Divine Luck: SSS-Rank Battle Maid Harem

Bruns' fist was headed straight for the golden barrier like it held a grudge. But then, it stopped right in front of the barrier, and Bruns' knuckles gently rapped against it instead.

"Hmm." Bruns raised an eyebrow and took a slightly closer look at the barrier.

"I see how you Vetter in that state. I still consider you responsible, but it's his fault too. I won't pursue this matter."

Zach was a little disappointed. Not only did he not get to test Bruns' strength, but Bruns was also making it sound like he was the one doing Zach a favor by not seeking compensation for the Idiot—Vetter's injuries.

Zach didn't like it.

"Great. But I will. That man is responsible for the deaths of at least two people and the injuries of several more, not to mention the overall and unnecessary suffering he caused by locking the people in the city instead of helping them. If you don't punish him appropriately, I will."

They hadn't been discovered at once, but an elderly couple had succumbed to the underworld energy poisoning before the students could find them and help them.

If Anerias and the others had been allowed into the city at once and had been allowed to start the relief efforts at once, those people could have been saved. It was the same with several others.

Since Vetter hadn't been the only one blockading the city, and because they did what they had had to be done, Zach hadn't been planning on assigning blame, especially since he was technically responsible for the underworld energy bursting into the city.

But if Bruns was going to avoid responsibility and clear his subordinate, Zach was just going to pile on more dirt.

Bruns met Zach's eyes and crossed his arms. Unlike Vetter had done, Bruns wasn't posturing like a bird. He calmly looked at Zach with narrowed eyes.

Bruns glanced back at Vetter.

"Is that true?"

"I–I did what I thought was right for the greater good! My conscience is clear!" Vetter was a little surprised when Bruns suddenly talked to him, but he quickly gave the answer Bruns wanted.

"Hear that? If you want to blame anyone, blame the Underworld," Bruns spoke as if the matter was settled.

"Is that how you guys get away with being shits? You blame everything on the Underworld and move on with your lives?"

"What?" Bruns turned back and glared at Zach's insinuation and insult.

"Whatever. You said it's fine as long as it's for the greater good and one's conscience is clear, right?" Zach set his eyes on Vetter.

"It's not like he's using them for anything decent anyway. Bring me his hands." Zach didn't need to look at Yanael for her to understand who he was talking to. She moved at once.

She had longed for this moment. Vetter had tried to strike Zach, several times at that.

She had almost been unable to hold back. More than once, she had considered leaving the Academy in the night to sneak out and get rid of Vetter. But that would mean going against Zach's order. It might also get Zach in trouble. So, she held back.

That was one of the reasons she walked slowly while unsheathing her sword. She wanted Vetter to dread her. She wanted him to regret what he had done. She wanted him to feel the pain sting his hands as he remembered why he was losing them while looking at her. She wanted him to treasure his hands in the last few moments they were still his.

The other reason she took her time was because she was keeping an eye on Bruns.

"Kid, if you don't stop your maid, I will." Bruns' eyes followed Yanael as she walked out from behind Zach and next to them.

"Now, why would you do that?" Zach asked with a smile.

"Kid…" Bruns' gaze shifted to Zach, and his voice deepened with warning.

"My, it can't be that you're admitting that a clear conscience is not a valid excuse. Never! I can't believe the great Bruns would go back on his word like that!" Zach exclaimed in mock disbelief.

A vein popped on Bruns' forehead. His face reddened slightly as well as he glared at Zach in anger and put a hand on his sword.

"Do you want a fight?" He growled.

"Oh, wow. And you said you wouldn't treat me differently just because my family happens to be one of the five most powerful ones in the Empire. If my surname hadn't been Evandiel, wouldn't my head already have hit the ground by now?" Zach asked, still with a mocking down.

Bruns' knuckles whitened as he gripped the handle on his sword tight. His silence confirmed Zach's words. It was only because he was an Evandiel that Bruns was holding back.

"Twice now, this man has gone back on his word. I can't trust a man like this to fight against the Underworld. If his word is this hollow when it comes to his principles, is it as hollow when it comes to fighting underworlders?" Zach asked, loud enough for everyone to hear the doubt he raised.

Had Bruns really killed a Named?

Zach raised his arms to his side as he silently asked the onlookers. He began turning to look at more bystanders and ask anyone to speak out when a double-edged long sword twice as wide as Yanael's pointed at his face. Its edge carried a sharp sheen, but the flat was dull grey. It was a well-used sword that had been well taken care of.

Zach looked at the tip that was a hand away from the tip of his nose.

"Oho? A little doubt—"

"My brother sacrificed himself for that fucker's death! Don't you dare—Don't you DARE say it didn't happen!" Bruns shouted with anger–and sadness–on a whole new level. The sword in his hand trembled slightly.

Zach smiled and slowly pushed the sword out of his face.

"Okay. You and your brother killed a Named. He died for it. Does that give you–and your followers–the right to treat others and their lives like less?" He asked, gently signaling Yanael, who had turned around and aimed her sword at Bruns' neck, to take a step back with his eyes.