“In other words, no one on the Gold Dragon side was carrying the flag?”
“Yeah, the real flag was hidden at the very edge of the battlefield behind some cover.”
“Without any guards or lookouts?  That’s bold.  Even if the area didn’t become a combat zone, something could have broken it by accident…”
“Everyone were anxious. But, as long as that place didn’t turn into a battlefield, there was basically nothing to worry about.”
“So in reality, even the assault was just camouflage?”
“The Gold Dragon Vice-Class Leader’s spirit as she charged in, it was seriously amazing— I felt inspired!”
“How did you pick up on our movements at that time?”
“I was responsible for escorting anyone who was ‘eliminated’ from the battlefield.  It let me see a bit of the area, so when I saw the Gold Dragon Class sending out that distress signal, I thought, Seriously?”
“But no one feel for i—t!  Fall for it, go save your comra—des!”

Even though the sun had begun to set, the lively chatter of the students still hadn’t died down.  Those of the Gold Dragon Class and Blue Dragon Class weren’t the only ones, the Purple Dragon Class was also among them.  During the match, the Purple Dragon Class was assigned various duties such as setting up the battlefield.  As this placed them in a position where they could observe the match more broadly, many were asking them for their opinions.  Apparently, thanks to Roger’s arrangements, they had been working like apprentices of the Notrial Dragon Knight Order and many students wanted to hear about it.

The discussions among the spectators were also getting lively.  The Gold Dragon Class’s strategy of keeping their flag hidden until the very end was brilliant, “No it was cowardly.”  The Blue Dragon Class fought honorably and it was wonderful, “No, it’s meaningless if you don’t win.”  The discussions continued and the evaluations varied.

Regardless, this was also proof that both sides fought well.

In the end, there was no doubt this became a good opportunity for the students.  Their situation wasn’t one where something like an award ceremony could be held, but the fact that Notrial Dragon Knights cleared up the schoolyard for a celebration instead, even going so far as to arrange a stack of wood for a campfire, was in of itself an element of praise.  The food and drinks were all things brought to the students by the residents who had watched the match.

No one said that a night where the students were loudly enjoying themselves was inappropriate.

“Jill~~ isn’t this enough?  Cheer up.”
“I am not particularly in a bad mood, Hades-sensei!”

For some reason, Hades was acting as a serving attendant here.  From beside him, Jill turned her face away with a “fuun” while munching on paella piled onto a large platter.

“The results of the match were acceptable.  This battle was more practical than the previous one, and the students must have gained far more experience than they would have from verbal instruction. —Indeed, being able to meet soldiers who would sacrifice themselves without hesitation before their actual battle must have undoubtably been a good learning experience!”
“If you seriously think that, then why are you still sulking?”
“As an instructor, I am satisfied!  But as His Majesty’s wife, it’s a different matter!”

The hand Jill held her spoon with stopped and she stared at the mound of paella now half eaten.

“…Couldn’t you have used a method that didn’t involve such a strategy?  The option of clashing head-on should have also been available.”
“Except, before everything else, winning was necessary for the Gold Dragon Class.  Sometimes, you just need to cut off your feelings.”
“That’s true, but even so!  You could have taken it more slowly!  If they end up thinking a strategy like that is normal for combat—”
“The children of the Gold Dragon Class are excellent.  They understand very well that they were able to cut their feelings off because it was a match.  And one more thing: they did it because I told them to.”
“Won’t that mean Your Majesty will be thought of badly!!?”

Hades was only curt with Jill at times like these, when she raised her voice.

“Isn’t that how it always is?  Even those kids will feel more at ease thinking— ow!”

As Jill’s finger began to twitch into a fist, Rave smacked Hades’ head with his tail.

“You… how you say things also matters.”
“Haaaaa!?  Coming from you who’s always nitpicking at what I do and taking it easy!”
“About that, you and I are in the same boat.  When you get spoken of badly, it’s the same as me getting spoken of badly.”
“Serves you right.”
“Also, do you reallyyyyy think those kids are the sort who would feel relieved to hear you being spoken of badly?”

Hades pursed his lips and turned away.

“That’s not something you can know from only a day or two toge—”
“Um, Hades-sensei, do you have a moment?”

Stepping out from the conversation among the students and quietly calling out to him was Noin.

“We’d like to make a toast with Hades-sensei, so could you come over?”

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