"Th-the Celestial Spirit King!?"
The lion Loke had become widened his eyes and muttered in disbelief, "He... he really appeared..."
But Lucy did not hear what Loke said afterward. Though she was a little confused, she understood that this bearded man before her was the legendary Celestial Spirit King.
The Celestial Spirit King glanced at Loke, then turned his gaze to Lucy. "My friend, we Celestial Spirits form contracts with humans and may not harm the owners of the keys. Leo... while he did not directly kill his owner, he indirectly caused her death. Therefore, I refused to allow Leo to return to the Celestial Spirit World. This judgment was made according to the rules."
"But isn't that ridiculous!? Leo only defied orders because he wanted to protect Aries, and he never harmed his contractor. He did nothing wrong!"
"I understand how you feel, my friend, but these are the rules..."
"Don't talk to me about rules!"
Lucy swept her hand out imperiously and argued her case. "Bearded old man! Listen carefully! I cannot accept this claim that Leo is guilty! How could worrying about a companion be a crime! What could possibly be wrong with thinking of your companion!"
Lucy released all her magic power, and the Celestial Spirits contracted with her appeared behind her at once. In that instant, Lucy's presence even overwhelmed the tiny giant, the Celestial Spirit King.
Having suddenly released so much magic power, Lucy's legs gave out and she nearly fell, but Aibo caught her from behind and steadied her.
Aibo had not said a word the entire time. He merely stared intently at the Celestial Spirit King, lost in thought.
The Celestial Spirit King fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "My friend, since you have put it that way, then perhaps