2nd Night: Her Name is Little Marie

Good work with your reindeer training. You're fighting Christmas monsters when you have time, right?

Thanks to your efforts, the fuel for my sleigh... The Santa Points have been building up nicely.

Now I can deliver the next present. Good work, Fujimaru.

Let's go over this one more time Christmas celebrates the birth of a certain person.

It is the mass of Christ, hence the word Christmas.

These days, Christmas Eve is December 24th, and the 25th itself is Christmas.

But the original period was much longer. His birth was celebrated for days, reaching its peak on the 25th.

In other words, beginning my advance this early is Santa's old way of doing it.

Of course. Function follows form. Destroying everything thoroughly is the classic way to win.

... ...

I see our destination. Give me your magical energy, Reindeer!

？！

This "Dear Santa" letter is from Marie, a girl who lives in France.

Two of her friends are always fighting, so she wants a present to bring them together, it says.

Humph. How stupid. Santa only grants one's own wishes.

I have no presents to bring happiness to other people. What does this Marie think Christmas is about, anyway?

That's right. If she wants to bring them together, she should pick a present herself.

She should do what I did. I once sent two knights who were fighting a single horse, and told them this...

"This is for the one who thinks they're better than the other." I knew this would test them and form a friendship.

It worked perfectly. They stopped arguing in front of others. Although they were trying so hard not to snap at each other when they smiled, but oh well.

That was Agravain's idea. Aggy always gave me the best advice.

I'm not making any mistakes.

Santa brings gifts. She does not bring happiness.

Whether the gifts bring happiness depends on if the little ones have been good or not.

？！

...Hmm? This should be the insertion point... But it's a snowy field.

The French Marie is without a doubt a member of the royal family.

I was expecting her Christmas party to be nationwide chaos, with mountains of expensive turkeys...

Found you! That's your last airspace violation, Santa Claus!

What!? We're 2,000 meters in the air! Don't you think that's crazy?

That's my line! What's with that hippo sleigh? Are you kidding me?

Also a date in the sky with Master was going to be my thing! Don't steal it from me!

That's a hippogriff, Reindeer. It's often mistaken for a griffin.

I mistake them often myself. Neither is as good as a dragon, so don't waste time remembering.

ARGH! Don't think that firepower equals strength! How short-sighted can you be?

Huh...it is? Am I... Cool? I'm used to being called cute...

...but "cool" is new. You're making me blush... Hehe.

...Maybe I'll crush them. More specifically, I'll smack you hard right between the legs.

Humph. I don't like that kind of sexual prejudice. That's not a weak point for me anyway.

？！

Hmmph, target sighted! Marie, up here! Fire everything you've got!

What!?

We've been hit! Grab on, Reindeer! We're crash-landing!

Tch. They shot down Santa Claus! Is this the French way? I knew I shouldn't trust them!

That's my line, you suspicious woman! Go back to Santa Claus village!

Oh my. That's rude to Finland, d'Eon. The fault lies entirely with this wicked Santa.

Hehehe. I've never felt so violent before. It's exciting! Shooting a cannon is fun♡

Not interested in negotiations, huh? You're after my sack of presents, aren't you?

Very well. Santa is destined to be a target for thieves. I'll deal with you before I go see Marie.

Let's go, Master! We can ride that merry-go-round after we're done!

...Huh? Do I have the wrong person? Maybe Astolfo's got bad eyesight...

It doesn't matter. Tonight's a festival night! Little problems will melt away with the snow.

Vive la France! My dear, gallant Santa, do you like snowball fights?

...Such amazing bladework. This couldn't be Santa, could it?

Oh, didn't you realize when the fight started? This isn't the same Santa Claus as before.

I-I'm sorry... I wasn't thinking straight... But my queen, if you noticed then why didn't you stop?

I'm sorry, but I wanted to keep the momentum going! You had fun too, didn't you Santa?

Of course. It's good to revisit one's childhood. I'm sorry for being so rough with your knight.

By the way, that well-bred dog... Are you perhaps Marie?

Yes, I am Marie. You read my letter, didn't you, Santa?

(Dog... That Chimera was a dog? That definitely wasn't a papillon, but if the queen says so...)

I'm here! ...Wait. Is the fight over already? I don't get to fight?

So this is everyone, huh? It seems there was a misunderstanding, but it's solved now.

I'll give you your presents then. Line up, you violent children.

Okay! Come on d'Eon, Astolfo, let's line up!

Huh? ...I get a present too? Are you actually a nice person, even though you don't look like one?

That last part was unnecessary. You and I should get along. You have my respect.

Men's attire in France is really elegant, isn't it, Knight? Give me more details later. I like those frills.

I am not cross-dressing! I am a man as you can see!

...You heard them. Anything you want to say, Hippo?

Why are you asking me? What's wrong with a girl dressing like a boy?

People should wear the clothes that suit them. I think d'Eon's letting clothes run their life, though...

You're too free-spirited! You, Roland... Are the 12 Paladins filled with nothing with perverts?

Huh? Comparing me to Roland isn't fair!

He's the type who wind up in handcuffs. I get my name in the papers!

I'm glad you're all getting along. Let me see...

This is for you, Marie. I hope it gives you inspiration for the Merry-Go-Round.

Oh my! A glass horse! Thank you, Santa!

Next is the Knight. You get this.

A m-maid? Why do I get a maid outfit? Am I supposed to wear this?

It's a message to at least make better food than the cat. That is, if anyone will take you at this point.

I'll be single for the rest of my life! Even as a Servant!

I see. I think we'll get along well there, too. Give me your contact info later.

...Now then.

...(Excited)

Let's go, Reindeer. Farewell, and see you next year!

H-Hold it! What about me? What do I get, Santa?

Nothing! He who does not fight shall not get presents! You were too lazy to save Orleans!

She's got you there. Even Atalante showed up as an enemy.

What!? That wasn't my fault!

The France chapter ended a long time ago! That means I couldn't possiblyoww!?

Oh my. I guess Santa gave you a present after all.

A Halloween pumpkin... What does that mean?

Um... Maybe that I'm cute like a pumpkin?

Aww, she said those mean things but she actually loves me... Tehehe.

No, I think she's saying you're an idiot who was late for the party. This is a Craft Essence that's past its expiration date.

Oh, I get it! It means "You won't be in anything until next year's Halloween."

What? I-M-P-O-S-S-I-B-LE! That can't be right! I'll be back sooner than that!