Chapter 60: The Tin Knight and The City of Clockwork — Act 3 (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 60: The Tin Knight and The City of Clockwork — Act 3 (2)
—Make the disciples want to learn.
At the proposal offered by the lord of Tik-Tok, the members of the Lennart dojo each scowled.
It was only natural.
Who were they?
The Lion Duke's bloodline, whose might resounded throughout the Empire.
Were they not the continent's strongest group of martial artists, the very symbol of the Empire's 'might'?
Countless people flocked from all corners of the land, hoping to forge even the smallest connection to the name Lennart. The dojo's job was to properly screen these individuals and select only those who suited their tastes to be their disciples.
Instead of bowing their heads in gratitude for being accepted, they were being told to show off their talents to prove they were worthy of joining?
It went without saying for Gerhardt's conservative faction, but even among René's new faction, quite a few felt displeased by the lord's proposal.
And there was no way the youths wouldn't sense such an atmosphere.
With their prospective masters and seniors all glaring at them with hostile faces, they could do nothing but nervously glance around.
It was then that René stepped forward.
“Everyone, do you wish to become disciples of our dojo? If so, do not hesitate. The doors to our dojo are wide open!”
A tall military cap with a brim. A red formal uniform with impressive gold buttons.
Looking like he was part of a marching band, René raised his voice with crisp, clear movements, and that alone was enough to draw the crowd's attention.
“Boring, repetitive training! An excessive hierarchy! Endless talk of spirit and grit! Such things do not exist in the dojo I lead! A wide variety of magic dolls will assist your training one-on-one, allowing you to gain diverse combat experience you couldn't get anywhere else! Don't you want to feel the sense of accomplishment that comes from clearing our tiered challenges one by one?”
“Oh, ooh.”
Seeing the youths’ eyes begin to sparkle one by one, a smile formed on René’s lips.
Recruit disciples through promotion? The lord has proposed an excellent rule.
René had never shied away from unconventional actions, from remodeling the dojo into something like an amusement park to pretending to be a receptionist just to enjoy others' candid reactions.
He had no reason to dislike the lord's request to appeal to the disciple candidates about which method was better; in fact, he welcomed it.
More importantly, René had realized that this moment, which seemed like a mere preliminary skirmish, was in fact the final battle.
Just as that old man said, proper training is impossible in just one week. Even if we teach them a few things, the extent to which they'll grow stronger will be minimal. In other words, the disciples' innate qualities are far more important.
He would draw as many candidates as possible to his side and put forward the most outstanding among them.
That, René was certain, was the surest way to win this contest.
Glare.
While showing a beaming smile to the youths, René simultaneously shot a murderous glare at his subordinates.
How long are you all going to act so high and mighty? We drove out the old geezers, and now you're trying to act like them?
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul.
His subordinates, who received the terrifying will in René's eyes directly, trembled as if they were having a seizure.
“Th-that's right! A fun and hopeful dojo life awaits you if you come with us!”
“Ask us anything you're curious about! We're all disciples of Lennart, so there's no need to worry about stiff hierarchies!”
“The dojo holds various events to fire up the disciples' motivation. We even provide special equipment to those who clear the beginner's course! Don't you want to get your hands on your very own beloved weapon?”
At the new faction's active courtship, the youths began to show signs of being swayed.
It was only natural to want to learn from kind and gentle masters and seniors.
“Hey, shouldn't we do something?”
“You want us to grovel in front of a bunch of brats?”
“Ugh. No, for a master to cling to a disciple and beg… Do those people have no pride?”
Watching the disciple candidates slowly drift to the other side, the conservative faction members anxiously stomped their feet.
If they left things as they were, they would be defeated without even a proper fight. Yet, begging them to come over was something their pride and dignity would not allow.
It was then.
“—Pathetic.”
His salt-and-pepper hair flying, the old veteran Gerhardt, boasting a torso of rough, writhing muscles, stepped forward.
Thump!
He had simply stomped his foot once, but a heavy shockwave reverberated through the area, silencing the commotion.
After confirming that all eyes were on him, Gerhardt asked the lord.
“Count. There is one thing I wish to ask.”
The Count replied with an inscrutable smile.
“What is it?”
“That thing over there. Would it be alright if I used it?”
As he spoke, Gerhardt pointed to a large stone statue in the center of the square.
While everyone wore bewildered expressions, unable to comprehend how he intended to use the statue, which appeared to depict a soldier-shaped magic doll, the lord readily gave his permission.
“Do as you please. I will not complain, whatever the result.”
“I thank you for your generosity.”
Stomp, stomp.
Gerhardt approached the statue.
And then.
“O-RAAAH!!”
—KRA-KOOOOM!!
The moment Gerhardt’s Shattering Fist struck its mark, a terrifying roar echoed from the statue.
The stone soldier's head, arms, and legs broke off, and countless fragments scattered into the surroundings.
A feat accomplished by a mere human, with a body of flesh and blood.
Faced with a strike that inspired a sense of awe, many stood with their mouths agape, at a loss for words.
Gerhardt nonchalantly retracted his fist and then fixed an intense gaze upon the Tin Knight.
The Tin Knight's will-o'-wisp-like blue eyes trembled violently with excitement.
Gerhardt turned his gaze from the Tin Knight, swept his eyes over the surroundings, and then roared.
“This is martial arts.”
It was a short, powerful statement.
“What dreams brought you to Lennart? What did you hope for, seeking power? If your goal is merely to puff out your chest and swagger around in some small, narrow town, then go join those brats. I have no need for such people.”
Hoo, Gerhardt took a breath.
“—But!!”
And then, he released it all at once.
A thunderous voice filled the square.
“If you dream a grander dream! If you are willing to suffer the pain of coughing up blood and breaking bones to make your name known across this continent! If you are a man with such aspirations! Then come to me! I will show you the way!”
That was all.
As if he had said all he needed to, Gerhardt plopped down on the ground, sat cross-legged, and folded his arms.
Inspired by his overwhelming presence, the largest youth among the candidates approached him and spoke with a resolute expression.
“I, too, wish to make my name known across the continent. Is it possible?”
“Hmph. We'll see about that. If you have the will to learn, sit there.”
“Yes!”
The youth sat down on the ground without hesitation, facing Gerhardt.
Watching him, a few other candidates, their blood seemingly boiling, sat down around the youth with determined expressions.
“Hahaha! Good, very good. This won't be a boring outcome.”
While many were nervously glancing around or lost in thought, only the Count was roaring with laughter, finding the situation immensely amusing.
*
“Wow. That’s amazing.”
Adelaide marveled at the statue, which was now smashed beyond recognition.
[The 'Tin Knight' assesses that as a reasonably decent level!]
“Hey, just reasonably decent? Isn't that an incredible display of skill?”
When Adel blinked and asked again, the Tin Knight stared at her intently.
Adel failed to notice the peculiar emotion contained in that gaze.
She had no idea that just a few days ago, the Tin Knight had put on a similar performance while carrying an unconscious Adel on his back.
[The 'Tin Knight' asks if that old man looks strong!]
“Huh? Well… yes?”
Not understanding the intent of the question, Adel gave her honest impression.
The Tin Knight nodded at her answer.
[The 'Tin Knight' declares that he accepts the disciple's challenge!]
[The 'Tin Knight' vows to show the dignity of a master!]
“Huh? Eh? What?”
[The 'Tin Knight' requests that you relay a message to that cheerful Count over there!]
“A message? What on earth are you going to say?”
The Tin Knight explained his 'plan', and the more she heard, the more Adelaide's expression hardened.
“Y-You're joking, right?”
[The 'Tin Knight' insists that the hidden route always has the best rewards!]
[The 'Tin Knight' instructs you to hurry before it's too late!]
“N-No. No matter how you look at it, kyaa!”
Pushed from behind by the Tin Knight, Adelaide looked back several times as if to ask if she really had to do this, but the Tin Knight simply gave her a thumbs-up, repeatedly sending the message that she could do it.
After letting out a great sigh, as if her life was over, Adelaide timidly approached the Count.
“Hoh, do you have some business with me, young lady?”
“No, well, um. I'm terribly sorry to have to say this, but.”
“Haha, what is there to be sorry about? Speak freely. To be honest, I'm finding this situation quite amusing.”
At the Count's friendly smile, Adelaide squeezed her eyes shut and forced out the words.
“Y-Your Lordship, you have the right to decide who becomes the master of the Lennart dojo here in Tik-Tok, correct?”
“That is so. Duke Lennart himself entrusted me with that right, so no one can deny it.”
“In that case, um. Since I also carry the blood of Lennart, I couldn't possibly enter as a candidate… could I. Right.”
Thinking her own words were an absurd stretch, her voice trailed off into a near whisper at the end.
Adelaide's face turned red as an apple as she hung her head low.
The thought of the bewildered look the Count must be giving her made her so ashamed she couldn't possibly lift her face.
“I don't see why not. It sounds like it would be fun.”
“Huh?”
Hearing the reply from above her head, Adelaide doubted her ears.
Regardless, the Count calmly raised his voice and declared.
“Listen, everyone! A third challenger has just requested to enter this contest to decide the representative of the Lennart dojo's Tik-Tok branch! I believe this little lioness should also be given a chance, and I would like to ask your opinions! Gerhardt von Lennart. René von Lennart. Will you accept this challenge?”
Murmur, murmur. Whisper, whisper.
At the Count's shocking announcement, the surrounding chatter exploded.
Naturally, the content was overwhelmingly negative.
That's ridiculous. By what right is she interfering? We can't accept that.
Negativity, hostility, suspicion, ridicule.
As Adelaide stood before the many gazes, flustered and unsure of what to do.
“—I see no problem with it. I owe that one a debt anyway, so it would be good to repay it all at once. I, Gerhardt, will acknowledge the little one's participation in this battle!”
Gerhardt, once again shocking the crowd, glared at the Tin Knight standing guard behind Adelaide.
The old veteran's eyes were burning with competitive spirit.
“Agh, this old geezer, seriously.”
René sighed as if he were fed up with the situation, but perhaps thinking that refusing now would only make him look petty, he eventually nodded.
“Very well. I will acknowledge it as well. But in that case, what happens to the match? A three-way battle won't be decided by the existing rules, will it?”
The Count responded as if it were no trouble at all.
“We can simply hold five 1v1v1 matches, and the one with the most points will be declared the winner, no?”
“And if there's a tie?”
“The representative of each team can fight a final battle.”
“Very well.”
With the new rules decided, the people became even busier.
Those enticed by the free atmosphere and clear rewards headed toward René, while those who harbored ambition and a desire for honor took their seats before Gerhardt.
And those who headed toward Adelaide… numbered zero.
It was, in fact, an unsurprising result.
Compared to the two groups, each with its own intense character and charm, Adelaide lacked strong charisma, background, and even a shred of legitimacy.
“Ugh, see, I knew it was impossible, Sir Knight.”
Adelaide whined in a resentful voice.
She herself had no interest in a title like dojo representative; she had only ended up in this situation because she couldn't refuse the Tin Knight's insistence.
However, the Tin Knight was confident.
[The 'Tin Knight' argues that if you can't break through the 7th level through conventional means within the time limit, it's better to become the one administering the test!]
[The 'Tin Knight' argues that while the 'Recognized by Five Dojos' title is good, the 'Conqueror of One Dojo' title is even better!]
“That may be so, but if we can't win, then-”
“—E-Excuse me.”
“Yes?”
At the voice from her side, Adel turned around.
A few young men were standing there.
“Um, well, could you accept us as disciples?”
“M-Me too!”
“I'd like to ask as well!”
“Eh?!”
Adelaide was flustered.
It was good that she had candidates, but she had no idea what they saw in her to make them come here.
Worried that they might be under some great misunderstanding and that they might suffer because of this choice, Adelaide carefully asked.
“W-Well, accepting you isn't a problem, but. Why here of all places…?”
At Adelaide's question, the young men answered in a fluster.
“Ah, well! We saw that knight over there fighting in front of the dojo the other day! He was so strong, so we thought it would be good to learn from him.”
“Ahh, I see.”
Adelaide nodded.
Now she understood the situation.
She thought to herself.
Right. Come to think of it, this might be a chance. Sir Knight is also skilled (?) at teaching others! Maybe, just maybe, if I can get the representative position here, it will be a great help when I return to my domain later!
Of course, Adel couldn't stay here permanently and would have to appoint a proxy, but whether she held the nominal title or not made an enormous difference.
Adelaide grabbed the hand of the young man at the front.
“I understand! Let's do our best together!”
“Y-Y-Yes, y-y-y-yes!”
The young man, his face beet red, answered with a violent stutter.
In inverse proportion, the faces of the other young men beside him twisted with jealousy.
S-So close! Her face is so close!!
Damn it. I should have been at the very front!
Who cares about the latest facilities or the pinnacle of martial arts? A beautiful girl is offering to teach us herself!!
That's right.
Adelaide thought she had no weapon to offer in this contest, but in fact, she did.
An absolute weapon that was bound to work, especially when the opponents were youths brimming with vigor.
A few of the undecided youths began to sneak glances in Adelaide's direction.
Shit, should I go over there too?
It's not like I gain anything from winning this contest anyway. Isn't it most profitable to just enjoy the process of the competition itself?
The Tin Knight nodded in satisfaction.
It was truly all according to plan (a plan conceived less than 10 minutes ago).