Chapter 3: Holy Night Festival—Noel

Dawn broke.

December 24th, Gram Month, Luvaphos Holy Calendar 1853.

That day was special, not only for the citizens of the Alzano Empire but for the people of the St. Elizares Church-affiliated nations across the North Selford Continent.

“…Holy Night Festival, Noel?”

Early in the morning, on the usual path to school, the moment Glenn faced Sistine, she brought up the topic, prompting him to let out a dumbfounded exclamation.

December 24th, Gram Month, is the day of an annual celebration known as the Holy Night Festival—Noel.

The 25th marks the birth of Liel Elzares, the supreme saint and child of God in the St. Elizares Church, and the eve is celebrated as “the holy night when the child of God descends”—such is its religious significance.

Originally, the religious ceremony involves gathering at the church that night for a solemn mass, including scripture readings and hymn singing. However, it’s more common for people to spend the evening hosting lively parties with family and friends, celebrating joyously.

“So what’s the deal with this Noel Festival?”

“I’m saying we should throw a party and celebrate it grandly. I’ve already talked to the students of Class Two and others about it.”

Sistine puffed out her chest proudly as she spoke.

But then, she let out a sigh, her expression suddenly downcast.

“To be honest… there’s something else I’d like to celebrate today… but for now…”

“Hm? Did you say something, White Cat?”

“Eek!? N-no, nothing at all! …Sigh…”

Sistine frantically waved her hands and shook her head in denial.

Rumia, chuckling softly, leaned in to whisper to her.

“…If it’s about your birthday, Sistie, I’m sure next year will be fine.” (whisper)

“W-what!? Rumia, what are you—!?”

“…?”

Glenn could only tilt his head at Sistine’s sudden outburst.

“A-anyway, let’s put that aside!”

Ahem. Sistine, her face slightly flushed, cleared her throat and continued.

“Of course, we’re planning a small, intimate party just for us. What do you think?”

“Yeah, Glenn, let’s have a party. They say there’ll be lots of strawberry tarts, too.”

“Haaah!”

Facing the three girls, Glenn let out an exaggerated sigh.

“You guys, do you even understand the situation? This isn’t the time to be throwing parties all carefree-like, is it? You could learn a thing or two from me.”

Glenn pulled something from his pocket.

It was a flintlock pistol, a single-shot, front-loading gun that radiated an odd magical aura. Engraved on its grip were the words, “May thou be the upright Fool.”

“Huh? That gun…?”

“The magic gun《Queen Killer》… I brought it back from the world of Alicia III’s memoirs. For some reason, it didn’t vanish. Probably a gift from Alicia III to me.”

Glenn hooked his finger through the trigger guard, spinning the gun skillfully before pointing the muzzle forward with a snap.

“Its functions and usage were unclear, so I couldn’t use it until now, but last night, I finished analyzing its magic. This thing’s incredible, you know? It’ll definitely be useful in the battles to come. And that’s not all…”

Glenn reached into his pocket again, pulling out a handful of something with a clinking sound and thrusting it toward the girls.

In his palm lay a dozen or so crystal fragments.

“Th-these are…!”

Sistine’s eyes widened as she stared at them.

“Yup, the good ol’《Hollow Stones》. The activation catalyst for Glenn Radars, Super Teacher Extraordinaire’s ultimate technique,《Extinction Ray》.”

Glenn puffed out his chest with a smug grin.

“I stayed up all night—well, I made Celica stay up all night making these catalysts. Heh, she seemed like she had nothing better to do.”

“…!”

At that moment, Sistine and Rumia’s expressions wavered slightly, but Glenn didn’t notice.

“Get it? I’m steadily preparing for the decisive battle ahead. Instead of getting all hyped up about some Noel Festival party, don’t you think you should get serious? Man, I’m sounding like such a teacher right now…!”

Glenn continued to act like his usual, over-the-top self.

“Besides, sorry to disappoint, but I’ve got plans tonight to discuss strategy with Eve. If we use my abilities well… who knows, we might even be able to assassinate Eleanor or someone. So if you want to throw a party, you students can do it without me.”

But then.

“…Assassination… To think you’d say such a word in front of us… As expected…”

Sistine lowered her eyes sadly, muttering under her breath.

“…Hm? Did you say something, White Cat?”

When Glenn asked, she didn’t respond.

“It’s exactly because of times like these, Sensei.”

Instead, Rumia spoke up calmly.

“It’s exactly because of times like these that we want to gather and have a party. Because… we don’t know if we’ll be able to do it next year.”

Glenn couldn’t find words to respond to Rumia’s statement.

“Don’t worry, Sensei!”

Sistine clapped Glenn’s back lightly and spoke up.

“We’re not throwing this party with any negative feelings! It’s the opposite!”

“The opposite?”

“Yes. We’re throwing this party to renew our resolve to gather together again next year, no matter what. It’s a rallying cry to lift our spirits and go all out!”

“Sistie’s right. Everyone in Class Two feels the same way.”

“Yeah, Glenn, let’s eat strawberry tarts together at the party.”

Re=L, with her usual sleepy, unreadable expression, stared at Glenn.

Feeling the weight of their expectant gazes, Glenn sighed and scratched his head.

“Haaah… Man, how do you guys even get in the mood for this? Is that what youth is? Fine, if you’re that insistent, I’ll tag along.”

“Really? Hehe, that’s great!”

Rumia clapped her hands together, beaming with joy.

“Well, even if you refused, we were gonna drag you along anyway!”

Sistine, blushing slightly, turned away and ran a hand through her hair.

“Good. I’m looking forward to it.”

To the three girls, Glenn declared firmly:

“Just so we’re clear, I’m only showing up, got it? All the crazy partying is on you guys. Understood?”

“Time to stock up on food, baby!”

That night.

Glenn’s boisterous voice echoed through the student cafeteria at Alzano Imperial Magic Academy.

“Whoa!? I didn’t expect this much food to be prepared! I’ve gotta take this chance to load up on nutrients!”

Glenn shouted as he piled a mountain of food onto his oversized plate from the table laden with dishes.

“What’s with him? He’s the one having the most fun…”

“Now, now.”

“Mhm.”

Sistine shot Glenn a half-lidded glare, Rumia tried to calm her, and Re=L nibbled on a strawberry tart while watching him.

The corner of the student cafeteria had transformed into something entirely different from its usual atmosphere.

In true Noel Festival fashion, the room was adorned with garlands, wreaths, star-shaped decorations, stockings, bells, and candies, all sparkling vibrantly. In one corner stood a Noel tree—a fir tree sourced from who-knows-where—decked out with colorful ornaments and lit with brightly burning candles.

The table everyone gathered around was laden with classic Noel Festival dishes: roast turkey, salmon, meat pies, roasted vegetables, oysters, pudding, cheese, and more, all glimmering under the light of the candelabra on the table.

At Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, this time of year typically saw frequent Noel Festival parties held by various classes and clubs.

The student cafeteria was a popular venue for such events.

However, this year, hardly any groups were hosting parties. In this cafeteria, Glenn’s group was the only one celebrating.

“…Even so, quite a few people showed up, didn’t they?”

Sistine remarked as she glanced around.

Almost all of Glenn’s Class Two students were in attendance.

Jaill and Heinkel, who had fought alongside them at the Magic Festival, and even Rize, who should’ve been busy managing the student corps, had shown up after being invited.

Naturally, Colette, Francine, and Ginny from St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy, as well as Levin and Ellen from Kleitos Magic Academy, were there as well.

“Hehe… hehe, this is fun, Re=L… Spending the Noel Festival with you… hehe…”

“…Elsa? You’re kind of close. It’s hard to eat my strawberry tart.”

In a slightly separated spot, Elsa was eating with Re=L. Their proximity felt a bit too close for comfort, but it was probably just an imagination.

Taking in the scene, Sistine let out a sigh.

“Even during peacetime, the Noel Festival parties at the academy don’t usually get this big. Honestly, I didn’t expect so many people to show up.”

“That just shows how much everyone cares about Sensei.”

Rumia smiled warmly at Sistine, who blinked in surprise.

Indeed, when Sistine had first proposed the idea to the students, some had been reluctant, questioning the need for a party in such times.

But the moment Sistine explained the “true purpose” of this Noel Festival party, everyone agreed to join without hesitation.

“That good-for-nothing, huh…”

Sistine gazed at Glenn, who was engaged in a juice-drinking contest with Kash and the others, her expression unreadable.

At that moment.

“…I’m late. Looks like it’s already started.”

Clack. The sound of footsteps echoed as three new figures—two men and a woman—entered the cafeteria.

“Ehh!? Eve-san!? And even Bernard-san and Christoph-san!?”

Sistine gasped in shock.

“…What’s with that face? I said I might show up if I finished my work and felt like it, didn’t I?”

Eve crossed her arms, huffing and turning away with a scowl.

“Kukakaka! She says that, but Eve-chan was tearing through her work with terrifying intensity today—Oof!? M-my ribs!?”

Eve’s elbow landed a perfect strike into the smirking Bernard’s side.

“Sistine-san, thank you for inviting me to the party tonight. It’s been a while since my officer candidate school days, so I’m quite excited.”

Sistine could only stare in stunned silence at the unexpected arrival of people she’d invited but assumed would be too busy to attend.

“Everyone feels the same way you do. After all, Senpai tends to take everything on himself.”

“Al’s tied up with that major surgery right now, so he couldn’t make it, but he sent a message: ‘Take care of Glenn.’”

“…Albert-san…”

Even if it was secondhand, Sistine felt the weight of those words, her chest tightening with emotion.

“I’m not entirely sure what’s going on, but when I heard there was a party with my comrade and assistant as the guest of honor, how could I not attend?”

Out of nowhere, Fossil appeared, wine glass in his right hand, a plate of food in his left, already in full party mode.

“W-we didn’t even invite you…”

Sistine sighed, exasperated, shooting a half-lidded glare at Fossil, whom she’d deliberately left out to avoid complications.

“Now, now, Sistie. I’ll explain things to Fossil-sensei later.”

“Yeah… well, whatever. It’s a stroke of luck that so many people showed up.”

Sistine regained her composure, brushing her hair back.

Rumia whispered in her ear.

“I hope it gets through to him, Sistie.”

“Yeah…”

Looking over.

At the center of the venue, Glenn had started to play King’s Game with the boys from Class Two.

The girls from St. Lily joined in, and the atmosphere grew livelier by the moment.

Seeing this, everyone smiled.

The joyful time passed in the blink of an eye.

How much time had passed?

After the boisterous excitement settled, the atmosphere shifted to calm conversation.

“Oh, it’s snowing.”

At someone’s murmur, everyone turned to look at the windows facing the student cafeteria.

Outside the now-dark windows, faint glimmers of white fluttered down.

“…A White Noel, huh? That’s gotta be good luck.”

Glenn mumbled, gazing absently at the scene.

At that moment.

Bong… bong… The sound of the pillar clock in the cafeteria rang out.

A glance at the clock face showed it was the scheduled end time for the Noel Festival.

“Guess it’s about time to wrap up.”

“Yes, it seems so.”

Sistine responded to Glenn’s murmur.

“Alright, then, let’s kick off the final main event of the party!”

“Huh? Main event? Now?”

Ignoring Glenn’s puzzled tilt of his head, Sistine stepped forward in front of everyone.

“Here we go, everyone! Tonight is the Noel Festival! And what’s Noel without gifts from Santa Nicholas? So, we’ve prepared a special game for you all!”

As Sistine shouted with forced enthusiasm:

“Woo! We’ve been waiting for this!”

“About time!”

Kash and the other Class Two students cheered raucously.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Rumia—dressed in the iconic red outfit and hat of Santa Nicholas—and Re=L, in a reindeer costume, pushed a platform forward. On it sat—

“What’s that? A lottery machine?”

It was a toy that dispensed balls when the handle was turned.

Before a stunned Glenn, Rumia and Re=L began handing out strange slips of paper to all the party attendees.

“Here, Glenn.”

“Uh, thanks…?”

Glenn took the slip and saw it was a bingo card.

What’s this? As Glenn blinked in confusion:

“Let’s get this bingo tournament started!”

““““Woooooo!””””

The students erupted in cheers at Sistine’s call.

“…Huh? There was an event like this? Nobody told me.”

Glenn stared at the scene as if it were happening in another world.

Looking around, even the adults—Eve, Bernard, Fossil—were casually holding bingo cards, fully on board with the situation.

(What’s with this sense of being left out…)

As Glenn stood there dumbfounded, Sistine, full of energy, began explaining.

“The rules are simple! It’s a standard bingo game! But this is a special game hosted by Santa himself! There’s a prize for the winner!”

“Haha…”

Rumia, in her Santa outfit, stood behind the lottery machine platform, waving shyly.

On the platform, a small box wrapped in ribbon and red wrapping paper sat prominently.

That must be the prize for the event.

“But! This gift has a special magic cast on it!”

Sistine continued with enthusiasm.

“Yes, this gift box will produce the one thing the winner desires most… That’s the magical trick behind it! After all, it’s a present from Santa!”

(Huh? A magical gift…? What’s she going on about?)

Glenn stared at Sistine, dumbfounded by her claims.

“Now, let’s start the game! Is everyone ready!?”

““““Yeeeeeaaaaah!””””

The students roared with excitement for reasons Glenn couldn’t fathom.

He watched them with a wry smile.

(I don’t know what they’re up to, but… it sounds kinda fun. Guess I’ll play along.)

Curious about the “magical gift” Sistine mentioned, Glenn felt a spark of excitement as he readied his bingo card.

With everyone watching, Re=L spun the lottery machine, the balls clattering inside, and Rumia began calling out the numbers written on the balls that came out.

The game itself was an unremarkable, standard bingo game.

The crowd reacted with joy or disappointment to each number called, the excitement building quietly as the game progressed.

As the lottery machine spun more times, the holes on Glenn’s bingo card increased—one, two, three…

And then—

“Bingo!”

Glenn raised his card, a complete row of holes aligned, and declared his victory.

“Congratulations! The winner is Glenn-sensei!”

At Sistine’s announcement, applause and cheers erupted from the crowd.

“Yare yare.”

Feeling a touch of embarrassment, Glenn stepped forward.

“Then, the magical present belongs to Sensei!”

As Sistine declared this, Rumia handed Glenn the small gift box in question.

Sistine urged Glenn, who was gazing at the box with a curious expression.

“Come on, come on, please open it right here! I’m sure it contains something you’ve always wanted!”

“Yare yare, I don’t know what’s going on, but if it’s something boring, I won’t let it slide!”

With a wry smile, Glenn untied the ribbon on the box and peeled off the wrapping paper.

And when he opened the lid…

“—!?”

Glenn was utterly stunned by what was inside, left speechless.

It was something so unexpected.

“T-this is…!?”

With trembling hands, Glenn took the item out of the box.

It was—a pendant with a Red Magic Crystal.

The very pendant Glenn had given Celica long ago, the one he had smashed against the wall in a fit of passion.

And yet, the stone, which should have been split in two, was somehow whole again.

Confused, Glenn looked at Sistine.

To him, Sistine spoke.

“Sensei, we will absolutely not lose. Please don’t worry about us. So… please, go save the person most precious to you… Professor Arfonia. This is our Christmas present to you.”

“Wha—!?”

The sudden mention of Celica caught Glenn off guard.

He noticed then that everyone gathered was looking at him.

Their eyes were all gentle and calm.

“H-hey, what’s going on here!? What’s all this about!?”

As Glenn tried to grasp the truth, Sistine pulled something from her pocket and showed it to him.

It was… a letter from Celica to Glenn.

“W-wait, that’s…!?”

“I’m sorry, Sensei. Ever since we returned to Fejite, you’ve been acting so strange… Yesterday, Rumia, Re=L, and I went to talk to the professor.”

The three girls knew the keyword to enter the Arfonia residence.

“But when we got there, the professor was nowhere to be found… and we found this letter… and the broken pendant you once made for her, lying on the floor…”

“And then, we heard a bit from Nameless-san, who was there…”

“T-that guy, sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong…”

At Rumia’s words, Glenn scratched his head awkwardly.

With that, everything about this strange situation clicked into place.

In short, this entire Christmas party had been a setup from the start.

Everyone except Glenn was in on it.

The bingo game? With magic, manipulating the results was child’s play.

The pendant, now repaired, was likely thanks to Re=L’s alchemy. When Glenn glanced at her, she was practically radiating a “praise me” aura.

With a yare yare, Glenn shrugged and said,

“So, what? You all gathered here, schemed together, and threw this party just to tell me something so trivial? Man, you bunch of idle weirdos…”

“From the look of things, you really were planning to stay in Fejite for our sake, weren’t you?”

“…Obviously. You think I’d just ditch you all and run off?”

Glenn shrugged playfully and continued.

“Don’t worry. I’d never leave you guys behind… I’m your teacher, after all. As for… Celica, well, there’s nothing to be done… It’s just how it is…”

“No way that’s true! Don’t lie, Sensei!”

Surprisingly, it was Kash who raised his voice, cutting Glenn off.

“Saying it’s ‘just how it is’… You and the professor don’t have the kind of relationship you can just brush off like that!”

“Exactly!”

Wendy chimed in, agreeing with Kash.

“When we all went to investigate the ruins of the Taum Celestial Temple, we saw it! We saw how you two truly care for each other, like family!”

“The professor is supposed to be your one and only irreplaceable person…”

“So please… go save her… for your own sake, too…”

Cecil and Lynn joined in as well.

“Yeah, that’s right!”

“We’ll be fine, so don’t worry about us!”

Led by Kai and Rodd, the students of Class 2 began echoing similar sentiments.

“You idiots…”

Glenn faltered slightly at their words.

“What are you all going on about!? That’s naive! What’s coming is a real war! Sure, you’ve resolved to fight, and that’s admirable, but war isn’t some hero game! Stop getting carried away! If I’m not here by your side, what’s gonna happen to you!?”

“…!?”

“Besides, I’m done running! I once dreamed of being a ‘Mage of Justice’! But that dream shattered… I threw it all away and ran like a coward! Yet this place… this place accepted a worthless guy like me! This is my home!

So I’m not running anymore! I never want to feel that way again! This time, I’ll—!”

“You’re usually pretty logical, Sensei, but right now, what you’re saying doesn’t make much sense.”

Sistine cut off Glenn’s words.

“What do you mean by ‘running’?”

“…!?”

“You’re going to save the professor, right? I don’t think that’s the same as running.”

“Yeah, what Glenn’s saying is weird.”

At the girls’—Sistine, Rumia, and Re=L’s—pointed remarks, Glenn was at a loss for words.

“B-but… White Cat, Rumia, you’re in pretty much the same situation, aren’t you…? For me alone to prioritize my family in a situation like this…”

“Sure, Sistie’s parents and my sister aren’t problems we can solve right now. But… for you, Sensei, this is your only chance, isn’t it?”

“…!”

Glenn had no response to Rumia’s words.

And then, Sistine delivered the final push.

“Sensei, take another good look at that pendant. …Are you really okay with this? Are you truly fine with leaving things as they are?”

Though he knew he shouldn’t, Glenn couldn’t help but look at the pendant in his hand.

Instantly, vivid memories of Celica flooded his mind—her smiles, her tears, her countless expressions, and the days they spent together.

“I… I…!”

As Glenn writhed in agony, unsure of what to do, Bernard spoke up.

“Heh, you’re still dragging that old baggage, aren’t you? The fact that you once ran away from your old home… that you lost your place…”

Bernard gave Glenn’s shoulder a reassuring pat.

And Christoph added gently,

“It’s alright, senpai. Even if you leave this place temporarily to save someone precious to you… we’ll protect this home of yours.”

“Old man… Christoph…”

In that moment, Glenn vaguely realized what he’d been hesitating about.

Yes, he didn’t want to run. He didn’t want to lose his place again.

He’d finally found it—his home.

That’s why he wanted to protect it.

But Celica and this place were both equally irreplaceable to him.

That’s why he’d been so conflicted.

“Go, Sensei!”

“To save Professor Arfonia…!”

Sistine and Rumia’s words, almost like a scolding, struck Glenn’s heart.

“Don’t worry, Sensei! We’ve grown a lot too! And even if you’re not here… you’re still with us!”

Kash clapped Glenn on the back, his voice booming.

“Yes, because our strength… it’s the strength you gave us, Sensei.”

Wendy added, lending her support.

“Don’t worry about us, Sensei.”

“Yes, leave the rest to us.”

“…Yeah, so… Sensei…”

Cecil, Teresa, Lynn… and the other students of Class 2 echoed the same sentiment.

“I don’t really care? But… well, if you can bring back Celica Arfonia, the former strongest operative Number 21《The World》, her strategic value would be immeasurable. It’s tactically sound for you to go, so do whatever you want.”

Eve tossed her hair, speaking in her usual sharp tone.

“Even you, Eve… B-but, in a situation like this, losing even one fighter is bad, right…? Sure, I’m a third-rate weakling, but even someone like me…”

“If you’re worried about the loss of fighting strength, that’s unnecessary concern, Glenn-sensei.”

This time, it was Fossil who spoke, stepping forward to stand a few meters away from Glenn.

“Huh? Why’s that?”

“Because… I’ll stay in your place.”

The moment Fossil said this, his figure vanished from Glenn’s sight in an instant.

“!?”

Before Glenn realized it, Fossil was right in front of him, his fist pressed against Glenn’s face.

Glenn hadn’t reacted at all.

Unable to comprehend what had just happened, Glenn blinked in shock… Even seasoned mages like Eve, Bernard, and Christoph couldn’t hide their astonishment at Fossil’s razor-sharp technique.

“Get it? Frankly, I’m way stronger than you.”

Retracting his fist, Fossil declared bluntly.

“Honestly, I was planning to leave Fejite tomorrow to investigate the《Sealed Realm》alone. With the capital in chaos, now’s the perfect chance.

But I’ve changed my mind. Out of loyalty to you, my comrade and assistant, I’ll stay in Fejite. While you’re gone, I’ll protect your students in your place. …That makes us even.”

“F-Fossil, even you… B-but still…”

As Glenn continued to hesitate, the door to the student cafeteria opened, and a new figure appeared.

That person was…

“Hehe, good evening, Glenn. It’s a fine night, isn’t it?”

“Your Majesty!?”

The arrival of such an unexpected figure left nearly everyone present stunned and intimidated.

“I, too, have a request, Glenn.”

Alicia smiled gently at the bewildered Glenn.

“It’s true that Fejite is in a dire situation right now. We need every bit of strength we can get—especially from an exceptional mage like you.

But… I understand your feelings for your family… for Celica. I, too, could never weigh my country against my beloved daughters.”

Then, Alicia looked straight at Glenn and said solemnly,

“I’m asking you as well. Please, Glenn, save my friend Celica. If necessary… I will order you to do so as your queen.”

Glenn couldn’t believe it.

Overwhelmed by the people pushing him forward one after another, he could only stand there, dumbfounded.

“I-I don’t get it… Why…?”

Glenn muttered, looking around at everyone.

“…Why are you all going this far for someone like me…?”

Sistine smiled brightly and answered confidently.

“Huh? You don’t get it? It’s because, all this time, you’ve been running at full speed for us, Sensei!”

“Yeah. Now it’s our turn to do something for Glenn.”

Re=L nodded firmly.

“So, Sensei, you don’t need to feel guilty. We just… want to give back a little of what you’ve given us. Pushing you forward is the result of everything you’ve done for us.”

Rumia smiled gently.

“So, Sensei, all you need to do is run true to your heart! Like you always do!”

Sistine grinned with conviction.

Everyone present gazed at Glenn, as if entrusting him with something.

And then,

for a while, Glenn remained silent…

“Like I always do, huh… Yeah, that’s right.”

Finally, Glenn scratched his head and looked up.

“Honestly, I haven’t been myself. But come on, can you blame me? An Evil God’s revival, an army of the dead, the strongest enemy, Celica’s disappearance… Staying calm through all that is impossible, right?”

Then, with a loud slap, Glenn smacked both his cheeks with his hands and declared,

“Yeah, that’s right. Getting greedy and trying to save everything—that’s the usual me, isn’t it? Saving Celica, protecting Fejite… that’s who I am. But I can’t do it alone, so I’ll trust and rely on all of you… That’s okay, right?”

At Glenn’s slightly embarrassing declaration, everyone gave a wry smile.

“Alright, I get it. Thanks, everyone. I’ll definitely bring Celica back. And when you guys are in a pinch, I’ll swoop in with Celica and save the day in style! Hah! Getting such a juicy role—am I really allowed to have this!? Fuhahahaha!”

And with that, Glenn’s usual demeanor finally returned.

Seeing this, Sistine smiled with satisfaction.

“With that, tonight’s party comes to a close! Everyone, to wrap up this banquet and pray for victory in the coming battle… let’s have one final toast!”

Sistine took the lead, and glasses were handed out to all the participants of the night’s feast, filled with drinks.

Once everyone had their glass, Sistine prompted Glenn.

“Alright, Sensei, please lead the toast. Come on, you’re the guest of honor tonight, so make it good!”

“Yeah, yeah, I got it! Geez, you guys really set me up…”

Grumbling, Glenn stepped forward in front of everyone.

As all eyes turned to him, Glenn raised his glass high.

And, without embellishment, he spoke.

“To our victory, to Fejite’s, and… to our homeland’s… Cheers!”

““““Cheers!””””

Everyone raised their glasses and drank deeply.

And then, they burst into resounding applause.

Naturally, since it was a student-centered party, the drinks were merely grape juice.

But at that moment, the taste of that grape juice surpassed any fine wine—