Chapter 41
Chapter 41
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: The Mastermind of the S-Class League (1)
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[Sudden Quest]
[Predict the S-Class League Rankings]
Is it because I haven't been cracking jokes lately?
No matter how I look at it, this seems like something it threw out of boredom… Well, whatever.
I fell deep in thought.
It was a tricky quest, to be sure, but there was no penalty for getting it wrong.
In other words, I could take it lightly.
Still, that’s just how the human heart is.
It’s designed to make you aim for the first-place reward if you can.
First, I'll have to jog my memory.
This body also had a sharp mind, so my calculations were incredibly fast.
The situation when Jace was a Hero candidate was roughly like this.
Top 3 - Jace, Esterize, Aruru
Middle 4 - Cedric, Gale, Baken, Crow
Bottom 4 - Ilensia, Erich, Luciel, Skadi
Though divided into strong, middle, and weak, the gap wasn't that significant.
Especially since various factors could make actual combat power differ from the data.
The Saintess, Luciel, was a prime example.
She had the skills to be in the middle tier, but it felt like she was holding back, whether she knew it or not.
Because she was already the Saintess.
It seemed like she intended to yield her rank to the other Hero candidates.
Esterize was always serious.
This time, too, she would take either first or second place.
It was important to consider the tendencies of all ten of them in this way.
My little cutie.
What place do you want to get?
“Me? Hmm… It doesn't really matter, does it?”
She adds that she always just does enough.
As such, Aruru was the type who didn't obsess over rankings.
Content with the privileges of a Hero candidate.
She just sends the monthly scholarship money back home.
In truth, the rankings didn't mean much.
The tournament was merely a system to induce competition.
The Hero is one who is chosen.
The god-tier artifact stored in the depths of the academy…
In other words, one must be acknowledged by the Holy Sword to gain the qualifications of a Hero.
For the past ten years, the position of Hero had been vacant.
Countless people had tried, but all had failed.
‘Of course, it had to be that way…’
The Holy Sword is scheduled to be drawn late this year or early next year.
It was highly likely to follow the original story's development.
It's something that happens after all the academy events are over.
For some reason, I felt like the system window's trickery would get me chosen.
Fine, I'll be the damn Hero.
But in return, no take-backs if I defeat the Demon King via the shortest route!
If I use the strategy guide in my head.
I'll be able to instantly wipe out the Four Heavenly Kings I'd have to face over and over.
After putting my companions at the forefront.
I, like a righteous Hero, will land the final blow.
A little fun fact here.
Funneling all the experience points to the main character is the unspoken rule.
As my thoughts came to an end, Aruru suddenly popped her head out.
“You'll cheer for me, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you want me to get first place?”
“Of course, that would be best.”
“Why?”
As if curious about my thoughts.
She leans in, her fox ears twitching.
To be honest…
I can't stand the thought of my little cutie getting beaten up by someone!
A pet who feels like a little sister or daughter.
She's like family, so I hope she doesn't get hurt if possible.
“Because I only want to see you win.”
Was it because my sincerity came through?
She beams with a look of pure joy.
As if that wasn't enough, she sways her tail back and forth.
“What will you do for me if I get first place?”
“---??”
“I need a reason to get motivated.”
Hmm, motivation…
If she's motivated, she might actually secure first place?
That would make predicting the rankings somewhat easier.
I'll start with Aruru in first and Esterize in second.
But I don't know what more I could do for her.
I put her to bed, wake her up, play with her, feed her…
I was already doing my best to take care of her.
“You forgot walks.”
“…”
Right, there was that.
She says she wants to go on a trip, even a short one.
She's been cooped up all this time.
Being an active Beastkin, she must have felt quite stifled.
With the privileges of a Hero candidate, she could go out anytime, but…
“It's boring alone.”
For some reason.
The word 'boring' sounded more like 'lonely'.
Anyway.
As her master, it was my duty to look after her.
When I readily nodded, she let out a cute cheer.
“I'll definitely get first place!”
“No, that's not necessary now.”
You can only go on a walk if you get first place.
Something's a bit off. This doesn't feel right, does it?
As much as I covet the achievement points.
My little cutie's happiness had to come first.
“You're the most important.”
“---!!”
Ahh, that's so touching!
I didn't know you thought of me that much!
Her eyes sparkle endlessly with that sentiment.
“Still, I'm going to aim for first. I should try my best at least once.”
The girl clenches her fist energetically.
It may look adorable, but Aruru's serious punch is truly terrifying.
Well, this turn of events isn't so bad.
I'll take this chance to check her full power.
“Have you decided on a destination?”
“Uh-huh, I'll tell you when the time comes.”
Judging by her behavior so far.
It seemed highly likely to become a food tour.
Just what I wanted. That's what healing and life are all about.
I can already picture a fun and peaceful trip.
* * *
There wasn't an empty seat in the house.
That's how much of a hot topic the S-Class League was bound to be.
A showdown between the Hero candidates.
Just by watching, they would surely learn a lot.
For the students, it was a long-awaited moment.
Amidst the palpable excitement everywhere.
A fair number of eyes were scanning me.
-Who the heck are you?
-Weren't you a Hero candidate too?
-Oh, you poor thing. Look at him, all alone!
I got a strong sense of that.
I was sure it was just my imagination, but it still felt unpleasant.
It's definitely not my fault.
It's because of Jace… no, the Demon King's Army's spy!
It's just a shame I can't reveal that truth.
“It's alright. You're doing well.”
Ceria gave me a warm smile.
As if asserting her constant support for me, she discreetly took my hand.
My heart instantly calmed.
It felt as if all my worries had vanished.
Soon, Aruru joined us.
Her arms were full of snacks.
“Hold these for me. I'll be back as soon as I'm done!”
Her turn was first.
Her opponent, as it happened, was Cedric.
My little cutie.
You know what to do without me saying it, right?
“Total annihilation?”
Yes. That guy, at least, you should completely finish him off!
It wasn't an easy task, but it wasn't that difficult either.
“Uh-huh, mission accepted!”
The fox beastkin runs off energetically.
Our bond was just that strong.
Ceria looked at me, somewhat bewildered, but soon let out a small laugh.
“The more I see Aruru, the cuter she is. It's a relief she follows you so well. I wish I could get closer to her too…”
“---??”
You're already pretty close, aren't you?
Just the fact that she let you touch her body makes you practically best friends.
“Hmm, our current relationship feels a bit like you're raising a pet…”
That's perfectly normal.
The moment I start seeing her as a person, my position becomes very awkward.
I was just playing with her.
But depending on your perspective, I could get arrested.
“Anyway, I hope Aruru wins.”
Aruru vs. Cedric
It was quite an interesting matchup.
I'll take this opportunity to figure out Cedric's fighting style.
I already know it in my head, but it's better to see it for myself.
That aside, it was about time to decide on my predicted rankings.
I'd picked everyone from first to eighth place, but the last one was the problem…
“Hey! Mind if I sit next to you?”
The princess suddenly popped up.
As if she had only asked out of courtesy, she immediately sat in Aruru's seat.
She was still as free-spirited and easygoing as a boy.
Esterize looked at us and gave an awkward laugh.
“Did I perhaps interrupt some lover's time? If so, I'm a little sorry.”
I glanced over at Ceria.
She shrugged as if it didn't really matter.
“Thanks. My turn isn't for a while yet.”
She suggests we analyze the matches together until then.
It seems she's going to act as commentator, so I'll have to play along appropriately.
“How's your condition?”
“Not bad.”
A rival who threatens my little cutie.
If she's on par with Aruru, I'll have to keep Esterize in check.
-Actually, I knew your true identity.
Should I try to confuse her with something like that?
I could probably make her move as I wish for one or two matches.
“I'm thinking of taking it easy this time.”
“---??”
Ah, a variable has already appeared!
You, you've always been serious, haven't you? Why now of all times…
“Without you here, I'm feeling a little less motivated.”
“Hmm…”
“Thinking about it now, competing with you was the most fun. What do you think?”
“…”
She slowly leans her upper body towards me.
In response, Ceria's combat power seemed to rise.
Um, Princess.
It might not be your intention, but please don't provoke my fiancée…
In that moment, Ceria linked her arm with mine.
As if she wouldn't give an inch to another woman.
This changes things.
A little bit of provocation might actually be nice?
But if I walk that tightrope and slip once, hell will break loose.
“I'm disappointed.”
“Huh?”
“You've always given your all, yet now you're slacking off with a strange excuse. That's not like you.”
“---!!”
I deliberately scolded the princess.
I respected her, so I didn't hesitate, but…
Seeing Ceria's faint smile, I felt like I didn't care anymore.
I hate chaos…
I'll just be satisfied with pure love.
All I need is the woman who will be my partner and the girl who will be my pet.
“Ah, I was just saying that. I was just disappointed…”
She waves her hands with an embarrassed expression.
When I remain unresponsive, she even looks like she's about to cry.
Actually, I know everything. There's no one who works as hard as you.
The mindsets of the Hero candidates are all different.
It's like human desire split into various forms, but if you had to define it in one way, it's just wishing for personal glory.
Not that it's a bad thing.
But compared to Esterize's resolve, it was trivial.
A stance of saving the world even if it means sacrificing herself.
A desperate effort to rebuild the kingdom for her people.
Her skills were one thing, but her earnestness really appealed to me.
“I will be back soon. Wait quietly until then.”
“Okay…”
How should I put it?
Perhaps because she's a princess, there was a certain satisfaction in scolding her.
You're making a strange trait awaken in me!
Right after, the system window informed me of something absurd.
[Affection +1]
[Affection +2]
No, what's with her now?
Her affection rises the more she's scolded.
If she's going to be a queen, she should be an S, why is she acting like an M?
“…”
Our compatibility was perfect.
Maybe we're a match made in heaven.
Actually, I had a hunch.
Just as I acknowledge the princess, she must also acknowledge Jace.
It seems she considers him her only trustworthy companion.
My words telling her to return to her original mindset seemed to have reassured her.
“Alright. I'll show you my true skills in this tournament.”
Only then did I nod.
I became confident that I could make her move according to my will, at least a little.
“I'm suddenly hungry, can I eat this?”
“---??”
She's so uninhibited.
Is it a habit from when she was a princess?
It was based on the premise that I would obviously allow it.
“Hmm? Why aren't you guys eating?”
Aruru's snacks disappear at a rapid pace.
After a moment's thought, I revealed the truth.
“Aruru is going to be sad.”
“---??”
Messing with a beastkin's food is practically a declaration of war.
Esterize stared blankly for a long while, then spoke cheerfully.
“Aruru is cute. Cute people are nice. So she'll forgive something like this.”
“…”
For some reason, there wasn't even a shred of logic in that.
I shook my head as if to say, 'not a chance'.
“Aw, no way. What's our relationship like?”
She still doesn't get it.
They're somewhat close, but that's what makes it a bigger problem.
From Aruru's perspective, it's as if she was betrayed by someone she trusted.
Aruru will start sulking.
Esterize won't know what to do out of guilt.
I can roughly picture it.
With this, when the two of them face off, Aruru's victory is predicted.
The first and second places have been decided.
Just as I was about to write down my predicted rankings without delay, the elf girl appeared before me.
“I'll ask you straight. Who are you planning to cheer for?”
“Well, it's not you.”
“---!!”
I just don't get it.
Why is she reacting like she's been betrayed?
As far as I remember, I never gave her any reason to trust me.
I already decided you'd be last place from the start!
Seeing her stagger as if in shock, it seemed I had already predicted the rankings of three people.