-1217- Even if you're both A-rank

"This is really strange!"

In the luxurious chairman's office, Stella slammed her hands on the desk in front of Shinguji Kurono, expressing her thoughts loudly.

"Arranging young men and women in the same room? No matter how you think about it, it's not normal, right!?"

Stella had been advocating this point all along.

But Shinguji Kurono remained composed throughout.

"Indeed, it's unheard of for men and women to share a room in any school, but as they say, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. For the sake of Hagun Academy, this is a policy worth promoting, don't you think?"

Shinguji Kurono calmly expressed her stance.

And the chairman's words were not entirely unreasonable.

If the people around you have similar abilities, it's indeed easier to foster a sense of competition.

The problem is...

"Even if the abilities are similar, does that mean it's necessary to arrange men and women together?" Stella protested. "From an ethical standpoint, it would be more appropriate to separate individuals of similar abilities by gender rather than mix men and women together!"

This was a reasonable argument.

Although it's an extraordinary measure for extraordinary times, it's not the only option. With so many Blazers of similar strength and rank in Hagun Academy, it would make more sense to consider gender segregation as common sense.

However, Stella seemed to forget.

"If it were anyone else, that might be the case, but it's different for you two," Shinguji Kurono reminded.

"I ask you, Vermillion, how many people of similar strength do you think you can find in this academy?"

One sentence left Stella speechless.

As Shinguji Kurono said, there are hardly any individuals of similar strength to Stella in Hagun Academy.

"In terms of magical power, you're already the strongest in the world."

"In terms of strength, even though you're still immature and haven't become a formal knight yet, you're still far superior to most student knights."

"And in terms of talent, aptitude, and ability, there are hardly any who can match you. Your presence alone has caused such a sensation."

"To be blunt, in this academy, the only one clearly superior to you in terms of strength is the current student council president, and she's already a third-year student. In terms of Blazer rank, before you, there was only one A-ranked knight of your level in the seven academies. It's almost a miracle to have another Rorelai Arneet."

Shinguji Kurono recounted everything as if listing treasures.

"So, according to Hagun Academy's current policy, I can only arrange you two in the same room. Do you understand?"

Shinguji Kurono's gentle advice left Stella speechless.

At this moment...

"Is this really a good idea, Chairman?"

It was only now that Rozen, who had been listening quietly on the sidelines, spoke up.

"Even though the policy you propose is indeed interesting and to save Hagun Academy's performance, it's still necessary. But no matter what, Stella Vermillion is a princess of a country. If a princess of a country is placed in the same room as an unknown male, I don't think the Vermillion Empire will remain silent about it. It could escalate into an international issue. Are you sure you can handle it?"

Rozen's sharp question surprised both Shinguji Kurono and Stella.

"Surprisingly, you have quite a sharp mind. You even noticed the political implications," Shinguji Kurono seemed genuinely surprised.

"..."

Stella stared at Rozen, as if she were finally seeing him properly for the first time.

Before this, Stella probably only saw Rozen as someone who dragged her into trouble, right?

It wasn't until now that Stella finally realized Rozen.

"An A-ranked knight like me, second in the magical world...?"

Stella finally focused her attention on Rozen personally.

On the other hand, Rozen didn't pay any more attention to Stella.

"Your proposed policy is indeed interesting, but I don't think it applies to me and Princess Vermillion's situation."

Rozen continued to assert.

"Although we're both A-ranked knights, whether our abilities are similar is still a question."

The evaluation of Blazers' ranks is primarily based on their abilities, rather than their actual strength.

If someone's strength undergoes significant improvement, causing all their abilities to increase or reaching a level that even the League has to take notice of, then their Blazer rank can be elevated. However, even if someone's strength is lacking, if their innate abilities are high, they can still receive high praise.

For example...

"Is the chairman called Shinguji Kurono?" Rozen smiled as he looked directly at Shinguji Kurono in front of him.

"If I'm not mistaken, you should be the A-rank Alliance expert in KOK, the third-ranked A-rank Blazer in the world—World Clock, right?"

Rozen's words made Shinguji Kurono pause in her smoking.

The so-called KOK refers to Blazer combat competitions. It's the most popular competition in the world, with broadcasting rights exceeding three trillion yen per year. It's essentially a martial arts tournament where powerful Blazers from various countries compete against each other in real combat.

Those who achieve high rankings in it are all strong individuals from their respective countries. Especially in the A-rank league, which is a competition exclusively for A-rank Blazers, the prestige is extremely high. Those who stand out in it are almost all world-class Blazers, true treasures of their respective countries.

Shinguji Kurono was once a member of the A-rank league in KOK, emerging as the third-ranked Blazer in the world and earning the title of World Clock.

It's said that her ability is the power to manipulate time and causality interference. Not only can she freely manipulate time, but she can also completely shatter and distort the space-time of the target. The space-time destroyed by her cannot be restored to its original state, leaving indelible scars on the world itself. Therefore, it was designated as a prohibited technique by the League and cannot be used without authorization.

Now, Shinguji Kurono has retired due to marriage, but her name is still widely known among people of various countries. In this world, there are probably only a handful of Blazers stronger than her.

Such a Shinguji Kurono had already received the evaluation of an A-rank Blazer during her time as a student knight.

And even now, Shinguji Kurono is still an A-rank Blazer because A-rank is already the highest Blazer rank.

This kind of Shinguji Kurono...

"Do you think you're weaker than Stella Vermillion, who is also an A-rank?" Rozen said with a smile.

The implication was already clear.

"Even if you're both A-rank, it doesn't necessarily mean that your strengths are similar. Is that what you're trying to say?" Shinguji Kurono scratched her head.

"If you put it that way, I can't really refute it," she admitted.

Upon hearing this, Rozen immediately proposed:

"In that case, please allow Princess Stella and me..."

To live separately.

However, before Rozen could finish his sentence, Stella, who had been silent, spoke up.

"...Are you implying that my strength is inferior to yours?"

When this sentence came out of Stella's mouth...

"Boom!"

The crimson flames erupted in the office.