These words instantly enraged everyone present, including Zebul, Kitsune Saiguu, and the others. Zebul was well aware just how powerful Sasayuri had been back then. Given the circumstances at the time, if Sasayuri hadn't created that protective barrier, even she herself would have had no confidence in saving everyone. Now, hearing someone slander their comrade like this, how could they stand idly by?
Yet, just as Zebul and the others moved to rise, Baal pressed down on their shoulders.
"Don't rush," Baal said in a warm voice.
"Apologize!" The furious demand echoed once more from that direction.
Where just moments ago a single figure had stood against the hulking figure, now a large group confronted the massive form. All the men around them closed in, each face etched with intense fury.
"Apologize? Apologize for what? I said nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?"
"You think I'm afraid of you just because there are more of you? Inazuma's law enforcement won't let you run wild."
Though the man spoke defiantly, his face betrayed him completely. But with so many people watching, backing down now would mean utter humiliation. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and refuse to apologize.
"Young man, precisely because this is Inazuma, you should apologize."
"Inazuma's prosperity today is inextricably linked to that noble figure."
"Now that you've seen how well-ordered Inazuma is, it seems rather inappropriate to stand here disparaging our city's heroes, wouldn't you agree?"
At that moment, an elderly man in his sixties cleared his throat twice and spoke in a measured tone.
"Quite right! Our heroes are not figures for you to casually critique! Who do you think you are?"
"Lord Sasayuri is the head of the Tenryou Commission. The public order you speak of falls under their jurisdiction. Yet you now claim he brought this upon himself, deliberately playing the hero?"
"You must apologize!"
"Apologize!"
"Apologize!"
Hearing the cries of everyone around him, the man's face flushed crimson, his pride deeply wounded.
"I won't!" he suddenly bellowed.
This roar stunned everyone present.
"I didn't say anything wrong! Why should I apologize!"
As the second sentence burst from his lips, rage completely clouded everyone's judgment.
Fists rained down on him from all sides. The intense pain instantly stripped him of any ability to resist. He curled up on the spot, clutching his head and screaming, "They're beating me!! They're killing me!!!! Someone stop them!!!!"
Yet the Tenryou Commission standing nearby turned a deaf ear, ignoring him completely. Zebul and the others, however, were secretly delighted, grinning from ear to ear.
"Yes! That's it! Hit him in the face! Hit him in the face!! Beat him into a pig's head!!!"
Miko stared intently at the scene, pumping her little fists as if she were part of the mob beating him.
Chiyo grabbed her by the back of the neck and spun her around.
"Just smile secretly. You're being too blatant," Chiyo admonished, struggling to suppress her own laughter.
"Who cares! He deserved it! Daring to slander Sasayuri? I'd shove a whole tube of wasabi up his nose!" Miko declared, her cheeks puffed out in indignation.
"If possible, add one for me too," Kitsune Saiguu chimed in, her own grin stretching wide.
"That won't do. Come here—I'll tell you a better way," Zebul beckoned, a sinister smile playing on her lips.
Seeing Zebul's sinister grin, Miko couldn't help but shiver. She admired Zebul's skill at undermining others and even looked up to her as a role model, determined to become as "clever" as Zebul someday.
But right now, that sinister grin wasn't aimed at her, so Miko wasn't afraid. Instead, she ran over to Zebul's side.
"First, you do this... then do that... and finally, do this..."
Those simple words sent shivers down Zebul's spine. She raised her thumb in admiration, offering her highest praise: "You're the man."
"Hmph! You should know who I am," Zebul declared proudly, patting her soft chest.
"Should I try it then?" Miko responded with a sinister grin of her own.
"In his current state, if you try it, he'll truly meet his end." Zebul remarked, eyeing the man beaten beyond recognition.
"True enough. Then this method is reserved for the next blabbermouth."
"Yeah, this is definitely better than a beating." Zebul nodded in agreement.
"Hope that person shows up soon. I can't wait."
"Heh heh..."
Zebul and Miko exchanged a smile, though their grins held a hint of terror. Whoever the unlucky soul was, they'd be in for it.
Elliot Yuan, standing nearby, remained silent. He simply watched the harmonious scene unfold with gentle eyes. Seated there, he silently savored a cup of colorless, tasteless, and formless tea.
He then sped up time himself, eager to witness Zebul's plan unfold firsthand.
Every year on this festival, Elliot paused the accelerated time to watch them savor a pot of tea. But until the very end, he never saw them take action, nor did he witness the light novel Miko released.
After smiling contentedly as he finished the last pot, he vanished from this world with peace.
[One hour has passed.]
[This is the Third Reincarnation. No time limit applies.]
[Your destiny has been reset to: Happiness]
[Wishing you a joyful life.]
[Guiding you...]