"..So, to be sure, everything about spirits is nothing but fabricated lies, and everything happened because you got carried away. You never had any second intention, not even minutely, except to make the match more interesting. ...This is all, right, Allen Rovenne!?"

Once I had finished my business in the toilet, I was immediately guided to the personal coach of His Majesty where I was put on interrogation by foreign minister Viola-san.

Inside, there was only His Majesty, Randy-san, Viola-san, I, and Mujikka-san tied to me with handcuffs.

"Yes, this is all..."

Viola-san's face was super close, so much that I could've felt her breath tickling my skin. She peered into my eyes from point-blank range, and questioned.

I nodded feebly from my kneeling position.

Again, what have I done to deserve this......

Just on the way I was being led to, I happened to see the coach where the other participants and cheer squad had gathered. Obviously, they’re merry making. However, as soon as they saw me, handcuffed and escorted by knights, they all acted like they'd seen something forbidden. An awkward look covered their faces.

And yet, as soon as I had been out of sight, and the door closed, I immediately heard their chit-chat resuming. They’re clearly enjoying themselves.

Believe it or not, I might truly break into tears, you know?

While I was interrogated, at His Majesty's query, I truthfully revealed how I managed to cause fire or bring up fog with Wind Magic. Of course, everything was within the rules.

I only did it to see the surprised expression of everyone. I also thought it would be funny, so half of it prank.

Ultimately, everything was done with the thought to make the student event more interesting, and accordingly, we had displayed the result of our research. There's nothing to be criticised at.

The interrogation of Viola-san continued. Then, the needle of discussion moved to the loud laughter during the match, or how I proclaimed 'I have earned the ire of Salamander.' Slowly, but gradually I was inquired about every single aspect. Though something they’re already privy of.

I just quietly nodded to everything.

"Haa... haa... How would you like to proceed from here, Your Majesty?"

After what seemed to be an eternity of interrogation, Viola-san turned to His Majesty, a vein popping on her forehead. I wasn't a mind reader, but I didn’t need to be one to tell she was clearly expressing 'please, anything but death penalty would be too light!'

"...This is enough, Viola. I am sure Allen Rovenne has got it down, too. To leave him of his own accord might have caused some trouble, but what good is it for us adults if we must criticise him for it."

"Y-Your Majesty..."

Unwittingly, my tears threatened to spill out—however as soon as they'd welled, they backtrack at twice the speed at his subsequent words.

"Allen has shown a new world of possibilities to the world, and this has put our nation into a favorable spotlight on the diplomatic front. A lone student has done what our nation was supposed to. The various ideals, the beliefs, and the antagonism was something for Yuglia to be burdened by originally, however Allen put himself on the line to accept all of it. Even if it meant turning just many people into his enemy, and the threat to his life that it will pose."

T-threat to my life...?

My mouth flapped like a goldfish. The scope of discussion had gone beyond my little understanding so much that I have lost on what to reply.

You know, nevermind. I am too exhausted to care about it. ...I just need to keep my silence and weather through it.

As I fought dizziness amidst silence, Randy-san, he had been listening with a grim face, wiped his eyes while sniffling.

"It-it's too much... How did I let it happen! The burden should never have fallen on your shoulders, Allen. You're just a student! But I was so stuck on my duty that I never looked at anything beyond! I have no face left to show to Cecilia!"

And just like that began a long, long sermon. I couldn't quite pinpoint if he was trying to repent, or preaching me. All I knew was the seemingly gibberish sermon continued till late night.

Occasionally, I would hear the jingle of chains from handcuffs only to see Mujikka-sensei next to me wiping the corner of her eyes.

I wanted to cry more than anyone. Damn it!

◆◆◆

—He's mastering the wind to flip the skirts.

Surrounded by the rumours he had never wanted, Allen Rovenne bid farewell to his freshmen year.

His achievements split the crowd into two. A part of them displayed their excitement at the discovery of being able to acquire talent for emission magic even after birth, while the other half called him a conman, and refuted his research outright.

With Allen refusing to make any explanation, this remained a topic of endless debate. The implication of the said achievement was just too broad, so much so that not even other nations could make a conclusion, and ultimately, they put aside the problem.

The existence of spirits remained up to debate, but what he did left many echoes. With just one move, he had nearly broken the status quo between ordinary and extraordinary, and yet, he purposely held himself from delivering that coup de grace. A master of orchestra, and a penchant for bigger picture.

And the most astonishing part—the person in question was merely thirteen years old. Allen’s ability to canvass himself, and potential for growth he had shown had every nation shudder at his future.

And the irony of the oh-so world. How many hadn’t wanted to learn so deeply about him? But, just when they could've understanded the truth, the world let themselves be blinded by the exceptionally shocking conclusion at the Rising Dragon Cup.

«To begin with, all I did was play around with fire a bit, so I don't get the fuss over it. ...You guys really want to make a molehill out of a mole.»

In concise words, such was the true essence of Allen Rovenne, but not a single soul managed to pierce that truth.

◆◆◆

"Dol-kun was so cool! He's truly a marvel of nature with that splendid control over mana!"

"Of course, this is why he's our Ironclad Vice-President!"

Midnight. When I was being carried back to the isolation coach after going through a never-ending sermon.

The giggle and banter of students continued despite a heed to the late night. It appeared the students were still lingering in the lounge coach.

I spotted Lala. She was holding herself in a corner like a left out loner. It appeared she tried to join members of Magic Research Club in their conversation, but perhaps never finding a common ground to integrate herself, she could only offer a few chuckles, hiding her strained face behind the folding fan.

However that merry-making mood immediately dispersed, replaced by an awkward silence, when I entered there, still handcuffed to Mujikka-sensei.

"Hey, Allen. It sure took a long, eh? I guess you've been through it throughly. Well, laborious of you. Then again, you reap what you saw."

Dol addressed me, and flashed a toothy grin.

—The Pentagram of the Future—

On the last day of the Rising Dragon Cup, the world would see a glimpse of Rudolf Austin's true nature.

With a grasp of five elements—Fire, Water, Earth, Light, and Wind—he was the natural enemy of the devils, of magic.

He was like the pentagram of evil-warding charm that had been known to the world since the era of antiquity. And quietly, but surely, the hope of mankind sharpened his fangs.

"Reap what you sow?! Are you trying to pick a fight with me, you burdock face?! Hold on, I am going to settle the score today forever!"

...All by the virtue of a self-proclaimed master of love.