I Became a Retired War Hero the Heroines Are Obsessed With – Chapter 32

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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Aile, newly assigned to the Special Task Force, fidgeted nervously, his leg bouncing restlessly.

The cause of his anxiety was the behavior of his older brother, Leo, holder of the esteemed title of Zodiac Knight.

“Ah, it’s been a while since I’ve been to the academy.” Leo beamed, taking in the familiar sights of his alma mater.

He and Aile had barged into Allen’s office uninvited and were currently helping themselves to tea.

It was utterly brazen, but the Minerva faculty dared not question a Zodiac Knight.

Even Headmaster Heinz, the only one with the authority to reprimand him, had been sent away.

Leo was making himself at home as if Allen’s office were his own.

Even for his respected older brother… this was a bit much, wasn’t it? Aile thought, cringing inwardly.

“Um… are you sure this is okay, brother? Captain Allen is in class right now. Isn’t it rude to enter his office without permission…?”

“What does it matter? We’re practically family. Formalities are unnecessary between family.”

“That’s not how…”

Aile, who considered himself fairly bold, found his brother’s behavior mortifying.

Leo sipped his tea, surveying the room with a bored expression.

“Hmm, this is a rather spartan office. Nothing but teaching materials.”

“Isn’t that normal for an office?”

“Is it? I seem to recall Taurus’s office having a fully stocked bar.”

“…He’s an exception.”

Aile, who had been partying with Paulo in his office until late last night, shook his head.

He recalled the panicked expressions of the officers who had rushed in after hearing the building’s alarm.

Paulo, unfazed, had simply said, “I’m feeling thirsty. Bring me some snacks.”

“…Yes, sir.”

Aile remembered the officer’s resigned sigh and resentful glare.

It was a memory he wouldn’t soon forget.

Nor would he forget the ensuing drinking binge that had lasted until dawn.

He felt a phantom hangover coming on.

“I’m bored. Let’s go see what kind of class Allen is teaching.”

“What? Isn’t it disruptive to interrupt his class…?”

“We’ll just observe from afar. Isn’t there such a thing as parent observation? We’ll pretend to be that.”

Leo drained his cup and headed out.

Aile sighed, trailing after his brother’s imposing figure.

The respect he held for his older brother was rapidly dwindling.

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Meanwhile, the Helios brothers weren’t the only ones seeking Allen.

Black Wolf, having left her organization to reunite with a cherished friend, was the other.

“So this is Minerva.”

Despite the warm weather, she was bundled in a mask and robe, her appearance conspicuous. However, Black Wolf, a Master assassin, moved with an innate stealth that rendered her practically invisible.

“I can sense him. Allen’s scent.”

Her heightened senses, a combination of her canine heritage and mastery of assassination, gave her an unparalleled sense of smell.

She never forgot a scent, and she followed Allen’s trail, scaling the walls of Minerva’s main building undetected.

The protective magic woven around the academy was no match for a Master.

However, one person noticed her presence.

Heinz Campbell, Headmaster of Minerva.

“Sigh… What a day… First the Lion, and now an assassin.”

Heinz recognized Black Wolf in the crystal ball and sighed deeply.

He had been thoroughly reprimanded by the Imperial Family and his master, Capricorn, after the incident with Archbishop Alba.

Reflecting on his complacency, he had reinforced Minerva’s security. It was thanks to these upgrades that he had detected Black Wolf’s intrusion.

“It’s good to know the security system is working. If it can detect a Master, a tragedy like that won’t happen again.”

He felt a sense of accomplishment, grateful for his master’s assistance. Minerva’s safety was now assured.

“But… did he also have a connection with the Black Hound’s top agent? Professor Allen’s network is truly impressive.”

If he hadn’t received Black Wolf’s file from the Imperial Family earlier that morning, he might have engaged her in combat.

Rumor had it she reduced anyone who stood in her way to a puddle of blood, friend or foe.

He doubted it was entirely true, but… the sharp, honed killing intent radiating from the crystal ball suggested it wasn’t entirely false either.

“If this continues…”

Black Wolf was moving directly towards Allen, traversing the walls and rooftops.

At this rate, she would encounter the Helios brothers before reaching Allen.

What would happen?

“…I have no idea. Professor Allen will handle it.”

Preoccupied with Minerva’s restoration, Heinz quietly ignored the situation.

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Aile trailed after Leo, trying to dissuade him from interrupting Allen’s class.

As Allen’s newly appointed adjutant, he didn’t want to start off on the wrong foot.

“Brother, shouldn’t we return to the office…?”

“We’re almost there. Stop whining.”

“But you’re leaving, and I’m staying! You were an adjutant once, weren’t you?!”

“I’ve long forgotten those distant days…”

Leo’s dismissive reply was cut short as he sensed a strange presence.

Despite the sudden shift in his brother’s demeanor, Aile reacted swiftly, placing his hand on the staff at his hip.

It was a reflex honed by Allen’s constant reminders to maintain vigilance.

“…What is it?”

“Something’s there.”

Pleased with his brother’s quick reaction, Leo silently assumed a fighting stance. He drew his sword and swung it towards a fleeting presence on the rooftop.

“

”

A sharp blade of aura sliced through the air, severing a piece of black cloth.

“A nimble guest. Show yourself.”

“…Why are you interfering, human?”

Black Wolf materialized as if she had been there all along, her face hidden behind her mask and robe. Leo placed his sword against her neck, replying matter-of-factly,

“I’ve found an assassin inside the academy. It would be strange to ignore it, wouldn’t it?”

“I’m here to see a friend. Don’t interfere.”

“If words were enough, assassins would rule the world.”

“…If you don’t move, I’ll force my way through.”

“Be my guest.”

As tension filled the air, it wasn’t Leo or Black Wolf who made the first move, but…

Aile, who had taken Allen’s teaching of “attack first, ask questions later” to heart.

“

”

A wave of heat distorted the surrounding scenery, creating an illusionary mirage.

It was a support spell designed to disorient enemies and create openings for Allen.

“…!”

Seeing Black Wolf’s momentary confusion, Leo instinctively understood the magic’s purpose and swung his sword.

However, Black Wolf was also a Master.

Clang!

She blocked Leo’s attack with a dagger drawn from within her robes.

“You blocked that? You’re no ordinary assassin.”

“Don’t interfere.”

Black Wolf unleashed a burst of aura, pushing Leo back.

She threw a dagger, vanishing from sight.

Leo deflected the dagger and swung his sword towards the fading presence, but—

It was a feint.

“She can create false presences?!”

Realizing he had swung at nothing, Leo quickly regained his stance, but he couldn’t react in time. Black Wolf’s dagger was faster.

“This is getting dangerous.”

“

”

Knowing he couldn’t dodge, Leo channeled his aura, hardening his skin to withstand the blow. He immediately retaliated with a punch.

“Ugh…”

Black Wolf blocked the attack with her aura, but the difference in strength was undeniable.

She stumbled back, her concealment broken.

Leo watched her, shaking his head.

“Just who are you?”

A red mark stained her side where he had struck her. If she had been more ruthless, he would have been wounded.

“…I’ll kill you.”

Desperate to see Allen, Black Wolf’s killing intent flared.

“This… is getting serious.”

Leo’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a grim expression.

Seeing his brother’s change in expression, Aile realized the gravity of the situation.

“A-are you alright, brother?”

“Stay back. I can’t protect you while fighting her.”

As the two Masters prepared to clash—

A figure appeared between them.

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

Allen, having abruptly ended his class, had arrived.

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