Chapter 48: On the Eve of the Event
We have finally entered the final stage of preparations.
It has already become a major undertaking involving multiple noble houses, the church, and several merchant guilds.
The operations team has grown into quite a large group.
Each department now has its own lead, and I also serve as a coordinator between them.
In truth, the person who should unquestionably be called the top is Lady Katalina, and it is only because of her name that everyone is willing to move.
In terms of position, she feels like an honorary chairperson.
And then there is me, who has somehow ended up with Lady Katalina, the Marchioness, and even the Archbishop standing behind me.
How did things come to this?
It feels like I have simply been carried along by the current.
Now then, what we need to discuss today is this.
“The name, is it…?
It feels a bit late for that.”
“We’ve been using a provisional name until now.
At this scale, I think it would be better to give it a proper one.”
“That’s true.”
A name, huh.
“Do you have any candidates?”
“We have everything from very ordinary ones to some rather over-the-top names.”
“Are those suggestions from the knights?”
“Yes.”
As I skimmed through them, there were quite a few with an embarrassingly dramatic flair.
Do knights never grow out of their childhood dreams?
On the other hand, some were overly plain, like simply calling it a swordsmanship tournament.
The original purpose was to give knights honor and brilliance, right?
If so, a flashy name might be better.
Although, from the standpoint of clarity, something simple does have its appeal.
“How about something like the Holy Something Swordsmanship Tournament?
After all, the winner receives a holy sword blessed by the church.”
“Yes, it might be good to include ‘holy’ in the name.”
Either way, we will need confirmation from Lady Katalina and the Archbishop.
So it would be best to align it properly from the start.
“What about including the name Ryuswell or Grandra?”
“Since there isn’t just one knight order participating, and the venue isn’t on Ryuswell land, I’m not sure that would be appropriate.”
They are still the hosts, of course.
So it would make sense to promote their name.
But since this tournament involves knight orders from other houses, it could be problematic.
If a knight from Ryuswell were to win a tournament bearing the Ryuswell name, people might suspect it was rigged.
That would tarnish the honor we’re trying to bestow.
That’s why a sense of fairness is important.
Obvious biased judging, or a stage set up to disadvantage certain knights, would immediately kill the audience’s enthusiasm.
It would also undermine the legitimacy of the victor’s honor.
“The Holy Lanse Swordsmanship Tournament…?”
“That’s very straightforward.”
“Indeed.”
It’s a swordsmanship tournament of the Lanse Kingdom.
But using the country’s name is effectively using the royal family’s name, which we cannot do.
“Since there will be the presentation of a holy sword and a blessing from the church, perhaps we could borrow the name of a great historical figure?”
“A great figure, huh.
That approach sounds promising.
Let’s look into names of people whose names we might be able to use, and for whom we could obtain permission.”
“Yes!”
And so the operations team began researching great historical figures.
I followed church connections and was allowed to visit the Central Church’s archives.
Richard accompanied me as my guard, and we went together.
“Wow… this is incredible.”
“Thank you.”
The Central Church is an enormous building with a vast grounds.
Its archives are more like a grand library.
In a sense, it is a place where history is preserved more carefully than by many lords.
There are books here from an era when books were far more valuable than they are now.
And yet I was allowed to enter almost unconditionally.
The backing of Lady Katalina and the Ryuswell ducal house is truly overwhelming.
“We would like to research the names of great figures that could be used for the upcoming event.
If possible, we would appreciate your advice as well.”
I asked the archivist of the church library.
“The names of great figures?”
“Yes.
Of course, not all names can be used freely, but we were hoping to find one suitable for this event.”
If nothing works out, we can always think of something else.
“I see.
Then we will look into it as well.”
“Thank you.”
And so we were guided deeper into a corner of the grand library.
“Shall we split up?”
“Let’s do that.
Richard, please take that shelf.”
“Understood.”
The two of us began searching from opposite ends.
It wasn’t particularly difficult.
We were just looking for a name that felt right.
Whenever something caught our eye, we would check the person’s background and make a note if it seemed usable.
It was simple work.
The tournament is just around the corner.
The venue has already entered its final adjustment phase.
Knights from other houses have been invited to test the footing and check conditions.
Ideally, no one would get hurt, but that is clearly unrealistic.
Even so, we are tightening safety measures as much as possible.
We also want to ensure there is no room for cheating.
“By the way, Ellen.”
“Yes?
What is it, Richard?”
“I heard you are preparing formal attire.”
“Ugh…
Who told you?”
“Paul.”
How did that even come up?
Well, I wasn’t hiding it.
On the day of the tournament, I will be wearing formal attire approved by the church.
I am responsible for presenting the holy sword.
Officially, it is framed as the presentation of the prize by the head of tournament operations.
But since it is church-sanctioned, there is also the image of a sister in solemn attire presenting a holy sword.
What exactly am I doing with my life?
Really.
Alongside operations, I continue my service using healing magic.
Still, I feel like I might be more useful attached directly to a knight order.
If I could heal illness or poison, it would be a different story.
But my power only heals external injuries.
That means it is best used where injuries are likely to occur.
I wonder how things will be evaluated once this tournament is over.
So many people are involved now that I can only think, “Whatever happens, happens.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you in your finery, Ellen.”
“Richard, honestly.
Thank you.
But what I want most is for you to come back unharmed.
Still, I do look forward to your performance.”
“Yes.
I’ll do my best so I can stand proudly before you.”
We looked at each other and smiled.
It’s a strange relationship.
We are engaged, of course.
But right now, we feel more like partners working toward the same goal.
Working together like that, we continued our research.
We picked out several promising names, thanked the church staff, and prepared to leave.
That was when it happened.
“Oh?
You two there.”
A man appeared before us.
He was clearly not a member of the church, but a nobleman.
His appearance was refined.
Golden hair, blue eyes, and strikingly handsome features.
From his bearing alone, it was clear he was of very high rank.
We gave a light bow and waited to see how he would proceed.
“Pleased to meet you, ‘Goddess of the Battlefield, Muse,’ and Sir ‘Holy Knight.’”
I was startled by the use of our epithets, but there was no hostility in his tone.
He spoke with a gentle smile.
Who is this man?
“Pleased to meet you.
I am Electra Vent.”
“I am the knight Richard Claudius.”
We introduced ourselves properly.
Then he spoke.
“Pleased to meet you.
I am Julian von Lanse.
I did not expect to meet you both here today.
This has become a very fortunate day.”
I sucked in a sharp breath.
“Lanse” is the royal family’s name.
And “Julian” is the name of the Crown Prince.
“P-Please forgive us!
We never imagined we would be addressed by His Highness the Crown Prince!”
We immediately bowed in the deepest manner.
“Please raise your heads.
This is an informal setting, and there is no need to be so stiff.”
“B-But…”
“Well then.
Since fate has brought us together like this, would you allow me a little of your time?
I would very much like to speak with you, if you are willing.”
That was the Crown Prince’s proposal.
Wow.
Even as I thought, There is no way this is a coincidence, we had no option to refuse.