Author's notes
THIS CHAPTER HAS A BGM!
Side storiesare my side projects that focus on daily life. This one, however, isextra special. Unlike my usual side stories, this is astandalone story—longer, more in-depth, and crafted to feel like its own major arc. Think of it as a "main interlude," with its own unique plot, extensive world-building, and character development. It's designed to stand on its own, much like LB6 or Salem in FGO.
This side storytakes place after Hyakkaryouran Chapter 1(the main story hasn't caught up to that yet) and after the events ofGame Development DepartmentandThe Hero Party(another side story). It also containsspoilers for the 'A Visitor from Beyond' arc, so keep that in mind!
START THE SONG AND ENJOY!
Fate/Grand Order: Where All Miracles Begin, SCHALE
Side Story: Love Unlocked, The Treasurer's Priceless Treasure (4.2/9)
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The bright afternoon sun bathed the bustling streets of Millennium in a golden glow.
One week had passed in the blink of an eye.
The weather was perfect-clear skies stretched endlessly, and a gentle breeze danced through the air, carrying with it the lively hum of chatter and laughter. The Millennium Annual School Festival was in full swing, and the energy was palpable.
Lively voice chatters filled the streets.
Every year, Millennium Academy prided itself on its festival, showcasing its students' ingenuity and creativity. Inventions, equipment, and cutting-edge technology were on full display, but it wasn't just a festival of science and engineering. Food stalls lined the streets, selling everything from high-tech cooking gadgets to traditional snacks. Game booths, virtual reality stations, and even playful mecha displays added to the carnival-like atmosphere.
This year, however, felt different. For reasons unknown to most, the festival had drawn students from every corner of Kivotos. Trinity's pristine white uniforms mingled with the crimson jackets of Gehenna. Even students from smaller academies had flocked to the festival, adding a rainbow of colors and diversity to the crowd. The streets were alive with movement, laughter, and the enticing aroma of freshly made food.
Among the throngs of students, four particular girls stood out. Their rabbit-ear-like headpieces twitched with excitement as their eyes darted around, taking in the vibrant scene. Each girl held a different snack in hand, their mouths full as they eagerly sampled the festival's culinary delights.
"Waaa~ This is so good!" Exclaimed a spirited girl with a playful grin, as she bit into a juicy drumstick. Her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel's, and she barely paused to breathe before taking another bite. "It's been forever since we got to eat like this!"
"Hey, Moe! Slow down, or you'll choke!" Another girl scolded, though her tone lacked any real reprimand. She herself was munching happily on a corndog, and her expression softened as she added. "Sensei is so kind to invite us to this festival— and he even gave us so much pocket money!" Her eyes sparkled with gratitude as she swung her corndog for emphasis.
"Mhm—" Another girl, the quiet white-haired girl of the group, chimed in, nibbling delicately on a taiyaki. "That's why you shouldn't be so harsh with him, Saki."
"Haaah, Miyako!" Saki whined, puffing her cheeks. "Lately, you always take his side!"
Miyako only smiled faintly in response, her demeanor calm as always. "He's doing his best," she said softly, but her smile faltered slightly when Saki's next question came.
"Did Sensei say where he was? We're supposed to meet up with him, right?"
"Not yet... He hasn't replied to my text."
"Maybe he's busy preparing for the show?" Miyu, the fourth girl, suggested. "It's only almost two hours away, after all."
"Yeah, that makes sense." Miyako agreed. "We still have about an hour to explore before we need to reserve seats in the conference hall."
"Then let's make the most of it!" Moe cheered, raising her drumstick like a trophy. "More snacks! More fun!"
With laughter and excited chatter, the rabbit-eared quartet melded back into the lively crowd. However, just as they were about to stroll forward, a firm yet polite voice called out to them.
"Rabbit Squad?"
Miyako turned around, her snowy white hair swaying slightly as her amethyst eyes settled on two unfamiliar faces approaching them. Both wore the distinctive uniforms of the Gehenna Prefect Team, their bearing formal and confident.
The first girl had a sharp gaze and a fair complexion skin. Her piercing red eyes scanned the Rabbit Squad with curiosity despite her silver hair bang covering her left eye. Slung over her shoulders was a rifle, matching perfectly with her devil tail in terms of dangerousness.
The second had an equally commanding presence, an elvish gaze glanced through the rectangular glasses, her blonde hair neatly tied back in pigtails red bands each and black ribbon hairband that conveyed her no-nonsense attitude.
"Fancy seeing the Gehenna Prefect Team here. I'm Miyako, and these are my teammates—Saki, Moe, and Miyu. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The blonde-haired girl, Chinatsu, adjusted her glasses and gave a small bow. "Chinatsu, Medical aid of the Prefect Team. And this is Iori." She gestured toward her silver-haired companion, who offered a confident smile and a nod.
"Iori, Prefect Team Assault Captain." The second girl added. "We've heard of the Rabbit Squad from SRT. It's an honor to finally meet you all in person."
"Thank you." Miyako replied with a modest nod. "I wasn't expecting to see Gehenna's Prefect Team here. Is Hina-san attending the festival as well?"
Chinatsu's expression softened. "Unfortunately, President Hina and our administrative officer couldn't make it. Gehenna is always busy, and their responsibilities keep them tied up. However, we were dispatched in case any Gehenna students caused trouble here."
"I see. That makes sense." Miyako gave a small, sincere smile. "Please extend my gratitude to Hina-san when you see her. We truly appreciated her assistance during the Crimson Sky incident."
"I'll be sure to let her know."
Iori glanced at their uniforms. "Are you all here for the same reason? Your team looks well-prepared."
Saki puffed her chest out proudly. "Of course! We're SRT! We're always prepared for anything, no matter where we go!"
Chinatsu chuckled lightly at the spirited response, and after a few more polite exchanges, the two members of the Gehenna Prefect Team excused themselves.
Left to themselves, the Rabbit Squad watched the Prefect Team disappear into the crowd. Saki broke the silence, her voice tinged with surprise. "So Gehenna's Prefect Team is here, huh? Do you think the Justice Task Force is here too?"
Miyako nodded. "It's possible. This festival has attracted students from every school, so it wouldn't be surprising if other task forces were deployed as well."
Saki's brow furrowed nervously. "Today is going to be normal, right? Not like the Halo Festival? To be honest, I noticed something weird earlier— why are there so many trucks moving in and out carrying food ingredients? The numbers are way too high! Are they hiding something again? What if... it's a food biochemical war?"
Miyu's eyes widened in alarm. "A... what?"
Miyako sighed, placing a hand on Saki's shoulder to calm her. "Saki, you're overthinking things. I overheard some students earlier saying there are several... big eaters in the festival. That might explain the unusually high food supply."
Saki's frown deepened. "Big eaters? What does that even mean?"
Miyako hesitated before adding. "They said... those big eaters all have the same face. I'm not sure what they meant by that or if I misheard."
Saki gasped, her imagination running wild. "Same face? Are they robots? Robots sent to steal food? Or maybe a third party is planning to exhaust Millennium's food supply to cause chaos!"
Miyako shook her head, unsure of what to say. "I don't know. But Sensei invited us here to enjoy ourselves, and he emphasized that there won't be any incidents. Let's not overthink it, but stay alert just in case."
Miyu nodded nervously. "Mhm! We'll stay ready!"
"That's right! We're SRT, after all. Even on holidays, we'll always be prepared to uphold justice in Kivotos!"
"Ahhh, I overspent my pocket money!"
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"Wat?" Saki's mood dropped as suddenly interrupted by Moe's loud cry.
"Saki, can you lend me some money? Pretty please?" Moe wailed, clutching an empty wallet with a defeated expression.
Saki blinked, her brows furrowing in disbelief. "What? No! You spent it all on snacks, didn't you? Go return some of the stuff you just bought!"
"I can't return food I've already bitten into! And besides, this is a festival! You can't expect me not to indulge!"
"Then why'd you buy grenades before coming here?! Sensei gave us plenty of pocket money, way more than enough for a festival, but nooo— you justhadto splurge on something unnecessary! And this is only the first day!"
"Those are my babies! You called that unnecessary?!"
The two continued to bicker, drawing curious glances from passersby. Suddenly, a calm yet childish voice interrupted them.
"Shopkeeper-san, I'll pay for that Onee-chan."
The Rabbit Squad turned in unison, their confusion mirrored on their faces.
"A-A-A—Are you sure? ( oo)" The shopkeeper asked with a blush.
"Yes, consider it settled."
The Rabbit Squad's eyes were drawn to the boy like magnets. His radiant appearance was impossible to ignore— golden hair that shimmered like sunlight, paired with piercing red eyes that seemed to see through everything. He was dressed casually in a white shirt and jacket, but the gold necklaces and wristbands adorning him gave him an air of elegance far beyond his years.
Even though he was a child, his presence captivated everyone nearby, from younger girls to older women. It was as if he exuded an aura that demanded attention.
He turned to Moe and flashed a disarming smile.
"Don't worry, Onee-chan. I've taken care of it."
Miyako quickly stepped forward, pulling out her cute rabbit wallet. "Wait, we can't accept that! Let me pay you back—"
The boy raised a hand to stop her, shaking his head with a smile. "No need. I overheard you were students of my Master. That makes it fine by me."
"Master...?" Miyako blinked in surprise. "Are you... one of Sensei's servants?"
"That's correct. You may call me Gil. Perhaps we'll meet again in the future."
Before the Rabbit Squad could process his words, another voice called out from the crowd.
"Heyyy, Gil-kun! Hurry up!"
The squad turned to see another boy weaving through the festival-goers. His presence was equally striking, though his appearance contrasted with Gil-kun's golden radiance. This boy had fiery red hair and a bright, almost regal aura. His casual attire couldn't hide the refined musculature of his slender frame, giving him the look of a young prince or some sort of prodigy. His energetic demeanor seemed to light up the area around him.
"I'll be right there, Alex!" Gil-kun called back before turning to the Rabbit Squad one last time. "Be careful with your spending, Onee-chans. See you next time."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd alongside the red-haired boy, leaving the Rabbit Squad in stunned silence.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Moe finally broke the quiet, her voice filled with disbelief. "What... Why do those kids look so good? And that Gil-kun... I couldsmellthe richness on him!"
Saki muttered. "It's like they walked straight out of some fantasy story..."
Miyako stayed silent, her mind replaying the encounter. She had heard stories from Sensei about being the Master of many renowned figures, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely. The sheer presence of those two boys-mere children, yet brimming with such confidence and charm-left her awe-struck.
As Gil-kun and his friend dragged the crowd away, the peaceful moment returned.
Yet, it didn't last long.
Kyaaaa! Your Majesty, please look this way!
Charles-sama! Charles-sama! I'm your biggest fan!
Marry me, Charles-sama!
The Rabbit Squad's ears perked up, and their attention was drawn to the source of the commotion. Standing taller than the sea of fangirls surrounding him was a man whose appearance was nearly as dazzling as the afternoon sun.
He wore a casual yet refined outfit-a blue v-neck sweater vest layered over a crisp white t-shirt, paired with fitted black pants. His black hair had striking white highlights that seemed to glimmer as the sunlight hit them. His facial features were sharp and symmetrical, a blend of youthful charm and majestic grace. But what caught their attention most were his eyes— bright blue and expressive, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Ritsuka's, though his were lighter and exuded a livelier, almost mischievous spark.
And his smile— it was brighter than the sun, effortlessly charming as he waved to the adoring crowd.
"Is that... Sensei?" Saki asked, narrowing her eyes in confusion.
Moe tilted her head. "It looks like him, but... why would so many girls be screaming like that? And why are they calling him Charles...?"
Luckily, a bystander, a girl from Millennium, overheard their conversation and stepped forward to clarify. "Oh, that's not Sensei! That's Charlemagne, an acquaintance of his."
"Charlemagne?" Miyako echoed, her brows furrowing.
The girl nodded enthusiastically, clearly one of his fans. "Isn't he just the most handsome? He looks so much like Sensei, right? But he's got this wilder, freer vibe about him. His smile is to die for!"
Saki, still skeptical, asked. "He's... not Sensei?"
The Millennium girl giggled. "Oh, trust me, we all made that mistake the first time he came here. Even our treasurer dragged him around, nagging him in front of the entire school! It was so funny!"
The Rabbit Squad exchanged glances, still trying to process the information.
"So... he's a servant?" Miyu whispered to the group, her voice tinged with awe.
Miyako nodded slowly, her gaze returning to Charlemagne, who was still basking in the attention of his admirers. "That makes him the third one we've met today..."
Saki crossed her arms, looking at Charlemagne with a mix of amazement and disbelief. "Sensei really handles people like this? Their presence is... overwhelming."
Moe, still staring at the radiant figure, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, if we didn't know better, we'd be doubting ourselves right now. These servants... they're on a whole other level."
Miyako smiled faintly, her thoughts wandering to their own experiences with Ritsuka. "I guess it makes sense now. With people like them following him, it's no wonder Sensei has the strength to bring people together— whether it's Kivotos as a whole or even... stubborn students like us."
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At the same time, in a nearby place.
The atmosphere around Charlemagne was chaotic yet electric, with a constant stream of girls' voices creating a lively background.
Kyaaaa! Charles-sama, you're so cool!
Please, just one picture, Charles-sama!
Your Majesty! Over here, please notice me!
Charlemagne stood tall amidst the sea of admirers, his expression caught somewhere between amused and exasperated. He mumbled under his breath. "I didn't expect the Millennium Festival to bethisbig and chaotic... especially things around me."
Nearby, Astolfo leaned casually against a street vendor's stand, munching on a candied apple with a playful grin. His pastel-pink hair fluttered slightly in the breeze as he teased. "Wow, Charles! You've got quite the fan club. Are you sure you're not the main event here, my king ?"
"Charles, admit it, you're soaking up all this attention. Youloveit." Another man, Roland, teased.
Charlemagne shot a dry look at both of them before sighing. "You two are relentless. Honestly, I'm starting to think my role here is more of a babysitter than a supporter of Master."
Roland raised an eyebrow. "Babysitter? That's rich coming from you. I didn't even get to be part of the play! Why didn't I get a role, huh? But why didtheyget! I've got charm and stage presence! You know that,Charles-sama."
Charlemagne couldn't help but smile, though it was laced with a hint of irritation. "You want to know why, Roland? Let me remind you—again—about what happened during Chaldea's New Year festival."
Roland blinked innocently. "What? What did I do?"
"Youstripped on stage.Again! In front of everyone! How many times have I told you not to do that?!"
ꉂꉂ(ᵔᗜᵔ*) Astolfo burst into laughter, almost dropping his candied apple. "Oh, come on, Charles, give him a break. Roland's just... Roland. You can't change him!"
Charlemagne groaned but kept his smile intact. "And another reason I'm not in the play? My face lookswaytoo similar to Master's. If both of us were on stage at the same time, people would be utterly confused."
To be fair, they could've gone for a twins plot or a doppelgänger story. That would've been so cool! But well—let's forget about it.
Charlemagne chuckled dryly at the idea, brushing off the teasing. His vibrant blue eyes scanned the festival as he took a moment to reflect.
Normally, Chaldea's Servants wouldn't usually feel the urge to gather in one place unless it was a singularity or a major event. But Kivotos wasn't a singularity— it was a stable world of its own. The reason they were here was simple: their Master was participating in the festival, and they wanted to support him while also exploring the world he had dedicated himself to as a teacher.
But for Charlemagne, there was another reason—
"Charles-sensei!" A bright, youthful voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
Turning toward the sound, he spotted a black-haired girl running toward him, a bag of snacks in her hands and a wide grin on her face.
"Aris—" Charlemagne greeted warmly. "So, did you get all your snacks ready?"
Aris nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! And now the party's ready to attend the main event!" She turned back and called out, "Abby, you ready?!"
"A-Almost!" a smaller voice replied.
Pushing through the crowd of fangirls came Abigail, dressed in a casual Millennium Academy jacket, a neat white shirt with a black bow, and a short skirt. Her golden blonde hair caught the light, and her wide, innocent blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
Behind her were a group of equally lively girls: Jeanne Alter Lily, Jack the Ripper, Nursery Rhyme, and Paul Bunyan.
Jeanne Alter Lily chimed in. "Ready!"
Jack waved a hand with a bright smile. "Are we going to see Mommy now?"
Bunyan and Nursery gave a firm nod.
"Yes!" Abigail said cheerfully, clutching her bag of snacks. "Let's head to the conference hall early so we can get good seats for Master-san's show!"
Today, both Noa and Yuuka were the core players of the show, therefore, she decided to go with Aris and the Game Development Department since they are close. With similar mental age, Abigail and Aris had roughly the same mental age so they had gotten along since they first met.
In addition to that, she also brought her friends. Even though they hadn't been enrolled in any school yet, all had been looking forward to coming to Kivotos. While she was a Millennium Student, the four of them seemed to be leaning toward Trinity... With Amakusa Shirou and Big Jeanne, there was no wonder why they were inclined to make that decision.
But it wasn't like Abigail would feel lonely... After all, she had Noa and Yuuka.
Lastly, talking about the caretaker, since Abigail was with Aris, who was with Charlemagne and his paladins— the babysitters left them in his care. And where are they right now? Probably somewhere around here in other streets. A certain Assyria queen could finally enjoy her time with the girls' mentor.
"Wewant to see Mommy!"
"Mhm, Mhm! Let's go to watch Master's show!"
"Illya-chan's group has entered the venue! They said the conference hall is very big, but the best seats are being taken!"
As the Chaldean children were getting impatient, barely holding their excitement, they still needed to wait a little more until everyone had regrouped.
Luckily, it didn't take long.
Just then, another trio joined the scene: Midori, Momoi, and Yuzu.
"Charles-sensei!" Momoi exclaimed, trying to catch her breath. "You're attracting way too much attention! Yuzu almost hid in a box somewhere!"
Charlemagne chuckled apologetically. "Sorry, sorry. I guess I'm not great at keeping a low profile."
Seeing the group had come together and everyone was ready.
"Alright," Charlemagne finally said, turning to the group. "Judging by the crowd and what Nursery said, we'd better head to the conference hall now if we want good seats."
"Yay! (,ヮ,)!"
"Yaaaay (ᵔᗜᵔ)"
"٩(ᗜ )و '-"
"Alright everyone, Roland, Astolfo! Let's make sure we're all set for Master's big moment!"
With that, the lively group made their way through the festival, their cheerful chatter blending into the energetic buzz of the crowd.
Meanwhile, Jeanne Alter Lily tilted her head, wondering if her grown-up self was still wandering around here or if she had already been to the hall.
Why was she worried? Because the person she was thinking of wasn't the big sister one, but the troublesome middle one...
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Somewhere along a bustling street of the Millennium Festival, the distinct scent of grilled meat and sweet pastries wafted through the air. Amidst the lively crowd of festival-goers, two striking figures stood out, not only for their appearances but for the sheer intensity of their bickering.
"Hey!Ice Queen! Just when will you stop eating?" Jeanne d'Arc Alter snapped, her fiery red eyes narrowing in irritation as she folded her arms tightly across her chest.
Standing next to her, Artoria Pendragon Alter— known more casually as Saber Alter— looked utterly unfazed as she savored her most recent purchase: a steaming hot skewer of grilled meat. Dressed in her casual outfit, Saber Alter's dark hoodie, black tank top, and short pants gave her an edgy, commanding aura. Her silver hair, tied neatly into a ponytail, glimmered under the bright sunlight.
"Hmm?" Saber Alter glanced sideways at Jeanne Alter, her cool yellow-gray eyes shining with faint amusement. She tilted her head mockingly. "Assault woman, your noise is ruining my feast."
Jeanne Alter's eye twitched. She looked no less imposing in her own Shinjuku outfit, a sleek and dark ensemble of a black furry jacket, a short leather skirt, and thigh-high boots, accented with fiery streaks of red that matched her fiery personality. "Then stop eating! Hah! Don't make me nag more, I'm starting to sound likeher!" she shot back, clearly exasperated.
"Then stop whining," Artoria Alter retorted calmly, taking another bite of her skewer. "We have all the time in the world to get to the hall. Why rush?"
Jeanne Alter groaned, running a hand through her ashen locks. "Because the point of coming here was toget to the hall early!Not to stop at every single stall just because you can't control your appetite!"
"Oh? Is that what this is about? I could've sworn youwantedto come with me, so this is entirely on you."
"Me? Come withyou?" Jeanne Alter jabbed a finger in Saber's direction. "Get real, Ice Queen! You're the one who decided to tag along with me!"
Artoria Alter smirked. "Well, why didn't you stick to your precious 'big sister' then? She'd have dragged you straight to the hall without stopping."
Jeanne Alter recoiled as if Saber Alter had insulted her deeply. "Her?I wouldn't go near that gorilla if my life depended on it! And she'snotmy big sister!"
Andyes,the woman she was trying to avoid becoming... was also her. These days, she swore she had become as stubborn as her normal self.Why in the world would an avenger be scared of a ruler?
Artoria alter rolled her eyes but didn't stop chewing. "Sure, sure, keep telling yourself that. I bet she'd love to hear you call her that, though."Yes, If the big sister heard that, she would definitely fire a 'big sister' beam to tame the ferocious one here.
And when she said "dragged straight to the hall without stopping," she meant it literally. This assault woman would be beaten up in seconds.
Jeanne Alter groaned louder, her frustration reaching new peaks.
As for Artoria Alter, she had planned to come alone and didn't mind the troublesome one in the first place. Even though both had been bickering nonstop, it was very normal— a very common occurrence in Chaldea. But why did she come alone? The reason was fairly simple...
If all the Artorias were to stroll together, the food stalls wouldn't survive their hurricane of hunger. In addition to their different tastes, the council had decided to separate. The most recent incident had been an ingredient crisis in the sweets and desserts, caused by her space alter self. An hour ago, it had been with regular food, probably due to the combined efforts of her normal selves— both young and mature.
As the sole person responsible for the junk food section, her performance was still lacking.
"And yet you chose to come with me." Artoria Alter said smugly. "Wise choice, I must say."
Jeanne Alter shot her a venomous glare. "Don't flatter yourself.You're only slightly less irritating."
"Hoo... You admitted huh?"
"..."
Artoria Alter chuckled darkly, her tone playful. "Slightly, huh? I'll take that as a compliment."
"Ugh, whatever! Let's justgo!" Jeanne Alter turned on her heel, her voice sharp with exasperation.
"Three burgers— No, make it five."
"For God's sake! Come on!" Her blood boiled, hearing at the tyrant king ordered more junk food. Not only didn't she ignore her. She ordered even more!
Just when will this woman stop?!ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)
"We're supposed to find good seats at the hall, but you've been dragging me to every food stall we pass! How many burgers does one person need?!"
"I lost count." The king admitted nonchalantly, holding up a burger as if to mock the Dragon Witch further. "But I'm not done yet. There's a hot dog stand up ahead, and it looks promising."
Jeanne Alter threw her hands in the air. "Hot dog?!Are you serious?!"
"Very." Saber Alter's lips curled into a faint smile. "You don't have to wait for me, you know. Run along to the hall if you're in such a rush."
Jeanne Alter hesitated, biting her lip. As much as she wanted to march off and leave this gluttonous woman behind, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was keeping her here-whether it was her strange sense of loyalty or just her pride refusing to admit defeat.
"Fine!" she snapped, crossing her arms again. "But this is the last stop! After this, we're going straight to the hall, and I mean it!"
"Of course, of course." Artoria alter said airily, clearly not taking her seriously.
Jeanne Alter sighed deeply, muttering under her breath. "Why did I even bother..."
As Artoria Alter made her way toward the hot dog stall, Jeanne Alter followed reluctantly, still grumbling about how she always got the short end of the stick. The two of them, despite their constant bickering, moved through the bustling festival like polar opposites magnetically drawn together— a fiery storm and an icy breeze in perfect discord.
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"Welcome, Everyone!"
"Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!"
The moment the microphone crackled to life, the voice of the MC rang out, crisp and clear, reverberating through the vast expanse of the conference hall. The echo lingered and bounced off the walls, amplifying the excitement in the air.
The grand conference hall of Millennium Academy was nothing short of spectacular. Rows upon rows of seats extended upward in a circular formation, surrounding a grandiose stage that stretched across the entire front of the hall. The stage itself was a marvel-constructed with multiple levels, rotating platforms, and elaborate props that seemed to defy the limits of practicality. With several large screen displays strategically placed throughout the venue, every audience member, no matter how far they were from the stage, was ensured a clear view of the performance. It was as if the stage had expanded to meet every corner of the room, allowing even the furthest spectators to feel as though they were sitting right up front. Gleaming under the warm lights, it was clear that Millennium had spared no expense in creating this masterpiece.
Two spotlights shone down on the center of the stage, revealing the two MCs standing tall and beaming with energy. One, a bubbly girl with a glittering microphone, raised her hand high to greet the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, students of Millennium and beyond, welcome to the highlight of the Millennium Festival!" she exclaimed, her voice booming across the room. Cheers and applause erupted in response.
The second MC, a slightly more composed girl with a polished demeanor, stepped forward with a charming smile. "We're thrilled to have you all here today! Not only do we have students from Millennium Academy, but we also have honored guests from Trinity, Gehenna, and several other schools. Let's give them all a big round of applause!"
Wooooooo!
Whewwwwwwww!
The crowd roared again, and the camera panned toward a reserved section of the audience where the Tea Party of Trinity Academy sat.
Nagisa, ever elegant, sipped her tea gracefully as if the chaos around her didn't exist. Seia sat beside her, quiet and composed, occasionally glancing at the bustling stage. Meanwhile, Mika leaned forward eagerly, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Of course, we can't forget the esteemed Trinity Tea Party in attendance today! We're so honored to have you here. Thank you for gracing us with your presence!"
Mika gave a cheery wave to the camera, earning a few chuckles from the audience.
"Not only that, we're also welcoming all the online guests who are watching this livestream!"
"Wow! How many online audiences do we have right now?"
"It's over 9,000!"they exclaimed, barely containing the excitement. "And it keeps increasing! 30,000—65,000—124,000!"
The crowd in the hall erupted in surprise, but the MC was not done."And it's still climbing!"Their voice grew even more animated, fueled by the impressive numbers. "We're live broadcasted across the entire cities of Kivotos, and I hear there's a massive wave of students from different academies tuning in right now!"
There was a brief, playful pause as the MC leaned closer to the mic."I'm sure the chat is flooding with messages right now, and I can already see a few familiar names popping up—hello, students from the Wild Hunt Academy of Arts! And hey there, everyone from Red Winter! It's amazing to see all of you joining us live!"
The buzz of excitement in the hall seemed to ripple into the air, as though the energy of the online viewers was reaching through the digital ether and affecting those present in person.
"That's a very big number!"the MC first continued, their voice teasing."But that's not all, folks! We're breaking records here today, and it's all thanks toyou—the viewers from every corner of Kivotos! Every academy, every student, every fan—thank you for tuning in and making this event so special!"
"Now, everyone's been talking about this performance, haven't they?" the first MC said, grinning wide. "It's brought to you by the Seminar team, and it's a completely new production. So new, in fact, that no one here knows what the story is about!"
"Oh? A surprise performance?"
"Exactly! But here's the twist—this show stars none other than... Sensei from SCHALE!"
The room erupted into cheers, gasps, and chatter.
"Kyaaaaaa!"
"Woooooooo! Sensei! Sensei!"
"Master! Master! Master!"
"Hahaha! It's so lively here!" Charlemagne exclaimed happily, enjoying the sight of the girls making noises, rooting for their master and teacher.
"Wait, wait! That's not all!" the first MC added, holding up a hand for dramatic effect. "From what I've heard, this performance will be a fantasy!"
"Fantasy? Like dragons and knights?" the second MC asked, her eyes widening theatrically.
The first MC grinned, wagging her finger. "Not exactlythatkind of fantasy! Think more along the lines of a romantic fantasy-princes, princesses, and maybe... true love?"
Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Prince Sensei!
Sensei! Ritsuka Sensei!
The audience's reactions were immediate. Abigail and her group clapped their hands excitedly, their faces lighting up with anticipation. Mika let out a delighted gasp, leaning closer to Seia, who smiled faintly at her enthusiasm.
"Oh, I love a good romance!" the first MC gushed, spinning around for dramatic flair. "Who doesn't love seeing princes and princesses overcome trials and find true love?"
"I'm curious to see how Sensei handles that role," the second MC said, rubbing his chin. "He's got a pretty impressive reputation. Can he pull off being a prince?"
"Hmmm! I would doubt very hard if it was someone else. But this is Sensei we're talking about!"
"So what do you—"
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Behind the grand stage, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. The muffled sounds of the audience murmuring beyond the curtain filtered through the walls, a stark contrast to the quieter preparation backstage.
The sound of the MC's voice was a constant thread, guiding the rhythm of the final preparations. It seemed to inject a new energy into the backstage team, each movement now more purposeful as the countdown to the performance continued. The excitement outside, amplified by the MC's words, made its way through the walls, spurring everyone into action. The stage was set, the lights were ready, and the show was on the verge of beginning.
Yuuka stood before a tall mirror, her makeup highlighting her soft features with elegance. Her navy-blue hair, styled in intricate curls, fell down her back, shimmering under the faint backstage lights. Delicate silver hairpins adorned her locks, catching the light like tiny moons.
Next to her, Noa adjusted her own outfit, her usual calm demeanor unshaken as she prepared to take on her role as the narrator.
"All equipment and props ready!"
"Lightning, all good!"
"Microphones, check!— Sound levels good!"
Soft murmurs and hurried whispers were everywhere. The backstage hum was filled with a palpable energy, the calm before the storm, as the final checks echoed quietly across the area.
"Are you ready, Yuuka-chan?" Noa asked, her amethyst eyes glinting with reassurance.
Yuuka clutched the edge of her skirt nervously. "Ready might not be the word I'd use... but I'll do my best." She hesitated before adding. "Areyouexcited, Noa?"
Noa smiled faintly. "Of course. It's not every day we get to perform something like this. Plus..." She glanced over at Yuuka knowingly. "It's for Sensei, isn't it?"
Yuuka's cheeks flushed. "H-Hey! Noa!"
Noa chuckled softly, brushing off her friend's flustered denial. "Just do what we practiced. Let it flow naturally."
Yuuka peeked out from behind the curtain to see Sensei standing on the other side of the stage, chatting with the other actors. He looked effortlessly composed, his presence somehow both calming and intimidating. "Do you think Sensei's excited about this?" Yuuka asked, her voice quieter.
"Sensei? Excited?" Noa tilted her head thoughtfully. "He's probably focused, but I'm sure he's looking forward to seeing how you shine."
Before Yuuka could respond, the booming voice of the MC interrupted.
"But for now, sit back, relax, and get ready to be swept off your feet by this magical performance!"
"Are we getting started?!"
"The backstage team has given the signal!"the first MC continued, looking toward the crew with a grin."After letting our audience wait for so long, we're finally ready to begin!"
"Ara— I need to go now. You can do it, Yuuka-chan! (ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ)"
"Aaa, Good luck!"
"Thank you, fufu..." Giving her friend a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder, she left to take her standby position. The faint click of her heels echoed softly as she walked away, leaving Yuuka alone to gather herself.
Yuuka took a deep breath, clutching the edge of her dress. This was the first performance of her life. She had been on countless stages before, but those were always for presentations or conferences— formal affairs where logic and numbers were her armor. Performing a show, stepping into a role, was an entirely different matter. And to think they'd only had a week to practice!
But now— there was no way to back off.
"But before we step away and let the magic unfold, we just want to say a huge thank you to all of you—both here in the hall and tuning in from all over Kivotos. You've all been amazing! And We've done our duty, so it's time for us to leave the stage for now."
They gave a little chuckle, shaking their heads."Don't worry, though, We'll be back after the show to share in all the excitement with you. But for now, it's time for the real stars to shine."
A beat of silence, then, with a spark of energy, they raised their hands dramatically.
"Let the show begin!"
The audience erupted into cheers as the stage lights dimmed. The hall fell silent, the air still and heavy with expectation.
Everyone, everything, even the air was holding its breath.
The faint hum of machinery signaled the activation of the spotlights
All eyes turned to the stage
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Noa stepped into the light, taking her position at the narrator's podium
The soft glow highlighted her elegant appearance— she wore a flowing white dress, simple yet refined, with delicate silver accents that shimmered faintly as she moved. Her amethyst eyes glimmered, focused and composed, as she prepared to deliver the opening lines.
Her voice rang out, steady and melodic, carrying across the silent room.
"Long, long ago, in a land bathed in silvery moonlight, there stood the Kingdom of Millennium—a realm renowned for its splendor and innovation."
"Ruled by a king of great authority and a queen of boundless grace, the kingdom flourished, a beacon of hope for all who dwelled within its borders."
"Waaa, it's starting!"
"Mommy! Where is Mom—"
"Shhh!" Before the exciting girls could finish, Charlemagne raised a finger to his lips to gently keep the girls' reaction reign in just a little.
"But fate is seldom kind. After the birth of their only child, the queen passed away, leaving the king and the kingdom with a void that could never be filled."
"The princess, a child of unparalleled beauty and promise, was the kingdom's brightest light. Yet, her life was far from a fairy tale. Bound by the weight of her lineage, she was raised under strict rules and relentless expectations. Education, mannerisms, governance-her days were consumed by lessons, her childhood sacrificed for the destiny she was told she must fulfill. She bore her solitude with grace, believing it to be her duty to endure for the sake of her people."
Backstage, Asuna lightly tapped Yuuka's shoulder, snapping her out of her spiraling thoughts. "You can do it, Yuuka-chan! Just breathe, You're going to shine out there! "
"M-Mhm!"
Yuuka let out a long breath, her nerves easing slightly. Words from Noa and Asuna surely release a lot of tension in her chest.
Her gaze shifted to the other side of the stage, where Sensei stood, chatting with another actor. She hesitated for a moment before meeting his eyes. His steady blue gaze locked onto hers, and he gave her a small, confident nod.
Yuuka's heart skipped a beat, and a wave of warmth washed over her. It was as if his expression alone had banished every last shred of her doubt. She straightened her posture, her determination settling in place.
"Thank you, Asuna," she said softly, her voice steadier now. "I'll do my best."
Asuna gave her a thumbs-up. "That's the spirit! Now go show everyone what Princess Yuuka is made of! "
With Noa's voice carrying on as the music swelled softly in the background, a calm wave of serenity seemed to wash over the stage. The soft notes blended with the rising anticipation of the audience, creating an atmosphere thick with expectation.
And then, with a slight push from the ever-so-happy Asuna, who had been practically bouncing in place with excitement, I felt a surge of energy rush through me. Her smile was as bright as ever, her enthusiasm infectious, and though I hesitated for a moment, her gentle nudge was enough to propel me forward.
Finally, with a reassuring smile from Sensei—his eyes steady, his presence grounding—I felt the last bit of nervousness melt away. He gave me a look that said it all, a silent confidence that reminded me I wasn't alone, no matter how many eyes were on me.
And then, with the smallest of steps, I stepped onto the stage.
"And so, this is the story of the princess. She was known to all as Princess Yuuka..."
The spotlight shifted, illuminating the center of the stage as Yuuka stepped out into the light.
The audience collectively held their breath, captivated by the sight.
Her appearance was breathtaking. She wore a flowing white gown, adorned with delicate lace and shimmering silver embroidery that danced in the glow of the stage lights. Her hair, styled in intricate curls, caught the soft radiance, making her look every bit the regal princess she portrayed. The soft click of her heels against the polished floor echoed in the hushed hall as she walked gracefully to her mark.
Yuuka's ears seemed to tune out the narration as she moved, her footsteps reverberating in her mind. Her eyes swept over the audience, a sea of countless faces blurred by the stage lights. The spotlight rained down on her, isolating her from the vast crowd and yet placing her at the center of their attention.
Her thoughts swirled, not with nerves but with clarity.
This was her moment.
She had rehearsed, she had prepared, and now, there was no room for doubt.
Her lips curved into a soft smile as she whispered to herself
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"Let the show begin."
END.
Author's notes
And now that's the end of part 4! Thank you for staying with me through all these build-ups across the past four entire chapters! Your support means the world to me! Now, get onboard for the next chapters! This is where the real deal begins! ヾ( ᴗ ) • *
Important!allow me to share some exciting news: From the next chapter onward, there will be an activity I encourage you all to participate in!Feel free to comment anything! EVERYTHING!Yes, imagine yourself as an audience watching the show!React to it! It can be anything— your excitement, surprise, confusion, joy, or even some playful banter. Feel free to interact with other readers too! 333.
By using this method,I proudly invite you all to be a part of this side story, a part of this show!You'll bewithinthe show, as an esteemed audience! Reacting to the story—in the story!An esteemed audience! Reacting to the story— In the story!
There is also another fun gimmick but I'll announce them in the next chapter! (ㅅ' ')
And bad news...
Unfortunately, the waiting duration for the next chapter will be around 4-6 days. Please bear with me (need some time to cook). Also there's a chance that this side story will be extended into 7 parts (sometimes narration gets longer than expected, but we'll see! I'll do my best to manage the pacing).
And that's all for today! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I can't wait for you to join me for the next one! Let the adventure continue! 3333