The moment Ray sees the stage, he is surprised by the unexpected crowd there.
　What is to be played from now on is nothing but a mock battle.
　Ray even thought that there might be more people looking over there in a festive mood, given that there are stalls and entertainers.
　But when I actually came to the stage in this way, there were not so many as a hundred or two, but a thousand or more... no, more spectators.
　To be honest, Ray was surprised that he didn't expect so many people, and I'm sure he's more surprised than Ray in the mock battle he's going to fight.
　Most of the people gathered were commissioned by the nobles to play mock battles with the notorious adventurers, who felt like a sight‐seeker.
　When such people come to the place where they play mock battles, it is only natural that those who are not used to it should be surprised to find out that there were so many spectators there.
　Of course, not everyone is so surprised...
　Some people who seem to be high-ranking adventurers don't seem to be particularly frightened when they have such an audience around them and look at them.
　You must be accustomed to the way people look at you.
　But such people are still in the minority.
　Many newcomers, especially those who have just become adventurers, are frightened by that kind of stare.

(I don't want to show any sympathy for him, for he took part in this mock battle.)

　With that in mind, Ray breaks up with the people who sent him this far and goes on stage.
　However, even though it's a stage, it's not that great.
　It's as simple as being trampled down on the stage to keep your feet safe when it snows.
　I guess it's the result of the judgment that we can use it only today.
　Those who stood on the stage were not hostile to Ray, but even grateful.
　It was probably because they understood that Ray's appearance with Seto had turned the audience's eyes off them.
　Naturally not everyone looked at Ray that way, some looked defiant and others looked hateful for some reason.
　But... Ray feels a little out of his element when he looks at him like that way.

(The master of that gaze I felt on my way here... is not there? Or is he sneaking into them hiding his powers hidden?)

　I know you have some strong opponents, but that's all I can say.
　It seems to Ray that the man with the eerie gaze he felt on his way to the stage was not among those at the end of his gaze.

"Come here, Mr. Ray,"

　The man in the middle of the stage calls out to Ray.
　The audience around me has a variety of faces, including those who express their conviction, those who express their disbelief, and those who express contempt for the words of the man who is entrusted with the role of referee.
　Various people's eyes are on Ray.
　There was a blatant contempt for Ray, but he didn't mind it, and instead turned his eyes to where the nobles were gathering.
　They're probably warming themselves up with some kind of magic item. Despite the fact that the year is coming to an end, no one is particularly dressed.
　Among these aristocrats, there is only one... Geiska who looks at Ray with hatred.

(I don't remember being hated so much, but why are you hated so much? Is this just the quarrel at that time? Well, some nobles don't forget their grudge, and isn't it that strange?)

　Rey's next attention, while Geiska's gaze, was probably due to the small chair. It looked a little narrow.
　As always -- although it's only been a few days since it was there -- it's obviously not a show, it's a real muscle.
　Other figures include Teles, Lanigs, Arra, and the Duke and Duchess of Kelebel, who rule over Annesis, and, above all, Elena.
　There were also quite a few aristocrats Ray had never seen before, all of whom came here to watch Ray's mock battle.

"Well, Ray. Let me introduce you to Settell us.

　The referee...or the host, encouraged by the man's words, Ray invites Seto, who is waiting a little distance away.
　Just by calling his name, Seto approached him as if he had guessed what Ray was looking for.
　Some of the spectators around him were so frightened that they couldn't speak.
　But those who have seen Ray while he was with Sett about in Annesis, probably because they understand that Sett is quiet. There is no sign of particular fear.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this monster is a set of Gryphons recognized in the guild as a Rank A monster ... no, a rare species!"

　The host's words echo around... the audience, who had been noisy until a few seconds ago, fell silent.
　It's only natural. On the spot, Sett was suddenly introduced as a monster worthy of course.
　It was only natural to be surprised because it was introduced as a monster worthy of Rank S.
　Even if it's a Rank A monster, adventurers will meet once in a lifetime.
　For both adventurers and non-adventurers, it's a fairy tale.
　Therefore, even if Seto was called a monster of rank S, it was honestly impractical.
　It's OK now, but if time goes on like this, everyone will probably be surprised to hear that it's worth Rank S.
　When Ray thinks so, the host opens his mouth as if he had read the idea.

"But don't worry, as you can see, that Sett is this adventurer... very friendly as a demon of the crimson Ray! ... may I stroke him?"

　The host asks Ray, calling out to the audience.
　Ray confirmed that the host's legs were trembling slightly, though not in his voice or expression.
　The host man will also be terrified of stroking a high-ranking monster like Seto.
　The reason why he still doesn't show his face is because he understands that if he acts like he's scared, the audience will be scared.
　Anyway, Ray has a positive feeling for the host, who is afraid to touch Seto himself.

"Oh, there's no problem. I'm used to patting Seto too, so if you don't pat him too hard, you'll be fine."

　After hearing what Ray said, Seto, who was next to Ray, turned his round eyes on the host.
　The host looks at him with such expectations, whether he caresses him or not, and the man who presides over the event becomes an idiot because he was nervous.
　I know you're seeing rank S monsters right in front of you, but as far as I can see, it's only dogs and cats who are accustomed to people and willing to play with them.
　The host gently reaches out to Seto.
　The slowly stretched hand touched... caresses Seto's body.

"Oh!"

　The man's behavior as the host caused astonishment from the audience.
　Even if the host says it's safe, I still can't believe I pat it myself to prove it.
　However, such astonishment gradually calms down as he looks at the host.
　Because I could see the tension quickly coming out of the host's face.
　A happy touch that makes you want to stroke it forever.
　A few minutes later... not only the audience but the nobles also began to look a little irritated by the host, who never stopped patting him.
　The people on this stage came to see if Ray's crimson skills were really as good as rumors, not to see the host's relaxed expression.

(I'm afraid I'll be in trouble at this rate.)

　When Ray decides so, he calls out the host, who continues to caress Seto.

"How long are you going to do that?"
"What!"

　With Ray's words, the host comes to his senses and leaves the set in a hurry to tell those present.

"No, it was a wonderful touch. If you're this friendly, you can understand that everyone loves Ray in the guillem where he's based."

　That's what the host says, and everyone doesn't miss it even though there are so many people.
　The reason why we're doing that is probably because the host man is using some kind of magic item.
　Unfortunately, I can see... I don't have anything like a microphone, and Ray didn't know what magic items I was using.

(But I want it. Do you want to go around Anesis magic store later?)

　Magic items with effects like loudspeakers are clearly easy to use.
　Of course there could be some kind of restriction on such magic items, but Ray was willing to accept it if it wasn't too much.



　While Ray is thinking about magic items like that, he explains about Seto in an effort to make up for his mistake.It seems, however, that the host is even more obsessed with Seto.

"There is no need to be surprised to see Seto on the street. He will be happy to stroke him. And I'm sure that the power of his round eyes will fall at once in most people, to the point where I think he has the magic and skill of course."

　Oh, I see.
　After listening to the host's words, Ray suddenly agrees.
　Of course Ray understood that Seto didn't have such magic and skills, but seeing Seto's friendliness and the way he was easily loved by everyone, it's no use thinking like that.

"Now, after the introduction of Sett, it is now in full swing to-day, as you know, for the purpose of this meeting is to have the mighty men, such as Ray, who is nicknamed crimson, and the adventurers based in Anesis, and the soldiers and knights who serve the nobles!"

　Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. whoa, whoa.
　The host man's words make the audience cheer.
　It's as if I've forgotten all about the time I was stroking Seto.

"Glu?"

　Can I stay here? Seth cries at Ray, listening to the cheers of the audience.
　Patting Seto on the head, Ray tells him to move off the stage.
　Seth walked off the stage maturely, without particular resistance to Ray's words.
　Some spectators and mock-fight opponents noticed Seth's behavior, but now they don't seem to say anything about it.
　It may not be that the audience doesn't care about the presence of Seto, but they are still more interested in mock warfare, which is their primary purpose today.
　And for those gathered to fight Ray's mock battle, there are more people who feel secure that they don't have to fight against Rank S's worth of sets.
　Some of them wanted to fight Seto, but only those who were confident in their power, like high-ranking adventurers and nicknames.
　At any rate, even if someone is looking at Seto, the host continues to speak.

"As you know, this is a mock battle. A predetermined group will fight Ray one by one, but of course you shouldn't try to kill him because it's a mock battle. Normally, you need to prepare weapons with a sharp blade for a mock battle..."

　The host once pauses to see the adventurers of Ray's mock battle.
　Some have huge battleaxes, extremely curved swords, and other weapons that Ray has never seen before.
　It is also difficult to make a similar weapon by crushing the blade of a scythe for mock warfare, let alone a spear.
　Moreover, there is no point in making mock warfare weapons because both are magic items.

"Each has his own weapon ... and we're all talking about making sure we don't kill each other. We also have a recovery wizard, and we have a rare part that can cure fatal injuries, so the chances of dying are low. ... Then the first group to fight a mock battle will stay here, and the others will leave the stage!"

　The host man's voice echoed through the stage.