147 The Afterglow of Victory

Waking up to an unfamiliar ceiling is a classic cliché in stories.

But what greeted my eyes this time was way beyond just a ceiling.

Glittering decorations, a four-poster canopy bed, high-end paintings on the walls, and a carpet so thick it felt like I was walking on a cloud. Even if I was only a noble in name, I could tell this place was obscibly expensive.

But more than the room itself—

"...What are you two doing?"

To my left and right, Cynthia and Lilith were sleeping soundly.

Lilith, who would usually bolt upright the second I stirred, showed no sign of waking. I slipped out of bed as quietly as possible to avoid disturbing them. Since I was barefoot, the plush texture of the carpet felt amazing against my skin.

I peered out the window and saw a sprawling cityscape. In the very center stood a massive Clock Tower.

Wait, don't tell me...

The second that thought crossed my mind, Cynthia’s voice rang out.

"You’re awake... aren't you!? Weiss, your body! Is your body okay!?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I mean, what are—"

"Lord Weiss!?"

Lilith jumped up just as frantically and forced me back onto the bed. Cynthia grabbed my arm, checking my pulse with practiced ease. I’d expect this in the modern world, but where on earth did she learn to do that here?

"Everything seems fine. Do you have any pain? Does anything feel off?"

"Nothing. Honestly, I feel pretty refreshed."

Actually, that wasn't entirely true. Something did feel weird. I had a lingering sensation of having spoken to someone, though I couldn't remember who.

No, wait, more importantly—

"What happened to Sophia!?"

I couldn't believe it had taken me this long to remember. It was as if a thick fog had settled over my brain. I, Allen, and Sophia had been trapped inside the barrier, and then—

The door slammed open with a bang.

"Weiss—!? You’re awake!?"

Princess Sophia stood there, looking perfectly healthy and very much alive.

"So you survived, you tomboy," I muttered.

"Who are you calling a tomboy!? Cynthia, Lilith, I’m so sorry for bursting in like that."

"Not at all, Your Highness. If anything, thank you for everything," Cynthia replied.

I was completely lost. I was just about to demand an explanation when Lilith filled me in.

"Lord Weiss, you’ve been asleep this entire time. For three whole days."

"...Huh? Three days?"

"Yes."

"What kind of joke is this?"

"It’s the truth. You really were asleep for three days."

Looking into Cynthia’s serious eyes, I couldn't hide my shock. Three days? No, more importantly, how did we even get out of that mess? Was it Allen? No, that was impossible.

"Sophia, how did we get out of that barrier alive?"

"You certainly have some nerve dropping my title so suddenly."

"I’ll call you 'Lady Sophia' if you just tell me what happened."

"I... I don't really know. I was unconscious. Allen was with us, but he'd only say that he fought."

"I see. Where is Allen now?"

"Weiss, please, calm down. Let me explain the situation," Cynthia urged.

"...Alright."

According to Cynthia, I had collapsed the moment the barrier dissolved. Allen was found cradling Princess Sophia. As for the Demon Race, they had apparently exhausted a massive amount of mana and were covered in wounds.

Furthermore—

"Wait, what?"

"The Demon Race member said, 'This Game is our loss. You can rest easy; we won't lay a finger on Princess Sophia anymore,'" Lilith recounted.

Her words only made me more confused. A Game...?

In the original story, Noblesse Oblige, Sophia is killed on the Day of the Great Full Moon. I knew that, which is why I’d fought so hard to change it. And I’d definitely heard the word 'Game' used before; Racom had even referred to certain sounds as 'sound effects.'

It couldn't be a coincidence.

Does the Demon King know the original plot just like I do? Are they just... playing around with us?

I didn't have an answer.

"But we have no reason to believe them, right?"

"I agree," Cynthia said. "However, the moment the Great Full Moon ended, the monsters withdrew. It felt very deliberate."

The other Eva—the one named Nell. The one Teacher Milk fought—King. They were apparently members of the Seven Calamity Sins. But the most shocking part was that Nell was supposedly Eva’s friend who had died years ago.

I thought back to the Pseudo-Demon. The puzzle pieces were starting to connect, but they didn't quite fit together yet. As the picture became clearer, a sense of dread washed over me. Something terrifying was looming on the horizon.

"And what about... Senior Eva?"

"She went back to Noblesse. She hasn't said a word to us since."

"I've never seen Senior Eva look so sad," Lilith added. "Her final words for you were: 'I’m looking forward to the reward.'"

Eva, the woman who always wore a cool, composed smile. Even in the original game, she barely showed any emotion. For her to be like that...

And what the hell does she mean by 'reward'?

Sophia interrupted my thoughts.

"To be honest, I don't know most of you very well. But I know I’m alive because of all of you. Especially you, Weiss. I’m most grateful to you."

"I didn't really do anything—"

"That’s not true. In that moment, I was ready to... throw my life away. But you saved me. Truly, thank you, Weiss Fancent."

Sophia turned her head, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson.

Well, I guess I should take the win.

For now, I should just be happy everything worked out. In a game, this would be the 'Event Clear' screen. It was only right to soak in the afterglow. I felt like I was forgetting something important, but whatever.

"My, my. Is this some kind of lovers' quarrel?"

"Honestly, you finally decide to wake up?"

Teacher Coco and Teacher Milk appeared in the doorway. Unlike the girls, they didn't seem the type to get all emotional over my recovery.

"Aren't you two supposed to be moved to tears right now?" I asked.

"Excuse me for a second."

Coco ignored my sarcasm and pressed her hand to my forehead. It was a bizarre sensation, like squishy mana was being forced into my brain. It was almost itchy.

"You seem fine. Good work out there."

"Thank you. And... thanks for what you did for me."

"Save your thanks for Allen. And Teacher Milk too."

Following her gaze, I bowed my head toward Teacher Milk.

However—

"If you had trained harder, you wouldn't have been trapped in a barrier or put the Princess in danger. Don't let this go to your head."

"Haha, you're absolutely right."

I couldn't help but grin at her usual harshness. I was always grateful to Teacher Milk for keeping me grounded. It’s hard to get cocky when someone is constantly kicking your ass.

Suddenly, Sophia spoke up with renewed energy.

"Then as planned, I’ll have the preparations made immediately!"

"Preparations?"

"It’s a feast full of all your favorite things, Weiss!" Cynthia cheered.

"Lord Weiss, hee-hee, you're going to love it," Lilith added.

"?"

Cynthia and Lilith grabbed my hands and dragged me through the hallway. They led me to a set of massive double doors. When they swung open, I saw a table groaning under the weight of a massive spread—specifically, my favorite foods.

"Melo-Melon and Banabanana!? Are you serious!?"

"I had the head chef prepare everything. I even had your favorites imported," Sophia explained. "Cynthia and Lilith were so certain you would wake up that I wanted to make sure everything was ready."

"Hah, I guess a Princess really can move mountains with a single command."

"Still as disrespectful as ever, I see. But I suppose I don't hate that about you. Now sit down. I’ll have them keep the food coming."

I was ushered into the seat of honor. Teacher Milk and Teacher Coco sat down too. Oh, I guess they’re joining the party.

Then—

"Weiss! You’re finally awake!?"

"Yo, yo! I heard all about the Demon Race! I worked my butt off too, you know!?"

"Morning, sleepyhead."

Allen, Duke, and Shari burst in, as noisy as ever.

"Did you guys just come here for the free food?"

"You never change..." Duke sighed.

"Duke."

"What?"

"Thanks."

The room went dead silent. The atmosphere turned ice-cold.

Then—

"—Whoa, what was that!? Is it gonna rain demons!? Is the world ending!?"

"Idiot, read the room!" Shari barked.

"Ow! No need to punch me, Shari!"

My plan only succeeded because of Duke. I hadn't seen him once during the chaos, but he’d fought in the most dangerous spot. He’d trusted me and kept a close watch on Sophia. Even a guy like me had to be grateful for that.

And then there was...

"Allen, I have a lot of questions for you."

"For me?"

"Yeah, about that day—"

"Lord Weiss, you're awake!?"

"W-Weiss!"

"I wanted to be the first one to say hi!"

Tura, Carta, and Olynn came running in. Great. The whole gang’s here.

"You guys stayed at the castle too? For three days?"

"Everyone was waiting for you to wake up, Weiss," Cynthia said softly.

I couldn't find a retort for that.

And, of course...

"Fancent, good morning."

"Yeah."

Cecil was there too. She was the MVP every single time. Honestly, nothing would have worked without her. I was always grateful, but I’d have to think of something special to thank her this time.

But the guest list didn't end there.

"Senior Weiss! Good mornin'! You're finally awake, sir!"

"Senior Weiss, Senior Cynthia! Good morning!"

"You guys too? What about school?"

"Missing a few days is no big deal! More importantly, I did a good job, right!?"

"You were alright. Meryl’s footwork was better, though."

"Wait, seriously!?"

Finally—

"Morning, Vai."

"Weiss, good morning."

Sierra and Eleanor walked in.

"You certainly were a sleepy beauty. Well, you can pay me back for the 'reward' later at your leisure."

"So it’s already been decided, then?"

"Of course. Right, Eleanor? We almost died, after all."

"Th-that’s true. But Sister, you shouldn't just say things like that..."

If even Eleanor was saying it, the situation must have been dire. Thinking about all these 'rewards' was going to be a headache, but I’d have to figure it out.

"That's everyone, right?"

"That’s everyone. But, Lilith..."

"Right! Lord Weiss, happy birthday!"

Lilith presented me with a cake. Naturally, it was a Melo-Melon cake.

"Hah... is it my birthday already?"

I’d completely forgotten. I’d been so obsessed with the Great Full Moon that everything else had slipped my mind. Has it really been a year since the loop started? Time flies.

"Thanks."

"Cynthia suggested we have it ready for the moment you woke up."

"I see. Cynthia... thanks for the trouble."

"It’s no trouble at all. It might have been a bit presumptuous of me, but I never doubted you would wake up."

Yeah. I'm okay.

Everyone took turns giving me their best wishes. Good grief... The food I ate that day was the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted in my life.

---

We stayed at the castle one last night. To be honest, I’d forgotten about the Guard Knights I’d knocked out, but Sophia had apparently smoothed things over with a clever excuse. Normally, attacking them would be a capital offense, so I was grateful for her help.

A carriage back to Noblesse was scheduled for tomorrow morning. Teacher Milk told me to "leave the boring details to the adults." I felt a bit guilty leaving them with the cleanup, but Coco insisted, calling it "a child's privilege."

I’m not great at being pampered, but arguing would have been more of a hassle. I decided to just be quietly grateful.

Late that night, unable to sleep, I left Cynthia and Lilith and went for a walk. I looked up at the sky from the castle balcony. The moon was full, but it wasn't the Great Full Moon.

Because I had cleared it.

The more I thought about it, the more confused I became. But there was one theory that connected the dots.

What if the Demon King knows the original plot just like I do?

If I were in that position, I wouldn't waste time on the Demon Race members destined to lose. I’d recruit different allies, like the current Carta or Cecil. And I’d make the Day of the Great Full Moon an impenetrable fortress. I’d send subordinates everywhere to mass-produce Pseudo-Demons.

It all made sense. But I still didn't understand why they didn't kill Princess Sophia.

...Whatever. No point dwelling on it now.

—Hey, Weiss.

How’s it looking? Am I doing a good job?

...Answer me for once, damn it.

I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around to see a guy wearing his usual familiar smile.

"Hi, Weiss. You can't sleep either?"

"I was just thinking about the Demon Race."

"Isn't that just a fancy way of saying you can't sleep?"

"Shut up."

After a brief silence, I asked him directly.

"Back there... why were we saved?"

"Because you fought like a man possessed. I could only stand there and watch."

"Hah, as if. Is that even possible?"

"It’s the truth, though."

Allen’s eyes were steady. He looked like he was telling the truth.

"I see..."

In the end, I still didn't have a clear answer. I’d been pretty worked up, so I guess it was possible I’d gone into some kind of trance. But the process didn't matter as much as the result. This world is a game. It has to have an ending. To make sure that ending isn't our total destruction, I just have to keep sharpening my fangs and moving forward.

"Weiss, let’s both get stronger. Strong enough that someday... we can take down the Demon Race without breaking a sweat."

"Yeah, I'm with you."

Good grief. He was thinking the exact same thing as me. Damn protagonist.

Suddenly, Allen started fidgeting. He looked like he wanted to say something, scratching his cheek awkwardly.

"What is it?"

"Umm, well..."

"Yeah?"

What was wrong with him? This guy was from a family where every thought in his head came straight out of his mouth. Why was he hesitating now?

"You... you can handle being naked, right?"

"...Huh?"

"Wait, no! It’s not that I want to see you like that!"

"Did you hit your head? Actually, I know you hit it. A lot."

"Let’s just do our best, Weiss. Apparently, it’ll be over quickly."

"What are you talking about? Allen, explain yourself."

"Teacher Milk told me to follow her to Mount Oni. She said she’ll watch us take down a Grushtshka."

"I don't follow. Use your words. Give me some context."

"And Teacher Coco said she wants a chocolate cake from the West Bisque region."

"Wait, did you—"

I had no idea how Allen had convinced the teachers to help us. Had he actually offered them bribes? I mean, a Grushtshka is a legendary bear monster twenty meters tall. And chocolate cake from West Bisque? You have to wait in line for a week just to get a slice. This guy was overdoing it... no, more importantly—

"Allen, what the hell did you mean by 'naked'?"

"I just hope Senior Eva forgets about it... Weiss, it’s going to be rough for both of us, but let’s hang in there."

"Hey! Allen, what do you mean!? Allen!"

That night, Allen didn't look like his usual positive self. He looked like a man staring into the abyss of his own doom.

---

"The barrier is fading. Allen, don't tell him about this."

"What do you mean? Who... who are you?"

"Hah, you've got that dazed look as always. Well, I've got my reasons. It’s better this way."

"I understand."

"...Still as obedient as ever, I see."

"It’s so we can win, right?"

"Yeah. It’s so we can win against that piece-of-shit Demon King."

"Then... alright."

"Hah. I don't hate that stupidly straightforward side of you. See ya."

---

Chapter Six: The Great Full Moon Arc — FIN