Chapter 81: World's Best Partner Selection Tournament—Preliminaries (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 81: World's Best Partner Selection Tournament—Preliminaries (4)
The light of dawn rising from the horizon split the dark night sky like a dazzling blade.
The vast fields were gradually stained by the sunlight, and as the veil of night was lifted, the world below began to reveal its myriad colors.
Irusan approached silently from behind Andrasta, who was taking in the entire scene, and knelt.
"Your Majesty."
"Irusan. You are awake already?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
At the concise reply, Andrasta gave a soft smile.
As if addressing an old friend, Andrasta spoke in a light, airy tone.
"Hehe, it seems you are quite excited. Come to think of it, your preliminary match is today, isn't it?"
"...I cannot deny it. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations, but..."
"Indeed. The Empire is truly the Empire."
The preliminaries, which consisted of twelve groups, were already halfway through. Today was the day for the matches of the 5th and 6th groups.
Calling them 'matches' was a bit of a stretch; it was a somewhat barbaric and primitive affair where all challengers were thrown into a single area to fight it out.
However, neither Andrasta nor any of the challengers raised an objection to the format.
Well, those who would have objected had already been sent packing.
Regardless, Irusan replied to her King, unable to hide her anticipation and excitement.
"The female swordsman named Helena in the first match was impressive, but the winner of the second match was also a powerhouse of unbelievable strength. How has the Empire kept such a warrior hidden in the shadows until now?"
At those words, Andrasta also recalled a certain swordsman.
A mysterious figure whose entire body, including their face, was completely concealed in armor.
He was certainly strong... but that man reeked too strongly of blood.
The mysterious swordsman had faced nearly fifty participants alone.
Like Helena, he had suppressed all fifty without any difficulty, but the problem arose afterward.
Every single one of those fifty participants died after leaving the stadium.
Since killing them inside the arena would result in disqualification, the swordsman had ensured the challengers would die once they were outside.
It was a hunch based on nothing but what one might call instinct or a gut feeling... but that only made Andrasta more certain.
Reflecting on that conviction once more, Andrasta answered Irusan.
"If I were the Emperor of the Empire, I would do the same. I would never grant him anything from the start, and if given a justification, I would strip him of everything he owns."
"...Is that so?"
"Irusan, do you know why I placed Sreng at the head of the warrior band?"
"I assumed it was because Your Majesty considered him the strongest warrior..."
"No, that is not it. While I made Sreng the leader because he is a strong warrior, the greater reason is that he possesses a broad perspective. His magnanimity is even broader. Do you understand what I mean?"
"A broad perspective... Yes. I believe I understand. Then, that mysterious swordsman is..."
"Despite possessing such skill and power, that man did not hesitate to strike the vitals of opponents far weaker than himself. He may have talent, but his caliber falls far short. He is a man who cares for nothing but himself."
"I am deeply impressed by Your Majesty's insight."
Andrasta smiled once more at Irusan, who bowed her head deeply.
Her expression was like that of a ruler toward a loyal subject, yet also like an older sister looking at a cute younger sibling.
Perhaps it was because they were both feline beastkin.
"It is almost time. But... come to think of it, there is one thing I must ask."
"I shall answer with all my heart and soul, whatever it may be."
"Hahaha, very well. Irusan, if you happen to win, what do you intend to do with me?"
"Huh?! Th-th-th-that... well... uh... what should I...? I haven't thought about that at all..."
Irusan seemed to forget she was in the royal presence, flustered and breaking into a cold sweat.
Seeing this only fueled Andrasta's mischievous streak.
With an even more playful grin, Andrasta reached out a hand to Irusan, who remained kneeling.
"Let us go, Irusan."
"Ah, um, yes, Your Majesty. Phew..."
"Of course, if you wish to hold me, I shall let myself be held in your arms."
"Wh-what?! Uh, uh, but, Your Majesty is a wo-woman...? And I am also a woman... huh...? Is that possible...? No... uh... what do I do...?"
"Hahaha!"
*
Today was the day of Natalia's preliminary match.
As usual, I strolled past the beastkin guards and took a seat in the spectator section with the best view.
Technically, the best seats were reserved for the Emperor and Empress, but still.
Anyway, I looked toward Natalia in the distance.
She really stands out, even from this far away...
I was once again struck by Natalia's beauty, which shone brilliantly wherever she was.
Just then, Valeria, who was clinging to my arm today as well, asked pointedly.
"Hmph... I wonder if we really need to watch this."
"Lea."
"Ah, no, I didn't mean it like that... I mean, she's the Sword Princess. Everyone used to whisper that Natalia would be the next Sword Saint. Even my father said it had been a long time since a female Sword Saint was poised to emerge..."
She meant there was no point in watching a match where the outcome was obvious.
Well... I suppose she could only say that because she trusts Natalia's strength.
"Still, it's better to watch if we can."
"Hmm? Why?"
"She wants to show us her best side. So, as someone who loves her, I have to watch."
"I see... Che, even if I wanted to show off a cool side of myself, I don't have the chance."
In an instant, the hair on my body stood on end. My premonitions, instincts, and sixth sense—every single one of them went into a state of emergency.
They warned me that if I didn't act right now, an irreversible disaster would occur.
Instinctively, I wrapped my arm around Valeria's waist and pulled her roughly toward me.
"You're beautiful, honey."
"Mmm... and...?"
Valeria's face, filled with expectation as she let out a soft hum, felt like it was tightening a noose around my neck.
Uh... right... Valeria is beautiful. First of all, she's pretty... and... uh... her breasts are large... her ass is firm...
Wait, why are these the only things coming to mind?!
Wasn't there something more poetic?
A single phrase so sweet, romantic, and soulful that it would make one's blood sugar spike just by hearing it... There was no way I had one.
Where in the world would such a convenient line exist?
...Fine, if words won't work, I have no choice but to show her through actions.
—Mph.
"Mmmph?! Mmm! Mmmph! (D-Darling! Not in a place like this!)"
The moment I crashed my lips onto hers, Valeria's eyes darted around as she tapped my shoulder.
In response, I pulled her even deeper into my embrace, holding her head as we shared a fierce kiss.
"Haa... mwah... mmm..."
Eventually, Valeria gave up her resistance and opened her tightly closed lips.
After sharing such a sticky, wet kiss, Valeria's face was flushed bright red.
"D-Darling... you're so naughty..."
"Haha."
Fortunately, Valeria didn't press the matter further.
Instead, she snuggled into my arms like a cat, letting out a contented hum.
Phew... Sitri, you're sure no one else can see us, right?
Indeed. If you wish, would you like to continue with Us right here? We are prepared to couple with you anytime, anywhere, in front of anyone.
Haha, that was quite a funny joke. Not very becoming of the Great Demon of Lust, who used to say sex is something to be done privately between the parties involved.
Y-You are simply too aggressive!
Meanwhile, Natalia finally stepped onto the stage.
Her opponents numbered about fifty, similar to Helena's match.
I had no doubt Natalia would win, but I couldn't help the way my heart raced.
*
Hmm...
This match was unfolding in a peculiar way.
The thought suddenly crossed Andrasta's mind.
Even though Sreng had signaled the start of the match, all the challengers were staring at a single female swordsman.
Sreng must have had the same thought, as he eventually knelt before his King.
"Your Majesty."
"Let us watch for a moment. There may be circumstances we are unaware of."
"...Yes."
Andrasta's intuition was correct.
A young knight, who still looked quite green, approached the female swordsman who had captured everyone's attention.
As the woman looked at him with a bright smile, the young knight asked in a stammering voice.
"Excuse me... but that beauty mark and your stunning appearance... by any chance, are you the Sword Princess...?"
"Hehe, thank you. Though I think I'm a bit past the age to be called a 'princess'."
"Th-then, you really are... the Sword Princess, Natalia Clausewitz?!"
The moment the name Natalia escaped the young knight's lips, all the challengers vied to put away their weapons.
Swords returned to scabbards, spearheads pointed to the ground; soon, every single challenger gave up on opposing Natalia.
Seeing this, Sreng growled with a face full of dissatisfaction.
"To give up without even trying... what a disgrace to show in the royal presence."
"Hahaha, it is fine. It seems that female swordsman is quite famous."
Andrasta immediately rose from her seat.
With a single leap, Andrasta suddenly stood before Natalia.
Everyone, including Sreng, was startled by this sudden intrusion, but Natalia bowed her head as if she had been expecting it.
"I greet the Ardri of Erin."
"Hehe, a polite greeting, as expected of an Imperial."
Andrasta and Natalia stared intently at each other for a moment.
They exchanged looks that carried no words beyond the greeting, and no discernible emotion.
After a moment of suffocating silence.
Andrasta suddenly broke into a grin and threw a punch toward Natalia.
"Oh...!"
"Sister!"
Andrasta's strike was so ferocious and sharp that Leon and Helena, watching from afar, instinctively stood up... however.
Lightly parrying the arm flying toward her face with her sword hilt, Natalia let the Overlord's strike flow past her with fluid grace.
If Andrasta's strike was an explosion of unfathomable power, Natalia's defense was as soft and elegant as a world-class dancer.
Soon, pulling back the fist that had gained nothing, Andrasta spoke with a refreshing smile.
"There was a reason everyone gave up on facing you. Splendid. I wish to hear your name."
"I am Natalia Clausewitz."
"You are a Clausewitz as well! The swordsman named Helena was a rare powerhouse, but you are truly a swordsman one might see only once in a lifetime. Hahaha, I am delighted to have met a worthy rival in a distant foreign land."
"I am truly grateful for such excessive praise. I, too, am glad to have tasted Your Majesty's strike. Though it was a bit disappointing that your heart wasn't fully in it."
"Hahaha, is that so? If you wish, I can let you taste a sincere strike to your heart's content."
"If Your Majesty extends an invitation, I will gladly sit across from you."
Let's not go far; let's settle this right here and now.
Everyone held their breath at the weight of the conversation between Andrasta and Natalia.
The two women were already glaring at each other, fists clenching again and hands resting on sword hilts.
However, unfortunately for Andrasta, she had two loyal subjects.
"Your Majesty!"
"You must not do this!"
Sreng and Irusan intervened as if they had been waiting for the moment.
Seeing them, Andrasta and Natalia sighed simultaneously.
"Ha..."
"Haaa..."
An ordinary person would have reflexively taken a step back at those sighs.
However, Irusan took another step forward and pleaded with her King, who had momentarily forgotten her decorum.
"Your Majesty!"
"...Is it really not allowed?"
"Yes! Your Majesty knows the reasons well, so I shall not explain them in detail!"
"Haaa... is it simply that you want to fight Natalia yourself?"
"Huh?! Th-that is absolutely not it! Yes! I... I can't say it's absolutely not the case, but..."
Perhaps it was because her subject's flustered honesty was endearing.
Before long, Andrasta stood before Natalia with a face from which all tension and excitement had vanished.
"Regrettably, it seems I cannot invite you right this moment. Forgive me."
"Hehe, how could I possibly 'forgive' Your Majesty? However, I do hope you will invite me next time."
"Hahaha, indeed. I, too, shall look forward to the day I see you again."
Sharing smiles that were somewhat lingering and frustrated, Andrasta and Natalia moved away from each other.
Leon, who had watched the whole scene, breathed a sigh of relief, but...
I'm not the one doing the devouring tonight; I'm the one getting devoured...
Even from a distance, the smoldering gaze she directed at him left him with no choice but to think such a thing.