11: Award Ceremony

We finally exited the cave with the treasures loaded into Klaus' broom machine thing... What the hell even is that? It's so ugly. I laughed to myself.

He had regained consciousness so I let him free from

the blood sphere. Mimosa, on the other hand, was still totally knocked out.

I wasn't entirely sure if I had stopped all the bleeding, so I kept her safely in the sphere.

Suddenly, Fin's face appeared before us in a bright light, and I jumped back startled.

Magna laughed, "Don't worry! He's just sending us a message."

"You're all to report to the capital immediately," the talking head announced.

"Alright, you heard him." Magna called. "Let's head out."

Asta mounted my broom with me and we took off towards the captial, all 7 of us.

The capital was a lot closer than the hideout so we were there in a couple hours. As we approached the castle, a team ran out to meet us.

"She's got a cut on her throat. She'll need medical attention once I let her go," I explained while gesturing to Mimosa. I freed her from my spell and the team carried her away.

I stared off in worry, hoping she'd be fine. We followed the other escort inside and through the halls. I had never been here before, and I couldn't believe my eyes.

Everything was lined in gold and jewels. There was beautiful stone work and paintings all over the walls and elaborate designs covered the floor.

"Pretty sweet, right?" Magna said while leaning over to me.

"I've never seen anything so beautiful," I whispered.

"You should've joined the Golden Dawn," Klaus interjected. "You'd be living like this everyday."

I ignored his comment and continued to stare in wonder.

We were left alone in a lobby, and told to stay put. I began to walk around the room, admiring the paintings hanging on the walls. I stopped in front of a landscape painting.

The sun was rising and creating a soft pink and gold hue over the rest of the painting. There was a small town in the background, surrounded by trees and flowers. It reminded me of Saussy.

"Have you ever been to the countryside?" I looked over to see Yuno standing next to me also staring at the painting.

"Actually, I'm from Saussy. That's what it reminds me of."

He smiled softly, "I'm from Hage. I miss waking up to this view everyday. There's a lack of peacefulness here in the capital."

I looked up at him, and realized just how handsome he was. We must have been fairly close in age, but he towered over me.

I examined his sharp jaw, amber colored eyes, and soft looking hair. He wore a strange but beautiful medallion. I noticed his lips start to curl up in a small smile, and his lips looked so soft. So inviting.

"You're supposed to be staring at the painting," he whispered while glancing over at me with a smirk.

I quickly turned my head back to the painting as my cheeks began to heat up with a tint of pink. I could feel him staring at me now.

Someone unfamiliar walked into the lobby and made an announcement. "You are to get yourselves cleaned up and report to the grand hall for the awards ceremony in half an hour."

Magna walked up to us as we turned around. "Grand hall, huh? Should be a good time."

I smiled and looked up at Yuno, "I'll see you soon."

He returned the smile and bowed his head slightly.

As I walked away I heard Magna mumble something to him, "I know she's beautiful, but I'd be careful with her..."

I just rolled my eyes. It was obvious he wanted me to hear, and I didn't need him getting in my business.

I was shown to a room where I showered and then quickly returned to the grand hall. The room was filled with knights from all the squads while the Captains, including Yami, were sitting in the front row.

I hurriedly took a seat next to Magna, "What is going on?" I whispered.

"Award ceremony to announce knights who have moved up in their ranks. I guess we weren't originally invited, but the Wizard King somehow heard about our mission and brought us last minute."

I nodded my head but was still super confused.

One by one knights were called to the stage. Their new rankings were announced and each were given a medal.

"Y/n L/n." the announcer called.

I just sat there frozen. Magna looked at me and whispered, "Fucking go!" before pushing me out of my seat. I not-so-graciously stumbled forward before standing up and walking to the stage.

I stood and faced the Wizard King who was staring at me with a smile.

Geez, he's really handsome for an older guy. Is it like a prerequisite of the Magic Knights to be super hot?

Oh my gosh, Y/n! This is the Wizard King!! Focus!

"5th Class: Intermediate Magic Knight." he announced before putting a medal around my neck.

There was an audible gasp in the crowd and I looked around frantically. Stopping to see that Yami was smiling at me with pride.

Is that good?! It's only 5th class? Maybe it's terrible and they're trying not to laugh...

"Good job," the Wizard King said to me softly.

"Uh, thanks..." I smiled before returning to my seat.

After the ceremony, my friends all rushed up to me.

"Y/n, you're amazing!" Asta yelled and they all started chattering in agreement.

I still have no idea what the fuck is going on, but I really don't want to look like an idiot.

"It looks like we're the same rank now," Yuno said while approaching me.

I just smiled and nodded.

"You know, it took me 2 years to get this far. It took you 2 weeks."

I looked up at him with wide eyes. Oh shit, that's why everyone is freaking out! Why did I get this ranking!?

The room started to fill with laughter and chatter as a buffet of food was brought in. Honestly, it was giving me such a headache. All I wanted was to take a nap...

I picked a lone, tall table and leaned my elbows up against it, resting my head in my hands.

Just stand here for like an hour and then leave.

"Would you like any food?" I looked over to see Nozel had approached my table.

I picked up my head and stood up a little straighter, but still rested my arms on the table. "Uh, no... I'm ok, thanks."

"You must be hungry after that mission. All the Captains heard about it."

All the Captains? Why?... Speaking of Captains, where's Yami?

"Yea, well, the way everyone is criticizing my teammates for eating, I'm a little scared to." I chuckled while looking over at Asta and the others being glared at.

Why are all these people such assholes?

"A beautiful woman like you, you must know some proper table manners."

I rolled my eyes internally. There are plenty of good-looking people who aren't rich dumbass.

"You're too kind," I smiled. "But I really am ok."

Suddenly, a few others who looked like Nozel, along with Charlotte, began to approach us.

"You shouldn't associate yourself with such commoners," Charlotte spat.

I rolled my eyes for real this time. "Careful Charlotte. I'd hate to have a repeat of our last encounter," I smirked and gave her a wink.

I'm fine with showing a little more respect to my superiors, but not this bitch.

"Everything ok over here?" A man with orange hair and a diamond-shaped scar asked while approaching us with a smile.

"Sir," I said while bowing my head carefully. Fuegoleon Vermillion, Captain of the Crimson Lions.

"Y/n, congratulations on today," he smiled.

"Thank you."

Charlotte scoffed and walked away, but the other 2 men stayed along with Nozel.

"I've been meaning to talk to you. Thank you for saving my cousin, Mimosa. She would have been dead if it weren't for you." he bowed his head slightly.

"Of course, sir! Anything for a fellow Magic Knight and friend! I'm only sorry I couldn't do more to

protect her..."

He laughed heartily, "From what we heard, you saved everyone. What more could you have possibly done?"

I could've made sure none of my comrades were hurt... But I didn't say anything. I just looked down.

"How old are you?" he asked.

"20, sir."

"Please, just call me Fuegoleon," he smiled. I nodded.

"You were quite impressive during the Entrance Exam. It looks like we were right to expect big things from you."

"Thank you, sir. Oh, uh, I mean Fuegoleon!" I said while lightly touching his arm. He blushed ever so slightly and looked away.

"Well, enjoy the rest of the banquet." he said before walking away.

I turned and noticed Nozel was still staring at me, quite deviously actually... It made me a little uncomfortable.

Fuegoleon turned back around, "Oh, uh, Nozel. Why don't you come with me? We'll give Y/n some time to relax."

He huffed in annoyance and they all followed the Crimson Lion. Once I was pretty sure they were out of ear shot, I let out a huge sigh.

This is too much for one day. I'm going outside.

I exited the beautiful french doors and leaned up against the balcony, looking over the city.

"Your mission was quite impressive," I turned to see the Wizard King.

"Oh, sir! Thank you so much!" I bowed at the waist to show respect.

He put his hand on my shoulder, "Please. Please stand."

As I stood he continued speaking, "You're quite a mystery, Y/n. There seems to be no record of you in Saussy."

I swallowed nervously, not sure what to say. Of course there's no record of me, but I don't want to tell you why.

"We certainly are lucky to have you in the Magic Knights," he said while turning to face the view of the city.

I relaxed a bit at his comment. "Thank you, sir."

"And to defeat a Class A threat on your first mission. That's quite impressive."

I didn't know he was such a highly-ranked criminal.  And how does everyone know about this fucking mission?

"We've been trying to catch him for some time... It's still unclear what the Spade Kingdom is after, but our people are now much safer because of you."

A wide smile crossed my face, "I'm honored to be of service to you and the kingdom." I paused, "How do you know about the mission, sir? It seems like everyone knew before we even got back."

He smiled at my observation, "Smart girl... But it's my job to know. I am the Wizard King after all."

I only nodded, still confused.

"If you need anything, let me know. I expect great things and will be in close contact with you."

"Thank you," I said as he turned to leave.

Suddenly, he stopped. "Oh, and by the way, Yami spoke with me... It's unorthodox but not unheard of.

And after meeting you today, I understand why he would fall for a young lady such as yourself."

"I've actually never seen him like this before..." he paused with a smiled, "I wish you both nothing but happiness."

I looked away as my cheeks turned pink. Talking about my relationship with the Wizard King definitely felt strange.

"And if things ever become, well, too difficult, you'll always have a spot on any other squad here."

Like if we broke up and things ended horribly? Thanks, Chief.

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate your kindness." I bowed my head as he walked away.

I turned back to the view of the city and took in a deep breath as my heart fluttered with happiness.

There might be a lot of handsome men around, but my heart most definitely belongs to Yami... I can't wait to get home.