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There is no reply from the Sarkaz.

You should not give up on your destiny.

No...

As if unwilling to bow to the two young girls, they remain silent, unable to stand.

The Radiant Knight turns.

Maria.

Eh? What...?

We've won.

This is unbelievable! Can you believe your eyes?!

Because I sure can't! The Radiant Knight who suddenly entered the fight! The Knights Association that let it happen! Oh my god, I, this——

I've never seen a situation like this in all my years of commentating! Though I don't know how the National Council will react, it doesn't change the fact that they won!

I——

(Mr. Mob.)

(...Oh, you're here!)

I am deeply honored to announce to everyone!

(Mr. Spokesman, what should I do?)

(Acknowledge her.)

The winner is! The young and miraculous Maria! Aaaand, she who has returned from her long exile, the pegasus that everyone knows, the Radiant Knight! Margareeeeeeeeet Neaaaaaaaaarl!

(That's right, Mr. Mob. I really do appreciate your ability to fan the fervor of the audience.)

(Hold the fort for a while, someone will come to handle this.)

Cheer for her——!

Zofia?! Where are you going?

Marcin! Where are they——Ugh, that, that one?

Is it really Margaret... Why'd Margaret come back now?

N-no matter what, she's an exile. Why didn't she tell us——

Alright, both of you calm down. Młynar might have known about this... But for now, we need to leave.

The reporters and the crowd are going to swarm this place. We have to find a way——to get the Radiant Knight home.

Radiant Knight! That's the Radiant Knight from last season!

Make way, make way! Let me get a picture!

Everyone! Everybody! Please remain calm! No matter what happened, we have to make sure that the competition adheres to the proper procedures all the way up to the end!

(What should I do next?! You can't contact the spokesman?! Idiot! Go look for him at the VIP seats——!)

Hold on! That, that's the Whislash Knight! The Whislash Knight suddenly rushed towards the Radiant Knight from the crowd——

Zof——

Eh——A-Aunt Zofia?!

You... Why are you back?!

——D-did she just slap the Radiant Knight? Huh? Eh? This looks like it'll be in the papers tomorrow——

I'm sorry. But I've returned.

...That slap was for Maria.

I'll spare you my own.

Thanks for sparing me... But, you used your right hand just now... When did that happen?

...Now isn't the time to talk about that. The National Council will definitely not allow an exile to return to Kazimierz.

We have to leave before the reporters and the National Council show up.

R-right now? But the competition results haven't...

It doesn't matter! She's here and that's way more important than the competition!

Nearl.

Careful, Liz!

...You don't need to worry so much. Alright, hold my hand tight.

These two Sarkaz...

Don't worry, they're my friends. Shining, can you do me a favor?

Yes.

I... I fainted... These are healing Arts?

Who... you?!

Sarkaz, you... you! It can't be, you? Healed me?

Your injuries are very serious, but they are not from this match. The scars of drug usage may never be removed. You should take better care of yourselves.

Go away——Don't touch me! Guh...

I...

Wait... You...you are...

——Nearl.

Yeah, I know.

Those two assassins from the Armorless Union are still watching us... Now is not the time to celebrate.

A-Armorless Union? You——

Time to run? Nearl?

——No.

A victorious knight has no reason to scurry away like a coward. If they wish to stop us, just let them try.

Nearl, over there.

Ah... It's Mr. Kowal and Mr. Vogelweide. Have they found something?

What do you think?! Of course they're preparing a way for you to escape!

The three of us will help keep the crowds away from you, but the National Council will definitely be paying you a visit. You'll have to deal with them yourself——

——Margaret!

Yeah?

It's really great... that you came back.

The usual place, don't be late.

Of course.

That's... Nearl's family?

She's come back home. We can all see her joy, no?

So, let's give her some space. She's the Radiant Knight after all. No one in Kazimierz can touch her.

Right.

We'll regroup with Amiya later.

Margaret raises her head.

She used to hate this land with every fiber of her being.

...Maria.

Ah, yes?

...Let's go home.

But this is her home.

...You're here. What about your little follower?

...He's the next one.

Ah... How cruel.

Just tell me the answer.

Well, aren't you straightforward...? You already know the answer, why ask me?

Maybe you can live better.

No... Maybe I will die on the way to my exile. Maybe you will be the one to do it.

...Maybe. Don't blame me, if I am.

Of course.

It won't happen through the National Council. You'll have to leave by tonight. Is there anything you need to take care of?

Szewczyk has a young son. He was present during the incident.

Right.

I wish to ask you...

...To make sure that he never has a chance to speak the truth.