"—Jirei-sama, please watch over me! I'll do my best!"
"Ohh, good luck, Owen Shiteruzo."
We moved to an open plain a short distance from the checkpoint.
There, I sat in makeshift spectator seats around a circular arena-like space.
Rafine waved enthusiastically at me from the field, and I returned a monotone cheer, waving back lazily.
"…I didn't mean for it to turn out like this."
I muttered what I'd been thinking the whole time.
Standing opposite Rafine was a figure twice my height—wolf beastman.
Why is Rafine the one fighting instead of me?
Why am I—the one who boldly started this fight—now sitting in the stands cheering her on?
The beginning of this mess goes back just a few dozen minutes…
◇
"—Hoo, a small fry like you barking so loud… Fine. If you insist, I'll deal with you. You'll regret it at best—"
"—Young man! Were you in a place like this?!"
The man gave a mocking grin and was about to accept when a loud voice interrupted from behind, accompanied by heavy footsteps.
"I'm terribly sorry. I've caused you all so much trouble—"
The man who called him "Young man" immediately bowed deeply upon seeing us.
My first thought?
"…It's huge…"
His height was easily twice mine, his body so sturdy and steel-like that the breastplate looked painfully tight. I couldn't help but blurt it out.
Wolf-like features, sharp claws that could probably slice rock effortlessly, huge fangs protruding from his mouth—one bite and a human would be done for.
And yet this ferocious-looking werewolf was humbly bowing his head and apologizing to us.
"Don't get in the way. I'm about to teach this D-rank a lesson. Move."
"Young man, this isn't the Independent Nation of Forte. I told you not to cause trouble for others!"
"I don't care about that. I didn't even approve of it."
"Young man! You're being ridiculous! Ah, I'm so sorry. I'll make sure he understands—"
As the man snorted and turned away, the werewolf placed a hand on his head, sighed, and apologized again. His fierce face twisted in grief, like a parent dealing with a stubborn child.
I was completely lost.
"…Hmm, I feel like I've met this guy before… A wolf-man from the Independent Nation of Forte… Huh? Could you be—Vizdom!?"
Aldi, who had been groaning silently until now, suddenly shouted as if something clicked.
"Eh… Aldi-san?! Yes, it's Vizdom!"
"It's been a while! You've gotten so big…! So that boy was looking for you… I see, he found you."
"Yes, thanks to you… I was indebted to you back then—"
Aldi and Vizdom chatted happily like old friends reunited after years.
…They clearly know each other. This damn cat really has an unnecessarily wide network. Seriously, way too wide.
"…Hey, Aldi. What's going on? Explain instead of chatting."
"Oh, sorry, sorry… Um, Vizdom and I studied magic together back in Edelf. We were devoted to research day and night—"
"That's not important. Who is he, really? He was called 'Young man'… No way he's actually a prince."
"…? No, that boy really is a prince."
"Huh? I've never heard of the Independent State of Forte."
"Hmmm… well, it's not surprising you don't know. But even you, Jirei, must have at least heard of the Edelf Knights."
"The Edelf Knights."
The most prestigious knight order on the Bestia continent—renowned for their noble chivalry.
Every member is an elite warrior from various beast races who passed an extremely rigorous entrance exam. There are only around 300 in total.
Yet their combat power is extraordinary.
The overwhelming physical abilities of beastkin combined with flawless teamwork from a small, elite force. Precise command from their leader.
Despite coming from a small, remote nation, they've never lost a war. Their bravery is so legendary that even here on the Helt continent, everyone knows their name.
If they were that strong, they could've become a much larger nation—but they seem to have no such ambition. They never initiate attacks, only fight in defense. Perhaps they follow some strict knightly creed.
When I was training, I heard rumors of strong opponents on the Bestia continent, so I went there looking for fights.
"I know the name, but… didn't they disband? And the country doesn't exist anymore."
"Yeah, we disbanded once for certain reasons… but then we founded a new nation and reunited. We'll do it again next time."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously. So that red-haired boy is the prince who was kidnapped and disappeared years ago when the country was still small. He's now the vice-commander of the Knights—Lucas Forte Edelf. Vizdom is his aide."
"Seriously? For real—a prince?"
"Seriously."
…So it wasn't a lie.
I see. The real prince of a nation that unified ten countries.
Plus vice-commander of an insanely powerful knight order.
Yeah. In other words—if he gets fixated on you, he's guaranteed to be trouble.
…Hm? No, I'm not scared at all.
Not worried about lèse-majesté or getting arrested or anything. Seriously. Not even a little.
"…Seriously?"
For just a moment, I considered humbling myself.
I have no pride. If things get complicated, I'll bow easily. That's the kind of guy I am.
"…"
I glanced at Reti—still hiding, lips pursed, face anxious.
…But, well.
"Well, it's fine."
Just one muttered word.
Even if I get arrested for lèse-majesté and the whole knight order chases me—I've decided to beat this guy up this time.
If it becomes a hassle afterward, I'll just give up.
More than anything, I don't want to lie about how I feel.
I'll beat him up because I want to. That's decided.
"—But you weren't like this when we first met, were you? You were a more honest, pure-hearted kid who'd say 'I'm going to become a knight!'"
"…The past is the past. People change over time. It's only natural."
"Hmm? Come to think of it, isn't the other boy here? I'm sure they were twins."
"Henry is gone."
"Ah… I see. Sorry."
"Hmph. It's in the past."
Lucas looked away from Aldi with a bitter expression. I couldn't catch what he muttered, but something must have happened.
"That doesn't matter… More importantly, can you prove it to me, D-rank?"
"…Ah. It'd be better with no spectators."
"That was my plan from the start. Follow me."
Lucas jerked his chin and started walking without waiting for a reply.
I moved to follow—but—
"—Wait!"
The word stopped me. I turned back. What now?
"…Black-haired woman, don't get in the way."
Lucas clicked his tongue and harshly warned Rafine, who had stopped him.
"Let me ask one thing. If Jirei-sama wins here, will we be allowed to enter the country?"
"That's correct. However—you must be escorted by this man and always act together. You will not be permitted to act independently."
"Huh?"
What is that? I've never heard of such a condition.
If we have to stay together all the time, won't I die?
…Well, I'm planning to act separately from Rafine and the others anyway. I won't let them come to the Special Zone.
I'll just get them to agree now and persuade them later. It'll work out somehow.
—Or so I thought.
Rafine's answer was completely unexpected.
"In that case, I refuse."
"…What?"
A flat refusal.
"I said no. I have no intention of making Jirei-sama my escort or asking him to protect me. I absolutely refuse to become someone who only relies on Jirei-sama for protection."
"Law…?"
"I've worked hard until now because I want to be able to support him—even just a little. I don't want to be dependent and become a burden. So I don't want that condition."
Rafine looked straight at Lucas and stated her will clearly, one word at a time.
Her eyes were strong, filled with conviction. It was obvious she wouldn't compromise on this.
"Then show your strength. My subordinate, Vizdom, is right there. Prove you're not just talk—that you're not weak."
"Understood. Then, if I defeat this person, I'll be allowed to enter the country independently."
"Fine."
"Wait—hey—"
The conversation escalated rapidly and unexpectedly. I frantically tried to stop it.
"Jirei-sama, it's okay. I'm… quite strong."
I tried to stop her—"Thank you for worrying, but"—but Rafine gently wrapped her hand around mine, and I swallowed my words.
No—even if you say you're strong—
"…I'll do it too."
"Eh?"
For some reason, Eve said she wanted to join.
"I don't want to be a burden either. I have to protect myself. Otherwise, protecting Rei will remain just a dream."
"N-no, but… to begin with, Eve is a white mage—"
"There's a white mage in my party too. If you can beat him, I'll accept your title."
"Understood."
"Eh, wait—"
"Okay! Then it's decided! I, Aldi Audaz, will set the stage for the match between the [Offensive] Hero Party and the [Talent] Hero Party!"
"Hey—"
Aldi declared it loudly.
Rafine and Eve looked determined to fight.
They ignored everything I said. Listen.
—And so, for some reason, the three of us—me, Rafine, and Eve—ended up competing against the Talent Hero Party.
No… What do you think? Isn't that weird?