Chapter 43 Fighting Tournament (2)

Noon, a few days after I had my dinner date with Aya. While chewing on the skewered Orc meat, I walked through the main street when Mururu, who was also eating the same, suddenly stopped. Wondering what happened, I also stopped only to see her ogling another food stand. Her tail shaking energetically underneath the cloak was cute but considering this had happened so many times already, I sighed.

“You’re still eating right now. At least wait till you’ve finished that.”(renji)

“…….please?”(mururu)

“No means no.”

When I clearly declared that, she started walking again with her animal ears drooping sadly. It’s a bit irritating that I am the one who feels so guilty when she does that but, I must harden my heart this time.

And Feirona was walking behind us while enjoying the scene with a smile. When I shot a glare at him, his smile only deepened. And at this expression from him, the women pa.s.sing by us all seemed to be smitten instantly…..I think. Well, handsome people look attractive no matter what expression they make.

Beside Feirona, another beauty was walking, Solnea. Seeing her walking in the falce where usually Ms Francesca would be felt a bit fresh. She had, rare to this world, long silky black hair, pale white skin and somewhat lifeless ruby red eyes. She was wearing a black cloak similar to mine which was hung down from her shoulders. The thin cloth dress she wore emphasized her sensual body lines, especially her thin waist where a belt had been tightened.

Normally, seeing the handsome guy walk along with the magician girl felt really picturesque but seeing this shadowy beauty with him looks amazing as well. I feel like I’m the only one in this party that doesn’t really have exceptional looks. I started feeling depressed just thinking about it.

[What happened, Renji?]

“Nothin—-”

“I’m done eating!”(mururu)

“——that’s way too fast. Chew properly at least.”

“It’s fine.”

[…….Do you even know the meaning of that?]

I’m pretty sure, she doesn’t. While I was pondering over my status in this party, Murur had finished her meat and looked up at me pleadingly. She really looked like a puppy waiting to get fed. She’s a wolf though.……She must want more food I guess. Her gaze seemed to switch from me then to the stall after all.

“Have you forgotten what we’re going to do next?”(renji)

“No problem. I can’t move on empty stomach.”(mururu)

“It’ll be fine if you didn’t move much as well, to be honest. Fine, this is the last time, okay?”

Like handing change to a child, I gave her a copper coin. Taking the coin, she literally skipped over to the stall at an incredible speed.

From hereon, the qualifiers for the fighting tournament will begin and Ms Francesca will be taking part in it. We decided yesterday to go and cheer her on. She seemed to be all fired up to take part but, let’s see how she fares in the battle. It’s very probable that she would fall in these preliminary rounds. So, this might be our only chance to cheer her like this, we decided to go today. I got scolded by Ermenhilde when I said that out loud though. Her quiet, calm voice of anger is pretty d.a.m.n scary than a normal raging anger. Well, it’s not like I was serious when I said that. I don’t know what level students of magic academy are at but I do know the level of the adventurers and mercenaries that take part in it. I have taken part in this before as well, after all. The chance of her actually getting to take part in the battle is pretty low. She might get one chance through family connections though.

Feirona and Mururu didn’t seem to know about the tournament at all so I invited them since they seemed interested. Solnea didn’t really have any other place to go so I took her with me as well. As you’d expect, she had no interest in the tournament either.

“Are those really that tasty?”(sol)

While we were waiting for Mururu, Solnea came beside me and asked that. Her gaze was at Mururu——or rather, at the stall.

Mururu was currently getting a hot dog replica with bread, veggies and orc meat. Why doesn’t she get fat even though she eats so much meat. Well, I guess she does move a lot with all the monster hunting we do.

“Yeah, it’s pretty delicious. Want some too?”(renji)

“…….I can?”

“I don’t mind. Getting one more won’t hurt now.”

Saying that, I handed a copper coin to Solnea as well. By the way, the gold I had given her before had disappeared in buying clothes. Apparently, Ms Francesca didn’t make any compromises in getting clothes for Solnea. In fact, I was told that one gold coin wasn’t enough so she spent her own money for Solnea as well. As expected of a lady from a n.o.ble house I guess. Well, it’s her own hard earned money, it doesn’t matter how she decides to spend it. But it should be noted that both Feirona and Mururu were really tired by the end of it.

Taking the copper coin, she also headed towards the same stall as Mururu. As I saw her off, Feirona came beside me.

“Being a babysitter sure looks tough.”(elf)

[Seriously.]

“Why are you saying that?”(renji)

You did literally nothing. Only Feirona heard that Ermenhilde’s voice other than me. I still don’t trust Solnea enough and Mururu seems like she’d overreact everytime she hears Ermenhilde’s voice. I can trust Feirona to act normally at all times. At Ermenhilde’s voice, Feirona shrugged his shoulders and continued talking.

“So, got any idea of who or what she is?”(elf)

“None at all. I let her meet Utano-san as well but there was no abnormality she said .”(renji)

“If the Sage herself says so, it might be true.”

[Though I wonder if you can actually say that there are no abnormalities in a person who was literally living inside a crystal.]

Seriously. Last night, I took some time and introduced Solnea to Utano-san but didn’t agin much info. She is a normal human, apparently. Even the crystal recovered from that cave was no different than normal crystal sold in cheap shops.

Well, it might be stupid to ponder over something you know nothing about I guess. With a sigh, I decided to cut that train of thoughts. I might start getting over suspicious towards Solnea and have a bad effect on her instead. I don’t like such things. I should end it all within my thoughts. I’ll deal with whatever happens, when it actually happens.

“For the time being, the only thing we know is that she doesn’t have any magical energy inside her.”

“fumu.”

When I said that, Feirona went into thinking while resting his chin on her fingers. His every action makes him look good, really.

[So she’s basically the same as Renji, eh?]

“Pretty much. Well, I have you so I don’t really have much trouble though.”(renji)

[……..hmm.]

In my case, I just don’t have magical energy because I am not from this world in the first place. But……What about Solnea? But there’s no need to worry about that now. Certainly, people with no magical energy are rare but it’s not like they are non-existent. Special people like that do get born every once in a while. And it’s not like they get discriminated against either. You can use convenient things like magic if you have magical energy but it’s not like everything requires it. As long as you can get education, you get a well paying job as well. Just like in our world. There are countless things a human can do without magical energy.

What is concerning is that the crystal she was sleeping in did have magical energy. And there was no answer to that question either. It was difficult to discern who she was with the info at hand. All I can do is take care of her as just a person I found in trouble. While I was thinking of that, Mururu and Solnea came back walking alongside each other while eating their hotdog replicas. It was not very well mannered to do that so I could only sigh and give a wry smile. Black and white. Their colours were the opposite but they totally looked like sisters.

“It’s bad manners., seriously.”(renji)

“But it’s tasty.”(mururu)

“Well, great. I spent money on those so please relish them properly while eating at least.”

“I know.”

“I hope so.”

She remained expressionless as usual but her stuffed face looked really cute. The ketchup sticking on her mouth only added to her charm.

And just like the white girl, the black girl was also expressionlessly eating the hotdog. Since she was eating it nicely while taking small bites everytime, she looked more sweet than Mururu.

“Is it tasty?”(renji)

“Yes.”(sol)

When I asked that, she gave a short, concise reply. It’s really like her to do that.

“It’s good that you’re enjoying but let’s hurry now. We’ll miss Francesca’s turn otherwise.”(elf)

“Oh right, I almost forgot.”(renji)

“*gulp* let’s hurry then, Renji.”(mururu)

“……..you’re the reason we’re late, you know?”(renji)

As Feirona began to walk, we followed him as well. Walking between Mururu and Solnea felt like I had a flower in both hands but unfortunately, both of them were more concentrated on their food rather than me. Stomach before everything, I guess. It’s pretty sad in my position to be honest.

“Renji.”(mururu)

“Hm?”

“Can Fran clear the prelims?”

Whit a ketchup stained mouth, she asked me that.

If Fran—-Ms Francesca would be able to clear through the prelims.

“Well, who knows.”(renji)

When I shrugged my shoulders, she frowned at me in a somewhat angry manner. Did she want to me to at least say that she’d pa.s.s, even if it was just words?

But, I can’t help that. I don’t even know who her opponent is, and neither do I know the skill level of the partic.i.p.ants this year.

Though Ms Francesca has gotten used to fighting with monsters with her journeys, she’s still a bit naïve. I feel like that part of her personality will appear all the more so since this time she’s facing living humans rather than monsters. Monsters and humans are fundamentally different. I’m worried whether she’d be able to fire her magic against humans. Even Aya and Koutarou still hesitate in doing that. Utano-san doesn’t hesitate but she does get depressed later on. Even I remember how bad I felt after the first time I cut down a man. Hurting others puts a lot of burden on you mentally. Can Ms Francesca handle that burden?

If she can…….she actually might pa.s.s the prelims.

“Well, the odds might turn in her favour today. We can’t say who’ll win for sure till we see the battle itself.”(renji)

“I see.”(mururu)

[How realistic. Wouldn’t it be fine if you  tried to be a bit more optimistic for her?”]

That’s not what my character is like, and you know that. I simply shrugged my shoulders in answer to Ermenhilde.

Mururu’s tail seemed to be drooping down and was sulking due to not getting the answer she was hoping for. Even though she was the one who asked the question in the first place.

It’s easy to say that someone will win. But, it’s Ms Francesca who actually has to work hard. It’s not something I can say so easily like that.

While seeing her cute sulking face, I finally saw the huge building appear in front of us. And the main street felt like it became populated and energetic as we got closer as well.

The Colosseum. The cylindrical building was tall enough that you had to raise your head to see the top and it was currently filled with people. Everyone has gathered here to see the fighting tournament. There are already more than hundred people here already. And the tournament hasn’t even begun yet. The crowd will only get bigger and bigger.

Normally, the arena is a place where moneyless adventurers, mercenaries and young men proud of their skill put their lives on the line to fight here to earn money. They fight against humans, demi-humans, beastmen and even captured monsters here. The monsters only include low level ones like goblins, kobolds and Orcs though. And only, in one vs one battles. Though one vs many battles are very popular with the spectators. In this world that lacks ways of amus.e.m.e.nt, such dangerous things were the only way for them to feel excited. If you win, the reward is great, if you lose, you’d be badly injured. You might even die. That’s the kind of place we were heading to. Well, what I gave was an extreme example though.

Normally, there are very rarely any people who fight till their deaths. Against humans, as long as you say ‘I surrender!’ the battle is over. And even if one doesn’t do that, the referee would often declare the victor and it’ll settle the match before there’s a need to fight till death. Those who are ready to actually put their lives on the line and fight against monsters are a very small group of people who are very desperate.

“So what do you think about this, Feirona?”(renji)

“I hope she wins, really. Francesca has been really working hard for this.”(elf)

I see. Am I the only one being too harsh?

While thinking of that, we joined the line of people as well. I could get a free pa.s.s for myself but I’ll feel bad to let these guys wait in the line alone. As I looked around, I saw a lots of people just looking at those waiting to get an entrance to the arena. There were also a lot many stalls here than the main street as well.

“It’s painful to not have you hardwork pay off.”

“……Yeah.”

I felt a certain gentleness from Feirona’s words. Did that come from personal experience? Or has he actually developed a sense of bond with Ms Francesca while travelling with her. In either case, this elf man seemed to be wishing for Ms Francesca’s victory. And Mururu as well. These guys sure have started to get along with each other. Seeing their warm bonds, I gave a smile. Being aware of that, I hid my mouth with my right hand but the sharp sighted Elf just averted his gaze acting like he didn’t see it. I wonder if he’s happy or just embarra.s.sed.

“Oh right, will you guys not enter?”(renji)

Remembering suddenly, I asked that. I know that both Feirona and Mururu were much more skilled than normal adventurers. They might not win the whole thing but they’ll probably go pretty far in the tournament.

But, while realizing my thoughts, Feirona shook his head. Mururu just continued eating her hotdog. This girl really prioritizes food over everything, doesn’t she.

“I don’t like standing out.”(elf)

“Aah, I completely get what you mean.”(renji)

[……..And why are you guys okay with that?]

Ermenhilde gave an exasperated sigh towards both of us. I am one thing but its rare for Feirona to get the same reaction as me from Ermenhilde.

“Renji won’t be appearing?”(sol)

“Hm?”

The voice came from someone unexpected.

Solnea, who was eating just like Mururu, asked me that. I wasn’t surprised, but it was a bit rare. I thought she didn’t show any interest in such things. Well, then don’t take her to a place like an arena. I feel like someone will tell me that. Whatever. I can’t just lose sight of an amnesiac girl either, can i?

“It’s already been decided that I’ll be taking part. In the main matches on the second day though.”(renji)

The tournament was divided into two days. On the first day is team battles. And on the second day, it’s one vs one tournament with the qualifiers from today’s preliminaries and us summoned heroes included. At least, the weapons we have to use aren’t holy swords or magci/demonic swords but rather, training swords with dull edges. Aya should have been limited in some way as well.

Just like Utano-san wanted, it’d be great if we could pull a lot of crowd to watch the show.

“I see.”(sol)

“What, are you interested in things like this?”(renji)

“Meaning?”(sol)

“The tournament, the arena, fighting in general. Are you interested in such things?”

Saying that, I looked towards the entrance of the arena. Solnea also followed my gaze and look towards it. But, she remained silent. Getting no reply, after some time I looked back at Solnea only to see her staring at me. I still couldn’t feel any wave of emotion from her. Her gaze still like in a daze. Actually, being constantly stared at like from so close that increased my heartbeat slightly.

“No, not really.”(sol)

“I..see……”(renji)

Feeling a bit embarra.s.sed from her straight gaze, I lost my words for a second. At that, Mururu who had been eating till now looked up towards me.

“Your face is red.”(Mururu)

“Just your imagination.”(renji)

“Kukuku, it’s a hot day for the end of the year eh?”(elf)

[…….Tch.]

You guys really do get along well. Is it that much fun to tease me? G.o.dd.a.m.n it. Scratching my cheek that felt like it was gonna cramp, I averted my gaze. At that, Solnea simply looked at us in confusion. I guess she simply became slightly curious about the fights which is why she asked that. There was no other reason behind it probably. I simply overreacted seeing her say something like that, that’s all. And to her gaze as well.

For some reason, I’m not good at being looked at so directly. Is it because I lack confidence? Because I feel like they’d see through what kind of person Yamada Renji is?

“But, Renji, I’m interested in seeing you fight.”(sol)

“I see, I see. Well, I’ll try to work hard in my fight so be sure to enjoy it.”(renji)

That said, my opponent is Souichi. Trying hard alone won’t let me win but I don’t intend to give up before even starting. For starters, I’m gonna give it a shot at least.

[How unusual. I thought you’d be totally reluctant to do such things?]

I wonder what she thought of me as Ermenhilde spoke in a somewhat surprised voice. Normally, at such moments, I’ll usually say something pathetic and the Ermenhilde would scold me for it. That’s how it had been.

Even I think that. I don’t like standing out, and it’s not like I’ll use Ermenhilde in the tournament either. In a situation where the benefits from cheats to me are almost minimal, my strength is only slightly more than normal adventurers. Even if I fought Souichi while using training swords, there’s a very low chance for me to win. Just like Ermenhilde said, I’ll probably put in a little effort and then quickly lose and get it done with. At least, I wouldn’t say something like I’ll work hard.

[I see, I see. Good.]

What followed, was a truly happy voice from Ermenhilde. Normally when I hear that, I’d say something random at her and tease her but somehow, for some reason, I couldn’t say anything. Because I knew what Ermenhilde was thinking very easily. She’s simply genuinely happy that I decided to work hard. She has been telling that to me for so long after all. Seeing her so happy like that, I didn’t feel like saying anything else at all. In a different sense from Solnea’s gaze, I covered my mouth.

But this time, n.o.body seemed to have noticed my reaction. I looked at the crowd gathered in front of the arena with a daze. And Solnea looked at me continuously.

“What is it?”(renji)

“You’re an interesting person.”(sol)

Saying just that, she returned back to eating her hotdog replica. Unable to realize what she truly meant by that, I could only tilt my head in confusion.

[As usual, she’s a weird girl]

Seriously.