CH 120

Episode 120: The Black Knight and the Pet

“Things have become dangerous recently, haven’t they?”

While having a meal at the inn, Liliera muttered such a thing.

“Did something happen?”

“Yes, I was attacked by thieves on my way back from the match earlier.”

“What?! Are you okay?!”

It’s terrible to be attacked by thieves in the middle of the city, isn’t it?!

“If I wasn’t okay, I wouldn’t be here.”

Liliera said that and chuckled. Yes, that’s right. Since Liliera is here, it’s natural that she’s safe.

“Oh, we were also attacked. We were suddenly surrounded and attacked.”

“Even Gyro and the others?!”

“Well, with our skills, thieves are a piece of cake!”

So Gyro and the others also successfully repelled them, right?

“The thieves who attacked me were handed over to the guards, but if you were also attacked, I wonder if a fairly large group of thieves infiltrated? ”

“Or maybe multiple thieves came to target the people who were enjoying the tournament.”

“But if that’s the case, wouldn’t there be more pickpockets than robbers? If they carried out such a blatant robbery, the guards would seriously hunt down the thieves, wouldn’t they?”

“Ah, that’s true.”

Norbu speculates that the thieves targeted the guests who came to watch the ceremony, but Mina denies it, saying it’s strange.

“I think they probably targeted the participants of the ceremony.”

“Us? Why?”

Then, Meguri mutters that the thieves might have targeted us players.

“I think the underground people are using the participants of the ceremony for gambling. And some of them are attacking other players to make their desired players win.”

“I see.”

We are impressed by Meguri’s reasonable speculation. Indeed, there have been many match-fixing incidents in previous lives as well.

“Since we are outsiders, we can be considered as disruptors who can cause upsets in the Dragon Princess Ceremony alone.”

“It’s a good thing we were handed over to the guards quickly.”

Yeah, it’s unforgivable to disrupt a serious match for such reasons.

“Um… but isn’t that the work of the anti-Dragon Emperor faction that we heard about?”

Lune opens her mouth anxiously.

“Ah, those nobles that the anti-Dragon Emperor faction mentioned.”

“They want to continue ruling the country as they have been by killing the Dragon Emperor, who would hinder their freedom when he is revived.”

“Well, if they are such dangerous people, wouldn’t they send more powerful assassins? I don’t think they would send mediocre assassins who can be easily repelled.”

Yes, in previous lives, the assassins sent by the nobles were often troublesome. Rather than relying on numbers, they would attack with a small elite group of highly skilled individuals. Assassins with mediocre strength would only be a hindrance. In fact, I was able to repel them by using those assassins to my advantage.

“Yes, I think so too. We could easily defeat opponents like that.”

“They were just ordinary underworld guys, I think.”

“Even I could fight them on equal terms.”

“Well, no matter what enemy comes, it will be an easy victory for me!”

Yeah, everyone is reliable.

“I-I see…”

Lune seems to be a little puzzled, but she seems to understand. Well, she has been training to fight dragons, so she probably has little experience fighting ordinary thieves or assassins. The true skill of trained assassins is much more formidable than that of thieves.

“By the way, was Rex-sensei not attacked?”

Lune asks, as if remembering something.

“Yeah, after the match, Rex-sensei immediately used a concealment magic to disappear and come back here without being noticed. Luckily, he wasn’t attacked by thieves.”

“I see, so if he can’t be seen, the thieves can’t attack him!”

“Well, against opponents who can use high-level detection magic, it would be exposed, so I can’t let my guard down.”

“Ah, but I don’t think you need to worry about that.”

Anyway, everyone returned safely, which is the most important thing. But I understand Lune’s concern. It might be a good idea to prepare for assassins in the future.

“Well then, let’s go energetically today too.”

I put on the disguise armor to participate in the Dragon Emperor’s ceremony.

“I was a little late because I was preparing for the assassins. I need to go to the tournament venue quickly.”

It’s a hassle to always hide my identity with armor, but it’s necessary to not stand out in a tournament where nobles come to watch. Fortunately, the guild master of the adventurer’s guild promised to keep my identity a secret by exercising the guild’s confidentiality obligation as long as he participates in the match. Thanks to that, I can enjoy the tournament without worries.

“But it seems that high-level adventurers didn’t come because this is the first tournament and the name recognition is low.”

It seems that high-level adventurers are busy with dangerous unexplored areas, ancient ruins, and battles with powerful monsters, so it’s difficult for them to participate even if the tournament is suddenly announced, according to the guild master’s disappointment.

“I only met four S-rank adventurers like Risou-san, but I would like to meet S-rank adventurers from other countries as well.”

I hope I can meet them someday.

This time, since the tournament was hastily held, there were fewer professional adventurers and more ordinary participants who prepared their equipment instead. They probably came from nearby towns and villages. Considering the short recruitment period, everyone managed to gather their equipment quite well.

“Well, I should hurry and go.”

If I keep thinking, I’ll be late.

“Kyukyuu!”

Just as I was about to leave, Mofumofu clung to my feet.

“What’s wrong, Mofumofu?”

I already fed you, so do you need to pee?

“Kyuu!”

Mofumofu let out a cry and then climbed onto my shoulder through the armor.

“Could it be that you want to come with me?”

Mofumofu let out a single cry as if to say that.

“No, I can’t. If I bring Mofumofu, my true identity will be exposed.”

I usually walk around with Mofumofu without a disguise, so if I bring him now, the disguise would be meaningless.

“Gyuu!”

Mofumofu desperately clings to my shoulder armor.

“Gyukyuu!”

When I try to take him off, Mofumofu clings to my shoulder armor even harder.

“Gyukyuu!”

I’m being pulled, and my face looks a bit funny, but Mofumofu seems to be too desperate to care.

“Well, I give up.”

If I forcibly remove him, I might hurt Mofumofu… Besides, it’s a bit sad to leave Mofumofu alone during the tournament.

“Well, wait here for a bit.”

It’s a bit tight on time, but if I hurry, I can make it.

Norbu

“Rex-san is late.”

The next match is supposed to be Tiran’s, but in reality, it’s Rex-san disguised as Tiran. However, the opponent has already arrived, but Rex-san is still not here.

“Is there some trouble?”

I don’t think there’s any need to worry about Rex-san’s safety, but I can’t help but feel a little worried that something terrible might have happened for Rex-san to be late.

“Yeah, Tiran was quite strong in the qualifiers, so I hope my brother can make it before the match starts.”

Gyro seems to be interested in Tiran’s fight…

“Wait, huh?”

“Based on my observation, that Tiran guy is pretty strong. So I really want to watch his fight with my brother and come up with a strategy together.”

“…”

Oh, wait? Does Gyro not realize that Tiran is actually Rex-san?

“Oh, yeah, this tournament is full of amazing people like my brother and Tiran!”

…Well, if Gyro looks happy, then I guess it’s fine…?

“Um… Tiran is still not here. If this continues, he might be disqualified.”

In fact, the referee on the tournament stage is looking around anxiously because Rex-san hasn’t arrived.

“Hey, you guys, do you think Golma got him?”

“Golma? It’s possible.”

The spectators nearby are having a somewhat ominous conversation about the players on the stage.

“Hey, aren’t Golma and those guys dangerous?”

Gyro casually asks the question that I was wondering about. His fearlessness is quite something.

“Yeah, Golma is a member of the underworld who claims this town as his territory.”,As the spectators pointed with their gaze, Golma, the player, indeed had a suspicious aura.

“He’s good at rough work, but he loves dirty tricks even more. Anyone who opposes him will be attacked by unnatural troubles and suffer greatly.”

“I don’t really want to get too friendly with him.”

Yes, as these people say, he seems dangerous. Perhaps the attackers who assaulted us were acting on Golma’s orders. However, upon hearing that explanation, I became convinced that Tiran’s delay in joining the match was not due to interference from Golma.

Yes, it’s definitely for a different reason.

Nevertheless, tardiness is tardiness. The referee decided that they couldn’t wait any longer and stood in the center of the stage. Ah, he didn’t make it in time…

“Due to Tiran not arriving on time, this match…”

At that moment, something suddenly descended from above and landed on the stage.

“W-What…!?”

The one who appeared was a warrior in black armor, Tiran… no, it was Tiran, not Rex.

“He finally showed up!”

Seeing his figure, Gyro-kun shouted with joy. You really made it just in time, Rex-san.

“Ah… Tiran has arrived, so we will now begin the second match. Tiran, please make sure to arrive at the venue with more time in the future.”

When reprimanded by the referee, Tiran, played by Rex-san, lightly bowed his head and apologized.

And Tiran, with Tiran on his shoulder, looked at the round object… What is that? Despite being armor, it seems to obstruct his vision and it’s only on one side.

“A black metallic… ball?”

Just as I was tilting my head wondering what it could be, the object suddenly started moving. It seemed to wiggle on Tiran’s shoulder, then it moved down… oh, it fell. The ball was rolling as if it was about to fall off the stage.

‘!’

Tiran hurriedly caught the ball and gently placed it on the ground.

‘Kyuu!’

As I heard a familiar squeaking sound from the ball, it moved its four short legs that grew out of the gaps and started moving away from the stage.

“Could it be…”

‘Kyukyuu!’

The black ball bounced up and down as if cheering for its master.

Yes, the squeaking sound is indeed…

“That’s so cute!”

“Is it his pet?”

“It’s cheering for its master!”

The interest of the surrounding spectators was now focused on the ball that Tiran brought.

“They’re matching outfits, it’s quite adorable!”

“Despite the intimidating black armor, I wonder if he actually likes animals?”

Ah, I see. Indeed, with the color and decorations, you can say that the ball is similar to Tiran. The audience, who had been made to wait, was now completely captivated by the moving black ball, full of charm.

“Ah, ah! Quiet, please! Now, let the second match between Golma and Tiran begin. Both of you, step forward!”

The voice of the referee quieted the venue, and Golma and Tiran stood in the center of the stage. Golma wielded a pair of short swords, while Tiran held a wide black broadsword.

“Hmph, trying to please the audience with a weird pet. But in a match, a pet won’t come to your aid.”

‘…’

In response to Golma’s provocation, Tiran remained silent.

“What’s with that armor like a ball? Is there a pig or something inside? Maybe it should be exercised a bit?”

‘Gyuu!’

At that moment, the black ball, with a running start, jumped up onto the stage. And it stood in front of Golma… or did it?

“Huh? What’s that round thing?”

‘Gyuuu!’

“Yes, is it mad because it was made fun of?”

‘Gyuu!’

It seems that the black ball is angry at Golma’s words.

“Hey, you’re in the way. Disappear, you black thing!”

Just as Golma swung his leg up high to kick the black ball away, it seemed to gain momentum and he kicked it with all his might.

‘Kyuuu?!’

“Kyaa?!”

“That’s terrible!”

The surrounding spectators criticized Golma for kicking the black ball.

“Hyahaha! It was so light that I didn’t even feel the kick! Did it fly all the way out of town?”

Golma laughed gleefully and turned to face Tiran.

“Hey, owner, you better go pick it up soon, or else your precious pet might get eaten by monsters.”

Despite kicking it himself, Golma spoke without a hint of remorse.

However, Tiran did not respond to Golma’s provocation, nor did he show any intention of going to help the kicked black ball.

“Hey, isn’t the pet being left to suffer? What a terrible master.”

‘…’

But Tiran still didn’t take the bait from Golma’s provocation, and instead, he simply pointed at Golma’s feet.

“What? Is there something wrong with my feet…?”

As Golma looked down at his own feet, his smile froze.

“What?! Why…!?”

Yes, there, where Golma should have kicked the black ball, it was still there.

‘Kyuu’

“Huh?!”

Golma, who snapped back to reality upon hearing the squeaking sound of the black ball, jumped back in surprise.

“What’s going on? I definitely kicked it!”

‘Kyuu’

The black ball slowly approached Golma.

“…”

Not only the spectators but also the referees were perplexed about what to do. At that moment, Tiran reached out his hand towards Golma.

‘Distant High Heal’

Unlike the person I know, a heavy and calm voice resounded, and a gentle light enveloped Golma’s body.

“What? Golma is glowing!”

In an instant, the light healed Golma’s wounds.

“Oh! Golma’s wounds are completely healed!”

“Did Tiran do it?”

“A warrior who can use healing magic as well?!”

“I didn’t sense any incantation!?”

The audience, as well as the players, were amazed by Tiran’s use of healing magic. Truly, having known about magic, I was surprised by what that person could do.

‘Kyuuu!’

And after taking a deep breath, the black ball jumped off Golma’s body and returned to Tiran.

“Wha-what!?”

The spectators, who finally regained their senses, murmured in confusion.

“What… does this mean? Is it Tiran’s victory?”

“They fought with the pet, right?”

“What will happen now?”

Not only the audience but also the referees were puzzled about what to do. At that moment, Tiran reached out his hand towards Golma.

‘Distant High Heal’

Unlike the person I know, a heavy and calm voice resounded, and a gentle light enveloped Golma’s body.

“What? Golma is glowing!”

In an instant, the light healed Golma’s wounds.

“Oh! Golma’s wounds are completely healed!”

“Did Tiran do it?”

“A warrior who can use healing magic as well?!”

“I didn’t sense any incantation!?”

The audience, as well as the players, were amazed by Tiran’s use of healing magic. Truly, having known about magic, I was surprised by what that person could do.

“Ugh… ugh…”

And as Golma, whose wounds had been healed, woke up with a slight groan, he looked around in confusion.

“What… happened to me?”,It seems Golma can’t remember why they lost consciousness. Well, it’s understandable that they can’t remember. Maybe their instincts don’t want them to remember.

And then, a black ball appeared in front of Golma again.

*Squeak*

And as if greeting them, the black ball lifted its front paw and let out a cry.

“…”

Golma’s movements stopped when they saw the black ball.

“……”

And then, their face turned pale and they started trembling, sweating profusely.

*Gyoon?*

*Thud*

“Gyaaaah!!”

The moment Golma touched the black ball, they were thrown back, screaming and rolling out of the arena.

“W-wait, Golma!”

The referees tried to stop Golma, but overcome by fear, they ignored the referees’ calls and fled. The remaining referees began to discuss what to do now that Golma was gone.

“Shouldn’t we disqualify Tiran for their pet causing this?”

“No, it was Golma who insulted Tiran’s pet first. He was the one who started it.”

“Either way, there’s no point in continuing the match if they’re going to lose to a pet.”

“Well, that pet doesn’t look like an ordinary one…”

“Well… yeah…”

After a while, it seemed they reached a conclusion, and one of the referees came to the center of the stage.

“We will consider Golma’s abandonment of the match as a victory for Tiran in the second match!”

Well, since the opponent ran away, there’s no way to restart the match, so it’s a fair conclusion.

“Ah, well, in the end, we didn’t get to see that black guy fight.”

“Yeah, that’s too bad.”

“But that black ball was strong.”

In the end, Gyro-kun didn’t realize Tiran’s true identity. Even though such an obvious pet was following them…

Hmm, why did it turn out like this… Mofumofu really wanted to come along, so I had to quickly make improvised armor for Mofumofu to avoid getting disqualified.

But then the opponent’s player started a fight with Mofumofu, and Mofumofu beat them up. I hurriedly treated them, but for some reason, Golma ran away. I wonder what happened?

And… why did that person get defeated by Mofumofu so easily? Even though they went out of their way to pick a fight with Mofumofu.

…Yes?! Could it be that person is actually a huge animal lover?! That’s why they couldn’t fight back against Mofumofu?!

The initial attack on Mofumofu didn’t seem serious at all, and maybe Mofumofu pretended to be scary to drive them away so they wouldn’t get hurt in our fight.

Actually, there’s no way the armor I put on Mofumofu would break with such a kick. But it was wrong of Mofumofu to playfully fight back. I think they abandoned the match because they thought it would involve Mofumofu. In my past life, I knew someone who looked really tough but was an animal lover, and their actions were somewhat similar, so I think that’s it.

Well, I really did something bad. That person was so worried about Mofumofu. Next time I meet them, I’ll apologize and let Mofumofu be pampered to their heart’s content.

Yes, that’s it! Now that the match is over, let’s go meet Golma with Mofumofu.

Um, Mofumofu, yes, I was looking for the Mofumofu that was here earlier. And then…

*Squeak squeak!*

“So cute!”

“Here, here, have some food too.”

*Squeak!*

“You were strong!”

*Squeak!*

“You sent that guy flying, I feel so relieved! Here, have some more!”

*Kyuuu!*

Mofumofu happily received food from the excited audience.

I see, that’s why they wanted to come along. They’re quite clever.

“It’s so cute how it uses its legs sticking out of the armor to desperately grab the food!”

*Squeak squeak!*

While Mofumofu was engrossed in eating, they rolled over due to the roundness of the armor. Even though their usual form is round, their fur allows them to have proper balance with the ground. But because the armor is round, it seems they easily roll over when they use their limbs to grab food. It’s a structural flaw.

“Oh my, it’s so cute!”

But it seems the audience likes it. However, I can’t just leave them like that forever.

I picked up Mofumofu, who was still focused on eating, and went to look for Golma, who had left the venue.

*Mokyu mokyu*

Oh well, they’re still eating. I wonder if I should put Golma on a diet since they were worried about Mofumofu?