-192- The final hurrah

As night gradually descended, the presence of the wyverns flying over France seemed to lessen throughout the day. By evening, not a single wyvern was left, creating an atmosphere of impending storm, as the saying goes, "The calm before the storm."

The disappearance of the wyverns brought an eerie calm, as if warning of the impending storm that would sweep through France, making the atmosphere heavy and oppressive.

The heaviness and tension in the atmosphere weren't only due to the absence of wyverns; it also emanated from the French soldiers in the camp.

This was largely due to Gilles' announcement to the entire French army.

"Tomorrow, we shall once again attack Orleans. This will be our final chance to save France. It's up to each of you whether to follow me... to follow the Saint."

Gilles' announcement plunged the soldiers into silence, creating an atmosphere of contemplation in the camp.

The one-day preparation time Rozen had given was indeed necessary. It was necessary not only for the Servants but also for the French soldiers.

Amidst these circumstances, the soldiers maintained their silence throughout the day, struggling internally with their thoughts.

Nevertheless, at least within the camp, none of the soldiers chose to desert before the decisive battle, which was fortunate amidst the unfortunate circumstances.

Under such circumstances, the camp welcomed the arrival of the night.

However, as night fell, the camp broke the silence of the day and erupted into a joyous atmosphere.

This was all due to a single statement from Marie, who couldn't bear the atmosphere.

"Since everyone is prepared to risk everything in battle tomorrow, we should spend tonight in happiness. How can we keep wearing such gloomy faces?"

As a queen who couldn't stand seeing her people suffer, Marie wouldn't allow everyone to face their final battle in despondency.

So, with Marie's encouragement, it seemed that the group of Servants was persuaded.

Persuaded to do what?

Quite simple.

Prepare food.

Prepare drinks.

And then, eat to their heart's content.

"All right, get ready..."

In front of the campfire, Marie, the center of attention, stood before the soldiers who had gathered around the fire. With her beautiful smile and melodious voice, she cheered them on.

"(Vive la France)!"

As Marie cheered, all the soldiers present raised their voices in unison.

"(Vive la France)!!!"

The cheers echoed through the sky.

But it didn't end there.

"Once more—(Vive la France)!"

"(Vive la France)!!!"

"Louder—(Vive la France)!"

"(Vive la France)!"

"(Vive la France)!"

"(Vive la France)!!!"

Marie led the soldiers in cheering, as if leading a concert, eliciting passionate cheers and laughter from each and every soldier, as they enjoyed the moment to the fullest.

During this process, all the food and drinks in the camp were brought out, offered to everyone so they could enjoy a hearty feast and drinks.

Naturally, all the Servants also joined in.

—

Melodious music filled the camp.

It was Amadeus' work.

As if supporting Marie shining on stage, he accompanied her as she sang, like a backing track for an idol's performance. With closed eyes and a gentle smile, Amadeus played his signature piece.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Kiyohime were entwined in each other's company.

"Let go of me! Let go! Let! Me! Get! Up! There!!!"

Elizabeth shouted incessantly, acting like a spoiled young lady, as she tried to rush towards Marie.

"No one will welcome you, brainless dragon!"

Kiyohime firmly held onto Elizabeth, exerting all her strength to prevent Elizabeth from leaving.

The reason was simple.

"It's a concert! A stage where everyone's watching! How can I let that woman have it all to herself?"

Elizabeth struggled with all her might, slowly dragging Kiyohime along.

However, Kiyohime wouldn't give in.

"You want to go up and sing? In that case, I absolutely won't allow it!"

Ignoring her own image, Kiyohime tightly held onto Elizabeth like a snake.

If Kiyohime were to let go, Elizabeth would surely dash up and perform a song. If this young girl, skilled in destructive music, were to sing, not just the cheering will stop but the entire camp would most likely collapse, becoming a prime example of dying before victory.

Kiyohime wasn't concerned about the life or death of others; she was thinking about Rozen.

No, it should be said, she was thinking about Rozen's well-being.

"I absolutely cannot let Master endure your terrifying 'Dragon Breath' again!"

"It's not Dragon Breath! It's singing! Singing!"

Kiyohime and Elizabeth were caught in this entanglement.

Although they had a fierce argument in the morning and their quarreling was unbearable, they had now transformed into this state. It wasn't that these two couldn't get along, but rather, because they could get along so well, they found themselves at odds.

Rozen watched this scene, silently sighing in relief.

There was no way around it.

If Elizabeth were allowed to sing, Rozen would die.

If Kiyohime were allowed to have spare time, Rozen would also die.

Given these circumstances, it was best to let these two girls enjoy themselves.

But...

"Aren't you going to help? Master?"

Mash prepared food for Rozen and asked in a concerned tone.

"It's fine." Rozen shook his head and said, "They seem to be having fun with it. Let them be."

With that, Rozen surveyed his surroundings.

"By the way," Rozen asked curiously, "Where's Jeanne?"

"Miss Jeanne?" Mash also looked around and, not spotting Jeanne, replied, "I'm not sure, but when the party started, Miss Jeanne seemed to have gone towards the forest."

"The forest, huh..." Rozen pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "I'll go find her. You keep an eye on these guys and make sure they don't cause trouble."

"Understood, Senpai," Mash agreed without objection.

With that, Rozen quietly left, heading towards the direction of the forest.

...

As he entered the forest, the cheers of the party grew distant and faint.

Rozen walked deeper into the forest, guided by the connection he shared with Jeanne through their temporary contract, heading towards her location.

When Rozen arrived at his destination, he was slightly taken aback by the unexpected sight before him.

"Marshal Gilles?"

Deep within the forest, in a clearing, Gilles appeared before Rozen's eyes.