Mereoleona had never been one for festivals—training and battle were her true joys. After roping Charles into another future training session, she left, while Charles continued his own wandering.
Along the way, he spotted several of his fellow Black Bulls: Finral was, as always, chatting up women everywhere; Gauche was off shopping for his little sister; Magna and Luck were furiously competing at a festival game stall, and it looked like it would take a while before one could claim victory.
Then there was Charmy—seated alone at a table, devouring food faster than three chefs could prepare it. Apparently, every year, Charmy swept through all the food stalls, devouring everything they had prepared—and still demanded more. The food vendors had since taken it as a challenge to finally satisfy her appetite, though it didn't seem likely.
As for Grey and Gordon, one was likely transformed into someone else again, while the other had such low presence that Charles hadn't spotted either of them.
Strolling through the festival, Charles soon came across another crowd. And if there was one thing that drew more eyes than a single beautiful woman at a festival—it was two beautiful women squaring off in a drinking contest.
Curious, Charles approached and found none other than Vanessa, squaring up against a familiar face—Charlotte Roselei, the beautiful and stoic captain of the Blue Rose Knights.
Donning her armor, Charlotte was a valiant Valkyrie. Out of it, she was a refined, elegant beauty.
Glancing behind the two women, Charles spotted Yami and couldn't help but comment:
"No wonder Captain Yami doesn't sense the tension of this looming battlefield. He's dense as ever."
"Eh? Charles, you're here too?" Asta came up beside him cheerfully.
Charles looked over. "Weren't you with Noelle? How'd you end up alone?"
Asta scratched his head. "I dunno. She suddenly punched me and sent me flying!"
There it was—dense guy number two.
Charles patted him on the shoulder. "You need to spend more time around Senior Finral. Captain Yami is not the guy to imitate in this area."
Just then, a commotion erupted nearby. Charles turned and saw Vanessa slumped over the table after only a single drink.
She had already been drinking before the contest even began, and this cup had tipped her over.
Charlotte wasn't much better. After one sip, her face turned bright red and she began muttering incoherent, squeaky words.
"She really can't hold her liquor," Asta said, deadpan.
Yami calmly took the cup from Charlotte's hand. "You're not a drinker, huh? Don't force yourself… Didn't I say something like that before?"
Charlotte then passed out entirely, though no one could tell whether the alcohol or something else had truly made her collapse.
Then, the surrounding crowd suddenly began moving, drawn toward the central plaza.
"The Knight Squad performance results are starting in the main hall."
"All the captains are here this year!"
"I heard the Crimson Lions and Purple Orcas are showing up too! I wonder what they're like!"
"All the captains?" Charles and Asta exchanged a look, then glanced at Charlotte passed out at the table and Yami still relaxing beside her.
"…We're late. Crap. What do we do?" Yami muttered, still just as unreliable as ever in these matters.
Meanwhile, in the grand hall, the Magic Emperor Julius Novachrono stepped up onto the high platform. The official announcement of the squads' accomplishments had begun.
To say that Julius commanded the people's adoration would be an understatement. As soon as he appeared, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.
"I will be presiding over today's performance announcement," Julius said with a grin. "Afterward, even the king himself will speak, so look forward to that!"
"Magic Emperor! Magic Emperor! Magic Emperor!"
Everyone shouted for him—the mention of the king went largely ignored.
Julius continued: "As you all know, our Clover Kingdom has faced aggression from the Diamond Kingdom, the Spade Kingdom, and even a terrifying group known as the Eye of the Midnight Sun. We've fought countless battles, and even the royal capital was attacked. Lives have been lost.
I even considered canceling this year's Star Festival.
But brave warriors stood up against those threats—and for their sake, for all they've achieved, this celebration must go on.
Now let us welcome our nine Magic Knight Captains!"
With roaring applause, the captains began appearing and standing in formation on stage.
To smooth over the fact that two captains were clearly missing, Julius quickly moved to the rankings.
"Let's get right to it. First place… Golden Dawn! They earned a whopping 125 stars this year—far surpassing last year's record of 96!"
The magic display scrolled through their accomplishments, showcasing just how active the Golden Dawn had been all year.
No one was surprised. Golden Dawn was always the top squad. Still, the number—125—was impressive, in no small part due to the Eye of the Midnight Sun giving all the squads more opportunities for missions.
"And now," Julius continued, "please welcome the squad member who contributed most to this result!"
From the shadows emerged a young man with a stoic, handsome face.
"Wind Spirit contractor, Sylph's partner—our most promising rookie… Yuno!"
Yuno's appearance caused another wave of cheers. He had both the looks and the power—he was the perfect poster boy.
"And now, for second place…"
The audience buzzed. Most expected the Crimson Lions, as usual. But with Fuegoleon still unconscious, many thought the Silver Eagles might have taken the spot.
Then Julius made the announcement—and jaws dropped.
"Second place… Black Bulls! With 101 stars!"
"EHHH?!"
It wasn't just the crowd—members of the Black Bulls themselves looked absolutely stunned.
Charles smacked his forehead. "Seriously, how clueless can they be? Did no one notice our board has been empty of black stars for months? The star count's been climbing steadily."
Even the captain was in disbelief. You're the one who collects the stars, aren't you?
The moment Black Bulls' name appeared, the crowd erupted—not with cheers, but with skepticism and jeers.
Still, many rallied in support of the Black Bulls. Their contributions were undeniable. People had seen their efforts, had felt their protection.
Julius smiled and said, "It's no wonder people are surprised. After all, last year the Black Bulls earned a record-breaking minus fifty stars.
But this year, they turned it all around. From rock bottom, they've climbed to second place—an incredible transformation.
Now, let's welcome the member who contributed most to their results… Oh wait, not even the captain is here? Anyone from the Black Bulls around?!"
Just then, Yami—now in a less ridiculous outfit—grabbed Asta by the cloak and hoisted him up.
"They're calling you, punk!"
With that, he hurled Asta into the air. Thankfully, Asta's reflexes saved him, and he landed steadily on the stage—right across from Yuno.
And so, the two new stars stood opposite each other under the spotlight, ready to shine from this night forward.
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