--Time to go back to the princess's private chambers in the castle.

I'm not sure what to do.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

I thought you were all about the arena.
"I guess you could say that.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　It's not that I'm not a fan of your work, but I'm not a fan of your work either.

　It was like some kind of alarm bell that her body remembered.

　But there's no such thing as being too cautious with the woman in front of you.
　I stared at her and said.

"I don't think so, but you don't want me to see your magic formula?

　This was the only reason Pasta could think of for Lilac's reluctance.

　The magic that diffused the voice was probably constructed by a court mage.
　That is to say, a new magic art that has just been developed. It could be a concession.

　There's no way Lilac doesn't know what kind of power pasta has.
　Once it sees a magic formula, Pasta has no hesitation in memorizing it, copying it, and selling it. That's a fact.

　But .......

If it's ......, what is it?
"Is that what it is?

　As expected. As expected. That's what it is.
　Pasta's thoughts have reached Lilac. Lilac isn't about to lose herself in the face of this arena's immediate interests.

　But even if she could analyze it that way. Pasta couldn't shake the bad feeling in Lilac's face.

　She could still vividly remember the series of traps that had followed the request to borrow Futa.
　At that time, Pasta - or Beatrix - had never doubted her superiority, and she had never thought that she would be framed for her suggestion.

　But it was an unimaginable obsession with that maid and Futa.
　It was only when he mixed in the unthinkable math that he misread Lilac's desire for a human being.

　I wonder.
　Even now, I have a feeling that Lilac is thinking about something else. But it could be my imagination.
　I can't read her.

　But...


"Is there anything I can do to help?

"I wanted to prove to myself that it's possible to live without a job.

"I broke my dream once. Unfortunately, I was kicked out of the Colosseum, and I thought I could die. In the end, I felt like my sister-in-law reminded me that 'unemployed' people can't do anything.

"But then I met Lilac-sama. I've been given another chance. But meeting Lilac-sama gave me another chance. I was given hope that I could work with you and prove it again. So I'm going to do my best.

"But in the end, there was nothing I could do but follow your orders, not that I thought that. I'm just being driven by the situation, I thought to myself. I won't do it again.

"I don't think it's fair to cite the stuffed animal, but... I'll try my best to come up with some ideas. I won't let you think alone. And, yeah. I guess I just wanted you to get to know me since we're working together like this.



　Close your eyes and remember.
　I said to that "unemployed" idiot.


"I'm a manager. You're unemployed. What I can do, you can't do. So all you have to do is follow me. And I'll make ...... your dream come true. You don't have to listen to me.


　"As a business owner. As Beatrix M. Orba.
　To make sure the tools of the trade are in perfect condition.

　I need Spectacula to thrive. And at the same time, I can't miss this opportunity to make people aware of the man's power - this is the time to build his character.


　He smiled a little and opened his eyes.

....... What?　Your eyes.
"No, nothing.

　It's like you're looking at something very bland.
　Such a look was directed at the pasta.

　But...

I'm sorry, but I can't compromise on this. In a job like this, you have to be able to find that fine line where the audience doesn't really hate you.
"Really?

　I see," she says, picking up her cup and sipping her tea.

"Can I think about it for a minute?


Don't be ridiculous. I'm telling you, we're running out of time.
"That's true, but...

　Lilac's long, thin, white fingertips are pointed right at Pasta's face.
　She looks at him suspiciously, but Lilac tells her.

I have a lot of things to think about, and I can't be unfair to the court mages.
"Let's make a deal or something. I'm not going to sell any of the techniques I've seen.
You'll have to do that too, but how do you propose to get out?
............ that is.

　When you point it out again, even Pasta can't help but clam up.
　I've lived for a long time with my hood up, never showing my face.

You can melt your face, but if it ruins your appearance, it's not worth showing.
I don't mean him, but you're not very nice either.
...... him?
I'm talking about this.

　Pasta, waving his hand.
　"I'm sure he wouldn't want his beloved princess to hear a bad word about him.
　Besides, I was beginning to notice.

　The woman in front of me seemed uncomfortable.
　The cold intent of her gaze.

　The corners of my pasta mouth lifted.

"It's none of your business.
"......, huh?

　Oh, my God.
　It's such fun to see people's expressions distort.

　I didn't expect my obsession with that man to grow so strong. But just as well. I should find my balance while I still can.

　Her feelings are much stronger than they were when she was Beatrix, or even when she was forced to be with him.

　Of course, I have my doubts about how a person's heart can change in such a short period of time. There is also the possibility that this may be an act.

　Be that as it may, this expression on the face of the woman who won the championship for the woman I want to see suffer the most in the world was, to say the least, awesome.

　So...

　That's why.

"You'll never have to compromise your disguise again.

　Lilac's eyes scrutinized me as I said it plainly.

"I see?

　I see, I see. I'm not going to compromise my disguise anymore.

I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you've ever heard of it.
Yes. Nothing.

　I could recognize that her frustration was genuine when she went out of her way to gouge out my wounds.
　That's the harvest, I told myself.

　Gently, I play with her long hair. I wrapped it lightly around my index finger.

I just forgot to cut it.

　She smiled, and Lilac gave her the same unconcerned look, then nodded.

I'm sure you'll understand. ...... can wait until tomorrow.
Yeah. See you then.

　Standing up, Pasta turned his back on Lilac and walked away.

　The gesture of unconsciously brushing away her long hair gave a feeling of regret that she could not hide. 　



















　--The next morning. The next morning, the arena spectacula in King's Landing.

　On this day, when the second round of the preliminary round was to begin, a battle royal was supposed to be held between the 400 surviving players.

　But for some reason... Yes, for some reason, there weren't enough players to make it past the 400 mark, and instead there were 320, so the qualifiers were divided into eight groups, from which the field was then narrowed down to 40 players.

　The following is a breakdown of the main unscheduled dropouts.

During the match, they were unfortunately broken by the performance of the star players Aylin B. Smiles and Izuna Ssiemczan.
The player was unfortunately injured during the match and was unable to continue the match.
During the game, he unfortunately got injured and was unable to continue the game. - During the game, he unfortunately became a member of the same group as Izuna Sisienzan.

　That is all.

　The battle royale format will continue unchanged. The members are completely reshuffled, and only 4 out of 40 will win.

"Fu ......!

　The players for the first game had already been gathered, and the waiting room was tense but pleasantly tense.

　Some tied their shoes, some closed their eyes and meditated, some slept with their weapons.
　As each of them waited in their own way, Leafy Lean Glide thought back on everything that had happened.

　I wasn't sure if I wanted to participate in the second round.

　But in the end I came here. I don't really think I can win.
　Still, it's better than running away without trying.
　At first, I wanted to praise myself a little for making up my mind like that.

　However, when I saw the expressions on the faces of those who had advanced to the second round, I felt a little pressured again.

　--Of the winners of the first round, there were more than fifty who had withdrawn due to injuries.

　Of the winners of the first round, there were more than fifty who had left the tournament due to non-injury.
　The number of people who felt the same way he did and left the venue was much, much smaller than Leafy had expected.

　And the ones who came to the second round were all full of fight.



　So I figured. They're only looking up.


　For example, if I had left Spectacula with a broken heart.


　There would be no one to remember Leafy Lean Glide the fighter.
　I didn't expect to be remembered, but the reality of what I had to face was more bearable than I could have imagined.

　I couldn't be remembered by anyone who stood on the same field.
　I shuddered at the thought of such a man living his life with the pride of having participated in a combat tournament.

　Ah. Corona's right.
　If I'd escaped, I'd have been more miserable.


Ha-ha!　I love the waiting room before a fight!　There are so many great fighters here!
Master. You're attracting a lot of attention. Master.
You're an idiot, Motosuke. It's our job to be noticed. It's more like an honor!　Do you know what honor is?　Ocean taught me about it a long time ago.
Honor. Honor. It's a kind of social status that comes in the form of public praise, as opposed to the pride one earns for oneself.
...... What the hell are you talking about?
Master. Master.


　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've.

　The first match. Tournament entry #01, Izuna Sienzan.

　His battle was seen by all.
　And some of them were heartbroken. But what about the feelings of the fighters?
　This fervor to believe that they could beat him.

　He seems to be enjoying the heat and relaxing into a conversation with the girl next to him.
　She has pure white hair, pure white skin, and red eyes that remind him of a rabbit or something.
　Her name is Mochisuke. It's a girl.


"Hey, hey, why are you bringing a kid in here? You're so relaxed.

　In the midst of the tension, a swordsman bares his canine teeth and lunges at Izuna.
　Oh no, it's a fight.
　But Izuna smiled broadly and put a hand on his shoulder.

You're the seventeenth fighter to use a double sword, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

　With an aggressive smile on his face, his fighting spirit engulfed the waiting room.

　The two swordsman was pressured for a moment, but then his expression changed to a smile.

　Oh," Leafy sensed the emotion in the room.

　It was called envy. And what the swordsman felt was rapture.
　The fierce man who had fought so well was watching his match. And recognized him as an enemy.

　That's why he laughs. Laugh.

"That's not an answer, Izna Sienzan.
"Answer?　Oh, Mochisuke. This guy, ......, I don't know, he's following me!
Oh?　What the f*ck is that?

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

"Sweets from back home. It's sweet.
"...... antitoxin detection. --No response (clear). I took it as a genuine favor. Thank you, sir.
Oh, man. You're a funny guy.
That's what I always think of you, too!

　The two were laughing at each other, and Mochisuke was eating a grainy sugar candy with both hands.
　The people around me were dumbfounded by this scene, but I understood how they felt.

　In that tense situation, the double-edged sword wielder must have lost his patience with the strong enemy that appeared at the end. Motisuke was just an excuse.
　But the familiarity of this Izuna Sienzan had gotten to him.
　So...


"Players, this way please. The first match is about to begin.

　The guide came over, and Izuna and the two swordsmen exchanged fists.

　I don't need to say it.


　More to come on the battlefield.




　The sight of them looked awfully dazzling.





Oh, there you are.

　The players who participated in the second round were each called by name as they entered.
　It was the court mages who used the diffuse voice magic, and they each walked onto the field to applause and cheers.

　The spectacle didn't look bad at all, and the spectators in the spectacle seemed to be aware of it and were cheering - but not for the girl next to her, who was watching the game.

"It's really frustrating ......!

　She crossed her arms and snapped her legs, her expression grim as she glared at the court mage.

I'm sure you'll agree.　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
It's not like that. Oh, shit, this is definitely more exciting. I'm sure this one will draw more customers. ...... It's your fault!
"Why me?

　A few days ago, he told me the inside story of the players. I wonder how attractive each player would be to the customers if they could dig into that.
　Pasta was even more frustrated because one of the answers was already out there.
　If you've tried and failed, that's okay.
　There is value in trying.
　That's why--

"Why are you being so reluctant, b*tc*?
"I'm going to throw you into the arena!
"Why don't you try it if you can, you unemployed piece of shit?
Okay.
Oh, my God!　Don't you f*cking dare touch me, you f*cking pervert!

　Pasta grabbed Futa by both hips and slapped him on the head.
　His hair, which I don't usually touch because of the height difference, was quite hard. I don't care.

　--Futa and Pasta were sitting in the general seating area.

　Originally, Futa had a seat in the reserved section, but Pasta wanted to watch the game with him tomorrow, so he went along.

　There was nothing s*xy about his voice, and there was nothing gratuitous about his story, so it went quickly and smoothly.

"--Leafy Lean Glide!

　After the introductions, a familiar girl came in with pillars of fire on either side of her.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

What a joke.
I'm sure everyone around here can hear you. Stop it.
You're a good-looking girl, you should have done better.

　She continues, almost as if she's about to slit her throat.

"The entrance of a player is the moment that draws the most attention to that player. Since the battle royal format inevitably distracts people's attention, we should let each customer find the player they want to cheer for.
"I see. ......
I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. I was completely out of my element in this area, and the fact that I had no interest in sword fighting itself completely took its toll on me. ......

　Pasta with a head. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.

But...


"--Izuna Sienzan！！！！！


　At that moment, the cheers swelled explosively.
　He raised his hatchet, raised it, and slammed it down. The crowd went wild with his performance as he leapt like a vaulter.

"Forty men down!
Get him!
I've been dying to see you, ！！！！.

　"I've been waiting to see you, ." The way he waved his hands to the cheers of the crowd seemed to have already won the hearts of the audience even on the fourth day of the event.
　If you look around you, you'll see that the audience in front of you, who may have never met him before, is looking back at you and talking about Izuna's feats.

　He really is a top-notch swordsman.

Look, it's getting exciting.
So it's not like we're relying on individual star power. ......

　Pasta, with his head in his hands, was feeling depressed.

　As the players for the first game were being assembled.
　Huta couldn't help but notice Leafy.
　Corona had assured him that she was fine, so he wasn't too worried about her. He hadn't seen her for two days.

I haven't seen that loser for a few days.
"Don't call him a loser. Don't call him a loser. He's been working out in the yard. I haven't had a chance to see him much either.

　So, Pasta rested his cheek on his crossed knees and looked vaguely at Leafy. She was gripping her sword and doing preparatory exercises to relieve her tension.

　Her eyes showed that she hadn't lost her will to fight.

"If you haven't broken your swinging arm, well...
"I see. You don't think I'm a bad guard?
"I don't think I'd be much use as a bodyguard.

　Pasta's words were dismissive.
　However, Futa's mouth slackened as he could tell that she was slightly worried about him.

I hope we qualify, then.
I don't know. I don't know. Only one of us will make it through this game anyway.
"That's going to happen again?



　With a wry smile, he waited for the signal to start the game.

　Once again, Futa asked Pasta.
　Why did you want to watch the game with me?

"So, what do you want me to do?
"Just answer the question, that's all.

　This is a test run, so to speak. With that in mind, Pasta looked down at the game that was about to begin below him.



"Futa. What do you think will happen first in this game?