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AFTER TWO MONTHS since the Battle of the Grimstone Tower ended, the Golden Dawn once again returned as one in the assembly hall; standing before the grand staircase and the large crest of the squad imprinted on the stained glass as the light of the sun cast its rays against the figure of their captain’s majesty and their vice-captain’s stoicism.
It felt surreal and a little nostalgic for Solene to return to duty again after all that had happened. But she knew then that somehow, returning as a Magic Knight might still have an impact on their lives. And they would never be the same again after that battle.
Upon their superior’s presence, Alecdora announced their greetings; that was, to kneel. And after the last month before Solene had confessed to William she remembered that she would always kneel before him and he would always stand on top as she did it.
“Do not kneel at this time, everyone,” he said, catching everyone off guard between the ones already bending their knees and quickly getting up. “I have only one announcement to make and it does not require you to kneel.”
“Announcement? Is it a mission, my Lord?” Asked Alecdora.
“It's not, Alecdora.” He slipped a small smile. “It is an order from Master Julius to the whole Golden Dawn,” he said, which garnered a cacophony of gasps and murmurs.
Yuno handed him a scroll to which he opened. Solene could not fathom what was the content of the letter. What kind of announcement would it be aside from a mission that covered the whole squad?
“The Golden Dawn has done a remarkable job as Magic Knights for their honorable and heroic deeds when they fought in both the Forsythe Fortress and the Grimstone Base. But it has come to my attention—as reported by your captain—that the previous battles have left a scar in you all, not just physically, but mentally as well. This was a hard decision to implement, since the Golden Dawn has been the top performing Magic Knight squad the day it was founded, but I care for the well-being of my knights even more than the glory and the honor you would bring. Therefore, as Wizard King, I am granting the Golden Dawn squad, under the approval of Captain William Vangeance, a one month relief of duties and responsibilities. No missions or any calls for aid shall the capital or other squads delegate upon you. Duly signed by—Julius Novachrono, 28th Wizard King.”
The hall erupted in noble cheers and claps from the members. The sunshine reflected on their faces, smiles filling the atmosphere. Sophia was particularly exhilarated, saying that she could finally have the spa and massage she’d been trying to go for since the battle.
