After giving Sparkle a savage kick in the backside, the group continued onward, heading to their faithful stage as champions.
They passed through the corridor and walked along the red carpet, with congratulatory announcements ringing in their ears all the while.
When they reached the stage at the far end, a figure in white seemed to be waiting there already.
Sunday smiled at the approaching group and said gently, "Congratulations on becoming the Grand Festival Superstars of this Charmony Festival. Before you enter the Grand Theater...
"On behalf of the organizers, I offer you my sincere congratulations. May you find joy beneath Their light."
Sunday's sudden appearance made the Knights, Firefly, and Himeko and the two March 7ths, who had joined them on the way here, frown with unease.
Jiang Yu sniffed and muttered softly, "Hmm... doesn't seem to be a prerecorded projection or dream bubble."
After a moment of surprise, Stelle folded her arms and demanded with a serious expression, "Just sincere congratulations? Where's my Stellar Jade?"
Sunday fell silent for a moment, then continued with his customary composure:
"Your efforts certainly deserve further rewards, and I have made preparations accordingly. However, this reward is not material... it is an opportunity for us to speak openly and honestly with one another.
"As promised, my younger sister, Mr. Welt, and I met with the Dream Master. We discussed the truth about Penacony and the Stellaron in depth, and reached a consensus-
"Neither I nor the Oak Family as a whole can agree to your demands."
"...Just as expected," Firefly said with a frown beside Stelle.
"I cannot agree with the views of you Nameless. Penacony needs to change, but certainly not in the way you demand," Sunday continued. "The Festivity Planet must never, and will never, return to a chaotic,