After being intercepted by mages from the diamond kingdom, Asta and Noelle found themselves in a very tricky situation. Fortunately, their good ally Mars was able to save them from a dire position.

However, that wasn't the only surprise.

"J-Julius, what are you doing here?!" shouted Asta.

"Oh hey, Asta. I was just about to head out and see you," he replied, "I should be asking the same question. You shouldn't have come here. It's dangerous."

The response agitated the swordsman "If you just stayed in your original stop where I last saw you, then I wouldn't have to look for you, would I?"

"I guess you do have a point," shrugging his arms, "But that still doesn't justify you being here. You could've gotten yourself killed."

"I did nearly get myself killed because of you," Asta shouted.

"Oh, you did? Hmmm, guess I have to take some form of responsibility then," Julius noted.

The two continued to bicker and argue, leaving Noelle bewildered in the background. Not only was this the first time seeing Julius off duties, but it was almost as if she was looking at a different person. Julius showcased a very informal and relatively childlike persona, something she would not associate with her wizard king.

"Excuse me... wizard king Julius," said Noelle.

"Oh, I see you brought company, Asta," taking note of the Black Bull, "You must be, Noelle. What do I have pleasure."

"May I ask what you and Asta are doing in the diamond kingdom."

"Oh, did you not tell her, Asta?"

"It must've slipped my mind," the Golden Dawn replied.

"Well... to put it bluntly, my job can get pretty boring. As you can imagine, I have a lot of responsibilities, so I don't get a lot of free time. So I occasionally sneak out every so often while I'm on duty. I normally stay in the capital, but I thought it would be fun to try out the diamond kingdom. It can be quite dangerous, so I invited Asta to tag along. He was no magic, so it helps with stealth."

The time mage ended joyous smile.

In contrast, the water mage gritted her teeth and became infuriated by the second. Not only did she find Julius not fulfilling his duties, but his lack of remorse for the secrecy and putting Asta in danger was unacceptable.

"By the way, Julius. Was that you making those yawning sounds" asked Asta.

"Oh, did you hear that? Yes, I've been feeling a little tired recently, and my stomach has been acting up a bit, but I'm fine now."

"Wizard king, Julius!" Noelle shouted, "with all due respect, I must say I am deeply appalled by this behaviour. Avoiding your duties for your own selfish games and putting members of the magic knights at risk is utterly unacceptable."

"No-Noelle, that's no way to speak to the wizard king," reminded Asta.

The royal silva retaliated by punching him in the stomach, "SHUT UP! What's your excuse? You're the last person I wanna hear from now."

"Now, now there's no need to fight," Julius scratching the back of his head, "Judging by your reaction, I must've caused quite a steer back in the clover kingdom. That of which I take full responsibility for and apologise. The most important thing now is that we have no casualties."

"I acknowledge that there are no casualties, but you're the wizard king of the clover kingdom. You should be setting an example and protecting the capital! Not lazying around as you plea."

"No, no. You are absolutely correct," said Julius placing his hand on his head on his heart, "I should be more considerate. I am deeply sorry for all the trouble I may have caused. Don't worry. As soon as I get back, I am prepared to accept any punishment necessary."

The time mage was always easy-going, even if it did mean being told off by a magic knight. As far as he was concerned, it was just another scolding. No different than the shouting he has with his right-hand man Marx.

"Very well then. I'll let it be, just this once."

Despite not being wholly convinced, Noelle accepted his apology, even if she was very annoyed.

"Brillant!" replied the time mage, "Now that that's settled, let's all have something to eat. Are the two of you hungry? Follow me!"

And just like that, Julius sprinted down the stairs.

"OH YEAH! I'm hungry. Hey, wait up," called Asta.

Noelle also followed.

The trio dashed their way down the stairs and eventually found a small opening on their right-hand side. The hole led to a small room only slightly bigger than an average prison cell. It had fire torches on all four corners. It surprisingly didn't smell rotten, but most importantly, it had a small picnic already laid out. The cookout only consisted of prison food, mainly bread, fish cakes, mashed potatoes and dry chicken. But it was enough to make Asta's mouth drool.

"Wow! Is this all for us!" yelled the swordsman.

"Yep, eat up."

Asta didn't hesitate as he jumped headfirst for his meal.

Noelle, however, was quite reluctant. Being subjugated to prison food, how humiliating she thought.

*Nom*

*Nom*

"Come on, Noelle! Eat up."

"Yeah... I think I'll pass on this one," she replied.

"Oh, come on, I know you're hungry. Take some."

"N-no, thanks. I'm good."

The Golden Dawn whipped his mouth as he picked up a spoon of mashed potatoes. He held it in front of the water mages mouth and smiled joyfully.

"Didn't you say you wanted to go out on dinner with me? I know this isn't exactly what you imagined, but it's a start, right?"

Noelle blushed for a brief moment.

"Asta feeding me? Hmmm, I guess I'll take it."

Despite being subjected and fed by a commoner, this was her only exception. She chewed quickly and swallowed.

"How was it?"

"It was nice, better than I thought it was."

"I'm glad."

Asta's smile prompted Noelle to also smile.

She leaned in closer to the Anti-magic user before wrapping her arms around his shoulder. She stared lovingly.

"Is this what people who are in relationships do?"

"Ummm, Noelle. What are you doing?" asked Asta.

"What? What does it look like? It's my turn to feed you, isn't it? Now open up," gripping a fork of chicken.

The swordsman didn't assess the situation too highly. He just went with it.

"How was it?"

"It was good. I really enjoyed it."

"Hm, hm. I'm glad."

Julius watched on whilst drinking a glass of water. He was intrigued and fascinated where this was heading, "So, are you two a couple?"

Noelle immediately dropped her fork and gasped in embarrassment. Being caught up in the moment, she completely forgot there was a third person in the room.

"C-couple, is that what we look like? I didn't notice," Noelle gulped.

"Yeah, Julius, it's nothing like that," responded Asta, "Me and Noelle are just friends."

"You guys awfully seem more than just friends. You both seem so close. Are you not planning on becoming a couple," he replied.

"Na, it's nothing like that. We've always been close. Stuff like this is normal, right, Noelle."

Asta's response sparked a disappointed look on the water mage. Just listening to him made her blood boil. How could he say such a thing after everything that has happened? Does he really not think of me as anything more, she thought to herself.

"Yeah... We're... We're just friends," putting her hair back.

Julius looked on in shock. He was certain Asta and Noelle were a pair. Usually, his foresight is never mistaken. But could it be his prediction was inaccurate?

"Well... if that is the case... we can end that conversation here then."

The trio sat quietly, eating the remains of what was left on their plate. Asta was quick to finish his dish and then to the next one. Noelle was slightly subdued after what happened, and Julius couldn't bear this aching feeling in his stomach.

"Perhaps my stomach still doesn't respond well to this prison food. I think I'll take a break for now," said Julius dropping, his utensils.

"Say, Julius, how did you get in a place like this?" asked the swordsman.

"Ah, good question."

Just as the time mage was about to respond, great footsteps started to enter the fame. For a split second, the trio was slightly paranoid of who was to come, but it was quickly made apparent who the person walking down the stairs was.

"Well, speak of the devil," said the time mage.

"Good afternoon. Did I miss anything?"

"MARS!" Asta and Noelle shouted.

The person who entered the scene was non-other than the diamond general Mars. He came in good spirit, holding two familiar grimoires.

"Hello again, you two. I hope my men didn't cause you too much trouble. I believe these are yours?" handing over the pairs grimoires.

"Hey! That's my grimoire! Thank you so much, Mars!"

"Yes! Thank you so much," followed Noelle.

"The thanks aren't necessary, but you're welcome. It's a pleasure to finally see you both again. I take it, you already met your wizard king."

"Yeah, we did," replied Asta, "Wait, so you were the one that let him in here?"

"That is correct. It started when I was in the middle of some battle training. Julius took a keen interest in my magic."

*FLASHBACK*

*BOOM*

*CRASH*

*BOOM*

"My power has increased exponentially. If I keep this up, I can finally put a stop to all this fighting."

The diamond general used his mana and generated an enormous diamond shard. He threw it at a group of boulders, shattering the targets in the process. Its impact was huge and can be fatal for anyone who was at the end of it.

"Wow! That was amazing! Do it again, do it again!"

That moment, Mars turned in shock and noticed a small blond child suddenly appearing from the bushes.

He was astonished. How could a small boy find himself in a place like this?

"Hey, you there shouldn't be here!" shouted the Diamond General.

The small boy panicked, "Shoot, he found me. Guess I should be more careful next time."

Before the blonde child could make a run for it, he was suddenly surrounded by a barrier made entirely out of crystals.

"Wow! I know I'm being trapped, but this is amazing!"

As the boy was fanaticising over such beautiful magic prowess, Mars took the opportunity to quickly grab him by the back of the collar and hold him in mid-air.

The child in question was non-other than Julius Novachrono, who was kicking himself for allowing himself to get caught. He wanted to avoid fighting at all costs, but he was now left in a tricky situation.

"Who are you? What is your name?"

Aware of the implications that it might cause, Julius couldn't disclose he was the wizard king, "I am just resident from the diamond kingdom. I just got lost as all."

The general glared menacingly. He was not to be fooled, "Diamond kingdom, you say? Then tell me why you're wearing a crest of the symbolising the clover kingdom?"

"Hah... sharp eye."

Julius used his time magic and quickly detached himself from Mars's grip.

"Well, today's been fun. But I must be going now, goodbye."

"STOP RIGHT THERE!" shooting diamond shards.

Despite being drastically weakened in magic Julius still had enough power to evade Mars's fatal attacks.

"I said stop right there. I just want to talk with you."

"Jeez, this guy is persistent. I'm surprised he hasn't called reinforcements yet."

The time mage ducked and dived and pretty much avoided anything that came in his way.

Mars held his ground and continued the chase.

"Please, I just need to talk to you for one moment. I mean no harm to clover kingdom."

"Fat chance," Julius thought.

Entering the forest, Julius was confident he would be able to achieve a quick escape. He scrambled through trees and bushes in hopes of avoiding Mars's wrath.

However.

"Ops!"

Unfortunately, Julius tripped over a nearby log, causing him to fracture his knee cap.

"Oh dear, that's not good."

Julius tried to gallop forward, but he lost speed in his running. He placed his hands over his knee and was facing forward.

It was inevitable of what was to come.

"Guess you finally caught me."

The diamond general gazed for a few seconds before finally making his way to the wizard king. He kneeled down onto the floor and started to analyse the fractured knee cap.

"Um, what are you doing?" asked Julius.

To his surprise, Mars had his hands hovered over the knee and started healing it with his flame magic.

The time mage was stunned. It was quickly made apparent Mars wasn't like the other generals, but why did he offer to heal the fracture?

"I am slightly bewildered at this point. Why are you offering to help me?"

"I told you, I just wanted to talk to you."

*END OF FLASHBACK*

"And that's how we met."

"Wow... pretty lucky you were the one that found Julius," said Asta.

"Indeed, it would've been quite troublesome if it were the other generals. Alls well, when it ends well, I suppose," replied Julius.

"Wait, so... what did the two of you want to discuss," wondered Noelle.

The time mage and diamond general smiled joyfully, "Mars and I already discussed the matter in this small room. But we were or still are, I should say. In talks of having a peace treaty within the between the two kingdoms."

"Woah! Really?!" gasped the Anti-magic user.

"Yes, really," he replied, "But it's going to take a lot more work than just small conversation. But this is definitely a step in the right direction."

"This is fantastic news," congratulated the water mage, "Now, if everything goes well... our kingdoms won't have to be at war with each other."

"That is certainly the future I dream of," added Mars, "This country has endured a lot of chaos in its time. The last thing it needs is more bloodshed. Julius has even kindly offered resources to help our kingdom prosper. All of which I am internally grateful for."

"Oh, come on Mars, you're me making blush, haha. I just think the best course of action would be to help one other, that's all. If we take small steps such as these, then in due time, the conflict between our two kingdoms will be eradicated."

The clover mages and diamond general released a small cheer. They were all excited for what the future will hold and couldn't wait to get started.

It was at that moment Asta gazed and took note of his Wizard king. Sure he could be pretty mischievous and troublesome for his role, but today he was reminded of something very important. Being a wizard king didn't just mean protecting and valuing its own people. But it was also about bringing other people together. Coming from a poor background himself. It was his to draw people from all cultures and environments together, and what Julius was doing was no different. It's no wonder he was given the title of wizard king. He was truly exceptional.

"Well, guess something did come out of me goofing off, am I right," laughed the time mage.

"Yeah... it", cringed Asta.

"Sorry to burst your bubble Julius, but need I remind you we're still trapped in the diamond kingdom. How on earth are we going to get home?" questioned Noelle.

"Leave that to our good friend Mars. Did you bring the magic item?"

"Why yes, I did," he replied, "It's right here."

What Mars pulled out from his pocket was a magic item shaped like a 3D pentagon. He threw it onto the floor and, upon impact, opened up a small portal.

"If you jump through the portal, it should safely transport you to the clover kingdom."

"Oh, that's awesome!" smiled Asta.

"Yes, this is most wonderful Mars", added Julius, "But I must say an item like this can be quite troublesome if it were to fall into the wrong hands. It would be annoying if anyone could make their in the clover kingdom as they please."

"Oh, don't worry about that," assured Mars, "Only a few trusted mages that I know have been developing this item. Plus, this item wouldn't be able to bypass your shields. It will teleport you in front of the capital. You would still need to make your way past the gates."

"Ah, good to know," putting his thumbs up, "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now, Mars. I hope to see you very soon."

"The pleasure is all mine, Wizard king Julius. It was an honour to finally meet you."

The time mage smiled graciously before hopping into the portal.

"Bye Mars, and thank you for the food," waved Asta

"Thanks again for saving us, Mars. I'm forever in your debt," said the Black Bull.

The diamond general smiled, "Take good care of yourself, Noelle."

The clover mages jumped through the portal after saying their final goodbyes. They all landed safely on the out outskirts of the clover kingdoms and were quickly noticed by the areas front line of defence. Julius was the first one to arrive, followed by Noelle and Asta. There was a sense of relief and satisfaction from the mages. The diamond kingdom saga was finally over.

"Haaaaaah, home sweet home," said the time mage, "Did you enjoy these last few days, Asta."

"Well... apart from nearly dying a few times in the process. I had fun. What about you, Noelle?"

"Don't talk to me," she replied.

"Oh, what?! Come on, I know you enjoyed yourself."

The water mage giggled, "Sure, it was somewhat assuming."

"He, he. Told ya."

Not long after, the barriers to the clover kingdom started open. It seems as though the guards were quick to take action and invite the three mages back into the country.

"Looks like they saw us. Guess we can call this mission a success. Come on, let's head back inside," yelled Julius.

"Agreed," replied the two mages.

"Was it ever a mission to begin with?" Asta thought.

The time mage walked into the kingdom with a spring in his step, as happy as can be.

Asta and Noelle kept close, walking side by side to one another. Despite having a sense of ease surrounding them, they were still fearful of the consequences that would later occur.

In Asta's case, putting the governing bodies in a slight panic was naughty on his part. As for Noelle, leaving the clover kingdom without any supervision or message was reckless and frankly dangerous by her standards. Both were dreading what was to come next.

"Ok, you two, now that we're back at the clover kingdom. How about we have some ice cream? My treat..."

"JULIUS!"

Suddenly a loud roar stretched through the capital, stunning the three mages on the stop.

The magic knights had their heads turned, and it was non-other than the wizard king's trusted advisor Marx.

"Oh hey Marx", waved Julius.

The memory mage came charging in with several magic knights following his lead. The memory mage had his fists clenched and gritted teeth.

"Guards surround them," ordered Marx;

The magic knights quickly immobilised and instantly had time mage surrounded.

"Woah there, easy Marx. It's quite the welcoming party you have here. Don't you think it's a bit too much?"

A couple of mages grabbed Julius's arms, rooting him to the spot.

"Hello, Julius!" shouted Marx, "Abondaning, your post for your own selfish games, are we?"

"I mean, when you put it like, it does sound like I did something awful."

Marx's blood began to boil, causing his face to turn red. Steam was practically coming out of his ears. "So, you think this is a game, do you? Well, then I'll show how much of a game this really is! GUARDS, SEND HIM TO MY OFFICE NOW!"

"Yes, Sir," they saluted.

Julius held a pouted look. He was hoping he would be able to get away with this one. However, not all plans come to fruition.

*sigh*

"Well, this was expected... I am prepared to accept any punishment."

He turned his attention to the Golden Dawn and Black Bull, "Asta, Noelle... let this trigger your social anxiety. This is the exact situation you don't want to be in."

The swordsman held a cringed look, remembering past events.

"A-absolutely, Julius. I would never."

"Goodman, Well... I guess I'll see you two later then."

"Guards, why is he still here!" yelled Marx, "I told you to send him upstairs now!"

The guards quickly took the time mage back to the palace in fear of another scolding.

"You two," the memory mage pointed, "You both are in serious trouble. Especially you, Asta. You put us in a slight panic with your disappearance. We even sent out several search parties for you."

"I-I'm sorry, Marx. I didn't mean to stir up confusion," Asta apologised.

"As for you, Noelle. I'm not sure how involved you were in the matter. So a thorough investigation will be conducted."

"U-understood, I am prepared to take any punishment as follows."

The water mage didn't believe she had done anything wrong. She just didn't have the strength nor the will to fight her case. She just wanted to go home.

"I suggest you both go back to your respected squads. I will call off the search teams. In the mean, please stay out of trouble."

Surprisingly Marx was a lot more lenient to the young mages. Guess he interpreted it as Julius being the main instigator of the situation. However, that was not a good enough excuse.

The pair saluted before making their way back to their squads.

They were relieved they got away with just a scolding. Despite being fearful more punishment was yet to come. Asta and Noelle were thrilled they were finally back home. They could finally take a load off.

...

"Say, Asta."

"Huh, yeah, Noelle."

"What are you doing tonight?"

"Umm... I guess I'll probably see my squadmates back at the Golden Dawn."

"I see... Be-before you go there..." face beginning to blush "Would wanna come to visit the Black Bulls with me?"

Authors note: LMAO, it actually didn't take me a long time to write a chapter. Let's see how long this lasts, haha. As always, thanks for reading, leave a review :) and see you in the next chapter ;)