Charles's proposal to resurrect the elf tribe certainly served to motivate Laiah, but it was also intended to rally future reinforcements. The elves, beloved by mana, possessed great magical power and were capable of mastering Ultimate Magic—powerful enough to stand against devils. They would be crucial in the battles to come.
Sometimes, Charles felt like he was worrying too much—already preparing for the conflict with the Spade Kingdom far ahead. But for now, his focus remained firmly on strengthening himself. After meeting with Laiah, Charles returned once again to his training.
Until—
Charles stared blankly as the Fire Spirit, Salamander, dove into his grimoire, unsure how to react.
Apparently, the previous contract holder, Fana, had been defeated—though the details remained unclear.
Only now did Charles realize he'd stayed too long at Yultim Volcano, to the point that he was completely cut off from outside news.
Worried he might have missed something important, Charles quickly wrapped up his training and returned to the Black Bull base.
But as soon as he got back, he found everyone in unusually high spirits, preparing to head out.
Before he could ask, Yami grabbed him and hauled him off to the royal capital.
The capital was especially lively today. Streets were adorned with decorations, and crowds filled the avenues.
It was time for the biggest annual celebration in the Clover Kingdom—the Star Festival.
In the Magic Knights, the period from April to the following March was used to tally the stars awarded to each squad for their achievements. These results were made public on a set day to boost public morale—and that day had gradually evolved into a festival. A celebration of the squads' accomplishments, hence the name "Star Festival."
Charles had just so happened to return that day, and was promptly forced into vacation by Yami and brought to the capital.
From Finral, Charles learned what had happened during his time away training.
As if guided by fate, even without needing to treat Asta's arm, the Black Bull squad had still gone to the Witches' Forest.
Vanessa had been investigating leads on the magic stones, and a certain image reminded her of one she'd seen before—in the possession of the Witch Queen.
The Witch Queen was a mysterious figure—the progenitor of all witches and their unquestioned ruler. No one knew how long she had lived or how powerful she truly was. Even Yami had no intention of provoking her recklessly.
Vanessa volunteered to return to the forest to find the stone. Seeing her finally willing to confront her past, Yami couldn't refuse.
So Yami sent the available members—Asta, Noelle, and Finral—to support Vanessa on her mission.
Unfortunately, Fana and a large number of Eye of the Midnight Sun members arrived at the forest at the same time, also in search of the magic stone.
Worse still, mages from the Diamond Kingdom appeared as a fourth faction, seeking the secret of longevity from the Witch Queen.
Thus, the Black Bulls struck a deal: they would help defend the forest against the other factions in exchange for the magic stone.
Since Salamander had chosen Charles as his new contractor, the result was clear—even without hearing the full details. Compared to the unconscious Fuegoleon, Charles, with his four-leaf grimoire and inheritance of the Fire Dragon King's power, was clearly the more suitable vessel for Salamander.
This also meant that all the missing stones had now fallen into the Magic Emperor's hands. If Patry wanted them, he would have to proceed with the plan they had devised.
Charles didn't know whether things were going smoothly on Laiah's end, but he'd need to find a way to contact him soon.
For now, though—he could enjoy the festival. He had done what needed to be done and could finally relax.
Strangely, this magical-world celebration felt a lot like a Japanese festival. Even the food stalls served traditional Japanese festival foods.
Charles walked around munching on a skewer of takoyaki in one hand and grilled chicken in the other, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Beyond the nostalgic snacks, there were game booths involving magic—suitably themed for a magic-based society.
Charles was content just watching. Competing himself would be unfair—it'd just be bullying for prizes meant for children.
As he looked on, someone grabbed his shoulder.
Every hair on Charles's body stood on end. Without turning, he already sensed the immense presence behind him.
"Well, if it isn't Big Sis Mereoleona… you came for the Star Festival too?" Charles quickly greeted her, not daring to be rude.
"Oi, brat, have you gone soft?" she said in that terrifying tone of hers. "Sounds to me like you need more training."
Charles immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Please, spare me, Big Sis! I'm still recovering from last time!"
Yes, Charles had known the undefeated "Crimson Lioness" for some time.
They met during his first training trip to Yultim Volcano. His decision to climb without using magic had caught Mereoleona's attention.
That was also why he had learned Mana Skin so quickly—it was thanks to her brutal tutelage. Not that he'd recommend it. Her methods were... beyond intense.
That training had even led him to discover the healing effects of the hot springs at the volcano's peak.
Despite it all, Charles was grateful to her—she had made him significantly stronger.
As for Mereoleona, her opinion of Charles was pure admiration. In her words, he was a rare mage with real backbone.
She had cursed her younger brother, Fuegoleon, countless times for letting such a gem slip by.
Mereoleona clapped him hard on the shoulder. "What are you saying, brat? We had a great time, didn't we?"
A dark line formed on Charles's forehead. "Big Sis, could you please watch your phrasing? People are gonna get the wrong idea…"
Seeing her totally unbothered expression, Charles gave up trying to correct her.
"But you came here for the Star Festival, right? Since Fuegoleon is still unconscious, I guess you're representing the Crimson Lions."
Mereoleona scowled. "That useless brother of mine—still in bed! Now I've got to take care of all this boring crap!"
"But hey, at least I get to whip some backbone into those soft Lion cubs of his."
Just as Charles was offering his silent condolences to the Crimson Lions, the two of them noticed a commotion down the street.
It was a silver-haired twin-tailed girl passionately addressing a crowd.
"That's right! I'm royalty—descended from the most magically gifted in this kingdom! Which is exactly why I say this: status doesn't matter when it comes to lending a hand.
Looking down on others, acting all high and mighty—those are the actions of people with empty hearts!
Royalty, nobility, commoners, peasants—none of it matters! Let's all enjoy the festival together!"
Watching her, Mereoleona's expression turned nostalgic.
"She reminds me of someone…"
Charles knew exactly who she meant—Noelle's mother, Acier Silva. Before Mereoleona, Acier had been the one known as the kingdom's "Undefeated Valkyrie."
Perhaps Mereoleona had glimpsed Acier's spirit in her daughter. But the moment passed quickly as Noelle, face bright red, punched Asta across the street for some reason.
"Hah. She's not honest with herself at all, that one."
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