110 Countdown

Ostrava was the closest major capital to Noblesse. It was also home to the Royal Park, the very place where Cecil and I had once played Battle Universe.

The culture of Noblesse Oblige didn’t include the tradition of visiting a shrine for the New Year. However, much like the summer break in Estarm, there were certain world-renowned events that everyone observed. One of those was the New Year’s countdown.

The calendar here wasn’t all that different from my original world. Well, the specific names for things were completely different, but the timing was familiar enough.

"—This is incredible."

"Fufufu, it’s our first time, isn't it? Spending the turn of the year together."

"It’s so beautiful! I’ve never experienced a luxury like New Year’s in the Royal Capital before!"

I had come to Ostrava to celebrate the holiday with Cynthia and Lilith. It was a short break, but the Academy was officially closed for the season.

"Step right up! You can't have a countdown without booze!"

"New Year’s dinner means Torgos Meat! Get it while it’s cheap!"

"You aren't ready for the New Year until you’ve had some Ring Juice!"

I knew the capital was usually crowded, but the sheer volume of people here far exceeded my expectations. Merchants had lined the streets with stalls as if to scream that now was the time to make a killing.

What I found particularly amusing about Noblesse was that New Year’s and Christmas were essentially mashed into a single event. Stall owners, regardless of gender, were decked out in Santa Claus outfits, and the city was bathed in the glow of fluorescent neon lights powered by magic.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but snow had begun to fall. I’d heard that Mana Clouds underwent a massive migration during this season, which sometimes resulted in heavy downpours, but today we got the picturesque version.

Well, I suppose this adds to the atmosphere.

When I’d tried to ask Cynthia about the local lore regarding Santa Claus, she’d given me a dead-serious look and replied, "He exists, obviously."

I was just trying to learn about the culture, but in this world, he actually might be real.

As for lodging, I’d already secured a high-end inn in the central noble district. Well, by "secured," I mean I’d just asked Zebis to handle it for me.

"Regardless, that hat really does suit you."

"I’d like to take it off as soon as humanly possible..."

"You can't! It’s custom to wear it until the New Year begins!"

I was currently stuck wearing a bright red hat—a Santa hat, to be precise. When it was handed to me at the entrance to the city, I’d thought it was some kind of joke. Then, I remembered this happening in the Original Story too. It was likely just the development team’s idea of a gag, but seeing it become an actual cultural staple was honestly hilarious. If the developer who came up with this ever ended up in this world, they’d probably be laughing through their apologies.

"Well, it suits you two as well."

"Ufufu, that makes me happy."

"Matching outfits! This is the best!"

Naturally, Cynthia and Lilith were wearing them too. The white snowflakes drifting from the sky only served to highlight their beauty.

It was only noon, and since our luggage had already been dropped off, our only plan was to indulge in some serious Sloth. We’d been buried in classes and training lately, so we deserved it. Cynthia had apparently been shut in her room studying something as well. I didn't know the specifics, but knowing her, she was probably overworking herself.

Suddenly, I heard the voices of a certain trio that sounded suspiciously familiar.

"First things first, meat! We’re eating meat!"

"You’re always eating meat..."

"Never mind that, shouldn't we go buy the gifts for the exchange?"

It was a guy with a voice full of muscle and optimism, followed by a bright, cheerful girl. I instinctively looked around, but the crowd was too thick to see them.

"Maybe I’ll buy a squirrel hat~."

"I want to go shopping too. They just released the Battle Universe Christmas Piece, didn't they?"

"I-I think I’ll look for some decorations for my new staff."

"—I wonder what Lord Weiss would like!?"

Next came a voice I couldn't quite identify as male or female, an intelligent-sounding voice, and a timid one. That last bit was muffled by the crowd, but it had a distinct, samurai-like cadence to it.

"B-Big sister, let's eat that meat! It says 'Extra Mystery Meat'!"

"Now listen, if you eat that much, you'll get full and fall asleep before the countdown even starts."

"But you're the one who does that every year, big sister..."

Then I heard what sounded like a pair of sisters. Was that a 'boing' sound effect?

"Weiss, it’s dangerous to keep looking around like that."

"Oh, look! They're selling delicious-looking drinks! Over here, Master Weiss!"

"A-Ah. Right. Let's go."

New Year’s was being celebrated all over the place. Even if the Royal Capital was the biggest hub, there was no way we’d just run into everyone like that. And even if they were here, this city is huge. We won’t run into them.

From there, we spent the day acting like children—hit up the stalls, played magic target shooting, and messed around in the snow. By the time I checked the time again, it was pitch black outside. Cynthia and Lilith claimed there was a specific place they wanted to go, so we headed off for dinner.

"Why are we heading this way? It’s New Year’s Eve. There have to be better places than this."

For some reason, we were moving away from the city center. The neighborhood was getting seedier, and there were fewer decent shops in sight. On top of that, they’d made me buy a gift earlier. I didn't know who it was for, only that it had to be "something anyone would be happy with."

"Fufufu, this is the spot."

"Yes! We're right on time!"

"On time for what?"

"Come along, Weiss."

"Hurry, hurry, Master Weiss!"

"H-Hey—don't pull on me!"

I didn't have a clue what was going on, but the two of them looked thrilled. They practically dragged me into a tavern on the outskirts of town. I didn't really mind, but this was a combined Christmas and New Year celebration. I wouldn't have minded splurging on a fancy place for once.

"This was the only place we could reserve for a private party."

"Private party? Cynthia, what are you talking about?"

"Oh! I knew I heard your voice! Everyone’s already here!"

The moment I asked, the door swung open with a bang. Standing there wasn't Protein, Sasami, or Vitamin, but Mineral—otherwise known as Duke. He was, of course, wearing a Santa hat.

"When did you become a tavern keeper?"

"Man, give the jokes a rest for the New Year! Come on, get inside, it's freezing! Cynthia, Lilith, you too!"

"Go on, Weiss."

"Master Weiss, inside!"

Pushed from behind and physically apprehended by the muscle-head in front, I was hauled into the building. Waiting inside were—well, all the usual suspects. The Allen Team, the Cecil Team, and Tura. The moment I stepped in, everyone’s faces lit up. Every single one of them was dutifully wearing a hat.

"What is all this...?"

"I'm sorry, Weiss. I thought you might refuse if we told you beforehand."

"It’s not Cynthia-san’s fault! I was the one who insisted on having Master Weiss here!"

I see...

Well, they weren't wrong. If I’d known about this in advance, I probably would have complained about the hassle and stayed at the inn. Lilith looked particularly guilty about the deception.

But—

"Thanks."

They’d clearly gone to all this trouble for my sake. There was no way I could be angry. I wasn't sure "happy" was the right word for the chaotic noise, but I suppose a lively night isn't so bad once in a while.

Just then, the door flew open again, and something soft and incredibly squishy pressed against my back with a distinct mugyu.

"—Eek! S-Sorry! Oh, Weiss-kun!"

"Eleanor, move over, I can't see. Hm? So Vai did show up. That hat... it actually suits you."

It was Eleanor and Sierra. I hadn't expected to be greeted by a "boing" to the back, but here we were. Is literally everyone here?

Still, they were my seniors. I took their coats and hung them on the wall. Respecting one's elders was the bare minimum, after all.

"Thank you, Weiss-kun!"

"Vai, you’re... such a gentleman. It’s wonderful..."

Sierra’s cheeks were flushed redder than usual. Well, it was a cold night.

The tavern’s interior was mostly wood—the standard look—but it had been decked out for Christmas. The decorations had a charming, handmade feel to them. It was impressive how much effort they’d put into this. Even in a world plagued by monsters and the threat of war, these people still found a way to enjoy their lives. We’d just dealt with the Calamity and a Pseudo-Demon not that long ago, too.

"Weiss-kun, does Pippin's hat look good on her?"

"Fancent-kun, I managed to get a Battle Universe Christmas Piece. Want to play later?"

"W-Weiss-kun, do you think this decoration looks okay on my staff?"

"Hahaha! It’s great to just let loose with everyone! Lord Weiss!"

Maybe I should follow their lead for once.

"—Allen, Duke, get the booze. We’re drinking until the year ends."

"Oh?! Weiss, now you're talking! It’s a competition, then!"

"I won't lose either!"

"Don't drink too much—well, I guess tonight’s an exception. Cynthia-san, Lilith-san, want to join us?"

"I’d love to, Shari-san."

"Yes! Let's all drink together! And don't forget the gift exchange later!"

So that’s why they made me buy one.

Fine. Whatever. It was loud, it was chaotic, and it was a total mess—but that’s Noblesse Oblige for you.

---

Noblesse Magic Academy, Dining Hall

The school was closed, but the faculty were still working late. Finally, they had gathered to take a well-earned breather.

Milk, lounging in her chair and drinking with abandon, shouted in a lazy, booming voice.

"Darius! We’re out of booze! Hurry it up!"

"Good grief, I’m getting it, just wait... Why did she have to be a teacher too? My peaceful break is ruined..."

"Did you say something!?"

"Sharp ears as always..."

Even the faculty weren't technically allowed in the kitchen, but Darius slipped in with a smirk anyway. However, the place was locked down tight, reinforced with Sealing Magic.

"Ugh, seriously? ...Eh?"

On one of the tables, he found a massive spread of alcohol and snacks labeled "For Faculty Use." Someone had prepared it all in advance.

"Oh! I don't know who did this, but thanks!" he shouted to the empty room before heading back.

"Oh, Muscles, you’re actually prepared for once."

"Right? Well, it was just sitting there. Here, Teacher Chloe."

"Thank you. Teacher Coco, would you like a glass?"

"Unfortunately, I can't handle my liquor. I’ll stick to fruit juice."

Milk was in her casual clothes, her top loose as she sat cross-legged on her chair. Chloe was sipping her drink quietly, still in her black suit, while Coco wore something resembling a white lab coat, sipping juice with one hand.

"The year’s almost over. It’s been a short while, but these kids are so interesting. I’m looking forward to next year."

"Teacher Coco’s classes are popular, after all! I’m always stuck playing the villain during the exams... sniff..."

"Darius, don't start pestering Coco with your pathetic crying-drunk routine," Milk snapped.

"I’m not crying..."

Milk continued to berate the hunched-over Darius as he sipped his drink. Coco gave a wry chuckle, tucked something resembling a cigarette into the corner of her mouth, and spoke up.

"But really, the students here are all off the charts. If I’d enrolled here when I was young, I wonder if my life would have turned out differently."

"I think the current era is particularly special," Chloe added. "Ever since Weiss Fancent enrolled, things have been... abnormal. In a good way, of course."

At those words, a faint smile crossed Milk’s lips—so subtle no one else noticed. Except for Darius. He let his own expression soften as he drained his glass.

"Our job is to make them strong enough to survive this chaotic world on their own! Let's give it our all, everyone!"

"There are already students who look stronger than you, though."

"What was that!?"

The two were on the verge of a brawl before Coco and Chloe stepped in. Once things settled, Coco asked a question.

"Are you referring to Eva Avery? She certainly surprised me. Who exactly is she?"

"No idea," Milk replied. "She’s an anomaly even among the various biological entities in this world. It’s a mercy that she’s so mild-tempered."

"I’ve never seen her angry either," Chloe noted. "Though perhaps it’s more accurate to say there’s no one capable of making her angry."

"Well, Eva aside, Weiss and Allen and the rest still have a long way to go! We have work to do!"

"All you can teach them is how to shout loudly. And don't repeat yourself."

"What’d you say, you damn Milk!?"

"They really do get along, don't they?" Coco smiled.

"I agree. I never tire of watching them."

---

Far to the north of Noblesse, in a tiny town buried in snow, a silver-haired woman with skin as white as milk touched down from the sky. It was Eva Avery.

"Now then, I wonder if the rumors are true."

Despite it being New Year’s Eve, the town was desolate. The reason was a man who called himself "King." He and his gang had recently taken over, seizing all the profits and bleeding the town dry.

"Gahahaha! Keep the noise up! Sing! —Hm?"

The tavern door swung open. It was Eva.

"Is King here?"

"Hah? Who the hell are you supposed to be?"

"I hate repeating myself. Which one of you is King?"

"That’d be me. Now, who sent you—GYAAAH!"

In the blink of an eye, the man’s right arm was obliterated. His cronies, suddenly sprayed with blood, began to scream. Tables were flipped, and the tavern transformed into a scene from a nightmare. "King" tried to crawl away, but Eva stepped firmly onto his back.

"Haa... well, I knew it was unlikely. But you really chose a terrible name."

"W-Who... what are you—?"

"Goodnight."

With that, the man who called himself King was erased from existence. Eva took a seat at a vacant table and caught the eye of a trembling server.

"Could I get a drink? One alcohol, and two Melo-Melon juices."

"Y-Y-Yes, ma'am!"

The terrified server scrambled to fulfill the order. When the drinks arrived, Eva—with a profound sadness in her eyes that she never showed the others—raised a glass for a solitary toast.

"Cheers. —Eva, King."

A few hours later, the countdown echoed across the world, welcoming the start of a new year.