Just a little something for the occasion. Happy New Year!

  Ep 176.5 (Extra). New Year’s Wish

  The two enforcers warily walked together, sing the busy streets of their city.

  It was nearly impossible to find an individual who was by themselves . Everyone were out in groups – some enormous ones – prised of their dired extended families. Even though the sun hadn’t even risehe streets were bustling with those awaiting sunrise.

  Finally, Patrikly opened an expet dialogue with his coworker.

  “…Hey, Iris?”

  “What?”

  “Why are we the only ones patrolling on New Year’s?”

  “Because we’re the only ones who don’t have family to be with.”

  “Isn’t that kinda sad?”

  “Not for me. I’d much rather be by myself than with my brother.”

  Hearing Iris’ reply, Patrick pursed his lips as his little brother came to mind.

  Every year before this one, he’d spent the day with Zion at home – a, his little sibling was o be found this time around.

  “You know…I miss my little bro.”

  “Because they’re not here right now? Or because your ‘little bro’ became a way-older-than-you-sister?”

  “…Shut up.”

  Patrick pursed his lips even further as Iris snorted in derision. Ever siheir revetion as the deity of mana, it seemed as if his coworker had dropped any and all pretense around him.

  And somehow, Patrick had growo not g about it as much.

  With a faint smile, Iris turo face her coworker.

  “Cheer up. At least you get to greet the year with a deity you worship.”

  “…Sure, sure.”

  As the two reached Partivine’s tral square, Patrick let out a long sigh.

  Unlike usual, not many people were here – likely because the sunrise wasn’t as easily visible here as it was at the city’s outskirts. The fountain was almost devoid of people, and Patrick’s gaze was only met by the glitter of s drowned in the fountain’s water.

  “Well…better go back for another round. Not like we’ll have others filling in today.”

  “Wait, since you’re here, why don’t you try throwing in a too?”

  “…”

  Patrick visibly ged at the suggestion.

  “…Iris, we both know that’s a scam.”

  “Maybe you do, I don’t. For all I know, a kied deity will make your New Year’s wish e true.”

  “Uh huh…yeah, I doubt it.”

  “Why? What’re you gonna wish for?”

  “Meh...I don’t know. A raise?”

  “You have a deity listening to your wish and all you want is a raise?”

  “…Good point. I’ll wish for something else.”

  After an amused snort, Patrick quickly produced a from his pockets.

  As he held it at eye level, the mage briefly closed his eyes to make a prayer.

  And, after just a few seds, tossed the into the fountain.

  “There, I did it.”

  “Huh. So what’d you wish for?”

  “Why would I say it out loud? A deity would’ve heard what I said in my head.”

  “…”

  This time, it was Iris’ turn te at her coworker.

  Patrick turned away with a satisfied smile, folding his hands behind his head before resuming their patrols.

  “e on, Iris! I’m sure there’s a bunch of people at the outskirts. We better be there when something happens.”

  “…Fine, fine.”

  Iris quickly trailed along to follow her friend. Although she spared a showards the Patrick’s , the enforcer soon turned away with a soft grin.

  She didn’t hear atrick had wished for, of course. Even during her days as Felicis, she wouldn’t have known what his wish was.

  ‘…But still…’

  It wasn’t too hard to guess what he’d wished for.