Chapter 5: Stories Don't Always Have Happy Endings, But This Does
COMMON REALM DAILY NEWS
BREAKING NEWS
AUTHOR OF POPULAR SERIAL STAR KNIGHTS IS ASTA OF THE BLACK BULLS?!
See more on Page 7
"Here's another bag for you," said May the Mailperson, handing a very large sack of letters to Asta at the front door of the Black Bulls' base. May had been delivering the mail to the Black Bulls since before Asta joined and she had always been good to them. "We might get more at the post office by tonight, so I'll get those to you tomorrow."
"Thanks so much. Sorry for the trouble," said Asta, as this was the fifth large bag of fan-mail that he had received today.
"Not a problem, Asta. Have a good day," said May, waving before she flew off on her broom to finish her deliveries to Sosshi.
Asta lugged the big bag with ease back into the house, where the Black Bulls sat reading through all the fan-mail from Star Knights fans.
"Another bag," Noelle complained. "This is so annoying."
Zora was in charge of checking for any traps in the letters, which he then handed off to Nacht and Gauche who read them and threw away the creepy ones. The creepy ones were being destroyed in the backyard by Magna and Luck. The average fan letters were divided into two categories-little kids, which Asta intended to respond to with help from Grey, Noelle, and Vanessa, and the ones from adults which were read and then cataloged by Henry and Gordon. It was a whole process and Asta appreciated the help.
But truthfully, it was getting out of hand. Luck had even sensed people flying overhead. Henry caught someone sneaking inside the base.
"I can't believe it was Klaus' sister that ratted Asta out," said Vanessa, shaking her head.
"To be fair, it was gonna come out eventually," said Finral. "I'm pretty sure Luck told all of the Azure Deer squad."
"Once someone other than Vanessa knew the truth, that'd make sense," said Nacht. "The truth is far harder to contain, the more people that know it."
"Alright, calm down, Mr. Philosopher," said Zora, rolling his eyes. "Nero, you're gonna have to switch me, I'm getting low on mana. Too many of these have spells and curses on them."
"Fine," said Nero. "This is getting out of hand. I'm a little worried." Zora and Nero switched seats, while Zora grabbed a plate of Charmy's mana-restoring food.
"We're moving the base," said Yami, coming downstairs. "Just finished talking to Julius. He suggests that we get away from towns for now. Julius is working on some statement to get people to back off with the fan-mail."
"Even the Wizard King is worried," said Asta. "I feel bad causing trouble."
"If anyone should feel bad, it's the alcoholic aunt and four-eyes' sister," said Liebe, in his mini-form on Asta's shoulder.
"Rude, Liebe! I've cut down my drinking," said Vanessa.
Everyone snorted derisively at that statement.
"You don't drink daytime anymore, but you still get smashed in the evenings," said Finral, pointing out the obvious. "And if someone didn't butt her nose into Asta's business, we wouldn't be in this mess."
"I said I was sorry," said Vanessa, pouting and sulking.
"We're never letting you forget," said Gauche. "This is cutting into my admiration for Marie time."
"Everything cuts into that for you, sister-complex," said Zora, rolling his eyes. "So, where are we headed, Captain?"
"We're going near Rayaka," said Yami, "and then, if that doesn't stop the mail, we'll head north to Hage. Worse comes to worse we'll go hang out in the Neutral Zone until this all dies down."
Everyone groaned in annoyance.
"Yuno, breathe in and out," said Mimosa, having the vines of her Plant Magic tying a fuming mad Yuno down to the ground with help from Captain's World Tree Magic. She grimaced as he broke another of her vines, which she quickly replaced.
Klaus rubbed his eyes, glasses off of his face while Yuno said some very not nice words about stalkers and people always meddling and bothering Asta. "Viola said she was sorry."
"Asta and the Bulls have to roam around now," said Yuno, furious. Bell sat on Yuno's head, unaffected by the screaming. "Can't Asta have some peace? Now there's people breaking into the Bulls' base and stalking him!"
"Yuno, relax, the Black Bulls won't let anything happen to Asta. And you forget that Asta is very strong," said William, patiently. "I understand your feelings, but being angry won't solve anything."
Yuno scowled and glowered at the same time. It was truly a sight to behold.
"Julius and Marx are dealing with the matter and they will come up with a plan, but you have to be patient," said William. The Captain smiled at Mimosa, "And Mimosa, good job with the vines, they are getting quicker."
"Thank you, Captain," said Mimosa, pleased at the praise. She got some tips from Captain Roselei.
"Fine, fine, whatever," said Yuno.
"Are you calm," asked Mimosa and William at the same time.
"I am the epitome of calmness," said Yuno, deadpan.
"He's not," said Langris, who had been watching the whole time from William's desk, not lifting a hand to help. "He's definitely not calm."
"Not helping," said Klaus.
Mimosa sighed. "How about you and me go visit Asta, yeah? It'll be fine, you'll feel better."
Yuno stopped struggling against Mimosa and William's magic and said, "I can do that."
"Good idea," said William. "I'll call Yami to send Finral. And you'll see that everything is okay."
"Everything is not okay, Marx, what are we going to do," asked Julius, holding his head. "The Black Bulls need to be able to work. This situation with Star Knights has gotten out of hand."
Marx sighed. "Now that the Black Bulls are outside of Rayaka, hidden in the woods, fan-mail keeps coming here. The mail-room is inundated. Lord Damnatio is asking questions. And Ladies Silva and Vermillion are asking for us to cease the serial by force. According to the rumors, Mimosa scolded them at High Tea. And Lady Grace Tormenta wants to meet Asta."
Julius sighed. "And has Fragil refused to speak to her mother?"
Marx raised an eyebrow. "What do you think, Lord Julius?"
Rubbing his temples, Julius wondered if he should just go on vacation and not deal with this situation. "Do you have any bright ideas, Marx?"
"Well, the only thing I can think of is to make Asta finish the serial by making it into a book," said Marx. "He ends it with victory against the enemy based on Zagred and has an epilogue where Maris becomes the Star Emperor. We can announce it at a party."
"Are we going to ask Lady Tormenta for a favor?"
"Not a favor, if she's offering," said Marx. "Shall we call Yami and Asta and let them know?"
"It's the best plan. If the story is out in its entirety, the anticipation and popularity will take a nose-dive. I think we also are going to have to make a rule for Magic Knights not to publish stories based on their lives until ten years after their retirement," said Julius, nodding, liking this plan a lot. Asta and the Black Bulls would have to suffer through one of Lady Tormenta's parties, but it'll work out.
"Great. Hopefully, Asta is on board with this plan."
Fragil's mom looked like Fragil, but it was obvious that Fragil was nothing like her over-the-top mother. "It's so wonderful to meet you, Asta! Please call me Grace. I enjoyed your story. It's absolutely amazing. When Lord Julius called me to host a party for you, well, I couldn't refuse." Fragil's mom vigorously shook Asta's hand.
The Black Balls stood near Asta, watching the whole scene.
Asta flushed and said, "Thanks very much, ma'am! Your house is very lovely." Asta was mighty uncomfortable. He wore a suit, picked out by Noelle, Vanessa, and Nacht. His hair couldn't be tamed, and he just felt so out of place in the Tormenta's fancy home. He hated when he had to visit the Vermillion or Silva Castles for that very reason. How did his friends grow up in such resplendent places without fearing they'd break something?
"Alright, Mother, please," said Fragil, forcibly removing her mother's hand from Asta's. "Contain yourself. Anthony, please get mother some water. Sorry, Asta." A man presumably called Anthony whisked a pouting Lady Tormenta away. "Charmy! There's a special place for you to eat out on the patio."
"Hurray," said Charmy, rushing off.
"This is some fancy place, Fragil," said Magna, impressed.
"Yes, it is. Don't worry about breaking anything. My brothers do more damage to the family heirlooms than even you and Luck would," said Fragil, smiling politely. "Unfortunately, Mother invited most of her fellow noblewoman friends, just be on the lookout for pinched cheeks."
"On the face, right," asked Finral, rubbing his face.
"If that's what you want to think," said Fragil. "Zora, please, don't use your stink bug in my house."
"No promises. You use lemon to get the smell out," said Zora, eye twitching at the sight of so many nobles in one room.
The Black Bulls were to be on their best behavior (for them) and they would since it was their friend Fragil's childhood home. Asta couldn't believe that this party was for him to celebrate his story. He had to give a speech, written by Lord Julius and Marx, but he wasn't nervous about that since he didn't have anxiety about speaking in public. No, Asta was nervous because he was about to promise to write his story as a book.
"There you are," said Yuno, entering the banquet hall, flanked by Mimosa, Klaus, Klaus's sister Viola, and Langris.
Yuno and Mimosa kept visiting the Black Bulls for the last few weeks. It was great to see Yuno so much. Since they were near Rayaka, Magna's mom was able to stop by to hang out with them. Asta didn't mind traveling around with his Black Bull family, but there were missions that needed to get done, which meant that their base couldn't be moving all over the place unless it was part of a strategy.
"Yuno," said Asta, bounding up to his rival. Asta grinned. "You look like a handsome jerk as always."
Yuno looked like a prince in his Golden Dawn uniform without the cloak.
And if that wasn't a terrible reminder that Yuno was, in fact, an ACTUAL prince of a kingdom, who wanted him to go and be their King. Thankfully, Asta knew that Yuno would never leave the place he called home.
"Hmph, and I suppose you cleaned up well. I'm surprised they found a shirt that wouldn't rip if you put it on," said Yuno, deadpan.
"Yo, Princess! I'm hitching a ride with you tonight. There ain't no way in hell I'm going to be listening to this all night." Liebe, in his small form, leaped from Asta's shoulder to Noelle's shoulder. Nero, in her bird form, sitting on her spot on top of Asta's head, opened her eyes briefly and then shut them again, not caring.
"Let's go, Liebe. Kahono couldn't come, so I'd rather have you as company," said Noelle. "Mimosa, come with us."
"Oh, yes, let's go check out that sweets table," said Mimosa. Noelle, Mimosa, and Liebe went off to the sweets table.
"What was that about," asked Asta, confused.
"Nothing," said Yuno, quickly. "When's the big speech?"
"After dinner," said Asta. "Are you all going to sit with me?"
"Yes, of course," said Klaus. "Viola, do you not have something to say?"
"I'm very sorry, Asta, for spilling the secret. It was irresponsible of me," said Viola, morosely.
"That's right," said Nacht, at Asta's side, glaring at Klaus's sister. "And you'll be editing Asta's book for free."
"Yes, yes, I will," said Viola, nervously.
"Alright, alright, she got it, Vice-Captain Nacht," said Asta. "Thanks for help in advance."
Fragil said, "You all are sitting at this table. Dinner will be served in twenty minutes. Mother had a five-course meal prepared."
"Five-courses," asked Asta.
"God, this is gonna take forever," said Yami, sighing.
Asta had to agree with his Captain. This was going to be one long party.
Dinner went well. Charmy, sated by her own buffet spread, didn't steal anyone's food. Asta made his big announcement, which was met with big applause from the crowd. Fragil sighed, feet tired, as she watched three noblewomen descend upon Asta with copies of the magazine for him to sign. A glowering and protective Yuno stood right at Asta's side, keeping any of the handsy fans at bay.
Someone gave her mother some more brandy and her mother was embarrassing herself and Fragil and her brothers and her father (Father was busy with work, but he knew) by trying to flirt with Nacht and Gauche. Zora cackled at Nacht and Gauche's fate in the corner, sitting with Vanessa (also smashed) and Finral (who also drank too much and moped).
"It ain't so bad. Your Ma is just having some fun," said Magna, sliding into the seat next to Fragil.
"Grey looks like she's getting annoyed," said Luck, cheerfully, on the other side of her.
"My mother is embarrassing herself," said Fragil, shaking her head.
"All parents are," said Magna. "Wait, until you meet my Ma. You'll never see me the same again."
Fragil smiled gratefully at Magna. "Yes, well, I'm sure that your mother wouldn't flirt with men half her age!"
"I'd hope not. Someone half her age is my age," said Magna, laughing.
"Ma doesn't flirt, even when the men do," said Luck, knowingly and there was a gleam in his eyes that if anyone gave Miss Swing a problem, they would have a Very Big Luck Problem.
"Anthony will take care of her," said Fragil, about her mother's beleaguered butler. She wisely changed the subject. "So, did you like the food?"
Magna said, "It was great! Did you put pudding as a dessert for us?"
"I requested it," said Fragil, giggling. "Though, you still stole Magna's pudding, Luck."
"Magna's pudding is always better," said Luck, grinning like the cutie he was.
Fragil smiled fondly. Magna and Luck were really so sweet with each other, even if others thought they were weird. Their love was beautiful. Changing the subject to her recent plight of her mysterious gift-giver, Fragil asked, "Did you know that I have a secret admirer?"
"Do you," asked Magna.
"How mysterious," said Luck. "Do you need us to beat them up?"
"No," said Fragil. "I don't know what to do about it. I don't know who it is. The snacks and trinkets are really great, but I'd like them to come and speak with me. What do you think I should do?"
"Well, a trap would always be best," said Magna, "but we know who the gift-giver is!"
Luck nodded. "Yep! We do!"
"Did you see them?" Fragil asked, confused.
"It's us," said Luck, impatiently.
Fragil looked at them. Wait, Magna and Luck were leaving her gifts? They were her secret admirers? Or was this just some sort of friendship ritual with them? "I'm sorry, I don't understand."
"We like you," said Magna and Luck at the same time.
"As a friend," asked Fragil slowly, not comprehending what was happening right now.
Luck laughed and held her hand. "No, silly! Not as rivals or friends, but as more than friends!"
Magna held her other hand and said, "Did you like the gifts?"
Fragil's face felt warm and suddenly, it made sense. Oh. "I liked the gifts. But, what does this mean?"
"Do you want to be with us?" Magna asked. "Luck and I are good partners."
"Yeah, yeah, and Ma wants to meet ya," said Luck.
Magna, then, said, "We know it sounds weird but…"
Fragil smiled widely. "Yes! I'll be with you. I just never expected! It's so wonderful." She kissed Magna on the cheek and then Luck on the cheek. "I really like you both so much."
Suddenly, Fragil was engulfed in a hug given to her by Magna and Luck. She giggled. Her mother was going to have a heart attack, but Fragil didn't care. This made her so very happy.
"Unbelievable," Zora muttered. Nearby Magna and Luck smothered Fragil with hugs and kisses where everyone could see them. "How the hell did those two manage that?"
"Aww, what's the matter, Red? Feeling lonely," asked Vanessa, slurring her words just a tad bit from the good wine. "Just think, this means you don't have to be a Magna and Luck minder anymore. That's Fragil's job now."
"You mean she's an instigator and I have more work now," said Zora.
"I'm with Zora. How Magna and Luck got together was a miracle in itself, but the fact that they now have a beautiful noblewoman with them is unfair," said Finral.
"Fragil is just as weird as Magna and Luck, but she's better at hiding it," said Vanessa, laughing. "It's cute. You two are just jealous because your love lives suck."
Finral groaned. "Don't bring up…"
"You could have married Finesse, but you didn't, because it wasn't the right kind of love you felt for her," said Vanessa, knowingly. "And Zora can't go five seconds without insulting Kirsch because he's too pretty. You two are hopeless."
Zora grimaced. Vanessa wasn't exactly wrong.
Finral put his hands over his face and tried to stop existing at that moment.
Zora looked over to Magna, Luck, and Fragil and saw how happy they were, laughing and holding hands, and Zora thought, If Magna can have a nebulously defined partner AND a girlfriend, I surely can talk to Kirsch like a normal person without insulting him, right?
Grumbling, Zora said, "I think I need a drink."
"There's the spirit," said Vanessa, pouring him a glass of wine.
Back Cover of Star Knights Book:
You've read Maris' story in the Common Realm Monthly Literary Magazine, but now read Maris's journey to becoming Star Emperor in its entirety in this very book.*
*Chapters 1-9 were serialized in the Common Realm Monthly Literary Magazine and they have been edited for consistency and flow. Chapters 10+ are all brand new.
COMMON REALM DAILY NEWS
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: ASTA OF THE BLACK BULLS
Interview
By:
Louisa Lowry
Asta of the Black Bulls, also known as T. Atoes, is the author of the very popular book Star Knights. Left at a church in Hage Village of the Forsaken Realm, Asta worked hard to become a Magic Knight and achieve his dream to become the Wizard King.
L: I got to sit down with Asta of the Black Bulls for an exclusive interview to talk about his book Star Knights Thanks so much for this, Asta!
A: Sure, it's not a problem, ma'am.
L: Let's get to the nitty-gritty. Why did you start writing? You're a busy Magic Knight, saving the Kingdom twice, I might add, thanks for your hard work, so why writing?
A: It helps me process what happened. I'm loud but there's a lot of thoughts in my head. Sister Lily taught me how to write.
L: That's wonderful. Why did you decide to write a fictionalized version of your life?
A: It felt right. Maris isn't me, but she's also part of me. It's weird.
L: It's safe to say that everyone adores Maris. So, tell us is Malo, Maris' rival, based on your rival and childhood friend, Yuno Grinberryall of the Golden Dawn?
A: Well, everyone is based on people I know.
Interview continued on Page 3
COMMON REALM DAILY NEWS
STAR KNIGHTS'S BOOK IS A RUNAWAY SUCCESS
Review
By:
Samson Wright, Editor-in-Chief
(BE WARNED: There are spoilers for the entire Star Knights book below).
Asta's Star Knights is a hit.
The moment I read the first chapter I knew it was special.
The story of Maris Lyric, a magicless orphan peasant, and her journey to become Star Emperor in the fictional Kingdom of Stars mirrors Asta's real-life experiences as the only person without magic in the Clover Kingdom as his dream is to become the Wizard King and bring unity and peace to our Kingdom. On the surface, it's a basic plot, but there's so much depth in the characters and the struggles and sacrifices they make.
Read more on Page 8
"Thanks for dropping these off," said Kirsch, taking three copies of Star Knights books from Zora. Kirsch tried not to look directly at Zora. Being aware of his...feelings meant that being around Zora made Kirsch's heartbeat quicker than normal, especially outside of missions. He asked Asta to send some copies of the book. One copy each for Pitney and Lovejoy and one for the Coral Peacocks' library and Asta obliged. He just wished that Asta didn't send Zora.
"Yeah, no problem," said Zora.
The politeness surprised Kirsch, who made the mistake of looking directly at Zora. Kirsch felt his cheeks warm unconsciously. "Uhh, well, yes," said Kirsch, tripping over his words. Stop being handsome, you jerk!
Zora asked, curiously, "Are you feelin' okay?"
"Yes, yes, I am fine," said Kirsch, almost grimacing at how awkward he sounded. Function like a normal human around another human, Kirsch, God, don't be such a loser.
And then, Zora reached over and checked Kirsch's temperature. "Yer face is on fire, but ya ain't got a fever."
Kirsch let out an undignified noise as Zora's cool and callused hand stayed on his forehead for way too long. "Um, yeah, really, I'm fine," Kirsch managed to squeak out.
Thankfully, Zora relented and dropped his hand from Kirsch's forehead. "If ya say so. Well, I gotta go. But, Kirsch?"
Kirsch was startled at the use of his actual name and not an insulting nickname. "Yeah?"
"D'ya want to get dinner sometime?"
Kirsch agreed before his mind could stop him. "Sure."
"Cool. Are ya free Friday, say around seven?"
"I am," said Kirsch.
"I'll see you then," said Zora, waving, before promptly flying off on his broom.
Kirsch stood there for a good minute before he realized.
"I have a date with Zora?" Kirsch ran into the Coral Peacocks' base and immediately found Levi in one of the sitting rooms, drinking tea and working on a mission report. "Levi! Help! I have a date with Zora! What do you do on a date?"
Levi rolled his eyes, taking the three books from Kirsch's panicking hands, and said, "Well, congratulations. I didn't think that Zora actually liked you. And I know what a normal person does on a date, but I couldn't tell you what a Black Bull considers a normal date."
"Levi!"
"What? I don't know. Dress comfortably and hope for the best. Maybe it'll be an underground fight club. Oh, are you going to have to fight Magna and Luck? They're pretty protective of Zora," said Levi, far too amused.
"He said it was dinner. Surely that's a normal date activity," Kirsch asked.
"If Charmy is there, then no, it's not, it's a survival game," said Levi, continuing to give Kirsch a hard time.
"Levi! I'm demoting you from my best friend. Cornelia is now my best friend," said Kirsch.
"Cool, go ask her for help," Levi said, chuckling.
"Ask Cornelia what?" Cornelia entered the sitting room.
"Zora asked Kirsch out," said Levi, helpfully.
"Oh my God, really," said Cornelia. She handed Levi her bowl of ice cream and grabbed Kirsch's arm. "We need to pick out your outfit."
"Wait, what?"
"Bye," said Levi, waving.
Kirsch yelled, "Demoted!" as got dragged off by Cornelia.
Levi laughed.
It had been three months since Fragil started dating Magna and Luck and they were finally taking her to meet Magna's Ma, Shula Swing. Fragil was a bit nervous. She wanted Magna's Ma to like her. She knew that their relationship was untraditional (and yes, Fragil's mother freaked out, until Magna and Luck managed somehow to charm Fragil's mother into approving, would wonder would never cease). Magna said his Ma knew and she didn't mind the oddity of their relationship. But knowing about it and seeing it in person was a whole different story.
"Do I look alright? Did I bring the right gift for your mother," asked Fragil, as they walked towards Magna's childhood home on the edge of the town of Rayaka.
"Fragil, you're so pretty and Ma will love the gift," said Magna.
"Yeah, don't worry. Ma will love you," said Luck.
Fragil hoped they were right as they reached the door of the Swing house, where Magna just flung open the door and entered the house
"Ma, I'm home," he called.
"I'm home too," said Luck, yelling, running after him.
Fragil smiled at their antics and entered the cute, homey house. Fragil said, far more polite, "Pardon the intrusion, Miss Swing."
Shula Swing laughed and she grinned just like Magna, which eased Fragil's nerves immediately. "Yer a polite one! You must be Fragil. The boys told me all about ya. It's great to meet you. And call me Ma."
Fragil held out a package. "Thank you for inviting me to your home."
Ma Shula took the package and opened it immediately, revealing an old Tormenta short sword. "Well, I'll be! This is some sword! Fine craftsmanship. Old too. This is a wonderful gift, but won't your family miss it?"
"Mother insisted," said Fragil. "It's no problem."
Ma Shula placed the sword on her kitchen table and immediately pulled Fragil into a warm embrace. "Yer such a sweetie! How'd ya manage to fall for my ridiculous son and my boy Luck is any wonder? Welcome to the family, dear."
Fragil hugged her back. "Thank you."
"Ma, don't hog, Fragil," said Luck.
"Yeah, Ma, no fair," said Magna.
Ma Shula laughed and said, "Well, get in on this hug, boys, what are ya waiting for?"
Fragil giggled as Magna and Luck threw themselves into hugging Ma and Fragil in a big hug pile. This was so fun.
She was glad she came.
"So, no more writing secret bestsellers," asked Yuno, as he sat on the roof of the Black Bull base, next to Asta.
"Definitely not," said Asta, laughing. "I'll just write Sister Lily long rambling letters as usual."
"Please, you know Sister Lily, Father Orsi, and the kids love your letters," said Yuno, rolling his eyes. "I'm glad things settled. I didn't like all that unwanted attention on you."
"It worked out in the end," said Asta. "But now I have a book, I wrote a book, though everyone helped me finish it with details I didn't know."
"Just one of your many accomplishments," said Yuno, nudging Asta lightly on the shoulder.
"Yeah," said Asta. "Back to training and missions, just the way I like it."
Yuno and Asta lapsed into a comfortable, companionable silence. Yuno had been mulling over whether or not to bring up the whole Maris/Malo stand-in for him and Asta for weeks. Considering that Magna and Luck managed to woo Fragil and that Zora started to date Kirsch, Yuno figured if they can handle risking friendships for the sake of love, Yuno could too.
"So was Maris always in love with Malo," asked Yuno.
Asta's face turned pink and shrugged and said, noncommittally. "There was never any question that Maris loved Malo. Whether or not Malo loved Maris the same way is difficult to say."
Yuno paused. "I think Malo always loved Maris too, but he wanted to be strong enough to protect Maris, since she spent so much time protecting him when they were young. Gaining that strength meant that Malo couldn't cry anymore."
Asta hummed, a grin forming on his face. "Malo never needed to be anything other than himself. Maris loves him no matter what."
"Asta-"
"Yuno-"
"No, sorry, you go, Asta."
"No, you, go, Yuno."
"I love you," said Yuno. "I've always loved you and you're my home and you're the most important person in my life."
Asta held Yuno's hand and said, "I love you too."
Yuno squeezed Asta's hand. And then he said, "But I'm still going to be the Wizard King."
Asta didn't let go but said, "No, you're not, because I am!"
Asta and Yuno grinned at each other.
"Oh my God, Noelle, it finally happened. They realized it." Liebe, in small form, yelled from his spot on Asta's head (Nero was with her bird friends today).
Noelle yelled up from the front yard. "How gross?"
"Super gross. Right, Bell?"
"Ugh, what a travesty. Asta, you had better treat my Yuno like a Prince."
"He always does," said Yuno, smiling gently at Asta.
Asta flushed.
"Oh fuck this. I'm moving into Noelle's room."
"I think I oughta to room with Mimosa at night."
"Alright, peanut gallery, get outta here and give us some peace and quiet," said Asta, scolding both Liebe and Bell.
Yuno chuckled.
"Get off the roof! Lunch is ready," Charmy yelled.
Asta sighed and said, "Well, I don't think peace and quiet is possible."
"Not with this bunch," said Yuno.
Together, hand-in-hand, they joined the Black Bulls, Mimosa, Langris, and Klaus for lunch. And they endured all the teasing...
~fin