The courtyard before the royal palace was transformed into a world of light and laughter. Garlands of golden lanterns hung between marble pillars, their reflections dancing across fountains that shimmered like liquid silver. Long tables overflowed with food and wine, the air fragrant with roasted meats, sugared fruits, and warm bread. Musicians played a lilting tune near the stage, where a great banner read:
"Closing Ceremony — A Celebration of Courage and Unity."
Everywhere, people from the races, tournaments, and boxing matches mingled together. Knights and nobles, scholars and children, the wounded and the triumphant — all gathered under the open sky to celebrate the day's end.
But away from the crowd, near one of the palace wings, Toki quietly gestured for two familiar figures to follow him.
"Kandaki, Tora," he said softly, his voice half-drowned by the music. "Come with me. Just for a moment."
The two glanced at each other but obeyed without question. After all, Toki rarely asked without reason.
They followed him down a side corridor, away from the glow of lanterns and the sound of laughter. Toki's limp was barely noticeable, but the children still noticed. The hall's polished floors reflected their shadows, three elongated figures walking toward a small door near the end.
When Toki opened it, a narrow closet-sized room awaited them — but inside was anything but ordinary.
Utsuki, Elizabeth, Bernard, Ozvold, and several of the Maho estate residents were already there, waiting with wide smiles.
"Finally!" Utsuki exclaimed, hands on her hips. "You took your time."
Kandaki blinked, confused. "What's going on?"
Toki closed the door behind them, his golden eyes gleaming faintly under the candlelight. "I wanted to tell you this before the matches," he began, "but things got… chaotic." His voice softened. "At the end of tonight's celebration — before the fireworks — the winners of the tournaments will be asked to give a short speech on stage."
Both children froze.
"What?" Tora's voice cracked in disbelief. "You're telling us this now? My clothes are full of dust from the race! I can't stand in front of the whole city like this! And what am I even supposed to say?"
Kandaki frowned, adjusting his bandaged wrist. "Master Toki, it's not like you to forget something that important. You should've told us earlier."
Toki chuckled quietly, one corner of his mouth curving up. "Relax. I've already taken care of everything."
He nodded toward the back of the room.
From behind a curtain, Elizabeth stepped forward — carrying a stunning sapphire-blue gown, its fabric shimmering like captured moonlight, delicate gemstones embroidered along the neckline. Behind her, Utsuki held a neatly folded black suit, woven with subtle golden threads.
The two children gasped.
"This is…" Tora's eyes widened as she touched the fabric, feeling its weight. "Beautiful. You didn't have to—"
Elizabeth cut her off with a teasing smile. "Don't thank us," she said. "You should thank him." She tilted her chin toward Toki. "He spent his entire two-month salary to buy these."
The room went silent for a heartbeat. Kandaki and Tora turned toward Toki, who froze mid-smile, giving Elizabeth a look that screamed you weren't supposed to tell them that.
Tora's eyes softened. "You… what? Why would you do that?"
Kandaki's brows knitted. "Master, you barely have enough clothes yourself. And what are you going to eat for the next two months?"
Toki crouched before them with a quiet sigh, pulling a pair of polished shoes from a small box. "Don't worry about that," he murmured.
He took one of Tora's feet gently in his hands, slipping the shoe on with surprising care. "I never doubted you'd win," he said, smiling faintly. "After all… you're my Cinderella."
Tora's face turned crimson. "W–What are you saying that for?!" she stammered, but her voice trembled with laughter.
Toki stood, adjusting his posture, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black bowtie. He looped it around Kandaki's collar, tying it neatly.
"And you," he said softly, meeting the boy's astonished eyes, "are my successor."
Kandaki swallowed hard. "Master…"
Toki stepped back, looking at them both now dressed — the bright young knight and the proud young lady standing side by side, the glow of candlelight catching in their eyes. He exhaled slowly, his expression full of warmth and quiet pride.
"You two," he said, "are my pride and joy. Don't worry about me — tonight belongs to you. Shine as brightly as you can."
The children moved without thinking — both throwing their arms around him at once. Toki froze for a second, then laughed softly, resting his hands on their backs.
"Hey, now," he whispered. "No tears tonight. We celebrate, remember?"
Behind them, the others smiled. Bernard's usual sternness softened; Utsuki wiped the corner of her eye before pretending she hadn't; even Ozvold chuckled quietly.
A moment later, Bernard and Ozvold exchanged a glance, then each grabbed one of Toki's arms.
"Alright," Bernard said firmly, pulling him toward another room. "Your turn."
"Wait—what?" Toki blinked, caught off guard.
Ozvold grinned. "You didn't think we'd let you walk out there in those torn clothes, did you?"
They dragged him into an adjoining chamber. Inside, a sleek crimson suit hung from a mannequin, embroidered with intricate golden patterns and gemstones that shimmered faintly under the light. Bernard smirked as he adjusted the collar. "Elizabeth's idea," he said. "She even prepared a dress for Utsuki."
Toki blinked, speechless for once. "You… all of you…"
Bernard placed a hand on his shoulder. "You've done enough for everyone else. Tonight, let us return the favor."
Minutes later, the door creaked open.
Conversation inside the dressing room halted as Toki stepped out.
He was transformed.
His long bluish-silver hair was tied back into a loose knot, a few strands framing his face. The crimson suit fit him perfectly, the gold embroidery catching the lantern light. White trousers and polished black shoes completed the look. There was a quiet regality about him — the kind of effortless grace that made people forget his scars and see instead what he truly was: a man forged by hardship, now standing tall among his own.
The room erupted in noise.
"Not bad, your highness," Yuki teased with a grin, crossing her arms.
The triplets whistled in unison. "Master Toki, you clean up too well!"
Leonard let out a low chuckle. "Surprising as always," he said, raising his glass. "Though I'm starting to think you were born for moments like this."
Before Toki could respond, another sound filled the room — the gentle click of heels against marble. The opposite door opened.
Elizabeth stepped aside, smiling knowingly as Utsuki entered.
Her silver hair was tied into a delicate bun, a few locks cascading along her cheeks. The gown she wore was white as snow, simple yet breathtaking. It flowed like water, trimmed with faint pink stitching that matched the butterfly-shaped hairpin at her temple — and her soft, rose-colored eyes.
For a heartbeat, the room forgot to breathe.
Toki turned toward her, and she toward him. Neither spoke.
Then, almost at the same time, both began to laugh quietly — the sound easing the tension like sunlight breaking through mist.
Leonard coughed dramatically. "I think," he said with mock seriousness, "it's time we actually go outside. We didn't all get dressed up just to hide in a broom closet."
"Fair point," Ozvold added, tugging at his sleeves. "If we wait any longer, Smith will start eating the decorations."
As if summoned by name, a booming voice sounded from behind Toki.
"You're absolutely right!" Smith bellowed, appearing out of nowhere with Lorelay at his side. "There's food, there's music, and there's an entire crowd waiting for heroes! Enough hiding—let's eat, drink, and dance!"
Lorelay laughed, looping her arm through his. "You promised me a dance, old man. Don't even think about backing out now."
The room erupted in laughter.
Toki exhaled, shaking his head but smiling nonetheless. "Alright," he said softly. "Let's not keep them waiting."
As the group moved toward the grand doors, Toki and Utsuki fell slightly behind. The corridor beyond glowed with golden light, and the faint hum of music drifted through the air.
Utsuki glanced sideways at him. "You know," she said, "for someone who hates attention, you're handling it surprisingly well."
Toki chuckled. "Maybe it's easier when I'm not the one being celebrated."
"You really care about them," she murmured. "Tora, Kandaki… all of them."
He nodded. "They remind me of who I used to be," he said quietly. "And of who I still want to become."
She smiled. "Then tonight, let's enjoy being who we are."
When they stepped out into the courtyard, the cheers of the crowd washed over them like a tide. The palace gardens sparkled with light, laughter rising into the night sky. Music swelled, and fireworks waited silent in their launchers, ready to bloom.
Toki looked around — at Bernard laughing beside Lorelay, at Ozvold sneaking extra food from the buffet, at Kandaki nervously rehearsing lines with Tora as Elizabeth fixed their collars.
For the first time in what felt like years, he allowed himself to simply be — not a leader, not a warrior, not a survivor. Just Toki.
"Tonight," he murmured under his breath, "let them shine."
And beside him, Utsuki whispered, "You too."
The music rose. The stars began to shimmer above the palace towers.
It was a night for heroes — not for war, not for pain, but for the quiet beauty of victory shared.
Toki stood quietly at the edge of the courtyard, watching as the people he cared about celebrated. Utsuki was laughing with Elizabeth near a table of sweets, Kandaki and Tora were surrounded by admirers, and even the usually distant Ozvold was chuckling with Mr. Smith over a bottle of brandy. For once, there was no pain, no burden—only peace.
But peace never lasted long around him.
As Toki made his way toward Utsuki, a group of men—his subordinates from the Order—spotted him.
"Commander Toki!" one shouted.
"Ha! The hero himself!" cried another.
They rushed in like a wave, clapping him on the shoulders, praising him loud enough for half the courtyard to turn their heads.
"Stop it, you idiots," Toki muttered, trying not to laugh. "You'll make me blush."
"Oh, he's blushing already!" someone teased.
Another chimed in, "Commander, tell us—did you plan that whole fight? The way Kandaki mimicked your old technique—genius!"
Toki sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I swear, if you all keep this up, I'll assign double training tomorrow."
That silenced them—but only for a moment.
Then the crowd parted suddenly.
Two figures approached, and their mere presence made even Toki's soldiers step aside with quiet respect. It was Harold and Melissa.
Melissa looked radiant in a dark emerald gown that glimmered beneath the lanterns. Harold, still wrapped in a light bandage around his wrist, looked uncharacteristically nervous.
Melissa smiled warmly. "You look wonderful tonight, Commander Toki."
Toki gave a small bow, returning her smile. "You're not looking too bad yourself, Lady Melissa."
She giggled softly. "If only my knight could manage such flattery." She elbowed Harold lightly. "But I believe he has something to say to you."
Before Harold could protest, she turned gracefully and walked away—heading toward Utsuki and Elizabeth. Harold was left alone before Toki, his shoulders tense, his gaze fixed on the ground.
"Harold," Toki began gently, "let's have a drink."
The man nodded silently, and together they walked toward a nearby table. The clinking of glasses and laughter faded as they sat. Toki poured two cups of deep red wine, sliding one toward Harold.
They drank in silence for a moment, until Toki finally said, "You can relax now. It's over."
Harold looked up, his voice quiet but thick. "No. Not yet." He took a deep breath, staring into his cup. "Toki… I've treated you unjustly. From the beginning, I doubted you. I disrespected you. And yet—" I don't deserve to stand beside you."
Toki smiled faintly. "Stop it, Harold. Don't make this heavier than it needs to be."
"But it's true." Harold's voice cracked. "I misjudged you. I thought you were just another reckless fool who stumbled into command."
Toki tilted his head. "And? Was I wrong to prove you otherwise?"
That caught Harold off guard. Then Toki leaned back and said, with quiet strength,
"I'm not the kind of man who holds grudges. It's human to doubt. People earn respect through action, not words. And you, Harold—you've fought bravely. You've earned my respect too."
For a long moment, Harold just stared at him, speechless. Then he smiled, tired but sincere. "Reginald can be childish sometimes. I… didn't stop him. I guess we both have things to learn."
Toki chuckled, raising his glass. "Then let's start by being friends, not rivals."
Harold's grin returned as he took Toki's hand. "Agreed."
They shook firmly, the weight of old rivalry dissolving between them.
Their eyes drifted toward the center of the courtyard, where Roland and Kandaki were laughing together, both still bandaged but full of life.
Harold nodded toward them. "Seems our apprentices have already figured out what took us soo long to learn."
Toki smiled softly. "They're quicker than we were."
At that moment, a lively melody filled the courtyard—Ozvold had pulled out his violin and joined the band. His bow danced wildly across the strings, and soon, couples began to gather for a waltz.
Melissa reappeared, grinning, and took Harold by the hand.
"Sorry, Toki," she said playfully. "But I'm borrowing my knight back."
Toki laughed. "I wouldn't dare stand in your way."
As the couple joined the dance, Toki turned—and found Utsuki standing nearby, her silver hair glowing like moonlight. For a moment, the noise of the festival faded into nothing.
He bowed deeply. "My dear lady," he said softly, "would you do me the honor of this dance?"
Utsuki raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at her lips. "How could I refuse such a gentleman?"
They stepped onto the open floor, hands touching, and the music embraced them. Their movements flowed in perfect rhythm—graceful, effortless. The crowd quieted, drawn to their harmony.
Under the warm lights, they looked like two jewels set atop a golden crown.
Utsuki laughed as Toki spun her gently. "Look there," she whispered, nodding toward Tora and Kandaki—both awkwardly dancing together. Kandaki was blushing furiously, his steps stiff but determined.
"Ah," Toki said, amused. "Young love."
"And over there," Utsuki added, nodding toward the far side of the courtyard. Smith was dancing—or attempting to—with Lorelay, who looked both delighted and exasperated as he stepped on her toes. "Old love too," she teased.
Toki chuckled. "Seems we have competition."
They twirled again, and Utsuki caught sight of Bernard and Elizabeth circling each other—though it was clear Elizabeth was leading. "It seems everyone's enjoying themselves tonight."
Toki's eyes softened. "It's good to see them smile… after everything." Then his tone shifted slightly. "But first—I need to take care of one nuisance."
Utsuki blinked. "What are you plotting now?"
He smirked and flicked his eyes toward the orchestra. Suzume caught the signal instantly, marched up to Ozvold, and yanked him onto the dance floor.
"Wha—hey! I'm not—wait!" Ozvold stammered as she pulled him close.
"Stop talking and follow my lead," Suzume said sweetly.
The poor man's face turned red as he desperately tried to keep his eyes anywhere but on her chest. Toki and Utsuki burst into laughter, nearly losing step.
Moments later, the music began to fade, replaced by the booming voice of Mr. Smith.
"Attention!" he announced, raising a hand. "Before the night ends, we have one final event—the words of our champions!"
The crowd quieted instantly, all eyes turning toward the stage. There, standing under the lanterns, were Tora and Kandaki, both in elegant attire, but visibly tense.
Tora swallowed hard.
"I… I'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight," she began, her voice trembling at first. "Thank you for cheering for us, for believing in us. I want to thank my grandfather, who raised me—and everyone at the Maho Manor who became my family."
Kandaki stepped forward. His voice was steadier, but his eyes shone. "I want to thank Master Bernard, Ozvold, Mr. Smith… and all those who fought beside us. You've taught us what strength really means."
Tora looked out at the crowd, then smiled mischievously. "And I'd also like to thank one big idiot—"
The audience laughed softly.
"—the man who gave us a home," she continued, "and taught us that family isn't defined by blood."
Kandaki's hand tightened . "I'd like to thank a true hero—the man who made us who we are, who picked us up every time we fell."
They turned to Toki and said together, their voices unwavering,
"We'd like to thank our Master, Toki—the strongest knight who upholds justice with mercy and compassion."
Applause exploded. The courtyard erupted with cheers, whistles, and tears.
Toki tried to hide his face, but the children jumped off the stage and ran to him, throwing their arms around him.
"Please," he said, laughing, "don't make me cry in front of the entire capital."
The crowd laughed, cheering louder.
When the noise died down, Toki cleared his throat. "Each of you has earned a reward of one thousand gold coins," he announced. "I'll have the checks written by morning."
Tora immediately shook her head. "We want to donate ours—to the people of the outer districts."
Toki blinked, surprised. "You sure? You've worked hard for this."
Kandaki nodded. "We're sure. We can't forget where we came from."
Toki's chest swelled with pride. "Then here's what we'll do. I'll give each of you two hundred coins for yourselves, and the rest—plus a personal contribution from me—will go to the outer districts."
The courtyard erupted again with applause.
As the cheers died down, Smith approached the fireworks setup, ready to begin the finale—but Toki raised a hand.
"Wait," he said softly. "I want to add something."
He stepped forward, weaving glowing runes around the fireworks with mana. The air shimmered. Then—
BOOM!
The sky exploded into a rain of colors—red, blue, gold, and violet—each spark transforming into shapes: wings, swords, stars. The crowd gasped, awed by the divine patterns.
Toki stood silently, watching.
Hana was perched on Kandaki's shoulders, laughing. Tora leaned against Utsuki, her eyes full of wonder. Everyone was together—safe, happy.
So this is what it feels like to have a family, Toki thought.
Far above, in the high tower of the palace, King Mathias watched the fireworks in silence. His reflection shimmered in the glass.
"I truly wish," he murmured, "To know more about you, Toki. How long will you keep hiding from me?"
The final burst lit the sky in silver light—bright enough to make the whole capital shine.
And beneath that light, for a fleeting moment, it seemed the world itself was at peace.
Toki said, "Let's go home."