Meanwhile...

“Got ya. I keep me eye on the witch. Don't do anything daft.”

Punchy girl was on the phone, blubbering on and on about this nonsense. Honestly! I got the gist of the situation five minutes ago.

Finally, after yet another. “Be careful” the connection on the magic vision cut and blissful silence returned.

“So, they are still alive, eh?”, I said. “My, I am impressed.”

“How dare they!” Punchy, being the angry little barbarian she was, punched the wall. “Slavers! Mobs! Devils! Just how rotten is this tournament?”

I giggled delicately. “My, you mean, you weren't aware? I didn't know the full extent, but a lucrative event like this obviously brings out the worst in people.”

“Like yerself?”, the furious fool hissed. “It’s not fair! Mari shouldn't have to give up just so some black hearted gangsters make a bunch of money!”

In a way the angry little goblin was almost adorable. “Are you planning to do something about it, or do you prefer to keep wallowing in self pity?”

“Course I want to do something about it! But, what can we do?”, Punchy let out a frustrated groan, apparently contemplating if punching the wall again would help.

I decided to busy myself with studying that card again. Rather fancy actually. “That mob boss, her name was Ojou-sama?”

Punchy nodded. “That’s what Mari called the wee scoundrel. Ya think we should head over there and punch some righteousness in the mad lass?”

“A splendid plan, but given the fact that Miss crimegirlboss had absolutely no qualms about divulging her identity, such a direct approach is unlikely to succeed.”

I double checked the tournament lineup one more time just to make sure. Ah yes, I was indeed correct. My, what a delicious coincidence.

I then proceeded to show the violently frustrated boxer my most empathetic smile. “I may have lost my magic, but I still have my wits. And I may just have the solution for our little brigand problem.”

Punchy folded her arms and scowled. “If yer plan to send yer devil in, forget it, already cleared that with Mari.”

“Yes, I heard as much. Have no fear. Femto proves herself rather uncooperative anyways.” I sighed. “Rather, what do you think about the following?”

Punchy listened very intently as I shared my plan with her. In truth, it was rather ludicrous Was this part of the obedience magic? Mari allowed us to act on our own accord after all. Did that compel us to go to any risk as long as it would help our master? Truly fascinating. And utterly dangerous. So much for “safety” orders. The imbeciles who designed this lunacy clearly had not the slightest talent for magic.

“I see...”, Punchy finally replied. I could almost see the meager gears in her head turning. “But Mari wouldn't want us do something like that.”

“Oh definitely not. And this is absolutely your choice. You are in charge”, I continued humbly.” “If you prefer to sit on your butt, let Mari and Aiju become slaves while a bunch of gangsters make billions of gold coins. Well, not much I can do then, can I? I suppose we just have to accept that life is not always fair.”

The little volcano looked like she could erupt at any moment. Wow, it is almost insultingly easy to push her buttons. Now then, my little hot headed martial artist. Will you make this a lot more entertaining for me, or not?

Miss justice took a deep breath. “That plan is...”