Ken yo, kaku katariki – 95
03 – The Students
“We’re counting on you, group leader!”
Sigurd stumbled forward as someone slapped him on the back.
He turned around to see a short boy. However, he was carrying a giant spear on his back.
Spear arts category. A participant in the tournament—Leo Lampertz.
In spite of his mischievous appearance, his skills with a spear were said to be ‘godly.’
He had originally started using a spear in order to make up for his height. However, people were astonished by his dexterity and creativity.
“While I may be the group leader, there will be nothing for me to do as long as you don’t cause any trouble.”
“Hey, you make it sound like it’s obvious that I am going to.”
“Just…don’t pick any fights with the other schools, alright? Like last time.”
He said with a serious expression.
It was during what was supposed to be a friendly match with another school last year.
“It was their fault.”
“Well…they were our rivals, in a way.”
For several years now. More and more schools were participating in these tournaments.
Well, the actual number of educational institutions was on the rise. Not just officer schools and universities, but preparatory military schools were also more common.
It was part of the empire’s policy. To create a generation that can carry the new age. It had been put in place by the previous emperor, The Lion, and continued to this day.
And so the combat level of students was on the rise every year.
Among them, the Viskinel Officer Academy was a regular in the finals. And they had won a few times in the past. And their rivals were the Imperial University Military Department.
“Well, when it comes to the group battles, we’ve missed the finals for two years in a row.”
“That doesn’t mean they can mock us.”
“Sure.”
Leo was fiercely loyal to his school. And so Sigurd already knew that he was not the kind of person to stay silent if it was being insulted.
“Well, you can show your anger during the battle. Our strength.”
“…Right.”
It was no exaggeration to say they had a chance of winning this time. In both the individual and group battles.
They might win them all.
“So, you’ve been staring at that guide for a while now. What for? Trying to figure out where you can pick up girls?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
Sigurd showed Leo the page.
“The day of our teacher’s fight. I’m thinking about how I will watch it.”
“How… But we don’t have tickets!”
“I have my ways, and secured tickets for all of us.”
Leo’s eyes widened in surprise.
Marquis Yugnor was a prominent noble in the empire. And Sigurd was already established as the heir.
Apparently, after hearing Sigurd talk about it, his father became interested and decided that the whole family would go to watch.
“That sounds very interesting, Sigurd.”
Said a boy as he walked towards them with a smile. His friend, Bailey Grendman.
He could be called the leader of the student group battle.
Behind him, there was someone who was huge like a bear.
Godor Valt. He was also a member of the group battle.
They were both seniors of Sigurd. And this year’s tournament would be their last… So there was more at stake for them.
“You wouldn’t happen to have some for us as well?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Really! Thank you, Sigurd!”
He said with that smile, that made the female students fall for him so quickly.
Godor also bowed his head. He was mild-mannered and quiet.
Sigurd raised his hand towards them and then turned his eyes towards Yukito.
When it came to the finals, it was a rogue’s den. Filled with monsters you could not predict.
What kind of sword would he show there…
“I’m curious.”
“Aye.”
◆ ◇ ◆
“The boys sure seemed to be excited.”
Said Millie Alensen as she crossed her arms. The girl standing next to her nodded.
Just then, a girl with silver hair walked past them.
“Hey, Aize? Where are you going?”
They had been talking about buying supplies for the trip.
Aize stopped walking and turned to Milie with her usual, expressionless face.
“I already got my ticket for teacher’s match. I was not going to miss it.”
“Hmm, I see. “
Millie scowled. Unlike Sigurd, who had got tickets for everyone, she had only secured her own seat. But Aize didn’t even notice.
“She really does not care to cooperate. Right, Alnera?”
“Uh, yeah…”
A girl with pink hair—Alnera Dilmont, was thinking about how Millie was the last person who should be judgemental, but she kept the thought to herself as she nodded.
They were both going to participate in the group battle. In other words, they were teammates. But they still did not get along.
Millie had a severe personality, while Alnera did not always speak her mind.
Millie was a magician, and wielded a whip in order to bridge mid-range distances. Along with her personality, she looked like some kind of queen. In other words, she was the type of person that Alnera disliked.
“…Hey, Tory wants to go shopping too! That’s fine, right!?”
“Fae. You…”
Millie shook her head with exasperation.
Alnera did not look happy at all.
Though, Fae did not seem like she meant to disturb them…
Tory Suzumiya. A student who specialized in magic arts.
Everyone knew that she had been Millie’s rival for years. Though, up until last year, Millie had not been able to win against her even once.
As a magician, Tory was clearly superior.
It was only through strategy that made use of her whip, that Millie had finally won, and taken her position in the group battle.
Not only that, but Millie’s family were high-ranking nobles. While Tory was a commoner…
“Well, that’s fine. I was just thinking about how I wanted to see her.”
Millie turned away and called Aize.
…This was not going to be a very fun trip at all.
