Chapter 29: The Princess Arrives

I had thought that Michaelis was strong.

Even to an amateur’s eye, his movements were honed, possessing a flawless beauty without any openings.

That must be one part of what he gained through endless training.

However, when I saw him one-sidedly beat down a knight far larger than himself, and effortlessly deal with opponents who enhanced themselves with magic and attacked using borderline cheating magical tools, I could only widen my eyes and quietly hide my gaping mouth behind my fan.

Though, I did get a little fed up with the piercing shrieks of excitement every time he won.

“My… I had heard about it, but he truly is strong.”

“He seems even more fired up than usual this year.”

“That’s right. I hear His Majesty and the Queen are also present.”

“That’s always the case. It’s you, Sister, who is different this time.”

Hm? Me?

Well, I basically never go out, and since this event is being held within Lattiche territory, it was probably just barely acceptable.

I also have guard knights with me, and I’ve heard Father even assigned hidden escorts.

I thought it might be too far, but Lattiche territory is enormous to begin with.

In the first place, I’m here partly to keep pests away from Michaelis.

I can’t see the princess from this seat—where could she be?

Michaelis won his first and second matches smoothly and had already advanced to the semifinals.

Judging from past results, I wondered if he might be a seeded participant, but it seems this tournament doesn’t use a seeding system.

Every time Michaelis wins, he checks this direction and gives a bow.

He doesn’t even glance elsewhere—he immediately looks this way, and cheers erupt from all around.

He really is popular.

He doesn’t come up to the VIP seats, of course, but I feel like he’s clearly confirming my face.

I’m watching properly too—after all, this is something I rarely get to see, so I’m trying to burn it into my memory.

But… I keep feeling strange glances.

It feels like not just Michaelis, but other participants are also frequently looking this way.

I don’t like it… those looks feel unpleasant.

I quickly hide my face with my fan and pretend not to notice.

Jibril avoids it in the same way, so I think it’s the correct choice.

For now, it seems Michaelis isn’t even using half his strength.

He’s using the same sword as before, but I haven’t seen his magic sword even once.

The way those flames danced was wonderful, so I’d love to see it again.

However, it seems he has no intention of showing it unless the opponent is worthy.

So when he used it against that doll before, it must have been a service.

By the end of the morning session, most of the selections were finished.

From lunch through tea time, there would be consolation matches for the losers to determine rankings, and then the semifinals and finals would begin in the afternoon.

The morning was relatively calm, but the afternoon would become much more intense.

While skilled participants gather, the dramatic nature of victory and defeat is also one of the tournament’s appeals.

Some spectators even come just to watch that drama.

Incidentally, that wolf-type beastman had also advanced.

I wonder what his palms are like… do they have paw pads?

“Will it be another easy victory for my brother this year? Recently, they’ve all been spineless.”

Jibril said this, picking up a sandwich with a slightly bored expression.

She then took a cucumber sandwich and added, “Well, the real show begins after he wins.”

And for some reason, Michaelis himself was here, quietly sipping tea.

The fact that he didn’t deny it suggests that no one here poses a threat to him.

Even to an amateur, he stands out—he’s amazing.

But is it really okay for a top contender to be here?

Some participants were already stiff just from competing before the king, but Michaelis seemed completely at ease.

“I haven’t won yet.”

“Oh? But you seem quite confident.”

“I have confidence that I won’t fall behind—though what I aim for lies far beyond.”

Someone even stronger than Michaelis?

In my knowledge, only Father comes to mind.

The king of cheats himself.

“What do you intend to do by becoming stronger, Michaelis?”

“There are things I wish to protect. By participating in this tournament, I can refine myself and gain many things.”

Things he wants to protect?

Perhaps the Domitrius territory, or Jibril.

Michaelis looked at me with calm crimson eyes, and without his armor, he seemed more like a nobleman than a knight.

Kishtarial, Julius… there really are many handsome men around me.

Well, if this world is based on an otome game, that explains it.

I ate an egg sandwich, but the bread felt a bit dry—slightly disappointing.

Curse my spoiled palate.

The tea is delicious, which makes it more unfortunate.

“Albert, if you feel even the slightest danger, please escape—even if it’s only you.

There is no need for you to be involved in my family’s problems.”

“No, Michaelis. Don’t worry. If Father has given his permission, then I will fully cooperate.

What I can offer is small, but if it’s to protect a childhood friend, I won’t hesitate.

However…”

“What is it?”

“Your opponent is a princess, isn’t she? Princess Elmedia is the daughter of Queen Mesalin.

Are you truly sure? Whether it’s marrying into royalty or a royal marriage, it wouldn’t be a bad arrangement for your house.

Even if the Lattiche family intervenes, there may still be some strain in relations.”

“I have no interest. Rather, becoming entangled with the princess’s faction or Lord Lucas’s faction would be far more troublesome.”

Michaelis stated firmly, almost sharply.

Marriage with royalty could even lead to a promotion in rank.

The Elmedia I knew should have been a beautiful blonde girl with blue eyes, resembling her mother, the queen.

Speaking of which, Queen Mesalin is also Lucas’s mother.

After what happened recently, I can understand not wanting to get involved.

If someone forced me to act as a mediator or manage their mood, I’d be doomed.

Only Mother—or me—could manage Father’s mood.

And I don’t even have a partner.

“Michaelis.”

“Yes?”

“I’ll do my best. I’ll definitely protect you from the princess!”

“…Just having you here is already reassuring enough. That alone is enough to satisfy me.”

Michaelis smiled softly.

His vivid red hair shone in the sunlight, and his eyes looked straight at me, making me a little embarrassed.

Michaelis actually smiles quite a bit.

In the game, he seemed more serious and cool, but when he looks at Jibril or in quiet moments, he smiles gently.

He could have told me to leave to avoid complications, but instead, he warmly accepts my rare burst of motivation.

Sorry… if things turn into a disaster, I truly apologize in advance.

Anna and Sumia became visibly flustered after witnessing his smile.

Honestly, compared to the dangerously charming men around me, this kind of sincerity hits the heart more.

Are all the handsome men of the Lattiche family supposed to be schemers?

Raven, the only soothing presence, is gone…

…Despite my determination to protect Michaelis—

The moment I saw Princess Elmedia, I was left speechless.

In the game, she only appeared as a minor name, Princess Elmedia of Sandis.

Her blonde hair glittered excessively in the sunlight, coated with shimmering powder.

She wore bright blue eyeshadow, thick white face powder, and bright red circular cheeks that reminded me of a certain electric mouse.

She should have been two or three years younger than me, yet she looked like some kind of ageless creature.

Her facial features resembled Queen Mesalin more than the king.

But what is this awful, gaudy makeup?

It completely destroyed her youthful charm, making her look like a grotesque clown.

Now then, let’s look back at how this absurd princess arrived.

Michaelis’s final opponent was that wolf beastman.

Some people were booing, shouting insults, and even throwing trash—it was appalling.

Even though neither Michaelis nor his opponent showed it, they must have been displeased.

Even after warnings, the jeering didn’t stop.

Some even mocked him as a dog.

I sighed and muttered, “There are unpleasant people…”

And suddenly, the voices began to disappear.

The loudest ones were cut off mid-sentence.

Something was being thrown at high speed, and I heard branches snapping in the distance.

…Wait, was that because of what I said?

Panic surged through me.

Surely they wouldn’t go as far as killing them?

As I flustered, Jibril said in exasperation,
“If you tell them to stop, they will.”

“Um… I don’t like discriminatory remarks, but please don’t kill anyone. Please handle it peacefully.”

When I muttered that, the disturbance immediately ceased.

Father’s shadows… truly terrifying.

They act swiftly and with deadly intent.

After that, the audience became quiet and well-behaved.

The final match began.

Michaelis finally unleashed his flame sword.

His opponent countered with speed, agility, and tricky movements.

But Michaelis adapted.

Gradually, he pushed back.

Until—

victory was decided.

The opponent’s sword was knocked away, and he surrendered.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Michaelis bowed toward me again.

I returned a curtsey, unsure if it was correct.

The excitement only grew louder.

Then—another disturbance.

And finally, she appeared.

Princess Elmedia.

Loud, chaotic, and absurd.

“You thief! How dare you flirt with my Michaelis—!?”

She pointed at me and shouted, but was immediately restrained and dragged away.

Honestly, it was more ridiculous than frightening.

Even as she rolled across the floor like a lump of meat, I could only stare in disbelief.

And thus—

the princess had arrived.