Now then, a lot of things have happened, but at last the day of the tournament is here!
The Northern Country has now turned into a melting pot of excitement.
The tournament's organizer announced there's a record-breaking number of participants…
Why is there so many?
Accordingly, the time of our costumes' exposure will increase… When we learned about that, I and Ange-san became white as a sheet.
"Even so, that's an amazing crowd."
Allen-kun said so while looking in the distance.
Certainly, it's a terrifying crowd.
We're heading for the place where the participants are gathering, but it's considerably hard to move forward.
While I was thinking of what to do, grandfather stepped forward, and let out blood lust at full power.
Suddenly, the crowd parted, and the way ahead could be seen.
The road which was buried in people was visible at once the moment grandfather let out blood lust.
Incidentally, the people slightly away from us, are looking here not knowing what happened.
As expected, the participants are sensitive to blood lust.
We luckily headed for the appointed place.
'Everyone who gathered! We've kept you waiting for a long time, the Northern Country's martial tournament will be held here!'
Waaaa!!!!
There's a terrific enthusiasm.
The enthusiasm is so high it's enough to create an illusion everybody from the country has gathered.
'This tournament has a record-breaking number of participants! Therefore, for the tournament battle, we'll first narrow participants down to 16. First of all, please check the strings you all received at reception desk.'
We checked colors of our strings.
"Mine is red." Said Lute-sama.
"Mine is blue, huh." Said Allen-kun.
"Mine seems to be yellow." Said Ange-san.
And mine is… green.
By the way, grandfather, grandmother, granduncle Lucian, and Sasuke-san aren't participating.
Although the king protested against grandfather and grandmother not participating, he was curtly refused by grandfather.
It seems both of them met most of their acquaintances at the party held by the royal family, so they decided against participating.
Sasuke-san seems to be naturally weak at fighting one-on-one, so he'll be cheering for us.
Honestly, it's unclear whether he really will.
'Then, everyone. Have you confirmed the colors of your strings? From now on, you'll be divided based on your string's color, and the qualifiers will be held. First of all, those with blue strings please gather over there!'
Blue, that means Allen-kun.
"Looks like it's immediately my turn. Then, I'm going."
"Yup, Allen, go for it! You absolutely must win!"
"It'll be okay if it's you, Allen. Take care."
Encouraged by Ange-san and me, Allen-kun gallantly went towards the appointed place.
Now then, how are the qualifiers done?
I wonder if grandmother knows.
"Grandmother, how does fighting in the qualifiers look like?"
"Let's see~, usually the tournament would start from the very beginning… When there was on average around 150 participants it was okay. But it seems 400 people decided to participate this time. Isn't it amazing~."
I'm participating in something incredible.
That being the case, won't I have to spend a longer time in this costume?
'Yes, then I'd like to explain the rules to everybody with blue! The rules are plain and simple, everyone in this place will fight. Since there are four colors of the strings, each color will fight until there are four people remaining. Please note that using weapons in the qualifiers is prohibited. Rest assured, you'll be able to use your favorite weapons in the tournament. Also, if we notice any evident foul play, it'll result in an immediate elimination. Perhaps you'll also experience something that will make you regret so much you'll want to die, we recommend against it.'
What will happen to make one regret so much they'll want to die?
Certainly, at the reception desk we were given papers where it should be written what the foul plays were.
Shall I confirm it just in case?
・Deliberately injuring opponent beyond recovery.
・Attacking weak participant with several people.
・Deliberately destroying the opponent's costume.
Yup, I believe the third should absolutely be an out.
Rather, I'd regret it so much I'd want to die.
But, if the presenter said so much, I wonder if there are people committing foul plays.
'… Then, I apologize for the drawn-out explanation. As the enthusiasm at the venue is rising, I would like to commence the first, blue qualifier at once! Everybody, are you ready? Well then, let's start!'
Oops, Allen-kun's qualifier started just like that.
I can't see Allen-kun from here.
When I thought it would be a problem, grandfather triggered his skill again.
… Yup, amusingly people disappeared.
Grandfather, even if you aren't participating, you definitely are the strongest.