Today was the eve of the War of Succession.
"Oh, this is incredible..."
I said, looking up at the beautifully lit-up World Tree.
Colorful magical lights projected the giant tree soaring to the heavens and its lush green leaves onto the canvas of the dark night.
I wasn't usually interested in scenic views, but I thought this was worth seeing.
"It's amazing...!"
Lallanoa stood beside me with her mouth agape.
At the foot of the illuminated World Tree, participants and those involved in the War of Succession gathered, eating delicacies while drinking ale and wine.
"Ah, two grape juices, please."
I called over an elven server and got two juices.
One for me, and one for Lallanoa.
"This is delicious..."
As expected of elven grape juice. It has a rich flavor yet is easy to drink.
"Phew~ This is what a banquet is all about!"
Lallanoa gulped it down with a practiced air.
"Come to think of it, you were raised in the royal palace, weren't you, Lallanoa?"
"Yes, since no one ever spoke to me, I was always drinking this."
"Ah, I see."
I felt like I'd asked something I shouldn't have, but since she was smiling, I figured it was fine.
"Refill."
I got another grape juice and looked up at the beautiful World Tree.
Drinking grape juice while looking at the World Tree like this is truly special.
Well, time to go get some food.
Just as I was about to move, the entrance to the venue became noisy.
"Lord Gendou of the Conservative Faction has arrived..."
"Oh?"
I saw the old man Gendou entering the venue dressed in formal wear. I wondered if the person next to him was his daughter.
Behind him were Ryuu and another magic swordsman I didn't recognize.
"That's Lord Gendou's Knight."
"I see."
As expected of long-lived elves, they have a different weight to them compared to humans.
"They have a real presence, don't they?"
Silver-gray hair, a large sword scar on his cheek, a well-balanced physique, and a refined beard.
He looked very dignified, like a Hollywood actor.
"That's right. Lord Ashgrey is a two-hundred-and-forty-eight-year-old elven master swordsman. Born on the battlefield, he never studied under anyone; he's a self-made veteran who forged his skills entirely through real combat. Despite that, he's a self-made man who has struck down many generals who studied at prestigious schools!"
Lallanoa's eyes sparkled with admiration.
They were immediately subjected to a barrage of greetings from the members of the Conservative Faction.
Looking around like this, I could see that the venue was roughly divided into several factions.
Lallanoa explained that the seats with a view of the beautiful garden from the entrance were for the Conservatives, the flashy and noisy center was for the Reformists, the back seats closest to the World Tree were for the King's Brother Faction, and other minor factions occupied the remaining spaces.
Among them, the minor factions were the most active.
Knowing they couldn't win the War of Succession on their own, they were moving quite busily—forming alliances with other factions or giving up on winning altogether to try and come under the umbrella of the three major factions.
Since it was the day before the War of Succession, it felt like they were mostly in the final adjustment phase, but there was still one more thing they had to consider.
That seemed to be the existence of "that faction" which had not yet made a single appearance in a social setting.
"...They're here,"
Lallanoa said at that moment.
Just as the surroundings seemed to go quiet for an instant, everyone began to whisper the name of that faction.
"Hey, the Mitsugoshi Faction is here."
A buzz began to spread.
The story that the Distant Clear Stream and the Mitsugoshi Company had joined forces had already spread. However, it seemed they couldn't quite decide what to call that faction.
In other words, whether to call them the "Distant Clear Stream Faction" or the "Mitsugoshi Faction."
Since Sakura was the one with the right of succession, it would be natural to call them the "Distant Clear Stream Faction." However, the presence of the Mitsugoshi Company, which had recently risen to prominence, was far too great.
People's rumors revolved around the Mitsugoshi Company far more often than the Distant Clear Stream. Because of that, it almost became settled that they should be called the "Mitsugoshi Faction." But then, there were those who frowned, asking how anyone could slight a successor to the throne, so the name hadn't been settled until today.
In the end, since so many people called them the "Mitsugoshi Faction," it seems it was tentatively decided to go with that.
Honestly, I think it doesn't matter, but apparently, it's a big deal to elves.
Anyway, the mysterious "Mitsugoshi Faction" was drawing that much attention from everyone around.
Since the elves of the minor factions knew that the "Mitsugoshi Faction" wasn't in a cooperative relationship with anyone else, some seemed to be preparing to talk to them on the off chance of an alliance.
Walking at the front was Sakura of the Distant Clear Stream, sixth in line for the throne.
She was wearing a dress that suited her pink hair perfectly. She was supposed to be the same age as Lallanoa, but she looked quite dignified and had a real presence.
Walking beside Sakura was Alpha... no, it was the handsome Alfred wearing a tuxedo.
When we met the other day, I was worried my disguise might be blown, but it seems I can rest easy. I reflected quite a bit after being immediately found out as John Smith. My disguise this time is perfect; even Delta wouldn't be able to see through it so easily.
Now, as for Sakura and Alfred, they entered followed by many associates of the Distant Clear Stream and Mitsugoshi employees.
They drew the gaze of the entire venue in a grand fashion.
Who would be the first to speak to them, or was it even okay to speak to them at all? While the subtle probing continued, one elf moved.
All eyes were on them.
The moment Sakura entered the venue, her eyebrows twitched at the sheer number of gazes directed at her.
It had been a long time since the Distant Clear Stream had distanced itself from social circles. She tightened her expression, determined not to be looked down upon here.
Furthermore, she knew that more than half of the gazes were directed at Alfred, who was walking beside her.
Everyone was sizing up the Knight chosen by the Mitsugoshi Company.
The unknown magic swordsman, Alfred.
There was no way the Mitsugoshi Company, or the Distant Clear Stream for that matter, would choose an ordinary magic swordsman as their Knight.
However, if he were a skilled magic swordsman, his name would naturally be known.
Who on earth was Alfred?
And why was the Distant Clear Stream, which had withdrawn from the public stage, participating in the War of Succession now of all times?
"You should relax your shoulders. We will lead you to the throne. You just need to maintain a grand presence."
Alfred said in a low voice.
Only when it was pointed out did Sakura realize she was tense. She let out a small breath and relaxed.
"If I just maintain a grand presence, I'm no different from a decorative figurehead who does nothing."
Sakura also said in a low voice.
"If you can talk back like that, you'll be fine."
A smile played on the corner of Alfred's mouth.
Feeling as though he saw through everything, Sakura felt the gap between herself and Alfred, who was only a few years older than her.
"It's been a while since I've been in a social setting. Do you feel nostalgic too?"
"It doesn't change, no matter how many years pass. The faces of the elves..."
Alfred looked around the venue, appearing to recall scenes from the past.
"True. That's one of the good things about elves, but..."
"It's also the cause of this country's rot."
"You're harsh. I'm sure there are those you were close with."
He let out a small sigh and smiled.
"Well, it seems the observation phase is over. Here they come..."
Looking where Alfred was pointing, an elf was heading toward them.
"It has been a long time, Sakura of the Distant Clear Stream."
The one who spoke was an elf with refined features.
"It has been a long time... Lord Otoutrion."
A buzz went through the venue.
The first person to make contact with the Mitsugoshi Faction was the younger brother of the late King Anorion, the man entrusted with the will.
"I wonder how long it's been since I last spoke with the Distant Clear Stream in a social setting. You've grown, Sakura. Is the elder Senzou doing well?"
"Yes, thank you for asking. His sword's edge shows no signs of dulling, and he continues to train alongside the youth."
"That is good to hear. Senzou was a magic swordsman said to be among the five greatest elves. When I was young, I had him instruct me several times."
"I, too, have been trained by him since I was a child."
"I was surprised to hear that the Distant Clear Stream, which had left the public stage, would participate in the War of Succession... Did you feel like testing your skills?"
Otoutrion said with a gentle smile on his handsome face.
However, his eyes were not smiling at all.
"I suppose so. Lately, I've been praised for the remarkable growth of my swordsmanship..."
"I see... I thought for sure you were concerned about the past."
The tone of Otoutrion's voice dropped.
"Now, what 'past' would that be?"
"That incident which caused the Distant Clear Stream to distance itself..."
"Many things happened, so the Distant Clear Stream took a short break. There was no ulterior motive."
Sakura said, cutting off Otoutrion's words.
"I see. I was worried that you might have had some concerns."
"...Certainly not."
Sakura said without so much as twitching an eyebrow.
"It seems I worried unnecessarily. Forgive me."
Otoutrion apologized with a pleasant smile.
"No, your concern is only natural, Lord Otoutrion."
"But in that case, the question remains why the Distant Clear Stream is participating in the War of Succession. Come to think of it, I heard you've teamed up with a certain much-talked-about company lately; I wonder if they are involved...?"
For the first time, Otoutrion's gaze turned toward Alfred.
"Forgive the late introduction. This is my Knight, Alfred."
Alfred stepped forward.
"I am Alfred. I have heard much of your exploits, Lord Otoutrion."
He bowed gracefully and faced Otoutrion with a face as beautiful as a sculpture.
"A face I don't recognize. I usually remember most skilled magic swordsmen."
Otoutrion observed Alfred's appearance from top to bottom.
"I am still but a novice as a magic swordsman. Furthermore, I have been wandering various lands, so it is only natural that you would not know me, Lord Otoutrion."
Alfred said with a smile.
"I find it hard to believe the Mitsugoshi Company would choose an inexperienced magic swordsman. Have you ever participated in an official match as a magic swordsman?"
"Unfortunately, I do not wield a refined sword."
"Self-taught, then? Never been in an official match, nor belonged to any school. I wonder why the Mitsugoshi Company chose such a magic swordsman?"
Otoutrion's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You give me too much credit."
Alfred maintained his smile.
"You must realize that everyone is curious. Just how much skill does this nameless magic swordsman chosen by the Mitsugoshi Company possess? Depending on the answer, you might become the eye of the storm..."
Otoutrion stared intently at Alfred as if trying to gauge his strength.
Alfred remained silent, his smile unchanged.
"Would you care to show us your skill here and now?"
As Otoutrion spoke, a magic swordsman stepped out from behind him.
"Allow me to introduce him; he's the man who was previously my Knight. Shall we have a mock battle as entertainment for the evening?"
"You jest. You will see my strength in the War of Succession starting tomorrow."
When Alfred declined, Otoutrion narrowed his eyes and leaned in close.
"I'm sorry, but I prefer to eliminate uncertain factors."
And then he spoke in a whisper.
Alfred stared at Otoutrion for a moment. Just as Alfred was about to speak, Sakura interrupted their conversation.
"Lord Otoutrion, this is troublesome. Alfred is my Knight, so such matters should first be addressed to me—"
"Sakura of the Distant Clear Stream, why are you making such a fuss over simple entertainment?"
"Ngh... To call a mock battle the day before the War of Succession 'simple entertainment'—"
"Sakura-sama, it's no problem. It's just entertainment for the banquet."
This time, Alfred cut Sakura off.
"But...!"
"It's all right. Besides, I don't think it's wise to cause any more of a scene here..."
Alfred said in a hushed voice.
Looking around, the elves were whispering among themselves while glancing their way.
They were by no means friendly gazes. The atmosphere of such a place conveys itself naturally, even without words.
Naturally, Sakura understood this as well.
The Distant Clear Stream had been away from the public stage for a long time. And the Mitsugoshi Company was an entity from abroad.
In other words, they had few allies here.
"What they want to see is our strength. If they want to see it, let's show it to them."
Alfred said in a low voice.
"If you reveal your hand the day before the War of Succession, they will surely prepare countermeasures."
"I have no intention of showing my entire hand."
"You think you can win against a magic swordsman who was Lord Otoutrion's Knight while holding back?"
"I've only shown you a fraction of my true strength as well, Sakura-sama."
Alfred said nonchalantly.
Sakura felt a headache coming on and pressed her temples.
"...We accept the challenge."
Sakura said to Otoutrion.
"This will surely liven up tonight's banquet."
Otoutrion gave instructions to prepare for the mock battle with a refreshing smile.
"It looks like they're going to have a mock battle."
Lallanoa said, appearing surprised.
"So that magic swordsman and Alph...red are going to fight."
I compared the two magic swordsmen while stuffing my face with roast chicken.
"Who do you think will win, Master?"
"If they fight normally, Alfred will."
The opponent magic swordsman isn't bad, but he still pales in comparison to Alpha.
"You're quite invested in Alfred, aren't you? Lord Otoutrion's former Knight is Lord Secondary. He has countless victories in official matches and is a representative magic swordsman of the elves who has fought the Sword God and Sword Saint many times."
"So, Lallanoa, you think Secondary-san will win."
When I said that, Lallanoa puffed out her cheeks slightly.
"I would have said so before. But..."
Stopping there, Lallanoa sharpened her gaze and looked at Alfred with a serious face.
"Now I can tell. Alfred's sharpened aura..."
"Oh...?"
"And if Master says Alfred will win, then I'm sure he will."
"It's about to start."
The tables in the venue were pushed to the sides, creating a makeshift arena for the mock battle.
The elves moved to surround it. I grabbed an apple juice, Lallanoa took a grape juice, and we slipped into seats in the front row.
Secondary and Alfred were already facing each other, holding practice swords with dulled blades.
The elves discussed the development with excitement.
"To challenge the Mitsugoshi Faction to a mock battle. How bold."
"It shows how wary they are. The will might be a fake, after all. The King's Brother Faction must be feeling the pressure. But is this magic swordsman Alfred really strong?"
"Hmm, I doubt the Mitsugoshi Faction would provide someone weak, but his opponent is Lord Secondary. It will be hard to win."
"If he puts up a good fight, that's already something. If he were to win, the power balance would shift."
"Hmph, I don't care if it's the Mitsugoshi Company; we can't have them waltzing into the elven country so easily. We must show our dignity."
The elves continued to voice their predictions.
At that moment, the seat next to us became unnaturally vacant.
"Who do you two think will win?"
And the one who sat down next to us was Gendou, the representative of the Conservative Faction.
The surrounding elves buzzed. It seemed very unexpected that the representative of the Conservative Faction would speak to us.
"It's Alfred-san."
I followed Sakura's answer with "Same here."
"Hmm... So you predict Secondary will lose. Interesting."
"Who do you think will win, Lord Gendou?"
"As long as I don't know the extent of Alfred's skill, I can't even guess. However, if Secondary were to lose, the War of Succession would fall into chaos."
Gendou crossed his arms and sharpened his gaze.
"Fall into chaos, you say?"
"Every faction has built their strategy to win the War of Succession. If the Mitsugoshi Company's magic swordsman is strong enough to defeat Secondary, the strategies starting tomorrow could be shaken. Lord Otoutrion is quite bold..."
Gendou looked toward Otoutrion, who was overseeing the mock battle, and let out a small sigh.
"He has courage, and he has talent... but he is dangerous."
Gendou muttered in a low voice.
Otoutrion himself raised his voice, overflowing with confidence.
"Now then, let the match begin!!"
Immediately after that shout, Secondary moved.
Accelerating with smooth mana manipulation, he closed the distance in an instant.
"Hah—!"
Secondary unleashed a slash along with his breath.
At that speed, Gendou muttered, "Has he improved his skill again?"
Alfred remained motionless, holding his sword loosely, watching the powerful blow approach.
The next moment, his blue eyes narrowed.
It looked as if Secondary's strike had caught Alfred's neck.
However, the sword cut only air.
"—!?"
Surprise appeared on Secondary's face.
Alfred was standing behind him before anyone knew it.
"Incredible..."
Gendou let out a small sound.
"Why didn't you strike?"
Secondary said.
With Alfred behind him, he remained frozen, having followed through with his swing.
Alfred did nothing, simply staring at his back.
"You could have cut me at any time. Why didn't you?"
Secondary asked.
Alfred maintained a natural posture and smiled.
"It's a rare bit of entertainment. It would be tasteless otherwise."
"—You'll regret this."
Secondary ground his teeth so hard they made a sound and turned back to face Alfred.
Then he began to pour a massive amount of mana into his sword.
The air vibrated with the tension of that density.
"It's just entertainment, Lord Secondary."
"Your sword will never reach me again."
"Is that so? Then, I shall as well."
Saying that, Alfred dropped the sword he was holding.
The clatter echoed strangely through the venue.
"You, what do you intend?"
"I told you, it's just entertainment."
Alfred lowered his hips slightly and readied his fists.
"If the sword won't reach, I shall face you with my fists."
Alfred said.
Secondary's face flushed, and his mana erupted.
"Don't mock me—!"
Secondary approached, scattering mana.
He was a step faster than before; this was surely his true effort.
Yet Alfred remained composed, dodging Secondary's sword at the last possible second.
A pop, like a snapping sound, echoed.
"Ah...?"
Blood fell from Secondary's nose, staining the ground.
Alfred was slowly shaking his left fist.
"A light greeting."
And then another.
A jab faster than Secondary's eyes could track struck his jaw.
"Guh—!"
Even if he couldn't see it, he seemed to have been prepared for the impact.
Secondary remained conscious while being hit.
But then a second and third left fist accurately punched through his jaw.
Secondary's body wobbled.
"Oooooooooooooooh!"
But he didn't fall.
His face turned red and he scattered blood while swinging his sword in a counterattack.
Alfred stared at the blade and parried the flat of the sword with his right elbow.
The sword was knocked upward, cutting air.
"What—!?"
Gendou and some of the other experts who could follow the exchange gasped.
Matching a right elbow to Secondary's sword speed was quite a showy play.
Alfred's left fist struck the face of the stunned Secondary.
An upper that seemed to pierce the heavens snapped his head back, and a finishing right fist was unleashed into his defenseless face.
"Ah..."
A strike imbued with mana of incredible density.
Predicting a gruesome end, screams echoed through the venue.
But that fist never reached Secondary.
"A-Ahhh..."
Alfred had stopped his right fist right at the tip of his nose.
"This should be enough. It's just entertainment."
At Alfred's words, Secondary slumped down as if his legs had given out.
And for a moment, the venue was wrapped in silence.
Clap, clap, clap. A single person's applause broke the silence.
"—Splendid!"
Otoutrion, with a smile on his face, approached the two who had finished fighting.
"As expected of the Knight chosen by the Mitsugoshi Company! To think you would defeat my 'former Knight,' Secondary, with your fists!"
He emphasized 'former Knight' in a theatrical manner.
"He was also a magic swordsman who did not shame the title of Lord Otoutrion's former Knight. I am glad if you enjoyed it."
Alfred bowed along with Sakura, who had stepped up beside him.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm a bit embarrassed. This might lead some to look down on us. Right, Secondary?"
Otoutrion tapped Secondary's shoulder while still smiling.
At that moment, his body twitched.
"I-I am terribly sorry..."
Secondary said in a trembling voice.
"I never imagined I would be one-sidedly defeated by an unarmed opponent."
Then Otoutrion whispered in a cold voice.
"Ngh... I-I will surely make up for this in the War of Succession!"
"I hope so. Now then, it's a rare opportunity—allow me to introduce my current Knight!"
Otoutrion glanced at Secondary, then spread his arms to gather the audience's attention.
Then a magic swordsman walked forward, his rugged boots echoing.
Many frowned at his appearance, which was unsuited for the eve festival.
But he showed no sign of caring about their gazes, standing naturally beside Otoutrion.
"This is Sakisa of the Ultimate Blade. This man has also never appeared in an official match. He says he studied under the Sword God about a hundred years ago, but no one remembered him. In the sense of being an unknown, he is the same as Sir Alfred... but his skill is certain."
He had a slender, tall build, long black hair, and a prominent scar next to his eye.
Sakisa's sharp red eyes stared down Alfred.
Alfred met Sakisa's gaze head-on and frowned just slightly.
Yeah, that makes sense.
I'd been curious for a while, but this man Sakisa has an aura that stands head and shoulders above even the high-level elven magic swordsmen.
"It seems you weren't satisfied with Secondary."
Sakisa spoke in a calm voice.
"No, that's not it."
Alfred gave a vague reply to the abrupt question.
"You didn't even show half of your true strength, did you?"
"...It was just entertainment."
"Go easy on me in the main tournament."
"Likewise."
They finished their handshake with mutual smiles.
"...Don't get cocky."
A small mutter was heard.
Looking toward the voice, Secondary was glaring at Sakisa.
"Hmm..."
It seemed there were various issues even within the factions.
"To think Secondary would be brushed aside so easily... It's hard to believe a magic swordsman of that caliber remained unknown."
Gendou, sitting next to me, spoke.
"Yes, it was surprising."
"In terms of being unknown, the same could be said for you, Sir Nazono."
At those words, I narrowed my eyes as if gazing into the distance.
"Perhaps. There is no one left who knows me... only my own memories remember it..."
"So Sir Nazono really has a past... No, this isn't the place to ask such things."
Gendou awkwardly withdrew his words.
"How did you evaluate Sir Alfred's strength?"
"I'd say his fists are quite impressive."
"But his true specialty should be the sword."
"Yes, the habits of a swordsman were still evident in his movements."
"...Another opponent we can't underestimate has appeared. That magic swordsman Sakisa is also concerning."
"It's strange that Lord Otoutrion would make a man of unknown origin his Knight."
Lallanoa said.
"Indeed. It was only half a month ago that he became Lord Otoutrion's Knight. It was likely a change made with the War of Succession in mind, but to appoint a man of unknown origin as a Knight right before the tournament is quite bold."
"It simply means he has that much skill."
I said.
"According to rumors, he overwhelmed Secondary in a mock battle and silenced those who opposed him. But I wonder where on earth he found such a powerhouse."
"The world is wide. Does that mean there are unknown powerhouses hiding out there?"
"Lord Otoutrion often opposed Lord Anorion's policies. While not quite elven supremacism, he holds exclusionary views. I thought his connections to the outside world were weak... but there's no point in dwelling on it here."
Gendou let out a sigh, seemingly unconvinced.
"Even so, you don't seem very wary, Sir Nazono."
Gendou said, looking at me.
"Now, what do you mean by wary?"
"It appears as though you aren't wary of Sir Alfred or Sakisa at all."
"That's not..."
I denied it, but Gendou's gaze looked right through me.
"Did you see through Sir Alfred's strength, or did you conclude you could win even after knowing it?"
"You're giving me too much credit."
I replied with a small smile.
"To me, Sir Nazono looks more terrifying than Sir Alfred. That's why there's something I can do."
"And that is?"
"We Conservatives will not target Lallanoa of the Sun Spring and her Knight, Nazono Seinen, in the preliminaries. In exchange, I want you to refrain from targeting us as well."
"I see, so that's how it is."
I glanced at Lallanoa and passed the conversation to her.
"Um, may I consider that a proposal for an alliance?"
Lallanoa answered nervously.
"No, we are people with different ideologies. It's merely an agreement not to target each other, not a cooperative relationship like an alliance."
"I see... What do you think, Master?"
"It seems to me there are only benefits for a minor faction like us."
"I understand. I accept your offer."
"Good, I'm counting on you. But no handshakes; I don't want those around us to catch on."
With that, Gendou and Lallanoa nodded to each other.
"Tomorrow is an early day. I shall take my leave now."
Gendou left the venue, followed by his subordinates.
Looking around the venue, it seemed Otoutrion and Sakura had finished exchanging brief greetings and parted ways.
The crowd swarmed around Alfred, striking up conversations.
"That battle just now was magnificent. It was so fast that even I could barely follow it with my eyes—"
"Two magic swordsmen with full mastery of the Jakusai style from my faction are entering the War of Succession, but if you'd like, Sir Alfred, we could have you as the head of the Jakusai style—"
"I wonder if Sir Alfred is married? If you'd like, my daughter—"
"Ours is a long-established company. If the Mitsugoshi Company intends to expand its business, I believe we can be of help in terms of distribution. Please, an opportunity for a meal with the president of the Mitsugoshi Company—"
For better or worse, he had become the center of attention at the venue.
However, getting noticed before the War of Succession has even begun is the mark of a second-rate player.
A first-rate player first sows seeds of foreshadowing, then gradually reveals glimpses of their true self.
So—just like Nazono Seinen.
"..."
Before I knew it, the food at the venue had been cleared away, and desserts were lined up instead.
It seemed the eve festival was nearing its end.
"Well, well! I wondered who might be in a place like this, and if it isn't the half-breed Lallanoa."
Soon after Gendou left, an unfamiliar elf called out to Lallanoa.
A flippant smile played on his face, and he was accompanied by several hangers-on.
I see, he must have been waiting for the right moment to speak.
"Koban of the Reformist Faction..."
Lallanoa muttered, frowning.
"It's been a long time since you left the royal palace. What are you doing these days?"
"I am..."
"I hear that you presumptuously intend to participate in the War of Succession. Lord Anorion's reforms were thwarted halfway because of that filthy Sun Spring blood. It's all because of you and your mother..."
Koban cut off Lallanoa's words and ranted on.
"For someone in such a position to participate in a succession war to decide the next king... Surely, that can't be right?"
Then he glared at Lallanoa.
"I... will participate in the War of Succession."
Lallanoa answered directly.
"Was I unclear? I suppose it can't be helped; I'll speak so even a low-born can understand. I am telling you to withdraw from the War of Succession."
"I have no intention of withdrawing. I will participate."
Lallanoa answered clearly once again.
Koban's eyebrows shot up, and his gaze grew even sharper.
"I am also participating in the War of Succession. If you participate, I will surely find you... and kill you in the most cruel and humiliating way possible. I have the resolve and the power to do so. You know that, don't you?"
"It's true that you are a strong man who once served as my father's guard. I also know that you've used that power to leave many of your colleagues permanently disabled."
"I merely instructed half-hearted fools who lacked resolve... Oh yes, I gave you some instruction before as well, didn't I?"
"Yes, you repeatedly beat me down when I was a child, in a place where no one could see."
"Yes, you were swinging your sword so earnestly that I got a bit carried away with my instruction."
"As a child, I could do nothing... but things are different now."
"Oh... and what exactly is different?"
Koban frowned unpleasantly.
"I've become strong... thanks to Master."
Lallanoa said.
Koban looked me up and down as if sizing me up.
"Are you Lallanoa's Knight?"
"I am Nazono Seinen. Pleased to meet you."
The hand I offered was elegantly ignored.
"I've never seen nor heard of you. What is your style?"
"I haven't studied any sword style worth boasting about. If I had to say, it's self-taught."
Hearing that, Koban laughed mockingly.
"Heh... Self-taught, is it? That's rich! I'm sure you swing a bizarre sword; I'd love to see it sometime! Hey, you guys are curious too, aren't you?"
He laughed along with his hangers-on.
Yes, this is it!
Their reaction was exactly what I was looking for. I stood there expressionless while mentally pumping my fist.
"Ngh... Don't you dare mock Master's sword! You have no idea how much heart he's put into honing his craft... People like you wouldn't stand a chance!!"
For some reason, Lallanoa was fuming, her face bright red.
"Maybe I should rearrange your face so you can never show it in public again... Apologize while you still can."
Koban's face also flushed with anger.
Let's everyone just calm down a bit.
"You're the one who should apologize. Apologize right here and now for insulting Master!"
"A half-breed dares to insult me!?"
Along with those words, Koban drew a dagger from his robes.
Carrying swords was forbidden for anyone other than the guards at the eve festival venue. However, it seemed there was a tacit understanding that high-ranking nobles were allowed to carry daggers for self-defense.
Of course, Lallanoa and I were not granted such a privilege.
But with the way Lallanoa was now, it shouldn't be a problem.
She followed the approaching dagger clearly with her eyes.
Drawing him in until the last possible second, she stepped back with one foot and turned her body sideways.
She slipped out of the knife's trajectory.
Lallanoa's dress was slashed. Her white skin was exposed, but there wasn't a single scratch on it.
She had dodged it by a hair's breadth.
This was a glimpse of Lallanoa's talent.
She had observed my movements in minute detail with those eyes and acquired the techniques like a fish to water.
Until now, she had continued to swing her sword all alone. It had been a very inefficient way to train, but thanks to her single-minded repetition of the basics, she had built a solid foundation.
My techniques just happened to be added to that, and she finally blossomed.
"—Hah!"
Lallanoa locked his wrist joint and wrenched the dagger away.
Her mana control was also superb.
Then, using the momentum from seizing the dagger, she spun around and unleashed a back-turning kick.
"...Do you still want to continue?"
Lallanoa stopped her kick right at the tip of Koban's nose.
Blood dripped from his crooked nose, staining the ground.
"Ngh... You!"
Koban's face turned red with humiliation.
But having had his dagger taken, he couldn't immediately think of a way to counterattack.
He looked around frantically... and then showed a terrified expression as he stared at a certain point.
"My, my, the banquet is quite noisy tonight."
A handsome elf approached with a soft smile.
"L-Lord Shinji...!"
Koban hurriedly wiped his nosebleed and bowed.
Lallanoa also lowered her raised leg.
"It's been a while, Lallanoa of the Sun Spring. Did something happen with a member of my faction?"
"L-Lord Shinji, there's a reason for—!"
"I wasn't asking you."
Shinji glared sharply at Koban.
"My Knight was insulted by these people, and then he attacked me with a dagger."
Saying so, Lallanoa held out the dagger she had taken from Koban.
"It seems my subordinate has caused you trouble."
"Tch... Lord Shinji, I am terribly sorry."
Koban and his group hurriedly apologized.
"Lallanoa of the Sun Spring. Could you find it in yourself to settle this for my sake?"
"That is fine."
"I will compensate you for the torn dress later."
Then Shinji left, followed by his hangers-on. As he left, Koban glared at Lallanoa with eyes full of hatred...
In the venue, voices spitting out "That half-breed..." mingled with whispers of "Did you see that just now?"
"It feels like a dream... I actually won."
"It was only a matter of time before you blossomed. I just happened to be the catalyst."
"That's not true! Thanks to you, Master, I feel like I've grown more than ever in my life! With you by my side, I—"
Just then, an elven girl came running over, cutting off Lallanoa's words.
"Are you alright, Lallanoa?"
It was Sakura of the Distant Clear Stream.
"Sakura of the Distant Clear Stream... what do you want?"
Lallanoa said, sounding a bit annoyed.
"I saw you being harassed by the Reformists... I was worried."
"Your worry is unnecessary. I've become strong."
"I see... yes. That was an impressive evasion."
"Of course it was."
Lallanoa turned her face away with a huff.
"Lallanoa... you're truly serious about entering the War of Succession, aren't you?"
She said with a grave expression.
"I am."
"Is it because this man instigated you?"
Sakura turned a harsh gaze toward me.
"No. I decided to enter the War of Succession of my own will. Master is simply helping me."
"Even with the information networks of the Distant Clear Stream and the Mitsugoshi Company, we couldn't uncover this man's identity. Please be careful."
"Don't speak ill of Master!"
Lallanoa glared at her sharply.
"Lallanoa..."
Sakura looked down, her eyes welling with tears.
"Tch... Let's go, Master. Tomorrow is an early day."
I was pulled by the hand by Lallanoa and quickly left the venue.