What in the world did I just hear?
Everyone’s face in the conference room seemed to reflect that very thought.
In that moment, whether from disbelief or shock, nobody could muster a word. It was Sylvia who first regained her composure and challenged Mark, the one who suggested it.
“Squad leader? Yoon Si-woo is the same age as me; he should be a first-year student at the Academy right now. Do you really think it makes sense to place such a young hero in a position leading so many heroes?”
Most of those sitting in the conference room nodded in agreement with Sylvia’s words.
It was already unusual enough for a boy of such a young age to be officially appointed as a hero, let alone to then be made a squad leader.
To them, it was utterly nonsensical.
However, Mark replied in a calm voice as if to soothe their concerns.
“Whether it makes sense or not, I believe it does. The justification is certainly there.”
“Justification? What kind of justification could there possibly be for appointing Yoon Si-woo as squad leader?”
“Lucas Eloise, the squad leader responsible for protecting the city, was defeated by a witch.”
As Sylvia realized what Mark’s justification meant, she halted mid-question.
Then Mark quietly continued speaking to her.
“The witch who defeated Lucas, a squad leader evaluated as a powerful individual, was taken down by Yoon Si-woo. What more justification could there be? He has demonstrated at least the strength of a squad leader; by that measure, he meets the minimum requirements for the role.”
“…But I don’t think being a strong individual alone qualifies someone for that position.”
“Of course, that’s a valid point. Character and leadership skills are undoubtedly critical criteria. However, this is an extraordinary situation. I don’t believe Yoon Si-woo is lacking in character, so I think we can be a bit flexible.”
Sylvia chewed on her lips, murmuring to herself.
“…That’s a position leading many heroes. Naturally, it comes with significant responsibilities and burdens.”
“I know that.”
“…And you, knowing that, want to place such a burden on a young boy? Do you really think that’s okay?”
In an outburst of indignation that she could not contain, Sylvia shouted.
With her fury unleashed, the power of the spirit she wielded resonated, causing starlight to flicker fiercely around her.
However, despite being an ordinary citizen with no magical power, Mark responded in an unwavering tone.
“I don’t think it’s okay.”
“…What?”
Sylvia was taken aback by his unexpected words.
Mark replied, looking directly at Sylvia.
“I said I don’t think it’s okay. To be honest, I dislike the idea of making Yoon Si-woo a squad leader. As the principal, I didn’t want to burden a student with such heavy responsibilities.”
“…Then why?”
“Because he told Eve, the acting principal, that he would do anything for the city and not to think about himself, but to focus on what he must do. Based on that, I was asked by Acting Principal Eve to think of the best way to utilize him efficiently for the city. And that’s how appointing Yoon Si-woo as a squad leader became a part of that plan.”
With an expressionless face, Mark continued.
“I hear many people witnessed Lucas, a member of the golden generation, getting beaten by a witch. That must have created a sense of fear among the citizens that even strong heroes mean nothing in front of a witch. It’s clear what kind of negative impact that might have on the city. So, I thought of a way to maximize the effectiveness of using Yoon Si-woo, who is already perceived as a symbol.”
“…”
“The youngest squad leader who defeated a witch. Don’t you think people would go wild over that? Plus, considering how he defeated a witch at such a young age, they might even envision how strong he could become over time, thus easing their anxieties about the future. It’s a twofold win: he represents the heroes and helps restore trust in them. Of course, I didn’t consider the burden it places on Yoon Si-woo at all. I was asked to think of the city’s well-being, not as a principal, but as a member of the committee.”
“…”
“I’m realizing now that this is a truly thankless job. Even being here.”
As Mark said this, the indifferent expression he wore earlier vanished, replaced by a bitter smile.
With his appearance seeming to age a few years in a matter of moments, Sylvia could sense just how much anguish he must have gone through to come up with and decide on such a plan.
They were people too.
Only, they were sometimes forced to be ruthless for the sake of the city.
“So, does anyone have any objections or better ideas regarding appointing Yoon Si-woo as squad leader?”
When Mark took a moment to breathe and asked this, unlike before, no opposing voices emerged.
Everyone recognized the usefulness of the plan, and since it was Yoon Si-woo himself who had those thoughts, respecting his wishes was the right thing to do.
Separately, however, a curious question arose in Sylvia’s mind, and she cautiously asked him.
“Then, which squad will Yoon Si-woo be a leader of?”
“…That’s a good point. Ideally, it would be easier for him to take over the leadership of the squad he is part of for the sake of transfer and communication, but…”
Mark fell into thought at Sylvia’s question.
From the 1st Squad to the 4th Squad, Astrafe was responsible for the boundary areas in the north, south, east, and west.
Currently, Yoon Si-woo was part of the 4th Squad, which was tasked with the northern boundary area facing the former elven territory.
However, the 4th Squad leader, Martina Ivanova, was still active and thus too soon to pass on her leadership role.
The same went for the 1st and 3rd Squads, which had undergone a generational shift with figures known as the golden generation.
Thus, the only remaining candidate was the 2nd Squad.
And the western boundary area that the 2nd Squad was in charge of was not far from the place where the Great Hero Aegis defeated the Witch of Gluttony long ago.
For some reason, it was also famous for having the highest number of demonic beasts appearing compared to other areas.
And in that western battle zone, there was a man who had been guarding it for decades.
As if recalling that man, silence fell over the conference room for a moment.
Before long, Diakonos Dolos of the Dolos family, who had been quietly with his eyes closed, finally spoke up.
“…Let’s appoint Yoon Si-woo as the next squad leader of the 2nd Squad.”
“Is that really okay?”
“There are no other options. Besides, my father can’t remain active forever. It works out well. I’ll inform my father.”
As Diakonos spoke, the strange tension that had been hanging in the conference room dissipated, causing Sylvia to let out a long sigh.
This was because the person currently holding the leadership of the 2nd Squad was a member of the Dolos family.
It had been a bit delicate to bring it up directly due to the family being involved, but thanks to his assurance, it seemed there would be no further friction.
Regardless, with his single remark, Yoon Si-woo was effectively appointed as the squad leader of the 2nd Squad.
It seemed everyone had come to that conclusion, as the meeting continued without any further discussion on Yoon Si-woo.
“Well then, we’ll wrap up this matter as such and move on to the next agenda item. It concerns the corpses of the demonic beasts that appeared within the city; the miasma generated from there-.”
“Regarding that, our Dolos family will take care of everything-.”
As the meeting progressed, Sylvia quietly pondered about Yoon Si-woo.
He said he would do anything for the city, huh?
Though Yoon Si-woo had stated as much, Sylvia couldn’t help but smirk internally upon hearing those words.
Because she knew it was a lie.
She understood that the choice he made was not for the city, but for something else precious.
Yet, despite that, she never spoke of it to anyone.
What that precious thing that led him to make such a choice was? It would undoubtedly be something that she, too, held dear.
So Sylvia could genuinely cheer Yoon Si-woo on from the depths of her heart.
The path ahead of Yoon Si-woo would surely carry many more burdens than he had faced until now.
She prayed he wouldn’t be crushed by the weight of the responsibilities and sacrifices he had chosen to take on for something precious.
And that should that day ever come when he must choose between the burdens he carries and what he holds dear, he would make a decision without regrets.
Sylvia silently said her prayers.
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