Mereoleona wasn't one for celebrations; training and battle were her pleasures. After forcing a training agreement with Drake, she left, allowing Drake to explore the festival.
Drake saw other Black Bulls members: Finral chatting up women, Gauche buying gifts for his sister, Magna and Luck intensely competing at a game stall, and Charmy devouring food prepared by three chefs simultaneously. Charmy had a reputation for consuming all the food at stalls annually, leaving vendors challenged (and likely failing) to feed her.
Grey and Gordon, one transformed into someone unknown, the other naturally inconspicuous, remained unseen.
Drake noticed a crowd gathered around two women—Vanessa and another familiar face—preparing for a drinking contest. Charlotte Roselei, the Azure Deer Captain, was a stunning warrior in armor and a beautiful woman out of it.
Drake looked at Yami behind them and contributed to the magical world's climate change issues with his thoughts.
"Captain Yami is so oblivious to this intense battleground!"
"Drake! You're here too!" Asta exclaimed.
Drake asked, "Aren't you with Noelle? Why are you alone?"
Asta scratched his head. "I don't know; Noelle inexplicably knocked me away!"
Oblivious Number Two had appeared!
Drake patted Asta's shoulder. "Spend more time with Finral-senpai; Captain Yami isn't a good example."
Suddenly, the crowd became excited. Vanessa, having already consumed a significant amount of alcohol, collapsed after a single drink. Charlotte, her opponent, flushed red after a sip, making cute sounds.
"They can't drink at all!" Asta commented.
Yami took the drink from Charlotte. "You don't drink well; don't force yourself… haven't I said something similar before?"
Charlotte collapsed; her incapacitation was unexplained.
The crowd surged towards a location; voices reached them.
"The Magic Knights' achievements are being announced in the main hall."
"All the Captains are here!"
"The Crimson Lion King and Purple Orca are there! I wonder what they're like!"
"All the Captains?" Drake and Asta exchanged glances, looking at the incapacitated Charlotte and the relaxed Yami.
"We're late! What do we do?" Yami, predictably unreliable, said.
The Wizard King appeared on the hall's stage; the announcement began. The Wizard King's popularity was unmatched; the crowd cheered upon his appearance.
"I'll announce the rankings; the King will also give a speech afterward."
"Wizard King! Wizard King! Wizard King!"
The crowd seemed to ignore the King's speech, cheering for the one protecting them.
Julius continued, "As you know, the Clover Kingdom faces attacks from the Diamond and Spade Kingdoms and the Eye of the Midnight Sun. We've fought relentlessly; the capital was attacked; there were casualties. I considered canceling the Star Fruit Festival.
But some bravely fought; this celebration honors those heroes. Let's call upon our nine Magic Knight Captains!"
Amidst the cheers, the Captains appeared on stage. To avoid drawing attention to the two absent Captains, Julius quickly announced, "Let's announce the rankings! First place… Golden Dawn! They earned 125 stars, surpassing last year's 96!"
A magical screen displayed their achievements, showing the Golden Dawn's activity. No one was surprised; the Golden Dawn was the strongest squad, but 125 stars was impressive, largely due to the Eye of the Midnight Sun, which provided many opportunities to earn stars.
"The Golden Dawn excelled; let's welcome their most outstanding member!"
A figure emerged, revealing a cool, handsome face.
"Yuno, the highly anticipated newcomer who tamed the wind elf, Sylph!"
Yuno's appearance and skills made him a perfect choice for this spotlight.
Julius continued, "Next, second place…!"
The audience discussed two likely candidates: the Crimson Lion Kings, or the Silver Eagle, potentially surpassing the Crimson Lion Kings with Captain Fuegoleon incapacitated.
Julius announced the results. The screen displayed an unexpected name.
"Black Bulls! 101 stars!"
"What?!"
The audience and the Black Bulls were shocked.
Drake facepalmed. The Black Bulls' carelessness was excessive! Didn't anyone notice the Black Bulls' display board was empty, with the star count rising steadily? Even Yami seemed oblivious. Didn't he collect the stars?
Drake frowned; after the Black Bulls' name appeared, the audience's surprise turned to criticism. Considering the Black Bulls' past behavior, Drake sighed—they deserved it.
Many still supported the Black Bulls; their 101 stars weren't fake. Their activities were witnessed by many; they had helped many people.
Julius said, "Your surprise is understandable; the Black Bulls had a record-breaking negative fifty stars last year. But this year is different; they've made remarkable progress. Their most outstanding member… unfortunately, even the Captain isn't here! Is anyone from the Black Bulls here?"
Yami, having changed out of his ridiculous outfit, grabbed Asta's cloak and lifted him.
"They're calling you, kid!" He threw Asta onto the stage, placing him opposite Yuno.
Two rising stars would shine tonight!
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