–

The morning of the third day that was the last day of the parade finally arrived.

「Good morning Nii-san. What’s with that face right from the morning? Today is your big moment, so please look sharper.」

Ten seconds after Lux woke up in a room of the inn, he got hit by Airi’s nitpicking.

But, it was reasonable.

On the second day yesterday, because Lux was one of the leading actors at the banquet in the castle, and then because he had an important position even in the New Kingdom, he was surrounded by the nobles and influential people from countries all over the world. He was made to drink and paid attention to them.

「I’ll go wash my face for a bit. The alcohol is still remaining in my system but, I’ll let it all out before the commendation ceremony.」

Lux headed to the washing place with heavy footsteps.

Yesterday he was at a bustling party from noon until late at night.

He talked with the representatives from various countries including the Seven Dragon Paladins, and then got reunited with Krulcifer, Celis, and Aeril after so long. He talked a lot with them and shared happiness with each other.

Perhaps thanks to Philuffy, who was came along as the bodyguard of Lux and Lisha, and Yoruka, who was in charge of the security outside, no accident happened at all even at the party where a lot of important people were gathered. Today──the third day of the parade safely arrived.

On the last day of the New Year parade, her majesty the Queen would give an admonitory speech towards the populace from the terrace that was jutting out from the castle. And today there would be an even more important announcement.

The members of Syvalles would be given commendation in front of the masses and at the end Lux and Airi would be freed from their collars.

After that a celebration would be held in the castle and the next morning they would ride horse carriages back to Cross Field.

With that it would be the end.

The battle to save the world from the unprecedented threat of Sacred Eclipse would close its curtains and from here on Lux would head to the place of negotiation to divide the assets of Avalon as Lisha’s knight.

But, at the same time he had to produce an answer for one other problem before this time period was over.

At any rate when this parade ended, the girls would surely convey their feelings to him.

Until now, Lux was thinking that he had no qualification to be chosen by the girls.

Even if he was harboring strong feelings towards them, it wouldn’t take shape in reality, however──

「Perhaps, I have been running away all this time.」

In his childhood, as the youngest brother who was far away from possessing any authority, he was placed in a reality where he was made light of even amidst the imperial family.

He had a past where he became the target of hatred from the populace after he was banished from the imperial court due to his grandfather’s case.

He became accepted by the populace through his chores livelihood for five years and everyone in the Academy treated him well. Even so, he was scared at the bottom of his heart.

If in the future his position changed and the way everyone looked at him also changed, surely he wouldn’t be able to endure it for sure this time, so he avoided from facing them seriously.

However──

「I’ll go to the capital’s arena. I’m going to come back before noon.」

「Nii-san?」

It would be troubling if his presence caused a commotion, so he hid his face under a hood and asked Relie to arrange a horse carriage.

He was advised to bring Philuffy as a guard, but he wanted to be alone so he refused it.

Yoruka was.... he made her to guard Airi just in case, and he kept it like that.

Naturally, in the middle of the period of the New Years parade, there was no one who was riding their Drag-Rides other than the security.

Originally it was not permitted to even use a Drag-Ride at the arena, but he said that he wanted to test his Drag-Ride and received permission.

「──Come, the winged dragon of crest that is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and soar, Wyvern.」

Lux wore the Wyvern that had been repaired and ascertained its usability.

He performed the basic control in the place of warm-up exercise and gradually progressed to the practical operations.

While he was controlling the Drag-Ride with a concentration that was free from any obstructive thoughts, his heart was growing serene like the blue sky.

At the same time, he also obtained the answer for the feeling that was born inside him.

「──Thank you, everyone.」

The resolved Lux sweated and got back to the inn.

It was chilly under the winter sky, but it felt as though his body was tense instead.

–

And then, sunset arrived on the parade’s last day.

At the streets of the Royal Capital, in front of the terrace that was jutting out from the castle, a lot of people were gathering.

Along with the heat that was created from the countless torches in iron baskets, the people’s expectations were swirling before the commendation ceremony for the military exploits that would be carried out after this.

First, Prime Minister Nulph who was accompanying Queen Raffi surveyed the populace and raised his voice with a fervent speech.

「Then, just as planned, the commendation ceremony for the people who rendered distinguished military service in the last battle will begin. Various trials had been imposed on the New Kingdom from last year until this year! Because of the Abyss’s attack, the rebel army’s threat, the appearance of the Lords, and furthermore the battle revolving around Avalon caused many Drag-Knights to be lost. It also put the people through a lot of hardships.」

He closed his eyes looking like he was thinking back deeply before continuing his talk after an interval of time.

「However, we were victorious! Their armed might defeated the aggressors from the ancient era, the Lords, suppressed the center of the Ruins Avalon, and sealed the Sacred Eclipse. After this we will negotiate with all the other countries, to ascertain our spirit of cooperation while making use of the Ruin’s power for the sake of peace and prosperity!」

──OOOOOOOH!

Noisy cheers were created like a ripple before receding.

Inside, Lux was feeling somewhat bothered that the Lords were treated like aggressors, but when considering the New Kingdom’s dignity, there was no other choice than treating them as the bad guys.

He was worried about Aeril, but her safety was guaranteed, so from now on Lux could only pay attention to her situation.

「Participating in the last decisive battle and becoming the people who rendered the greatest distinguished service was the raid force of the Academy, who will bear the future of our New Kingdom. It’s our wish to extol the bravery and strength of Syvalles and give them commendations on this occasion. Come forward!」

Obeying Prime Minister Nulph’s voice, the Syvalles members including Lux lined up on the castle’s terrace.

Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, Airi, the Triad.

The government wanted to emphasize their status as students, so everyone was wearing the Academy uniform.

Yoruka had also been invited several times to participate, but she completely refused because it would make it harder for her to act covertly if she went out in the open.

The plan was to at least give her the reward money directly.

–

「Thank you for protecting our country!」

「The future of the New Kingdom will be secure from here on too! We’ll rely on you guys!」

「We cannot call you criminals or chore prince anymore huh, hero who saved the world!」

–

While cheers of compliments boiled up from the populace, a single voice that could be heard in the middle caused Lisha to smile.

She turned her head a bit to meet Lux’s gaze and they both nodded slightly to each other.

「Then, I too have news for all of the people here.」

Next Queen Raffi walked forward at the timing when the waves of cheers were calming down.

She cleared her throat and exposed her graceful smile to the eyes of the public.

「This time due to my inexperience, a lot of burden was forced on all of you. The damage that the New Kingdom received was also great. Various issues are also remaining in order for this country to stand up again. If I can speak my mind honestly, this is a situation where I don’t even have the self-confidence as this country’s sovereign.」

「........」

The expression of the people that was filled to the brim with joy was tinged with anxiety after hearing Queen Raffi’s uncertain words.

Lux who was reunited with her once more at this place also felt the same.

She was also showing a pessimistic figure to Lux and Lisha at the fortress in the abandoned capital Guernica.

Lux was feeling bewildered that she was making such a remark even at the event of the New Years parade.

Lux was going to say something, but beside him Lisha tapped his back.

She didn’t say anything, but her self-assured smile was telling him 「Don’t worry」.

「──But, at this chance, I received help from so many people. The heads of the Four Great Nobles who possess their own order of Drag-Knights, Prime Minister Nulph and the consuls, the representatives of other countries, all of the citizens of this country. I can say without a doubt that this victory would be beyond our reach without the support of all those people.」

Raffi raised her face and showed a gentle smile while saying that.

「The long history of the Old Empire was changed into this new monarchy. This foolish me was going to give up halfway through. I couldn’t even succeed the will of my elder brother who fought to change the old tradition.」

‘But’──Queen Raffi said that word as a preface and walked to the front.

Toward the side of Lux and Lisha who were waiting for her next words with a tense look.

「The resolve of these two illuminated my path. They who should still be young and inexperienced didn’t lose heart towards the heavy weight of responsibility and cut open the way to the future. Their attitude and achievements who put their all to advance forward in the present is something that all the people of this country, including me, ought to learn from. That’s what I believe.」

Queen Raffi’s speech made all the gathered people lose their words.

They imagined the content of her next words and stared fixedly at her while holding their breath in expectation.

「I swear that I will accomplish my duty as queen from here on too. At the same time I also wish to bestow to them the reward of amnesty. The criminal collar of the Old Empire’s imperial family, Lux Arcadia and Airi Arcadia. I want to take it off in this place.」

「──....」

The terrace of the castle was enveloped with even deeper silence than before.

But, the sound of clapping hands resounded from somewhere among the crowd. It naturally rippled through the whole crowd and applause that split the eardrums thundered loudly.

「──Looks like their answer is clear. Congratulations, Lux-kun.」

Krulcifer who came to his side first placed her hand on Lux’s shoulder and smiled at him.

Celis and Philuffy who saw that also slowly walked to his side.

「Congratulations, Lux.」

「Congrats, Lu-chan.」

「Yes. Thank you, everyone.」

When Lux replied back with a smile, the Triad also immediately gathered around him.

After Tillfur and Sharis also said their congratulations to him, Airi puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

「Excuse me, I too will also have my collar taken off you know....」

「Yes. Congratulations Airi. Also Lux-san too.」

「It’s only Noct who is saying that to me.」

Airi hugged Noct tightly. Seeing that everyone hurriedly turned towards Airi.

「It’s alright everyone, it doesn’t really matter. Congratulations Nii-san.」

The sulking Airi loosened her expression and gazed at Lux with an upturned stare.

Lux felt gratitude to his little sister who in these five years had been concerned about his standing all this time and gently caressed her head.

「Well, though honestly speaking, I’m feeling conflicted now. ──Haa, with this it’s finally time huh.」

「....? What’s wrong, Airi?」

Lux didn’t understand the emotion of Airi who was puffing up her cheeks with some dissatisfaction and he tilted his head.

Then, Noct whispered into Lux’s ear.

「Yes. The heart of a maiden is complicated. I will follow up with Airi, so don’t worry.」

「I don’t really understand but, please.」

Lux smiled wryly while saying that to Noct, then Lisha came towards him with an exasperated look.

「You all, do that kind of thing after returning to the Academy! Where do you think you are right now!?」

Lisha who was behaving as a princess until now couldn’t endure the casual conversation of the others and exploded.

Krulcifer made fun of her further because of that before Lux together with everyone of Syvalles bowed towards the gathered people.

The cheers that rang out for long without stopping were enveloping the terrace of the castle.

And then, the last night of the parade was growing late.

–

After the commendation ceremony, a banquet was held inside the castle where only important people and people related to Syvalles were invited.

The main participants were Queen Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph, and then Relie and the Four Great Nobles along with their aides.

Curiously, the vice commander of the military, Sharis’s father was also present.

It was only the house of Kreutzer who seemed to leave the party early, perhaps because of the incident in the past, but after that the party continued peacefully without any problem.

「Then you know, everyone in the Academy said it. What will happen to the piling up chore requests for Lux-kun!? They said. Lux-chi isn’t a criminal anymore after all, so I told them to just give up graciously. Geez.」

In a corner of that party.

Tillfur who was completely drunk was holding up Lux with a red face.

She was circling her arm on Lux’s shoulder while pouring wine into Lux’s glass until the content was going to spill out.

The atmosphere of everyone last night was tense, but today after only one hour since the opening of the party, Tillfur was already in this state. Perhaps it was because today there were many close comrades here.

Similarly even Lux was feeling more comfortable with this kind of atmosphere, but the Triad who unexpectedly had bad drunken behavior was honestly troubling for him.

「I’ll accept the requests that came until now until I graduate from the Academy. Now I have the leeway for that much after all.」

「Now now, just how much do you like doing chores? We are happy with your feelings, but if you are being too kind, you will get taken advantage of you know?」

This time the drunk Sharis also hugged him from the chair at the opposite side.

Her usual rose scent was blown away by the smell of alcohol, but the texture of her breasts that were relatively big made him felt half troubled and half happy.

But, he returned to his senses from the reproachful gaze of Airi who was also similarly drunk.

「I think the two of them are a bit persistent, but please forgive them. They are feeling lonely. Because it feels like Lux-san is getting further away.」

Noct whispered that with a small voice, but Lux didn’t understand what she meant.

「Getting further....I only had my criminal collar taken off, but we will still be together in Syvalles from now on too. Surely nothing will change.」

「Haa....」

Airi who saw Lux’s smile let out a loud sigh.

「It’s just as I said right, Noct? Nii-san doesn’t notice anything at all.」

「Yes. I never thought that it will be this serious. A drastic measure will be necessary like this.」

「Eerr, what are you talking about?」

When Lux tilted his head with a troubled look, Noct unusually hung down her head.

Then from behind, Aeril showed her face suddenly.

「It’s their last struggle you know, Lux-kun. The pact has ended, so at the very least they want to have time while they still can, that’s how it is.」

「Wai-, Aeril!? Geez, don’t bring up the heart of the matter so suddenly like thaat!」

「A punishment is needed for that kind of child. Then we will show you the sexual harassment combo of the Triad! Noct too, come!」

「No. The two of you are too drunk....」

Sharis and Tillfur hurriedly stood up and leaped at Aeril.

It also felt like there was no one who was giving them any warning, so their drunken act was getting worse and worse.

Noct ignored the command of Sharis who should be her lord and sat down beside Lux in exchange.

「Then, I’ll also make my last struggle. I’m thinking to drink Lux-san down just like this, how about it?」

「I’m permitting it Noct. Now Nii-san, before the criminal collar is taken off, please pit out all of your indecent crimes until now in the Academy.」

Noct was taciturn and calm like usual, but she was showing a somewhat mischievous smile, and Airi whose expression looked completely drunk.

They exchanged consecutive offenses of pouring sake with excellent calculation, and Airi who was picking up quarrel with him drank herself unconscious first. After Noct brought her towards her room, Lux secretly sneaked out from the party and headed towards the castle’s terrace.

At that place where it was only a few hours ago that Syvalles received the commendations, the tapestry, red carpet, candlestick and all the other decorations had been removed. There was also not a single citizen remaining behind.

Regardless of that, a strange feeling of exaltation welled up just by standing there.

It had been five years since that day of revolution, and one year since he came to the Academy.

There were many encounters and battles that Lux himself had never imagined.

Lux who had settled the matter with Fugil was──

「Today is really like a dream. Even though I can still feel the heat of that battle in my body──」

A single girl was standing there. Celistia turned around and smiled.

Right after the party began, he told Celis beforehand that if there was a chance he wanted to talk with her.

「Yes. I also feel like I’m dreaming. To think that this kind of day would arrive──」

「Once more, congratulations. For everyone’s safe return, and also for the freedom of you siblings after the achievements of you two were recognized.」

「Thank you very much. I could come this far because of everyone’s help. I can also finally see the path that I have been chasing after all this time since the day of the revolution──」

「You found, your answer?」

「Yes.」

Lux nodded at Celis’s question.

Then, the beautiful girl who was usually dignified and resolute was entangling her fingers in front of her chest looking flustered, or perhaps fretful.

「The, then, that’s....can I say just one thing? There is just one thing that I have to tell you no matter what today. Not as your senior in the Academy or even as a Seven Dragon Paladin’s aide, but as me personally──」

「Before that, can I say something to senpai first?」

「Eh? Yes.... feel free.」

Under the night sky that was inlaid with stardust.

Celis was caught off guard and looked bewildered. Lux stared straight towards her and took a deep breath.

The cold air of winter filled his lungs before the air was enveloped with flaring up heat inside him and exhaled out.

–

「──I love you, Celis-senpai.」

–

Lux’s voice echoed on the stage of the terrace that was bathed in moonlight.

There wasn’t any other sound. Inside the perfectly clear air, the flow of time was forgotten.

Most likely, if he didn’t listen to her feelings on the first day of the parade, he wouldn’t be able to realize his love towards Celis.

But, the fate of this time was allied with her and guided the event to this result.

「I finally noticed after the battle reached an end. I wish to fight at your side from here on too. I want you to be at my side. Can you give me your answer? It’s fine even after listening to what Celis-senpai wanted to say just──」

「....Tha, that is, unfair.」

Celis’s eyes opened wide while her body stiffened completely. After some time passed, Celis’s hands covered her mouth and she averted her gaze.

Her expression had an intoxicated look that he had never seen until now, as though she was inside a dream.

「Even though I was thinking that I have to take the lead as the senior, I’m the one who got told that. I won’t be able to stand up again if you tell me it’s a joke now.」

「Then I’ll say it one more time. I love you. Will you, become betrothed to me?」

Lux too looked slightly embarrassed while walking towards her and telling her so.

He intended to feign calmness as much as possible but, even just doing that was the best that he could do.

「──!?」

Celis’s face was dyed bright red until her ears and steam was overflowing from her face.

When Lux had walked until where Celis was standing still as though she was turning into a statue, her body quickly moved.

「Ah....!」

Lux raised his voice in surprise.

When he noticed, his body was pulled closer by her arms and he was strongly embraced.

Because Celis’s body was tall, and then because Lux’s body was pitching forward, his face ended up buried into her voluptuous breasts.

The sensation that was simultaneously soft and tight made him intoxicated with their scent that was like flowers.

Lux also circled his hands to her back and they shared their flushed body’s heat.

「Tha, that’s, can you not look up? Right now it’s a bit, hard to look at your face.」

「I want to see but, I’ll endure. Also, if you hug too strongly, my breath──」

Frankly speaking, it was the breasts that were suffocating him, but he didn’t say until that far.

「....That is, not permitted. If you told me something like that, I won’t be able to let go of you that easily.」

Celis whose cheeks were blushing kept averting her face while pouting her lips.

Because of her loveliness and the happiness he felt, Lux went along with her intimacy that couldn’t let go of him. And then the two’s bodies finally separated reluctantly.

「You don’t even need to ask about my answer. To think that I will be able to hear those words from you, I’ve never even imagined it.」

Celis’s expression that looked like she was inside a dream looked excessively erotic.

It was to the degree that he was unable to suppress the feeling of wanting her at this place.

「Then, Celis-senpai is okay with it?」

「Obviously. Right now, I’m really happy. So much so that I’m thinking it will be better if this night will never end forever.」

Celis matched her height with Lux, and then she held his hand with their fingers entangled together.

Unlike the passionate hug just now, there was a peaceful feeling of contentment in the two’s expressions.

「But, please stop calling me senpai. It will help if you call my name without being conscious of that kind of hierarchical relationship.」

「Is that so? Then──eerr, Celis?」

The instant Lux called her name awkwardly, *twitch-*, Celis’s body jumped.

She waved around her hands with an extremely flustered expression that he had never seen until now.

「Wai-, as I thought that way of calling isn’t permitted. N, no, I don’t have problem at all with you calling me like that but, if you call me like that in the Academy, I don’t know what will happen.」

Seeing Celis acting suspiciously which she had never done before, it made Lux to slip out a chuckle unconsciously.

「Then, let’s postpone it until Celis-senpai’s graduation.」

When Lux said that teasingly, Celis showed an embarrassed and sulky face.

「Geez, you are being mean Lux. But that’s──when it’s only the two of us, I’ll permit you to call me like just now. I want you to call me like that.」

「Right. I’ll do that, Celis.」

Lux said that and embraced her gently once more.

Celis hugged back and put strength into her arms. They shared that feeling with each other.

The two who were filled with the feeling of exaltation felt like they became one with the other. Before long their lips quietly pressed on the other.

–

「Then, the next time we meet will be at the Academy. Tha, that, it’s not permitted to cut loose so much in the Academy. It will go against the norm inside the Academy.」

「I know that. I understand Celis-senpai’s personality at least.」

She was a girl with a sense of responsibility that was overly serious, that was why he knew that she wasn’t wishing to act like lovers before public eyes.

If he could speak out his true feelings, he also felt that it was a bit of a shame, but Lux wasn’t someone who couldn’t control himself.

──That was how it was supposed to be, but.

「Bu, but, I’ll permit it if it’s in private. Also, if it’s at times like when we are going out with just the two of us on holiday, I’ll meet Lux’s wish──no, it’s nothing! Please forget it!」

「........」

Celis gasped and returned to her senses in the middle. She waved her hands in panic as though crossing them.

If he was told that kind of provocative thing, the current Lux would become unable to endure in various senses.

Lux promised that when things calmed down, he would go to the house of Ralgris to report about the betrothal before they returned to the party venue.

A long party in the castle was continuing until late at night.

–

「Nn, uu....」

Late at night when people had completely fallen asleep, Lux felt some kind of presence and opened his eyes.

When he looked around the banquet hall, everyone who participated in the party at the castle had drank themselves dead drunk.

*Tick, tack....*, the systematic sound of the clock’s hand could be heard clearly.

Other than that there was only the painful silence that was enveloping the inside of the castle.

Celis who had mutually exchanged and affirmed feelings with him just now was sleeping face down on the table.

Airi, Lisha and the other members of Syvalles, and also the representatives from other countries were all similarly sleeping like a log.

It would be impolite to say this, but unexpectedly even that Yoruka was sleeping soundly.

Queen Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph, then the Four Great Nobles had retired early, so they weren’t here but──

(What is this, this strange sensation)

This scene itself wasn’t something that strange.

The long battle had ended along with the parade of conclusion.

Everyone was liberated from the feeling of tension that was pressuring them. It wasn’t out of place at all for them to run out of strength and fell asleep at the end here.

If pushed to say, it was Lux who was the strange one.

His eyes were abnormally clear, his sleepiness was blown away by tension.

It was as though Lux’s own body was sounding the alarm bell to notify his unaware mind of a danger.

(No way, right....)

He tried to mutter an exasperated self-depreciating comment, but for some reason he couldn’t make any voice.

He naturally confirmed the faces of the sleeping people and noticed something out of place.

(Aeril isn’t here? Where did she go....?)

There was no obligation to continue staying in this place, so it wouldn’t be strange if she left because of some reason.

But, some kind of strange anxiety in his heart caused Lux to slip out of the banquet hall and walk inside the castle.

(Where am I going? What am I going to do?)

He had no idea where Aeril could have gone.

If she left from this place by her own will, it would be impossible to even find her.

And yet──

(This sensation, from somewhere..... Even five years ago, I....)

There was no sound inside the castle other than the sound of the clock ticking.

He didn’t find anything suspicious.

「Haa, just what am I doing....」

After going around inside the vast castle once and while going up to the second floor, Lux noticed his own eccentric behavior and let out a wry smile while he stopped walking.

The victory in the great war and the liberation from the status of a criminal.

Furthermore he proposed to Celis which she accepted. Perhaps all of those made him strangely driven by anxiety instead and he became strange.

To be unable to honestly feel happy like this, it was astonishing even if he said so-->>

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