Chapter 343: Evil God Subjugation — End (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 343: Evil God Subjugation — End (2)
Not long ago, I helped the eight-star magic beasts lingering near the First Campus reclaim their freedom.
They were the ones whose cooperation I had sought before the 「Evil God Subjugation」.
They had been bound by the final decrees left by the Primordial Elemental Kings, which stated they could only obey someone who wielded an ultimate weapon and possessed the strength to defeat them.
However, once they discovered that the Evil God had been annihilated, the messages left by the Primordial Elemental Kings lost their power. There was no longer any reason for them to remain.
And so, they departed, carrying their ultimate weapons as they set off in search of new homes.
*
Märchen Academy had officially entered winter break.
Yet, for some reason, the students didn't return to their hometowns. Instead, they stayed behind on the academy’s second campus.
A massive barrier shielded the grounds from the biting winter chill, and the campus was transformed by splendid decorations, beautiful music, and the alluring scent of gourmet food.
Every corner of the academy had become a party venue. With the influx of visitors, the vast campus was bustling with life.
The Kingdom of Zelver was hosting a grand festival centered around Märchen Academy to commemorate the victory of the Evil God Subjugation Force. The festivities hadn't begun immediately after the battle; they had been delayed until now, as everyone waited for my return.
If I hadn't come back, or if my death had been confirmed, this wouldn't have been a festival—it would have been a grand funeral.
In any case, everything worked out for the best.
Even Horan and the kingdoms of the Elemental Kings spared no expense in their support. Using [Clairvoyance] to peer across the world, I saw that every corner of the map was filled with a festive atmosphere. Even in Düpfendorf, a celebration was underway; I had just returned from there yesterday.
Today, as a prospective graduate of Märchen Academy, I wanted to enjoy the festival with the people I knew best.
“Cheers!”
“Drink! Drink up!”
Under the tranquil night sky, I wandered among the students as they partied, glasses in hand.
Hardly anyone approached me just to curry favor. It was common knowledge that no matter how much they tried to sweet-talk me, they couldn't hide their true thoughts from my gaze. Thanks to that, I was free to sweep through the food stalls without a care in the world.
Moreover, for the first time since my transmigration, I took a sip of alcohol.
It had a subtle sweetness followed by a slight astringency. The taste was close to wine. While it wasn't the most delicious thing I'd ever drank, I really liked its rich aroma and how smoothly it went down.
“President, how does your first taste of alcohol suit you?”
“I like it,” I replied with a smile to Dorothy, who was walking beside me.
“Say ‘Ah,’ Baby.”
Alice, walking on my other side, offered me a meat skewer dripping with savory juices.
I took it in one bite. The burst of flavor was incredibly satisfying.
Dorothy glared daggers at Alice, and the two locked eyes in a fierce staring contest. As always, Alice responded with an unruffled, playful smile.
At first, I had been enjoying a private date with Dorothy. Then Alice, who had been busy with the student council, joined us, leading to our current situation.
Meanwhile, Kaya was spending the festival with her parents, Luce was discussing career matters with the top-ranked Tower Masters, and White was with Emperor Carlos. They all mentioned they planned to catch up with me later.
I’m not getting drunk at all.
I had been expecting a pleasant buzz, but no matter how much I drank, I didn't feel the slightest bit intoxicated.
I wondered if I had accidentally grabbed a non-alcoholic drink, but that wasn't it. It was simply an issue with my body. Apparently, I had become so powerful that ordinary alcohol couldn't affect me.
“Huh?”
Suddenly, a specific event venue caught my eye.
Amidst a gathering of students and guests, a second-year girl was shouting energetically, “Step right up! Who is the academy's best drinker? The Märchen Academy ‘Drinking Contest’ is about to begin! We’re looking for participants!”
I signed up immediately.
*
“Kyaa!”
I hoisted the keg and chugged several deep gulps of the crisp, refreshing liquor.
I finally felt a slight buzz. At last, some satisfaction.
By now, all the other participants had long since passed out. Because I had joined the contest, a massive crowd of spectators had gathered to watch.
“What an overwhelming capacity! The contest is over! First place goes to our hero, Senior Isaac! Let’s give him a big round of applause!”
Since I was wearing my uniform, the junior host addressed me as a senior. I was grateful she treated me like a fellow student; it made it easier to just have fun.
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, the awards ceremony proceeded. The prize was a voucher for a pub established within the academy for the duration of the festival. It was being run by a renowned chef from the Zelver Kingdom, offering a rare chance to taste his world-class dishes.
I went there immediately and devoured a hearty meat dish.
Dorothy, Alice, and I chatted for a long time. It wasn't anything serious or constructive—just funny stories and lighthearted banter. We wandered through the amusement grounds, playing games and laughing until our cheeks hurt.
“President,” Dorothy said as we walked through the festive streets.
“Ah.”
I checked the clock tower. It was the time Dorothy had mentioned earlier.
“You said you had something important to do, right?”
“That’s right. It’s something very important,” Dorothy answered solemnly.
She had mentioned earlier that she needed to go somewhere. She wouldn't reveal why, but it didn't seem like anything dangerous.
“See you later, Baby.”
Alice was the same. The two of them actually walked off together.
I finished the drink in my hand and waved them off. I still couldn't read their intentions. What could possibly compel those two, who usually didn't get along, to head off together? I had no idea.
I was supposed to meet them again in about three hours. The meeting place was the Iris Accommodation, a luxury lodging set up in the academy’s shopping district. Dorothy had warned me not to use [Clairvoyance] to peek, or I’d spoil the surprise. I couldn't tell if they were preparing an event for me or if it was something else entirely.
*
Well, I plan to stay up all night anyway.
Spending three hours wandering alone wouldn't be bad. It had its own charm.
I roamed the academy, savoring the pleasant buzz. Using [Clairvoyance], I glanced at the rooftops of various buildings. I saw pairs of lovers creating romantic atmospheres and couples lost in affectionate displays.
I climbed up to an empty rooftop and leaned against the railing. Despite the late hour, the campus was still brilliantly illuminated, vibrating with the energy of the festival. While it was a bit of a shame the barrier blocked out the cold winter wind, the serene atmosphere was pleasant in its own way.
“…”
My journey had finally come to an end.
I had uncovered the secrets of the world and successfully defeated the Evil God. Having laid down that heavy burden, I found joy in the simplest things.
It hadn't been like this immediately after returning to this world through Alice’s gate. At first, not knowing what to do with myself, I did nothing but exercise. Because I had been training constantly for so long, forcing myself to rest had made me feel strangely anxious.
Fortunately, I was finally able to enjoy some leisure time. The freedom that came with completing my task brought immense satisfaction.
“Isaac.”
Suddenly, a male student’s voice called out from the rooftop entrance. I had already noticed him following me.
“Why did you follow me?”
“Ah, you caught me?”
I turned around to see Ian Fairytale. He had styled his hair up and was fully dressed for the occasion. Holding a glass of alcohol, he approached me with an awkward smile.
“Why are you alone? Where are your women?”
“They’re all busy.”
“Being alone on a night like this? How did you end up in this state?”
“I know, right?”
Ian stopped beside me, a playful smirk on his face. Earlier, I had seen him out with Amy Halloway. They were an official couple, after all.
As the Child of Light, Ian had been recognized for his contributions in finishing off the Evil God’s minions and the Evil God herself. Because of that, I heard he was soon to be granted a high-ranking noble title. His path as a Magic Knight was guaranteed to be smooth and prosperous.
The future of Magic Knight Ian I had seen in the ending of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ was all but certain to become reality.
We gazed out at the academy scenery, vibrant and glowing.
“…When we crossed over to the other dimension and you saved me,” Ian began, his voice dropping. “Even after returning, I couldn't feel happy. Even though we won the war, I felt… defeated, somehow.”
“Were you blaming yourself?”
“I can't deny that.” Ian smiled faintly. “Isaac, thank you for coming back. And truly, thank you for all your hard work.”
“You too. You worked hard.”
Ian extended his fist, and we shared a soft fist bump.
“By the way, can I ask you something?”
“Yeah?”
“Was passing out always your specialty?”
Since the Evil God issue was resolved, I figured I might as well ask.
“Haha, the way you put it makes me feel a bit embarrassed…” Ian scratched his cheek and let out an awkward laugh. Well, it wasn't like he had been fainting on purpose.
“Since I aspire to be a Magic Knight, I’ve been training in both swordsmanship and magic. Because of that, I think I was stuck being neither one nor the other. But I’ll get better over time.”
“I see.” It was the kind of answer I expected, so I let it slide.
“…But are you really going to marry all five of them?”
“The five?”
“Kaya, Luce, Senior Dorothy, Senior Alice, and Princess Snow White.”
The first four were a given. I was determined to marry them and build the harem kingdom I had always dreamed of.
No… since I hold the position of Emperor, let’s call it a harem empire.
However, there was still some uncertainty regarding White.
I know she likes me.
White had feelings for me as a man. Unlike the others, who were more assertive, she simply hadn't expressed her feelings openly. But with my [Psychological Insight], it was impossible to hide the truth from me.
The most important thing was my own feelings.
Do I have feelings for White?
…I can’t deny it.
She’s just too adorable.
The White I had come to know during my time as her mentor was unbearably precious. It would be a lie to say I wasn't smitten.
I’m certain. I like White, too.
In the end, my answer was clear.
“Absolutely. I’m not giving up on a single one of them.”
“Haha! You’re certainly resolute.”
“Are you going to marry Amy?”
“Actually… I already proposed.”
“Oh, really? When? How?”
Now that’s interesting.
“Well, you see…”
Ian began to recount the story with pride. And so, I spent the night talking with the protagonist of the game I had played for years. At some point, Amy joined us, and we laughed and chatted for quite a while.
*
Slam!
“Attention! The battle for the position of legal wife begins now!!”
Dorothy Heartnova slammed her hands onto the table, shouting in a confident voice.
Seated around the table were Kaya Astrea, Luce Eltania, Alice Carroll, and even Snow White.