Kismet || Yuno

14: Rankings

Nezetta's PoV

Julius began his speech, starting off with the purpose of the Star Awards as a form of recognition for the magic knights who continuously work hard to protect the Clover Kingdom.

There will be new captains to be announced this year, considering that the captain of the Purple Orcas was revealed as the traitor and Fuegoleon of the Crimson Lion Kings is bedridden and still unconscious.

Captain of the Silver Eagles, Nozel Silva
Captain of the Green Praying Mantises, Jack the Ripper
Captain of the Coral Peacocks, Dorothy Unsworth
Captain of the Aqua Deer, Rill Boismortier
The new captain of the Crimson Lion Kings, Mereleona Vermillion
The new captain of the Purple Orcas, Kaiser Granvorka
Captain of the Golden Dawn, William Vangeance

My eyes literally fell down their sockets when I saw the aggressive Mereleona Vermillion standing on the stage in place of her younger brother. She never told me she was coming back. Though, there was no way for her to tell me when I'm always out going on missions.

"You're mine, brute." I smirked, cracking my knuckles as I hid by the archway that leads to the stage with the rest of the Golden Dawn.

I have changed into my uniform earlier before the awards began. Langris told me that Captain Vangeance brought it with him when they came to the capital, already knowing that I've used up the entire morning and afternoon helping the commoners pitch their stalls.

He really knows me more than I know myself sometimes.

Which is why I'm never going to let him lose against his inner battle. He may not tell me what he's hiding, but I will do something about it once it comes into play. William is like a big brother to me when Nozel wasn't there, and it only feels right that I return the same kindness he showed me since I was little.

"Aren't we missing some captains?" I heard the crowd ask each other.

No doubt, Yami is probably somewhere having the time of his life. He never bothered showing up during the awards since they would always get last place, but I have a different feeling about this year.

The Black Bulls went on a skyrocketing progress since Asta joined, and they were also the ones who retrieved two of the magic stones that the Eye of the Midnight Sun have been trying to get.

They deserve to be praised. No one knew it, but most of the members of the Black Bulls were on the verge of death protecting the kingdom. I can see why Julius left the task to them.

"Well, anyway, let's announce the ranking!" Julius lifts his hand in front of him, making a glow of white appear. Dark scribbles were written and showed the top of the Magic Knights squad for this year. "In first place, the Golden Dawn! They have a total of 156 stars! That's a huge jump from their record of 96 last year!"

I smirked as the crowd cheered and screamed praises for our squad, already imagining how pissed off Solid and Nebra could be wherever they are right now. When I looked at Nozel, it seems like he was annoyed by the announcement too. He looks over his shoulder and glared playfully at me, to which I only responded with a teasing grin and a peace sign.

We are in good terms now, but I'm not about to let him have the glory of first place. It turns in the Silva family, a competitive spirit. "The Golden Dawn made a splendid job again this year. Now, let's have the member who made the biggest contribution of stars take the stage."

Yuno walks past my figure and stepped into the stage. "The promising newcomer attended by Sylph, the Wind Spirit, Yuno!"

Again, a loud cheer came from the crowd.