A few days later, just hours before the festival, the newly restored throne room gleamed with polished marble and banners rippling in the morning light.
Princess Lumielle and Prince Reneal stood on either side of the king, their postures stiff with formality but their eyes gleaming with excitement.
Courtiers who had remained loyal to the crown filled the hall. High Justiciar Hadrian Vexford, in particular, inclined his head toward the royal family, relieved that they had all survived the seemingly endless nightmare. Beside him, Archminister Lucien couldn't suppress his delighted smile.
Alongside the executive members of the Luminous Knights were the Court Mages, their robes a swirl of arcane sigils. Elyndra Everhart beamed at Lumielle, evidently grateful the princess had succeeded in her endeavors.
Daisuke knelt before the king, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. King Vaelmir studied him for a moment, then raised his ceremonial sword.
"Haxks Starfrost," the king intoned, his voice echoing in the vaulted chamber, "for your valor, cunning, and unwavering resolve in protecting our realm from the threat of the Mhaledictus, I hereby knight you."
A hush fell over the room as Vaelmir tapped the flat of the sword against the hero's shoulders, first one, then the other. Daisuke rose, feeling the heavy pride of recognition settle in his chest.
"Your efforts have saved countless lives," the king continued, turning to the assembly. "But let us not forget—each of you played a part, no matter how small, in safeguarding our kingdom. You all share in this triumph."
Applause erupted, the sound reverberating off the stone walls. Daisuke's chest swelled, but then his eyes flicked down to a small notification hovering beside him.
DING!
[The quest «Unprecedented Crisis in Lunarel» has been completed!]
[Unprecedented Crisis in Lunarel]
[Quest Difficulty: Unknown
In a moment of vulnerability, the seeds of deception took root in the kingdom of Lunarel, growing unnoticed until the tendrils of corruption began to weave their way through the heart of the realm. As the roots deepened and spread, tainting all they touched, the royal capital now stands on the precipice, facing a threat unlike any it has ever known.
Clear Conditions: Powerful forces are orchestrating a sinister plot within the royal court, spreading deceit among the nobles. Support Lumielle and her allies in uncovering the truth and dismantling the schemes of the hidden masterminds.
Rewards:
▪︎ Unlock Dignity Stat
▪︎ Fame +5000
▪︎ EXP +450,000
▪︎ Spellbook
▪︎ 50,000 Gold
Quest Failure:
▪︎ The death of King Ainsworth
▪︎ Princess Lumielle forced into a political marriage
▪︎ The future of Lunarel and its citizens plunged into turmoil]
DING!
[5000 Fame have been acquired.]
[450,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]
[Level Up!]
[The Dignity stat has been unlocked.]
[The title «Knighthood» has been acquired.]
[Spellbook has been acquired.]
[10 platinum has been acquired.]
Daisuke squinted at the rewards. Ten platinum. Huh?
A frown tugged at his lips. Not fifty thousand gold coins?
Lumielle approached ceremoniously and pressed a light kiss to one cheek, and then the other. "You look displeased," she whispered, jade green eyes twinkling with amusement.
"You mean about this highway robbery?" he murmured petulantly while flashing one of the coins for her to see. "Of course, I'm displeased."
Lumielle giggled merrily. "Haxks, ten platinum coins are actually… equivalent to a hundred thousand gold coins. Platinum coins are just… convenient for large transactions—they keep you from carrying too much."
Daisuke's frown softened as he blinked at her explanation. "I… see." A small smirk tugged at his lips. So they overdeliver and I still complain. Typical.
Before he could muse further, the king lowered his voice so only Daisuke could hear. "Stay," Vaelmir said, leaning forward. "Become the second general among my knights. You've earned it." His expression shifted, faint humor dancing in his eyes. "And if that is not enough… I would even allow you to marry Lumielle."
Both Lumielle and Reneal—who had approached to offer a congratulatory handshake—faces flushed crimson. Lumielle's lips parted slightly, a faint gasp escaping. Reneal's fists clenched at his sides, jaw tight with surprise.
Theo might have described this as an awkward pause stretched to eternity, but Daisuke simply arched an eyebrow. "Your Majesty, I appreciate the offer, but I have a goal I must accomplish. And… after ruffling the Mhaledictus's feathers, I'm pretty sure they won't let me rest. I think it's imperative that I lead them away from the city."
Vaelmir's brow furrowed. "All the more reason to stay and help protect us while we rebuild. The kingdom still needs your strength, and we will lend you ours in return."
Daisuke shook his head, expression firm but not unkind. "Tempting, but I have others that I also need to protect… promises that I need to keep. Besides," the glanced up at the prince with a grin. "The city has Reneal. He's recently unlocked a significant amount of power. Along with the knights and court mages, he'll be more than enough to hold the line."
Butterscotch eyes gleamed as he shifted his gaze toward his fingers curling into a tight fist. "I need to become stronger myself. That's the only way I can ensure everyone—including this kingdom—will be safe in the long run."
Lumielle's gaze softened, pride and worry mingling in her eyes as Daisuke's profile blurred into that of Sophia's for a fleeting moment. "Then… we'll wait for you," she said quietly, stepping back and offering a gentle nod.
Reneal's eyes glimmered with determination. "We'll handle what we can here. Just… don't hesitate to reach out if you're ever in dire need of help."
Daisuke's lips curved into a faint, confident smirk. "Thank you."
The king rested a hand briefly on his shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of trust and respect. "Go, then. Build your power and honor your promises. Look after yourself … and return safely."
Daisuke nodded firmly, feeling the weight of duty and promise settle on his shoulders, heavier than any armor, yet lighter than any fear.
***
The central plaza bloomed to life beneath the hush of twilight. Paper lanterns crisscrossed overhead, their warm glow swaying gently as laughter and music drifted through the air.
Makeshift stalls lined the stone paths, each draped in floral garlands and hand-painted banners. The scent of roasted meat, sweet pastries, and spiced drinks mingled together, pulling people along like an invisible current.
Daisuke paused at the edge of the crowd, arms crossed, taking it all in, wishing April and the others were with him. So this is what peace looks like, he thought wistfully, though his eyes never stopped moving.
At the heart of the plaza, the children from Twinkle Orphanage were impossible to miss, especially with Mia leading the charge.
Taking Daisuke's suggestion to heart, they had set up a booth to showcase the blacksmith's wares—and then enthusiastically took it a step further. The young elves and girls were decked out in charming maid outfits, trimmed with lace and ribbons, their smiles dazzling, practiced, and dangerously persuasive.
Even Ryo and Leo had surrendered to fate, shamelessly parading around in matching outfits with exaggerated bows and dramatic flourishes, sending the crowd into delighted fits of laughter.
"Freshly forged dreams and sharper tomorrows!" Leo announced with theatrical flair, spinning a sign so flashy it nearly blinded passersby.
LR—a member of the Slum Sprites—hugged his belly and laughed. "Those two will never live this down, will they?"
"Nope," Daisuke muttered with a smirk as he passed.
The booth itself was stacked with polished equipment, gleaming under manalamp light. Bold lettering advertised Tiphanna's blacksmithing, a name that had gone unnoticed for far too long while she'd been risking everything to save her kin.
Sister Aeliana and Valerie stood at the front, each holding platters of exotic finger foods Daisuke had prepared himself. Their presence alone drew attention—Valerie's gentle warmth and Aeliana's shy smiles contrasted sharply with their… undeniable figures, which did not go unnoticed.
"Try the honey-glazed skewers!" Valerie called, her voice calm but inviting.
Aeliana hesitated, then added softly, "They're… really good."
People didn't need much convincing.
Behind them, Tiphanna worked at a makeshift forge, sleeves rolled up, muscles flexing with every clean strike of her hammer.
Sparks danced in the air. Sweat traced lines down her silky skin, her sleek hair flicking back as she moved. Each blow rang out like a heartbeat, drawing eyes whether people meant to stare or not.
Josephine stood nearby, energetically trying on different pieces of armor and weapons, spinning and posing dramatically. "Lightweight, durable, and stylish!" she declared, striking a pose that sent another wave of customers surging forward.
Tiphanna glanced up mid-swing, scowling. "Stop selling it better than me!"
Josephine grinned. "Can't help it."
The crowd roared with laughter.
At the center of it all, an elevated platform had been erected near the fountain. Princess Lumielle stood upon it, her dress shimmering. She held a microphone, her expression radiant as she surveyed the plaza.
"Thank you all for coming tonight," she said, her voice carrying effortlessly. "This festival is a celebration—not just of survival, but of unity. Please, eat well, laugh freely, and enjoy yourselves."
Cheers answered her.
Ribbit shot food from his mouth like deadly projectiles as he tried to cheer the princess on. Garrett karate-chopped him in the neck while Brek scolded them both.
Lumielle turned slightly and smiled. "And now… someone I believe you all wish to hear from."
Daisuke stepped forward as Lumielle gestured him up. The noise softened, curiosity replacing celebration as he took the microphone. He scanned the crowd once—faces eager, hopeful—and began.
"After we drove back the evil that threatened our great city," he began steadily, "I didn't feel triumph—nor even a drop of fulfillment. Victory was… quiet. Hollow.
But when the festival began, and I saw your smiles, heard your laughter, watched families gather without fear, I finally understood the weight of what we achieved.
This wasn't a victory won by a single sword or a lone warrior," he continued. "We prevailed because people stood together. Because when it would've been easier to flee, you chose to stay. You chose to fight. And that resolve—that unity—is what truly saved this city."
He summoned his greatsword and raised it high. The massive blade caught the light, green electricity crackling along its length as though it were alive.
"Lyndoria fearlessly shielded me at the most critical moment on the battlefield," he said, gesturing toward her. "And Tiphanna forged this very weapon—the one that brought down the monster threatening our city. She personally brought it to me without any guarantee that she would survive long enough to see the end of the fight."
Murmurs spread through the crowd, quickly turning into applause.
"And everyone else?" Daisuke continued. "Soldiers. Mages. Craftsmen. Orphans. You mattered. Every small act added up. That's why we're standing here tonight."
He lowered the blade and gestured again toward the booth. "If you want to show your support, go visit Tiphanna's forge. Trust me—you won't regret it."
The reaction was immediate.
"Did you see that sword?!"
"I want one just like it!"
"Do you think she takes commissions?!"
Daisuke stepped back, allowing the noise to swell, his mouth curving into a faint smile—one that quickly faded.
Even amid the merriment, he saw them.
Players. NPC mercenaries. Scattered throughout the crowd, watching him like a hawk, waiting for an opportunity to either kidnap or strike him down.
But they couldn't intervene as the event was designated as a rare safe zone. In addition, the Luminous Knights patrolled openly, hands resting near their hilts. The last thing the predators wanted to do was stir a nest that had just recently been disturbed.
Not tonight, Daisuke thought coldly. You'll have to wait.
"By the way," he said leaning in toward Lumielle, "I get that the king needs rest, but why haven't I seen Reneal at all?"
The princess held his steady gaze, secretly disappointed that the accessory allowing him to transform into a woman had lost its functionality.
"Umm," she murmured, tentatively scratching at the color that crept across her cheek. "My brother is busy organizing an expedition to visit Sinister Granny in the Mammothgrove Forest."
Daisuke raised a brow, baffled. "Huh? Why the heck would he want to visit that crazy old bat?"
Lumielle glanced upward, mischief dancing in her eyes. "He wants to…. commission a method to turn you into Sophia permanently."
Daisuke froze. "…I'm going to pretend I never heard that."
He turned, then she shyly pinched his cloak.
"Haxks."
Tears pooled in her eyes as she reminisced about the first time they met, and the extraordinary adventure they had overcome together. "Thank you so much for everything. Thanks for saving my family and protecting my home. Thanks for rescuing me from my grief. Thanks for making me stronger. You're… my hero."
Daisuke offered her a sidelong glance, a warmth softening the edges of his usual resolve. "Take care of yourself, Princess."
She met his eye—just for a moment—and nodded.
As he turned and began descending the steps of the platform, the first note left her lips. It was soft at first, trembling like breath against glass.
Lumielle's dress shimmered, the fabric unraveling into layers of pale radiance, as though moonlight had learned how to cling to silk. Threads of light spilled outward, drifting through the plaza like pixie dust caught in a gentle tide.
Conversations hushed. Lantern flames leaned toward her. Even the wind seemed to listen. Her voice carried—not loud, but deep, threaded with ache and devotion.
If words could hold the weight of parting,
If hands could keep the dawn from breaking,
I would gather every promise left unspoken,
And send them with you into the night…
At the foot of the stairs, Lyndoria leaned against a post festooned with ribbons and bells. She straightened when she saw him approach.
"Haxks Starfrost," she said, composed as ever—though the faint bloom of color in her cheeks betrayed her. "You kept your promise. You brought her back to me."
She bowed her head. "Thank you. May your travels be filled with all that you seek… and more."
Daisuke inclined his head in return. "Protect her this time," he said quietly.
"I intend to."
Above them, Lumielle's song swelled, her steps light as she turned across the platform, arms lifting as if embracing the entire square.
Even if the road steals you from my sight,
Even if the stars pull you far from home,
Know that every step you take is echoed here,
In hearts that will not let you walk alone…
A sudden weight hit his waist.
"Master!"
Mina clung to him, sobbing openly. Ryo and Leo barreled in from either side, followed closely by Alia and Theo, their faces already streaked with tears.
"Do you have to go?" Mina cried.
"Can't we come with you?" Ryo asked, voice cracking.
"Please don't go!" Leo pleaded. "Don't leave us behind!"
Daisuke crouched, steady hands resting atop their heads. His smile didn't waver, but his chest ached. "It's safer if you stay here," he said gently. "This is your home. And I promise—I'll be back. I'm going to find Fay… and when I do, I'll bring her home with me."
Their eyes shone, hope wrestling grief.
Behind them, Brek crossed his arms and snorted. "We'll hold down the fort," he said gruffly.
"You can count on it," Garrett added with a grin.
The rest of the Slum Sprites nodded in fierce agreement.
Daisuke rose and turned to Mia. "I think I'm close," he said softly. "Once I return, we'll go get April and the others. No one gets left behind."
"Hn!" Mia nodded hard, scrubbing at her eyes.
Cheers and sniffles rippled through the group.
From somewhere behind the children, Aeliana murmured a thick, slurred, "Thank you…"
Valerie bowed deeply, hands folded, eyes shining.
Lumielle's voice wavered—but she caught it, pouring the tremor into the melody instead.
Love is not the chain that binds us here,
Nor the fear of loss that makes us stay,
It is the strength to let each other go,
Trusting we will meet again someday…
Tiphanna stepped forward, not hesitating. She rose on her toes and pressed a kiss to Daisuke's cheek. "Words aren't enough," she said, eyes bright. "For rescuing the children. For honoring my father's work. For seeing what I couldn't."
Josephine and the elven children bowed in unison behind her.
"You gave the forge its fire again," Tiphanna continued. "I won't waste it."
Daisuke grinned. "It's your legacy. Carry it proudly."
She nodded, tears finally slipping free.
As he turned to go, voices rose behind him—shouted goodbyes, blessings, laughter tangled with grief. Midnight sprang up onto his shoulders, tail flicking, eyes gleaming as if committing every face to memory.
"Look after them for me," Daisuke murmured as he passed Leopold, who leaned quietly against a tree.
"…Until we meet again," the man replied.
Above it all, Lumielle sang on, tears shimmering but unfallen, her voice steady through sheer will.
So go—carry our hopes beyond the horizon,
Walk paths we cannot yet see,
For even when the world feels unbearably vast,
You will always carry us with thee.
The final note lingered, trembling in the air long after her lips closed. And as Daisuke disappeared down the lantern-lit road, the light she cast followed him—faint, unwavering, and warm enough to last the journey.