"Here's to a smashing success for Everyone's Singer! Cheers!"
In the Banquet Hall, Annan raised his glass.
Free City officials, Annan's friends, Aunt Susan's family, Reynaldo, and the others were all there for the New Year's banquet.
Even the Princess had come along, with Dade keeping her company.
They raised their glasses together, calling out well-wishes over one another.
"May the Champion be one of us!"
"To Free City's prosperity!"
"May Annan grow a little taller!"
Annan instantly shot Luoxi a furious glare.
Crash—
Someone went flying out the open window.
Luoxi climbed out of the flowerbed, picked up his helmet from where it had rolled, and muttered, "If you don't like it, you don't like it. No need to get physical..."
The Guards protecting the City Lord's Mansion rushed over at the noise, only to find their Legion Commander brushing soil off his armor.
"Lord Luoxi, what are you doing?"
"Oh, acting out where an assassin might escape after an attempt." Luoxi gestured around. "Don't mind me."
"Yes, my lord."
Annan had reached his fifth year in the Allen World.
It was hard not to feel wistful. Five years ago, he had arrived in this world as someone from the Otherworld who couldn't even speak the Common Tongue...
The guests mingled over drinks, and the banquet was lively.
Yet Annan felt as though something was missing.
Friends?
The Elf Mentor was watching the Princess with a long face, while Dade was nowhere to be seen. Lady Fine Wine was chatting with Lady Deepwinter, who had returned for the holiday...
Why were they all women?
Annan looked for Francois and spotted him dancing with Cathy, dressed as a woman.
He looked away and saw Su Ni and Sienna pulling the Siren into a drinking bout... Wait?
Annan checked again.