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.
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."
Both I and Dusk Bringar aimed to win this martial arts tournament, where command of the operation was at stake. That way, we could exclude each other from the upcoming Black Dragon subjugation mission.
The battle would be that difficult, and.
Both my life and Dusk Bringar's life would be at risk.
As the commander on the frontline and Dusk Bringar as the nemesis of the Black Dragon, we would have to face death inevitably.
"I know, Duchess. I understand what worries you. What aspect of me worries you. How formidable the Black Dragon is."
"..."
"But we are stronger together."
We all had our secret weapons.
It was nonsensical from the start to think of excluding anyone from us in this Black Dragon battle. We were indispensable cards.
"Let's go together, no matter where the darkness under the lake ends..."
Whether we win or lose.
Whether we live or die.
"Let's go together, to the end."
"..."
I extended my drink to her.
With her chin resting on her knees, Dusk Bringar looked at me with somber eyes and then slowly opened her mouth.
"Ash. Truly, you... resemble the former Duchess."
"Was she quite handsome too?"
"Hahaha!"
Ah, she laughed.
Dusk Bringar finally laughed, after being sad all this time. I felt a bit relieved.
"...She was a beautiful woman."
After slowly stopping her laughter, Dusk Bringar picked up her drink and clinked it against mine.
"And she also loved festivals."
"Did you go to a festival with her?"
"Once. Just once."
Dusk Bringar closed her eyes tightly, reminiscing about that day.
"That day, the former Duchess told the people, 'Drink, dance, sing, and...'"
Slowly bringing the drink to her lips, Dusk Bringar whispered.
"Love."
"..."
"Love, my children. Love..."
Dusk Bringar, gazing down at the drink shimmering like clear water, gestured with her chin towards me.
"Go on then, Ash."
"Huh?"
"Isn't your lover waiting over there?"
Turning in surprise, I saw Serenade, hesitating and glancing around in the middle of the plaza.
Feeling like I had been caught by a cousin sister having a childhood friend of the opposite sex, I flailed awkwardly.
"No, well, to call her a lover isn't exactly wrong, but our relationship is, that is to say...!"
"My, the empire's greatest playboy is acting so coy?"
I've said it several times, but the playboy is Ash! I mean... I am Ash, but that's not the point!
"You have many talents, but your ability to drive those around you to distraction in such unexpected ways is truly exceptional."
Dusk Bringar waved her hand dismissively.
"Go on then. And drink, dance, sing, and love."
"..."
"The night of the festival is short. So make it memorable without any regrets."
With a mischievous expression akin to a naughty cousin sister.
"I will enjoy watching you do just that. Now, go!"
Dusk Bringar pushed me up and shoved me towards the plaza. Whoa!
The people around immediately made way and pushed me forward. Swept along helplessly, I found myself in the center of the plaza.
Serenade stood in front of me.
Amidst the glowing bonfire, her bluish-green hair shimmered like a mirage.
She seemed almost unreal, as if she would disappear if I reached out.
Looking up at me, Serenade slowly narrowed her silver eyes.
"Do you know, Your Highness?"
"Huh? What?"
"People say that if you fall for someone attractive, with a dangerous job, a bad person... you're bound to suffer."
Serenade sighed deeply.
"Since Your Highness checks all three boxes, what should I do..."
"Uh, sorry...?"
I apologized, not fully understanding.
After giving me a meaningful glance, Serenade took a deep breath and then,
"As you promised, please allow me. Tonight."
She extended her pale, slender hand towards me.
"Please be mine, just for tonight."
Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent,
Ooooooh!
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.