NOVPUBAmong the magical girls of the Magic Kingdom, there have always been certain stereotypes regarding the advantages of various positions within the Five Major Institutes.
The most relaxed Research Institute has little power; the most powerful Investigation Bureau is overworked; the most networked Finance Court lacks prestige; the most prestigious Civil Administration Institute is short on connections.
The mainstream Four Great Institutions each have their own pros and cons, making every magical girl consider carefully before choosing a career: Is this job suitable for me? Can I get what I want by working here? Is my qualification fit for advancement within this system?
But when it comes to the Magical Affairs Institute, the stereotypes take on a completely different form...
— "Honorable Cornflower, hello, long time no see. I am Zhe Helan, Flower Card No. 13011, currently serving as the head of the Teaching Selection Department within the Magical Affairs Institute."
After leading a group of magical girls to make a kneeling salute to Emerald Sparrow, the tall magical girl at the forefront straightened up and introduced herself first.
From her actions, it seemed she originally intended to stand up immediately after the salute, but after a brief glance over Emerald Sparrow's head, she gracefully bent her upper body again, quickly adopting a half-kneeling posture: "The Magical Affairs Institute has long been without a scepter in power, leaderless and drifting, with much unfinished business. Your arrival has invigorated everyone. We were just together dreaming of the bright future of the Magical Affairs Institute, so we were negligent in welcoming you. Please forgive us."
After the self-proclaimed "Zhe Helan" finished speaking, a slightly shorter girl who looked like a literary maiden beside her spoke: "I am Delphinium, Word Plate No. 13314, head of the external affairs department of the Magical Affairs Institute. We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival and salute you, honorable Cornflower."
After she introduced herself with a poised demeanor, she paused slightly. Seeing that another magical girl next to her hadn't yet spoken, she gave a slight kick, thinking Emerald Sparrow couldn't see.
The kicked magical girl seemed to realize it was her turn, and hastily said: "Ah, oh, Word Plate No. 13877... My code name is Rosemary. I... uh, am the deputy head of the publicity department, and have always hoped our institute would have its own scepter. Welcome to take charge, honorable Cornflower!"
"Hello Cornflower, I am Snowball, Word Plate No. 14053..."
"Word Plate No. 13692, Heliconia..."
The magical girls kneeling on the ground reported their numbers and names in turn, and regardless of their words of welcome for the "Sapphire Wand candidate," their enthusiasm was measured and respectful.
To be honest, this was the first time Emerald Sparrow had seen such a scene.
These magical girls paying tribute to her, even pledging loyalty in their words, all at least held a word plate, which could make them team captains for most magical girl squads in the Material Realm. Based on their introductions, besides senior officials like Zhe Helan, there were many heads and deputy heads, with even the most junior holding significant positions.
Even though she had been a city defense army squad captain, was a department head in her previous career, and is now the director of Fangting City's Abnormal Strategy Bureau, she had never felt the tangible power of "authority" like she did now.
But while feeling this, she had no real sense of her situation.
After all, ten minutes ago, she was on the way to an unknown destination, unaware of her agenda. Now, ten minutes later, she was here accepting the allegiance of many Magical Affairs Institute members, seemingly about to take the position as the Sapphire Wand. The rapid change was too much; she hadn't even switched her thought process yet.
There was another fact that caught her attention.
"...Did you reveal my real identity?" She turned her face, softly questioning Emerald beside her.
"Yes, but only here."
Emerald replied matter-of-factly: "Rest assured, everyone here is a friend, our own people. No one will reveal 'Cornflower's return to the Kingdom.'
"I remember you promised me the same before?"
"Some exceptions are necessary. Anyway, listen to their reports first." Emerald lazily smacked her lips, nonchalantly steering the topic away.
By the time Emerald finished speaking, the self-introductions of the Magical Affairs Institute members were only halfway done. Each one would pick up smoothly after the previous, making it hard for Emerald Sparrow to interrupt.
After all, she had listened to several introductions. Interrupting might seem like she was disrespecting the remaining guests.
"...Please rise, everyone."
Only when the last magical girl finished her introduction did Emerald Sparrow interject, indicating they could stop bowing.
For anyone desiring power, the scene of kneeling and pledging loyalty could be very satisfying, and if they had weak willpower, they might be intoxicated by their power desires instantly. However, for Emerald Sparrow, the feeling was fleeting, and she felt something was amiss.
So, after everyone stood up, she continued:
"I've heard all your introductions. You are all key members of the Magical Affairs Institute. Thank you for welcoming me. But I was only a former Sapphire Wand candidate, not the actual Gemstone Scepter. Such formalities are a bit beyond me. So, there's no need to be overly respectful. Let's consider each other colleagues."
These words instantly stunned the Magical Affairs Institute members, who had been immersed in the atmosphere of "monarch and ministers in harmony."
Even the usually assertive Zhe Helan was at a loss for words. She blinked and silently looked at Emerald for help.
— "Alright, no need to be modest now that everyone is here."
Fortunately, Emerald spoke up in time: "This is what we discussed. I'll help you regain some control over the Magical Affairs Institute. Everyone here has already recognized you and gathered for your sake."
"But I am truly not the Sapphire Wand," Emerald Sparrow insisted.
"Then it's puzzling. Young one, how do you plan to take over, or under what title will you lead the Magical Affairs Institute and direct them to work for you?"
Emerald shrugged: "Do you intend to command them as a city magical girl squad captain?"
"The Royal Court would never approve of me in this position, regardless of title," Emerald Sparrow squinted.
"The Royal Court won't know," Emerald answered bluntly.
"What did you say?"
"I said the Royal Court won't know," Emerald repeated. "I said no one here will leak today's meeting. Tomorrow, everyone present will still be free magical girls maintaining the 'Research Institute faction.'
"Hiding in plain sight?" Emerald Sparrow instinctively muttered.
"Uh-huh," Emerald hummed in confirmation. "So, what will you do? Are you going to tell me you're not interested in power and don't want any of this?"
Emerald Sparrow remained silent for a moment.
No one knew what she was considering. Without urging, Emerald and the other magical girls could only anxiously watch her. Fortunately, she soon closed her eyes, seemingly making a decision:
"I need to know which parts of the authority you all hold."
She spoke, a question in tone, but it was essentially an acceptance.
