Chapter 100

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The martial arts tournament is a three-on-three match, with pairings determined by a draw.

In the first round of the main tournament, Estrada will face a team sent from the Guard Corps of the Papal Kingdom of Sakura, located to the west of the Empire.

The Guard Corps refers to the Knights.

The political system of Sakura is similar to a monarchy, but the head is the Pope, making it a religious state. The deity they worship is the Sun Goddess, Princess Yanshi.

Although the religious state claims perpetual neutrality, it has had a relationship with the Empire since a few generations ago when the second prince of the Qifeng Empire renounced his royal status and converted, eventually becoming the Pope.

No, it's not just an atmosphere; the second prince was likely sent there to make it a vassal state.

This situation arose because the religious state wanted a powerful backer, and the Empire wanted the prestige of being the protector of the faith. It's a matter of adult politics.

According to Victor's report, the Guard Corps is not an opponent that Estrada will lose to.

If things go as expected, they will face each other in the second round.

Their opponents are of a lower rank as adventurers, so we probably won't lose.

Regulus and Kousuke are going to cheer for the match.

Now, let's talk about La Pucelle.

When the music competition is narrowed down to the eight finalists, the competition style changes a bit.

There are two concerts every day at the Imperial Theater, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and the audience votes for their favorite performers.

There are issues with repeat visitors and organized voting.

When things get suspicious, the Emperor's family's vote decides the outcome. Since it's decided by the royal family, there's no arguing with it.

La Pucelle's start is going well.

The adventurers who said they would go on an expedition for the competition have indeed come, and they are reportedly happy to have such strong support.

Of course, I plan to go and cheer for them too.

Now, what am I doing? I'm making outfits for going out.

Since Kousuke, Regulus, and I are essentially in a cheering squad, I thought it would be good if we all wore matching outfits.

It's early summer, so I'm planning to make sailor uniforms, sock garters, and socks.

Because, well, Regulus and Kousuke in sailor uniforms would be so cute.

I've taken measurements for Kousuke and Regulus, and for myself, and I've finished cutting the fabric and making the mock-ups. All that's left is to sew them properly.

...But the measurements are really off. What I mean is, the measurements of my chest, waist, and arms don't match how I perceive my body.

It's strange.

I should have lost weight, but when I look in the mirror, I don't look thinner.

But the measurements are correct, and when I put my arm through the sleeve of the mock-up, it fits perfectly.

"Is it not a matter of distorted perception?"

"That's probably it."

"Huh...?"

While sewing the sailor uniforms, the conversation turned to clothes, but both the Princess and Hyouren-sama were being quite harsh. I don't have bad eyesight, I don't think.

It seems they both came because I asked the Princess about Ukibi.

"Isn't it long forgotten on the surface world?"

"The first emperor of this country used it... Do you know about it?"

"I don't. Princess Yanshi favors the imperial family of this country. It's likely that the connection was made then."

I see, the gods are indifferent to things they're not interested in.

But I asked an important question.

The imperial family of this country is blessed by Princess Yanshi. That's what it means to be favored.

So, can I assume that Princess Yanshi is protecting this country?

"That's not exactly the case..."

"Yes. Gods are not as kind as you think. They love what they love, but they don't care about the rest. Princess Yanshi loves the family and bloodline of the first emperor she connected with, but not the rest."

"Is that so?"

Hmm, I see.

But if that's the case, the Princess who said she would look after humans as well as plants must be very kind.

Nodding to myself, the Princess laughed.

"Yes. I am tolerant. Worship me more than any other god."

"Don't be fooled, Fengdie. This is because she thinks everyone except you and your brother is insignificant."

"I look after even the insignificant. At least I do more than you, who do nothing."

"I am fair and just to everyone... with exceptions..."

The way they talk shows they get along well.

Even Lord Igor talks to the Princess, so maybe the gods all get along.

Thinking this, the Princess and Hyouren-sama gave me a sidelong glance.

"It's not that we're particularly close. We just get excited talking about you. Tonight, it's because you wanted to know about the Ukibi ritual..."

"Yes. This noisy one wanted to learn the official ritual of Ukibi, so I asked why. When I found out you wanted to know, I said I would teach you directly, but she insisted on coming along."

"I was asked to teach you by Fengdie! It's only right that I do so!"

"If I leave it to you, it might not be taught correctly. That's why I said I would teach you properly!"

Oh, so both of you came out of concern.

I've been reporting what I'm doing, but I guess they still think I'm a bit risky.

But it's a bit embarrassing.

So many adults, like Mr. Rottenmeier and Mr. Romanov, are looking out for me, and it feels like I'm being watched.

They let me do what I want until it gets dangerous, but they subtly correct my course and work behind the scenes to prevent me from being at a disadvantage.

It's ticklish, and I fidget, but I need to say thank you.

"Um... Thank you, Princess and Hyouren-sama. I'll do my best."

"U-um, do your best."

"I know you won't slack off, but don't overdo it."

"Okay!"

Nodding, Hyouren-sama cleared his throat and pointed to the grandmother's diary he had given me.

The page contained the Ukibi ritual that my grandmother had researched in detail.

"Your grandmother was an excellent researcher. Even when she was alive, it was something lost in ancient times, yet she managed to research it so thoroughly."

"So, if I follow this, Ukibi will work?"

"Yes, but you don't need such a grand ceremony. The official ritual is much simpler."

"I remember it that way too. However, the ceremony written here is a bit grand. I asked Hyouren if the 'Ukibi' in my mind and the 'Ukibi' you're talking about are the same."

What!?

Actually, I had the ritual verified by Mr. Romanov's mother.

Mr. Romanov's mother had seen the Ukibi ritual and gave the diary a big thumbs up.

So I had the ritual prepared based on this diary.

I asked the gods just to be safe.

I was so surprised, my eyes almost popped out.

"Um... So, this isn't the official one...?"

"Yes, it is official, but only in the human world."

"Ukibi is a simple ritual with great power. It might have been changed by those in power to make it difficult to perform. If people think it's hard to use, fewer will try to use it, right?"

"Ah, that makes sense..."

I remember my grandmother's diary had a similar theory.

To control power, to twist or change the truth—such things can be done easily.

Wow, that's scary.

I see a slightly pale face in the mirror.

But I need that scary power now.

I lightly slapped my cheeks to muster up courage, and my hand was grabbed by Hyouren-sama's cool, smooth hand.

"I'll teach you the simpler method. But why did you bring this up again?"

"It's... to break my own preconceptions..."

Hesitating, the Princess swayed her thin silk fan.

"It's a measure to save those who deceived the people you picked up, in case they regret and reform."

"Well, I was rushing ahead thinking they were bad guys, but if I'm wrong, I might ruin their chance of reform. From the reports of the guild members, they seem completely black, but it's good to have insurance. I've prepared the conditions to not lose, and Mr. Romanov has set up connections with the ducal family in case I lose."

"You're either too soft or too harsh, I can't tell."

Hyouren-sama's words made the Princess nod.

They really do get along well.

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