Crossover: The Problem Human of [Arcadia]

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So breaking the alliance wasn't really Arkeos and Oscar's goal. That wasn't why they called this High Council meeting?

That realization made Ryo uneasy. If this was just the surface, the real trouble was still buried underneath.

Judging from Arkeos' relatively mild tone and Oscar's open hostility, Ryo could tell—they weren't even the masterminds. Just enforcers.

But then, who had the authority to order two four-digit demi-gods around?

Perseus, the constellation itself? The founder of the [Perseus] community?

Or perhaps the Olympian gods standing behind them, nearly unmatched in the lower realms?

'I only wanted to play things safe, but it looks like I've stepped right into a minefield,' Ryo thought bitterly.

Across from them, Arkeos had been silent for a while. His eyes lingered on Aishelia's cold, expressionless face before he finally sighed.

"If you refuse, then under the treaty's terms, you can no longer serve as [Perseus]'s leader. To ensure independence, a community's head cannot be a woman who marries out."

He let the words hang before continuing.

"On top of that, many within [Perseus] are dissatisfied with your reckless decisions—the loss of Leticia Draculea, one of our strongest, cannot be ignored. So the best path left to you is simple: marry into [No Name], let the pact be rewritten, and let Perseus take the lead."

Ryo casually nudged Aishelia's back with his hand.

She stiffened, hesitated, then said coolly: "And what if we reverse it? What if [No Name]'s leader marries into Perseus?"

Oscar blinked in shock. Even Arkeos froze.

Right. If Ryo Yagami himself were to join Perseus as son-in-law, then the entire premise collapsed.

Leticia could return. They'd gain a warrior strong enough to face Algol, a Celestial Star Spirit. Add the Moon Rabbit to the mix…

And behind them all loomed Shiroyasha's shadow.

Far from a loss, Perseus would profit immensely. A net gain in every sense.

"Brother…" Oscar's voice came again—this time not angry, but panicked.

Arkeos' heart sank. He opened his mouth, but when he met Aishelia's icy stare, no words came out.

Aishelia rose to her feet, her voice cutting through the hall like frost.

"So in the end, this isn't about profit at all. You just want me to step down."

If Oscar had been delighted by the idea, Aishelia might have clung to a scrap of hope. But her panic made everything clear. That last illusion shattered.

With a sharp motion, Aishelia drew her sword—etched with countless divine runes—and behind her appeared a golden spear brimming with killing intent.

"You decrepit old fools. Do you think my sword and spear are made of paper?"

"Aishelia! Watch your tone!"

Before Arkeos could react, Oscar leapt up, a black scythe forming in her hand. As it swept through the air, cracks of darkness tore the space itself.

"Calm yourself, Aishelia!"

"Outrageous—insulting your elders! Are you trying to rebel?"

"Aishelia, apologize to your Aunt Oscar at once!"

The three clan elders barked their reproach, voices sharp.

Aishelia ignored them completely. Without turning, she said coldly: "Ryo. Shut them up."

"Got it."

Ryo rested his hand on the Zanpakutō's hilt, drew it an inch, and murmured:

"Shatter—Kyōka Suigetsu."

In an instant, the three elders spun around and began shrieking insults at Oscar instead: "Auntie, why are you dressed like such a slut? My morning wood can't be calmed now!"

"Old hag, dressing like that at your age? Trying to cuck me?"

"Calm down, Lady Oscar. You're only dressed like a slut—I didn't say you looked bad. How about being naked to show us the real thing?"

And then, in perfect unison: "You definitely slept with Zeus!" x3

Oscar froze, then her face turned scarlet. Rage exploded across her features and she almost swung her scythe right there to decapitate the three of them.

"Calm down, Oscar!"

Arkeos scrambled to restrain her. If she really attacked them, it would be "justice through kin-slaying."

But Oscar was livid, her voice shaking with fury.

"Brother, don't stop me! I'll cut these brats down, even if Father himself tried to stop me!"

Arkeos hooked his arm around her neck, dragging her back. "They're under some kind of spell. Don't let it get to you!"

"I know that!" Oscar snapped, still struggling. "But I'm still going to kill them!"

Across the hall, Aishelia, who had been boiling with rage, suddenly sighed. She turned, glaring at Ryo, her tone scolding.

"I told you to silence them, not make a circus of it."

"Apologies. My Gift is having… minor issues." Ryo smiled pleasantly.

Aishelia rolled her eyes. As if. Anyone else might fumble control of a Gift, but not Ryo. Not a fellow disciple of Leticia's. Their strict teacher valued control above all. No way Ryo had "accidentally" let things get out of hand.

She turned away with another quiet sigh.

"Still… thanks. In your terrible way, you helped me calm down."

Ryo's antics had forced her back into focus. Instead of being swept away by anger, she sat back down, cool and composed once more.

He sheathed his Zanpakutō. The elders, who had been mid-tirade, immediately quieted and looked down at Aishelia with patronizing eyes.

"See? We only want what's best for you."

Their smugness, paired with the memory of their vulgar ranting seconds ago, made the whole scene absurd.

Oscar, still fuming, was forced into her seat by Arkeos. The golden-haired man then turned toward Ryo, eyes wary as they lingered on the Zanpakutō.

"A hypnosis-type Gift… at least five-digit rank. Tricky little fellow. No wonder Aishelia keeps you so close."

"Flattered."

Ryo smiled, narrowing his eyes.

"By the way, Arkeos, I think my blonde hair's a little nicer than yours."

Aishelia blinked. "…Isn't it black?"

"I can't agree with that," Arkeos muttered, shaking his head as he sat again. "My hair is so much better."

Aishelia's eyes widened in shock.

'Did Ryo already hypnotize Arkeos? A four-digit?'

The thought stunned her. Once, she might have feared Ryo's power. Now, though, she felt strangely reassured. Having an ally with that kind of ability was… comforting.

Across from them, Arkeos drew a long breath.

"Aishelia—"

But she cut him off, her voice sharp.

"I think we're past the point of discussion."

She rose again, gaze locked on the two demi-gods, and smiled coldly.

"[Perseus] does not welcome you. Please return to Olympus—gracefully, if you can."

The great doors slammed open. A towering man strode inside, clad in a gleaming breastplate, golden hair blazing like fire. His voice boomed:

"[Perseus] doesn't welcome who? And who dares say Perseus isn't welcome?"

Aishelia's face hardened instantly.

Her voice dropped to a low, bitter murmur as she spoke his name.

"Perseus???"

The ancient demigod Perseus had returned. And his sharp, merciless gaze was fixed squarely on Aishelia.

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