"Yuno and Asta are among the top newcomers in terms of stars earned. Truly promising rising stars. And the two of them…" While Julius was introducing Yuno and Asta on stage, Yami walked up beside Charles.
Removing the cigarette from his mouth, Yami said, "Say, kid, you had the qualifications to be up there too. Doesn't it bother you?"
Charles shook his head. "That was never my goal. Let Asta take the spotlight this time."
Yami took a puff. "Still can't tell what's going on in your head, but whatever. You're part of the Black Bulls—don't forget that."
Charles smiled. "That, I never will."
While the two chatted, Julius had already introduced Asta and Yuno to the crowd.
Two boys from the same remote village, who joined different Magic Knight squads and achieved remarkable results in just half a year—it all sounded like a story straight out of legend. The crowd began to speculate whether they might secretly be of noble birth.
Just then, an unpleasant voice rose from within the audience.
"They're not nobles. Both are just lowborns from a backwater village! That Asta kid doesn't even have magic!"
Charles's expression darkened, and in the next moment, he vanished from sight.
Ruhha, who had blurted out the comment, quickly ducked and tried to hide. His motivation was simple—jealousy. He couldn't stand seeing two commoners shine so brightly and earn the Magic Emperor's praise.
But just as he tried to retreat, a heavy kick landed on his backside, sending him sprawling into the open.
"Who did that?!" He clutched his mouth, but his voice had already betrayed him. The crowd immediately recognized him as the speaker.
Panic-stricken, Ruhha fled with his tail between his legs. Having accomplished his goal, Charles casually returned to Yami's side.
Still, the talk of Yuno and Asta's backgrounds continued. Yuno, in response, decided to prove himself the only way he knew how.
With Sylph's help, he unleashed his full magical power. Whirlwinds swirled around him like loyal servants.
"Asta… this reminds me of our training days," Yuno said.
"Wind Magic: Gale White Bow!"
A massive wind-formed bow appeared in Yuno's hands, with an arrow of swirling gales aimed directly at Asta.
Even commoners could feel the sheer power in that display—every murmur in the crowd ceased.
And yet, Asta cut the terrifying arrow cleanly with a single strike of his sword, dispersing it into harmless breeze.
Julius's voice grew solemn. "If anyone still doubts their merits after witnessing their power, step forward now.
Yes, they are both commoners. But they have worked harder than anyone else to stand here today.
People of our kingdom—let us cheer for these two Magic Knights. Let us put aside the walls of status and stand united—for our country, and for victory!"
The Magic Emperor's authority was not for show. Julius's charisma and sincerity quickly ignited the hearts of the citizens. Even those who had murmured moments ago now cheered with pride for Asta and Yuno.
Julius went on to announce the results for the other squads, most of which matched public expectations. No more surprises like the Black Bulls' upset.
Some took it well, others sulked. The captain of the Aqua Deer even threw a tantrum, clinging to Asta in a fit of dramatic jealousy.
With the squad results complete, Julius stepped aside to make way for the next part of the event.
"And now, please welcome the person you've all been waiting for… the king of the Clover Kingdom!"
Dead silence.
Despite Julius's enthusiastic delivery, the moment the king appeared, the crowd turned cold.
No surprise there. The mustached monarch in his gaudy robes had no presence among his people. As Julius once said, only actual accomplishments can earn trust. And this king had none. All he'd ever done was indulge in luxury within the palace walls.
Standing beside Julius only made the contrast more obvious—even his face looked more ridiculous.
The king, clearly aware of the lackluster reception, shooed Julius away and began speaking.
"Good day, citizens! I am A. Kira Clover the 13th, your king!"
Faces in the crowd were blank, responding with dry, unenthusiastic applause.
The king's temper flared instantly.
"Show more reverence! I am your king—the greatest being in this entire kingdom!"
He then released his magic power as a demonstration.
"Behold the divine magic passed down through my royal line! My thoughts, my form, my everything is flawless! I am far greater than the Magic Emperor!"
Charles shook his head. Where does he get the gall to flaunt his magic in front of the Magic Emperor and all the squad captains?
"…Such a weak, frivolous magic."
Someone had actually said it aloud. Charles turned—though the comment was accurate, saying it out loud in front of the king was dangerous.
But seeing the culprit was Yami, Charles wasn't surprised in the slightest.
The king's magic truly hadn't been honed at all. It was likely weaker than even the lowest-ranked knights. No wonder Yami looked at him like trash.
"Why not make the Magic Emperor the king?"
"Yeah, he'd be way better!"
The murmurs in the crowd made Charles nearly burst out laughing.
Suddenly, the king changed tone, putting on a more serious expression.
"Citizens! We have identified the location of the Eye of the Midnight Sun's hideout. Until now, we have always been on the defensive. But the time has come to strike back!
To that end, I shall select the finest Magic Knights in the land to form the ultimate team—The Royal Knights Selection Squad!
A week from now, trials will be held for all squad members. Only those who pass will earn the right to join.
And then, with my Royal Knights, we will annihilate the Eye of the Midnight Sun!
Magic Knights! Offer up your grimoires for the glory of the kingdom!"
He turned smugly to Julius, clearly proud of himself for announcing something that wasn't even his idea.
Any remaining sense of dignity the king had completely vanished.
Unlike the others who cheered with excitement, Charles's expression turned grim.
He no longer paid attention to the antics on stage—such as Asta and Yuno's bold statements that offended the king. Instead, he quietly turned and walked away.
Charles remembered that in the original events, it was during the Star Festival that the king announced the formation of the Royal Knights.
Afterward, when the Royal Knights—formed of elites from all squads—set out to attack the Eye of the Midnight Sun's base, the floating dungeon, that was when Patri assaulted Julius and stole the final magic stone.
But this wasn't part of the plan he and Raia had agreed on.
Something must have gone wrong on Raia's side.
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