Chris had managed to make the scene feel quite stirring.
A secret team composed of a few powerful wizards, working silently in the shadows to maintain the kingdom's stability and the order of the magical world...
It certainly sounded cool!
However, the seven people present weren't exactly overwhelmed with enthusiasm. Gildarts, for instance, felt in his heart that this was far too much trouble and didn't want to get involved. Someone like Serena, on the other hand, hoped the team wouldn't just operate in the shadows, but could be out in the open so he could bask in the glory of being a "hero" of the magical world.
Descartes, Ur, Silver, and Bluenote each had their own thoughts; they didn't agree immediately, but they didn't show much resistance either. That left only Layla.
"Um..."
"If it's to strike at darkness and save innocent people, I'm very willing to help."
"But, with my meager strength, am I really qualified to be part of this team?"
Layla had a strong sense of self-awareness. Among the seven of them, she might not have the least talent, but she was several years younger than the others. The gap in strength was too large; forcing her way in would only drag everyone down.
"Don't worry about that!"
"Your talent is more than enough. You just need a little training from professionals, and you'll be able to hold your own in no time!"
Chris seemed to have a great deal of affection for Layla, her eyes filled with grandmotherly kindness. "I know you are a Celestial Wizard, and you have the keys to Cancer and Capricorn of the Zodiac, correct?"
Layla didn't know why Chris suddenly mentioned this, but she answered honestly, "Yes!!"
Chris nodded and continued, "My family also has a habit of collecting Celestial Keys. If you are willing to become one of the 'Seven Kin of the Holy Knights' and earn merits, I can let you choose a few from our collection!"
"Of course, they're from the 12 Zodiac series!"
What?! Giving away Gold Celestial Keys?!
Layla was instantly shocked and overjoyed, standing there in a daze. The others hadn't expected Chris to invest so heavily and were equally stunned. To a non-Celestial Wizard, a key wasn't a particularly precious item; what really mattered was the attitude Chris was showing.
It was a classic case of showing high value for talent to attract others.
"Ahem... my dear great-aunt!"
"If I join and earn merits, are there any benefits for me?" Descartes spoke up again, looking expectant.
Unexpectedly, Chris's face suddenly hardened. "How many times have I told you? Use formal titles in official settings!"
"Our Lagrange family, since your great-grandfather was young, has always contributed to the stability of Fiore and the order of the magical world. When have we ever asked for benefits?"
"When I tell you to join, just join. You dare to ask for rewards?"
"Do you want a taste of my fist instead?!"
"Wha—?!" Descartes' face turned pale as he jumped back half a step in fright. "How can you be so biased?!"
Everyone: "..."
Hold it in! You have to hold it in! But how could anyone hold back laughter at something this funny?
"Cough... cough..." Gildarts said while choking back a laugh, "Um, Vice-Principal, the rest of us aren't exactly part of the Lagrange family..."
The hint in his words was incredibly obvious. However, Chris wasn't buying it. She raised her hand and rapped Gildarts on the head as well. "Even if your name isn't Lagrange, I'm the one who brought you to Magnolia. You're basically half a grandson to me."
Gildarts: "..." What a stingy old lady!
Chris retracted her fist and turned her gaze toward Ur and the other three. They tensed up immediately, fearing the eccentric old woman would give them a wallop too. Fortunately, what they feared didn't happen.
"As for you four... you belong to the Royal Capital Magic Academy. Any benefits should technically come from your school. As for whether they actually have any..." Chris looked toward Brain, who had been standing silently to the side.
Everyone turned to look at Brain. Feeling the immense pressure, Brain broke into a cold sweat and hurried forward. "There are! Children, there are definitely benefits!"
"There will absolutely be rewards! Senior Chris was just joking with you!"
"The idea for the 'Seven Kin of the Holy Knights' was proposed jointly by the Royal Family, the two academies, and the Council branch. Since it's for the sake of Fiore and fighting dark forces, we won't let you work for nothing."
"Once you join, as long as you earn enough merit, you can receive money, treasures, power, or status from these three factions. The Celestial Keys mentioned are just one example."
Brain's flustered appearance made everyone chuckle.
"Hey, look how nervous you are!" Descartes walked over and patted Brain on the shoulder. "Are we the type of people who only care about benefits? We do this for justice!"
"We only mentioned it because we don't want the one who carries the firewood to freeze to death in the snow! If people who do good don't get rewarded, who will do good in the future?"
Behind him, Gildarts immediately chimed in, "Yeah, yeah! Descartes is absolutely right!"
In truth, they weren't familiar with Brain at all, and it was Gildarts' first time even meeting him, but they acted like close friends of many years.
Silver couldn't help but ask, "Brain, aren't you joining the 'Seven Kin'?"
Brain nodded, then shook his head. "The 'Seven Kin' needs young people—those who can fight the enemy head-on. I'm middle-aged, and my magic isn't suited for combat, so I'm not included. However, I will serve as logistics and help you gather intelligence."
The group realized the logic. Brain's magic was Archive; he was far better at information handling than fighting.
"But intelligence is a crucial step in fighting dark forces. Why exclude yourself?" Silver suggested, "Why don't you just join and change the name to the 'Eight Kin of the Holy Knights'?"
Brain refused flatly. "Absolutely not!"
"Why?" Ur frowned. "Does the person who proposed the plan have some 'magic discrimination,' thinking intelligence officers are lower than combatants?"
"It's not that!"
"Then why?"
Brain's expression became incredibly solemn. "Because 'Seven Kin of the Holy Knights' sounds cooler than 'Eight Kin'!"
Everyone: "..."