92 5-7 (provisional) The day before the Royal Capital One Martial Arts Tournament

As I continued to watch the four of them work out in a daze, Chris and Wendy finished making lunch and came to call me over.

In the end, White continued to evade them after that, with no signs of struggle, and it was enough to make the three of us who had been attacking them gasp.

When I called out to the girls that it was lunchtime, they were tired and hungry and decided to take a rest.

And there's a mountain of side dishes in front of them, how many items did you make?

Naturally, White's eyes lit up and he was quickly getting a pile of food to share on a small plate.

''Speaking of which, what are you going to do tomorrow?''

Tomorrow is the qualifying round of the individual competitions, so we're off. We have to rest at least the day before.

Sorte was also defeated and served a large portion, but when he saw White reach for the second plate, he slowly put his chopsticks down and gave up trying to compete.

It's a safe bet.

'A qualifier.......although I'd like to see it anyway.

Oh, I've reserved a seat for you all day, don't worry. However, they'll be in the VIP section for the nobility.

Are you sure?　I'm not just a nobleman, I'm a commoner, I'm also a dubious 'drifter'.

'He's a friend of mine, and that's not a problem. Besides, it's a big place, so I think we can all sit together.

The quintessential aristocrat.

So it's something that gets preferential treatment at these events.

Chris isn't suited for battle at Hayato's place either, so why don't we go with a spectator group together?

Speaking of which, who's going to be in Hayato's place?

'It's just me and Mee. Letty is a sorcerer, and Emily is also very special.

Oh, I didn't know Mee was gonna be there.

'Yes, sir!　Mee will work as hard as she can!

Despite the fact that she was third in the last round, she's already qualified for the finals. She's already qualified for the finals.

When I look at Mee, she puts her hands on her hips and brags about her ehemism.

Surely third place is a great thing.

So, Hayato is the winner?

Wow, it's amazing. I mean, are there so many participants that they're going to have a preliminary round?

Yes, I've heard that many aspiring knights have started to participate in this event recently, since they are often scouted by knights from this event.

'Knight...?　Is that such a generous treatment?

Yes, if you are officially employed as a knight of the kingdom, you will live in a dormitory and the food served there will be free. The family allowance is also given and taxes are deducted. It's also a guarantee for you if you're injured and can't fight, and it's one of the top jobs that the people want to be in.

High treatment.........

It's like being a civil servant.

'Heh, I thought adventurers were more free and popular.

It's just like the old world. Isn't a job for the state stable?

I see. It's great to be guaranteed...

People talk about how thin the pay is, but it's still a big deal to have a stable job.

Also, you go home on time.........

There may be overtime, but there's no death march...?

I can't say I'm very jealous!

'So there are quite a few qualifiers, right?　What about the qualifying process?

'It's a battle royale with 10 people on stage each. It's a simple one where you just have to stand until the end.

Ho-ho, that's a bold one... but then, I guess some of us are going to compete in the finals just by luck, aren't we?

Yes, of course. But at the end of the day, even if you're lucky enough to make it to the finals, the lucky ones will lose in the first round.

I see...

Also, there will be state-run gambling, where you can bet on who will win the finals, and that's pretty exciting, because the more players win the finals, the more it will be worth. This is a lot of fun, because the more players you bet on to win the finals, the higher the odds are. There are even some people who bet on the qualifiers as their main event.

Huh.

Gambling.....

They say it's hard to get rid of bad money, but it sounds a bit interesting.

In the former world, pachinko and slots were only touched at the invitation of a friend, but I'm interested in the state gambling in this world.

"Hmm, wait a minute, wouldn't it be a big loss if you knew the players who qualify are going to be strong from the start?

You can't bet on those names from the beginning. Even if they are able to bet, they have to wait until the final. And since this is a battle royale, the stronger player doesn't necessarily win.

'I'm starting to think there's a problem with the battle royale format...'

Well, the qualifying round needs to be lively, and above all, it's good to deal with a large number of people at once.... It's fun for the spectators to watch and they think it's very powerful.

'Something like that. If I'm going to promote you to knighthood, I think I'd like to see your personal strength.

''Well, if you really want to be a knight, if you go through the proper procedures and take it, they'll see your personal skills.

Yeah, that's right.

There's no way you need to enter a martial arts competition to become a knight.

"As per my lord, it seems the only way we'll be able to compete in the three-on-three is in the finals.

Is that so?

There aren't as many teams in this one. That's why it's only the finals.

Oh, well, why don't we all go watch the game together tomorrow?

Right!　I want to see how strong they are!

But it's a qualifier.

Mee qualified for and won and placed third in the finals!　That's why we have strong qualifiers!

'Yes. There will be some people who make it through the qualifying round, and there will be some adventurers who haven't competed before, so I think it will be a great sight to see.

Well, sometimes the strongest guys come out of nowhere.

To enjoy the main competition, you don't have anything to do anyway, so you can go see them.

I suppose there are some girls like Mi, who are getting stronger after traveling with Hayato.

But last year........

From this year onwards, Mi won't be participating in the qualifiers........

"Sigh.......If I had been able to participate from last year, I could have spent all the money I had on Mie and lived a slow life.......

I'm sorry, sir!

'No, it's not Mee's fault. It's just a matter of timing.

Haha.........although there is an upper limit. Also, I'm going to do my best to make up for last year's loss this year, so you can bet on me, if you want.

You're very confident. A snowflake...?　Hayato didn't win last year?

''Yes, last year I lost to the Knight Commander of the First Order of the Kingdom...''

'No, sir!　It's because he didn't use the Holy Sword last year!

No, it's useless if you can't win with pure swordplay.

That's serious.

But it's true that that holy sword would be able to put extra chutzpah into winning.

''Come to think of it, are there any restrictions on equipment types in the rules?

In the meantime, we're fighting with competition weapons. Only one accessory is allowed that increases your ability, right?

Can't you use the Holy Sword in that case?

Apparently it's a skill, so it's not a problem. But if you use it, it seems to cut all the wards in the auditorium...

Ah.........

Come to think of it, I was shown it the first time we met, but with that power........

''So I don't plan to use it this time either. I want to win the championship with pure sword skills only!

'Well, I'm rooting for you, so go for it!

'Yes!　I'll do my best!

Hey!　What about our support!

Of course I will. As I recall, the date of the team competition and the individual competition are different, right?

'Yes. The individual qualifying round is day one, the team competition is day two, and the individual finals are day three.

'Then I'll be there all day. I'll be watching Aina and the rest of the game, so good luck with that!

Yes, of course. I will fight like an honourable man in the service of my lord.

He's won every round.

'Of course!　So just keep your eyes open!

They seem to be in high spirits, but as long as they all come back safely, that's all that matters....

However, the three members of the Red Front seem to have plenty of motivation.

I can tell by the way they're eating.......or maybe they're eating too much?

I wonder if he can eat and move so much, even though he'll still be working out today.

'White, you have to keep me company after this!　I'll definitely give you a shot by the end of the day!

No, that's okay. It's not a hit.

Let it be said.　I'm going to get one for sure!

We can't keep getting beaten up either, you know.

'Mee's in the mix too!　You will ask White for a fight later!

Hmm, after you three are exhausted.

'Yes, sir!　Then you will wait until you are exhausted.

I won't budge!　We'll beat you!　Absolutely!

Hang in there.

I'll be d*mned!　It's so frustrating!

'Yes, but we have the power to do so.... Let us all strive for that height.

........yeah, I'm motivated enough.

What am I going to do this afternoon........

I could have a cup of tea while watching the training, but it would be bad if I got in the way, so for now, I'll make some snacks to eat while watching the game tomorrow.

This time, I'll be sure to invite Wendy to join me in making them.

I don't want her to be sad again.