squad Leader.”

With a somber expression, Mark continued speaking.

“It seems many people have witnessed Lucas, a member of the golden generation, falling to a witch. That must have instilled a sense of unease among the people, realizing that even such a strong hero was nothing against a witch. It was obviously clear what kind of negative impact that would have on the city, so I thought of a solution: to greatly maximize the effectiveness of using Yoon Si-woo as a symbol.”

“…”

“The youngest Squad Leader who defeated a witch. Don’t you think people would be naturally thrilled? Moreover, considering he defeated a witch at such a young age, they could imagine how strong he could become over time, alleviating anxieties about the future. Additionally, placing him in a position representing the heroes would help restore trust in heroes, which would be killing two birds with one stone. Of course, I didn’t consider the burdens he would face. I was asked to act as a member of the committee, thinking of the city’s peace rather than as a principal.”

“…”

“I can’t help but feel that this is truly a thankless task. Just sitting here.”

The moment Mark said that, the indifferent expression he had displayed moments ago was replaced with a bitter smile.

Seeing him appear even a few years older in that instant, Sylvia realized just how much agony he must have endured to devise and make such a decision.

They were human too.

It was just that, for the sake of the city, they sometimes had to be heartless.

“…So, do you have any opposing viewpoints or better ideas regarding Yoon Si-woo becoming Squad Leader?”

After taking a moment to breathe, Mark asked. This time, unlike before, no opposing voices arose.

Everyone acknowledged the usefulness of that approach, and respecting Yoon Si-woo’s intentions as the person directly affected was only due.

However, aside from that, Sylvia cautiously inquired.

“By the way, which squad will Yoon Si-woo be the leader of?”

“…I see. Ideally, it would be smoother in terms of transitions and communication for him to take the lead of the squad he’s currently a part of…”

In response to Sylvia’s question, Mark also fell into thought.

Astrafe, from the 1st to the 4th squad, was responsible for the boundary regions of East, West, South, and North.

Currently, Yoon Si-woo belonged to the 4th squad, which was overseeing the northern boundary region facing the old elf territory.

However, the leader of the 4th squad, Martina Ivanova, was too active to pass on the leadership role.

This was likewise true for the 1st and 3rd squads, which had undergone a generational change with those known as the golden generation.

Thus, the remaining option was only the 2nd squad.

The western boundary region assigned to the 2nd squad was not far from the location where the great hero Aegis defeated the Witch of Gluttony long ago.

Perhaps for that reason, it was also famous for having the highest number of demonic beasts appearing compared to other areas.

And the battlefield in the West had been guarded by a man for decades.

Perhaps recalling that man, silence fell momentarily within the conference room.

Before long, Diakonos from House Dolos, who had been sitting quietly with his eyes closed, spoke up.

“…Let’s appoint Yoon Si-woo as the next Squad Leader of the 2nd squad.”

“Is that really alright?”

“There’s no other option. And furthermore, my father cannot remain active indefinitely. This actually works out well. I’ll inform my father myself.”

As Diakonos said this, the strange tension that had been circling within the conference room dissipated, allowing Sylvia to release a long sigh.

This was because the one who was the captain of the 2nd squad was a member of House Dolos.

Given the direct involvement of the family, it had been a delicate situation to raise the topic first. His confirmation had prevented any unnecessary friction.

Nevertheless, with that one statement, Yoon Si-woo was effectively appointed as the Squad Leader of the 2nd squad.

It seemed everyone shared that understanding, as the meeting proceeded without any further discussion about Yoon Si-woo afterward.

“…Then let’s wrap this matter up like this and move on to the next agenda item. This is regarding the corpses of the demonic beasts that have appeared within the city, and the magic that arises from there—”

“Regarding that, our House Dolos will take care of everything—”

As the meeting progressed, Sylvia quietly contemplated about Yoon Si-woo.

He said he would do anything for the city, huh?

While he might have spoken that way, Sylvia couldn’t help but smirk internally upon hearing it.

Knowing it to be a lie.

She was aware that the choice he made was not for the city, but for something else precious.

Yet still, she didn’t voice that to anyone.

The precious thing that led him to make that choice was probably something similar to what she cherished most.

Thus, Sylvia could sincerely support Yoon Si-woo in her heart.

As he walked the path ahead, there would doubtlessly be many more burdens that he must carry compared to now.

She hoped that he wouldn’t become weighed down by the burdens and responsibilities he would bear for something precious.

And someday, even if the day came when he would have to choose between those burdens and what he cherishes.

She prayed that he would be able to make a decision without regret.