Chapter 624

And so, the final match, albeit a bit rough, had taken place.

Deciding to overlook it with a bit of the fantasy world's romance and my own will as the organizer...

Anyway, a victor emerged.

"The winning party is 'The Prince and the Kids'~!"

The award ceremony.

Each participating party took their turn to ascend the stage and receive their awards, and finally, Aider called our name.

Amid the crowd's cheers, jeers, applause, and whistles, we made our way onto the platform.

"...By the way, Your Highness, since when was our party name that?"

"Weren't we just the main party, Your Highness?"

"Well, I just casually submitted that as our party name. Don't read too much into it."

"Truly, my lord is incomparable! What an exceptional naming skill! It's an excellent party name! I will remember it for a lifetime!"

"Is this guy a loyal subject or a sycophant... No, senior, what kind of party name is this! At the very least, do something like 'The Prince and the Heir to the Frontier and the Kids'!"

As the children bickered and teased each other, we ascended the platform where Serenade, holding the victory trophy, awaited us.

"Congratulations, Your Highness."

"Thank you for preparing so well again this time, Serenade."

"Hehe. It's my pleasure. It's a joy for me."

Serenade, though looking tired from working throughout the festival, seemed in a good mood, perhaps because the event she prepared went well.

"I believed in you. That Your Highness would win! I cheered hard. 'Strongest! Prince! Victory! Go!' Like this!"

"Ah, so that's why you're in a good mood...?"

"Of course. I might have been busy and couldn't watch the other matches, but I watched all of Your Highness's matches myself. Hehe, Your Highness's splendid performance somehow made me feel proud... I've recorded every moment of you fighting in the matches."

As Serenade was about to continue her fan-girling story, she suddenly realized she was on the award platform.

"Ah."

With her face turning red from the dense stares, Serenade twisted her body uncomfortably, then stepped aside with her head bowed.

Holding the victory trophy, I awkwardly descended from the platform.Alll latest novels at novelhall.com

Ugh~

The nature of the jeers directed at me seemed to have changed somewhat... Cough, let's just brazenly endure this here...

And as a final special award, the Production Guild received the award for their contribution to the preparation of the tournament.

Representative Lilly, the Fake Dragon Pilot, received a small trophy and then handed it to Sid.

Sid then wiggled his chubby little hands around the trophy, clutching it tightly.

"Ow?"

And as he was about to put it in his mouth, Lilly stopped him with a 'No, no!'

This scene erupted with screams and cheers from the audience. Somehow, it seemed like the reaction was even more intense than for us, the winning team?

With Sid's spittle-flecked spectacular performance, the award ceremony concluded. The heroes dispersed, each hugging their prizes and trophies.

So much for the tumultuous martial arts tournament. Ah, my goodness.

***

The fall festival was also coming to an end.

Now, all that remained were that damn dance festival and the fireworks marking the closing.

As if by agreement, people flocked to the plaza in small and large groups, sitting down together.

Those thoroughly drunk shouted, "Today, I'm paying!" spilling words they'd regret tomorrow, and bottles and snacks were passed from hand to hand, regardless of who bought them.

I sat in a corner of the plaza, quietly swallowing my drink while watching the bustling crowd...

People of all sorts were laughing and chatting, each enjoying their own version of the festival.

My heroes, soldiers, citizens, and also the new guests... were mingling together, getting drunk, and singing, arm in arm.

The old men and fierce sisters linked arms, while the representatives of the Outsiders and the five forces mixed together in a toast.

People from the west shook hands with those from the east, and the northerners and southerners exchanged traditional drinks.

Members of the Production Guild kept bowing to the Glory Knights. It was an apology for an accident.

The young mercenaries who didn't know how to react in front of Hecate came to apologize.

"We're sorry for running away without appreciating your rescue."

Knights, archers, priests, magicians, laborers, and citizens all intertwined. People shared drinks, gratitude, apologies, and built connections.

"..."

My grip on the drink tightened.

I know.

The wounds they received in the last battle haven't fully healed yet.

Maybe, some wounds will never heal.

The end of the world is approaching. We won't live forever. After the laughter and warmth fade, new tears and pains will come.

...

But, I also know.

After those tears and pains, after the harsh days of life pass.

Joyful days will come again, eventually.

If we don't forget how to smile. People will surely find moments to smile.

Today might be the last festival of this world. But.

It won't be the last day of joy.

"...I must have looked terrible."

Next to me, Dusk Bringar, hugging her small knees, suddenly spoke up.

"I was so focused on protecting you, I went on a rampage... on my own."

"I feel the same, Your Grace."

I looked at Dusk Bringar and smiled awkwardly.

"I didn't want to put the you at risk by acting on my own... I had to win against you."

And then a cheer erupted. People of all ages were covering their cheeks with their hands, squealing with delight.

Only then did Serenade realize the crowd around us and frantically made excuses to me with a flushed face.

"I, I didn't mean it in a weird way!"

"What did you say...?"

"I didn't, I swear! Just, just to hold you all night!"

Serenade shut her eyes tight and shouted.

"I want to dance!"

"..."

Honestly, while it might be a bit perverse to say,

She's much cuter when she's desperate than when she's at ease.

I gently wrapped my hand around the trembling fingertips of Serenade, who had her eyes tightly closed.

Taking a step closer to the shivering Serenade, I whispered softly in her ear.

"Gladly, my partner."

Wow, goosebumps! So cheesy! Did I just butter up my tongue?! That was a bit like Ash!

As I thought this, the band on the plaza stage began to play music. There was no grand signal to start, but everyone understood.

The last event of the fall festival.

The dance festival.

Amid the mixture of music, cheers, sighs, and singing, Serenade and I stood close together. Her silver gaze met mine.

I was the first to break into a wide smile, and Serenade couldn't help but smile back.

And then-

We began to dance.

Casting aside all pretenses, we danced joyously to the music.

***

"..."

Dusk Bringar sipped her drink, looking down at the central plaza engrossed in spontaneous dance.

Everyone is indeed so young. Dancing so joyfully without regard for propriety.

To the lively music, those drunk on wine danced at their own pace, not minding anyone's gaze.

'With the Supreme Commander acting like that...'

Since Ash was leading by example at the very center, no one hesitated to jump into the fray.

Dusk Bringar smiled wryly, looking at Ash's sweat-soaked profile.

That was when.

Bang! Boom-!

Fireworks began to spread across the dark sky.

It was the fireworks display that marked the end of the fall festival. Colorful fireworks launched from various parts of the city brilliantly lit up the dark sky.

The fireworks brought from all over the world differed in shape, but all were dazzlingly beautiful.

As Dusk Bringar gazed up at them, dumbfounded,

- Love, Dusk.

Suddenly.

The last words left to her by the previous Duchess Bringar - Day Bringar, floated back to her.

- Don't hate, love.

"..."

Dusk Bringar tightly closed her amber eyes.

"Duchess!"

Suddenly, a voice called out from in front.

Surprised, she saw Ash, who had run up to her, and all the other companions standing there.

All were drenched in sweat, smiling brightly.

For a moment, Dusk Bringar felt dizzy.

Their youthfulness. Their freshness.

It felt like the fireworks blooming and fading in the sky above.

The brilliance, and also the transience...

Truly like fireworks.

"How long are you going to just watch!"

Ash, smirking mischievously, grabbed Dusk Bringar's hand and forcefully pulled her up.

"The stars in the sky are dancing, it would be improper for the Duchess to be so downcast!"

"No, I... How embarrassing would it be for me to join in?"

"Do you think I don't know how well you dance? I clearly remember the can-can dance you did at the festival two years ago?"

"You, you remember everything, don't you, really..."

Hesitant, Dusk Bringar found herself flanked by someone on either side.

Turning around, she saw her knights and the Glory Knights. All were smiling, awkwardly but genuinely.

The dozens of barriers that had stood between them... seemed to vanish for the moment.

"...Oh, what the hell, fine! Let's do it!"

With no other choice but to laugh, Dusk Bringar declared boldly.

"Let's dance!"

***

Beneath the shower of colorful fireworks, people sang and danced.

Forgetting unresolved worries and the daunting future that relentlessly approached...

The last night of the last festival shone brightly.