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Arthur had pointed out that Melchior had a hundred ways to achieve his will even without his skills, but it was true. The life around Arthur’s eyes vanished as if washed away, a product of the fact that Arthur knew better than Kleio. He had seen it all his life.

‘It’s fortunate the youngest is quick to grasp the situation, but the whole world has to bear the price if this causes an issue.’

Melchior still maintained a gentle face, making it impossible to know what he was thinking. Hiding a sigh, Kleio forced down some sparkling water and returned a clear answer.

“It is praise-worthy behavior that you courageously want to destroy the remembered world yourself. It is an honor to be able to add my weak abilities to that task of conquering the strange monsters that threaten the capital.”

He couldn’t follow Melchior’s voice, who sounded like an actor in a theater with his voice resonating through the hall, but it was enough for those listening carefully.

‘Everyone pretends to be eating, but it’s obvious their ears are tuned to us.’

This was the storm that Dione had talked about.

‘Well, so. If the boat doesn’t float because of the strong wind, everyone will die together.’

“You’re too humble. I’ve already seen the reports about your major role in the remembered world.”

Kleio’s sharply raised Perception caught the shallow exhalation behind him. Even without looking back, the pieces fit together.

‘Isiel didn’t write down details in the report. She said we had joined forces together.’

It felt like he had been doused in icy water. Something became clear from the obvious provocation.

‘I don’t know if it’s because of some restriction, but he can’t open the minds of Cel or Isiel right now.’

You wouldn’t need such a conspicuous taunt to get a rise out of these students if that skill could be used. Such speculation gave Kleio a small hope, the first he had when encountering this person. Kleio turned on Separation, to make sure, and spoke with a faint smile.

“What are you talking about? Humility is an attitude of lowering. One who tries to show a spirit of service and sacrifice befitting a knight, even though he doesn’t know what danger lies beyond the door, doesn’t try to be raised by publicizing it.”

“It’s not something to be highly praised.”

Kleio politely lowered his eyes, shaking Duke Cruel and Aslan with an attitude that was very different than the one he showed the second prince. Arthur quietly stepped behind Melchior to block Aslan and the duke’s gaze. Kleio, who hadn’t the mental resources to care for anything else with the crown prince in front of him, didn’t even notice the fuss over there.

“There was only one remembered world, and it was so dangerous that it happened all so fast. Could the poor teach the foolish?”

He threw the bat to Melchior.

‘Honestly, not all dungeons are dangerous. There’s something like the city of eternal Winter or the City of Pearls. This guy only entered that city. He already knows the order in which they open, right?’

For a publicity stunt, entering a dungeon other than the City of Pearls was too risky.

‘Besides, there’s no guarantee that it will still be safe just because it was in the last manuscript. The risk of accompanying such a dangerous person was too great. I wish I knew what his reason is.’

Of course, Melchior didn’t take the bait.

“Because of your knightly spirit, someone with great etheric sensitivity like you isn’t a lightweight.”

“What I have is just a small talent, and, of course, could I achieve something alone without the abilities of my colleagues?”

‘Yes, what…how do I determine what’s inside him? I wonder if I could tell even if something happened. Ah.’

At a glance, they were praising each other, but underneath it all, several more thorned exchanges occurred. All those overhearing them turned their attention. Kleio, who was hidden away in the corner, was going against the prince without any tension, so the scene was strange. As Cel tried to whistle, Isiel jabbed her in the side and held her back. Of course, the secretary and consul a table over were still whispering about what an unreasonable kid he was. Finally, Melchior held his cup of wine and smiled as if a thousand suns were shining at once.

“My brother really has a deep friendship with his colleagues.”

By now, Kleio was growing used to Melchior’s pressure.

‘Wow, this child. How do you say such things with a straight face… It’s ridiculous.’

Shortly after that smile seemed to freeze the hall, Cel intervened in the conversation.

“We room and board together, as well as take classes and research all day, so we can’t help but stick to each other. As a subject of Albion, I’m glad you have such a deep will.”

At this point, there was nothing more to say. After a polite greeting, Arthur’s jokes, and Cel’s playful new year’s greetings, Melchior turned to Chairman Benjamin Beaton. The attendants arranged the tables, serving grappa and limoncello after the meals. Lemon sorbet was provided for children who didn’t drink alcohol. Suddenly, the giant wall clock hung in the middle of the hall pointed to midnight. As the chandelier’s light darkened, the gold that filled the hall became brighter.

All of the invited guests, but particularly the young couples, stood up in pairs and approached the window with curtains closed. On the windowsill, green mistletoe branches were hung with an abundance of gold and red ribbons. The music that was being played halted as people moved about noisily. Thanks to that sound, any conversation at that small corner table couldn’t be heard. Cel and Arthur took a shot after their meal without saying a word, and Behemoth was also sneaking some more liquor. Kleio felt a little relieved now. Even if he was less nervous than before, the encounter with Melchior was still exciting. He leaned back into his chair with a sigh.

“Whoo… I feel like I aged ten years.”

He had already emptied his bowl and gave the two scoops of sherbet over to Lippi and Leticia, who consumed it with shining eyes. Arthur put down his empty glass and sat down beside Kleio.

“Lei, you still look young enough, so if you’ve aged, you don’t have to worry about looking middle-aged.”

“I want you to keep your mouth shut now. I’m learning to hate such a voice.”

“That’s unfair… Originally, my voice resembled my brothers.”

“Don’t resemble him in any other way.”

“Hey, Lei, that wouldn’t be something Arthur could do if he wanted to?”

The twins joined the group, sherbet in hand.

“Right. He’s so very beautiful.”

“It’s beautiful that your eyes will burn when you look at them!”

“Whose side are you on?”

“Everyone, quiet. Even if the hall is noisy, it’s full of people.”

“Isiel’s right, but it’ll be the new year soon!”

People gathered at the window, hands clasped, as they sang a song to greet the new year. Kleio, not knowing the lyrics, just pretended to sing along. The orchestra happily performed well-known traditional folk songs as people’s voices wove together. The crown prince and the knight commander had approached the window as well, and Kleio was dragged along by the twins.

“3, 2, 1…!”

Pop-

Pop!

Thousands of sparks scattered in the sky beyond the window, a fireworks display for the new year. Suddenly, Arthur, Cel, and the twins vanished, but Isiel remained by his side, grabbing his shoulders to prevent him from being pushed back and forth. Thanks to that, Kleio avoided being tangled up by the wire crinoline of the Pedre kingdom princess’s dress.

“Thank you, Isiel. I almost fell.”

“Yes. I usually thought that alcohol was the problem, but even if you don’t drink, you’re clumsy.”

“Uh, um. I’ll do better this year.”

“You’ll do well. Get up every morning and get out of bed.”

“What if it doesn’t happen?”

“Don’t overdo it; just take care of your health.”

Then, they watched the flames rising in the sky, the scattering light coloring the side of Isiel’s face. Even though she wore no diamond tiara or a veil of crystals and pearls, Isiel stood out more than any other person in the hall. It was the light of a strong will and fierce vitality. She was a girl armed with virtue far from him. In the future, this child would attain the title ‘The Knight of Fire,’ as she led the corps and the main army. However, now she was only a young student isolated from her classmates as she stood firmly.

The festival of lights was over, and a new light would come back next year. Until then, it was a time without light. Under the mistletoe before sunrise, no kiss was blamed. Lovers and strangers held hands, sharing a kiss only acceptable this night, whether it be short or long, shallow or deep. Isiel, her expression becoming subtle, gently let go of Kleio’s shoulder, which she had been casually holding on to. Kleio barely managed not to fall as a huge bundle of fur hit his legs. It was Behemoth.

“Meooow! (This cat’s beautiful tail was almost stepped on! Hurry up and hold me!)”

“Yes, yes.”

The cat relentlessly put his claws into Kleio’s shoulder, hoping to see the fireworks better. With Behemoth’s tail waving like a flag, the twins were able to find them across the crowds of people.

“Lei, here you are!”

“It was difficult to find you!”

Finally, Cel arrived, smacking Kleio’s head lightly. Kleio stumbled, causing Behemoth to lose his balance and bounce away. As a result, the kiss Kleio received under the mistletoe was the cat’s snout rubbing his cheek. Then, the two twins jumped in.

“Ah! I want to kiss Moth too!”

“Me too!”

“Kyaahhhh!”

Avoiding the twins, Behemoth ran away. Fresh champagne was uncorked all over as the year 1891 began amid fireworks and blizzards.