Drake's proposal to revive the elves served a dual purpose: boosting Rhya's morale and securing reinforcements. The elves, favored by magic, possessed immense power and could potentially master ultimate magic rivaling demons, making them valuable assets in the upcoming battle against demons.
Drake sometimes felt he worried too much, already strategizing for the future conflict with the Spade Kingdom. But his own strength was paramount, so after meeting Rhya, he refocused on his training.
Until…
Drake stared at the fire elf, Salamander, entering his grimoire, unsure how to react. It seemed Fana, who had previously contracted with the fire elf, had been defeated, though the circumstances remained unclear.
Drake realized he'd spent too long at the Ultime-Volcano Mountain Trail, becoming isolated from information. Fearing he'd missed something important, he returned to Black Bulls headquarters.
Upon his return, he found everyone excitedly preparing to leave. Before he could ask, Yami dragged him to the capital.
The capital was bustling; it was the Star Fruit Festival, Clover Kingdom's largest annual celebration.
Within the Magic Knights, the period from April to the following March was a statistical cycle; headquarters tallied the stars each squad earned and ranked them. To boost public confidence, the results were announced annually, evolving into a celebration—the Star Fruit Festival—celebrating their achievements.
Drake's return coincided with this day; Yami forced him to take a holiday in the capital. Finral explained what had happened during Drake's training.
As if by fate, even without needing Asta's arm treated, the Black Bulls went to the Witches' Forest. Vanessa and the others were investigating the magic stones; a picture of a magic stone reminded Vanessa of one she'd seen—in the Witch Queen's possession.
The Witch Queen was a mysterious being, the creator and mother of all witches. No one knew her age or strength; even Yami was cautious.
Vanessa volunteered to retrieve the magic stone. Yami couldn't refuse her newfound courage to confront her past. He took Asta, Noelle, and Finral to assist her.
Unluckily, Fana and many Eye of the Midnight Sun mages arrived at the Witches' Forest, also seeking the magic stones. The Diamond Kingdom's mages also intervened. The Diamond Kingdom's king was nearing death; they sought the secret to longevity from the Witch Queen.
The Black Bulls agreed to help the Witches' Forest repel the other two forces in exchange for the magic stones. The stones were retrieved; the outcome was clear—otherwise, the fire elf wouldn't have made a new contract with Drake.
Compared to the unconscious Fuegoleon, Drake, with his four-leaf clover grimoire and Fire Dragon King's power, was better suited to Salamander.
This meant the magic stones the Eye of the Midnight Sun hadn't obtained were now with the Wizard King; Patri would need to proceed with his plan.
Drake wondered about Rhya's progress and planned to contact him. For now, he'd enjoy the festival. He'd done what he needed to do and could relax.
The festival, despite being in a magical world, had a distinctly Japanese festival feel; even the street food was Japanese.
Drake happily ate takoyaki and yakitori. Besides the Japanese elements, some stalls featured magic-related games.
Drake watched; someone grabbed his shoulder. He felt a powerful aura.
"Mereoleona-sama! You're at the Star Fruit Festival!" Drake greeted her respectfully.
"Kid, you're too relaxed! You need more training!" Mereoleona said sternly.
Drake surrendered. "Please let me go, Big Sis! I can't handle more training!"
Drake and the undefeated lioness had known each other for a while. During Drake's first training at the Ultime-Volcano Mountain Trail, his ability to climb without magic had caught Mereoleona's attention.
Mereoleona's training had helped Drake master Magic Skin quickly, though her methods were brutal! He'd discovered the mountaintop hot spring's healing properties.
He was grateful; her training had made him much stronger. Mereoleona admired Drake's spirit; she'd berated Fuegoleon countless times for overlooking such talent.
Mereoleona patted Drake's shoulder. "What nonsense! Didn't we have fun?"
Drake facepalmed. "Big Sis, watch your words! People will misunderstand!"
Seeing Mereoleona's indifference, Drake gave up.
"You're here for the Star Fruit Festival! Captain Fuegoleon is still unconscious; you're leading the Crimson Lion Kings."
Mereoleona grumbled. "That useless little brother! He's still down; I have to do this troublesome task! But it's a chance to train his spineless subordinates!"
As Drake mourned for the Crimson Lion Kings' elite members, they noticed a disturbance—a girl with silver twintails giving a speech.
"I'm royalty! The most magically gifted in this country. Therefore, I believe we should help each other regardless of status. Looking down on others is for those with empty hearts. Royalty, nobles, commoners—let's all enjoy ourselves!"
Seeing the girl, Mereoleona looked nostalgic.
"Just like her…"
Drake knew who Mereoleona meant—Noelle's mother, the undefeated female mage, Acier Silva, the Clover Kingdom's Iron Valkyrie.
Perhaps Mereoleona saw her mother in Noelle. But that feeling vanished when Noelle, blushing, knocked Asta away.
"Such a blunt girl," Mereoleona commented.
__________________
for more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.