Chapter 45

The bookmarks have reached 10,000.

I never thought it would reach five digits. It's all thanks to everyone, all the readers who have always read my work. Thank you very much!

The trade city of Bardland is a neutral city surrounded by Heim, Euru, and Rockdam.

Every three years, a major event is held there, where the strongest from all over the continent gather to compete in a grand tournament.

This tournament, which sees many strong participants, is also a time of prosperity for the trade city, with numerous stalls and merchants vying for attention, making it a grand event.

And this year's tournament has finally reached the final. The atmosphere in the venue is at its peak, enveloped in a chorus of cheers.

The final has a reason to be particularly exciting, and it is indeed very exciting. The final pairing, by a strange coincidence, is the same two people for the third consecutive tournament. The various techniques they unleash from their well-trained bodies captivate the many people gathered from all over the continent.

"Ch! ... Still not breaking down!"

"You've become much stronger since three years ago. It's a completely different sight."

"It only sounds like sarcasm to me! Zeaaaah!"

One of them is Rogas, the general of Heim, representing his country. He has made it to the final of this tournament for the third consecutive time.

His opponent, an elderly man, represents Euru. His name is Ed, a childhood friend of the head of the Euru Principality, Amour, and a man who has served as a close aide. The final pairing has been the same for three consecutive tournaments, but Ed has not made it to the final for three consecutive tournaments.

He started attending this tournament about 18 years ago and has made it to the final stage for six consecutive tournaments. In terms of personal martial prowess, he is unmatched in the continent.

There is no doubt that Heim has the upper hand in terms of national power, but if Euru had gathered a similar military force and equipped it, they might have gained dominance over the continent. Ed is a man of such caliber.

Of course, Heim and Rockdam have also offered him large sums of money to recruit him, but his answer has always been the same: "I am a citizen of Euru." He has never given any other response.

"Your attack is too heavy to receive straightforwardly."

"... Your spear skills are truly beyond human comprehension!"

Rogas launches a series of attacks, but not a single one lands cleanly.

Ed, sometimes receiving attacks he cannot block and retreating, but he does not take any damage. He skillfully disperses the pressure.

"Well, I must admit, your sword skills are much heavier than before, and they are quite a strain on my old body."

"Then how about this? How about I receive one blow from you?"

"If I were to receive that, I would surely sustain a serious injury. I am still in my prime, so I will decline. ... That's why it's better to decide the match now."

Ed, moving with varying speed, enters Rogas's guard. Some in the audience wondered if using a spear in such a way would negate its advantages.

But that thought was quickly dispelled. Ed uses the spear as the main axis, moving his body beautifully to dodge and guide Rogas's counterattacks. Rogas, knocked down by the butt of the spear, steps back, and Ed thrusts the spear at Rogas's neck.

"Match over! The winner is Ed of the Euru Principality!"

Rogas, since becoming an adult and a general, had never lost in duels. But that changed when this elderly man, Ed, started appearing in the tournament.

This man, Ed, is the only one in the continent who can match Rogas, a special individual.

There might be other strong individuals among adventurers who can do the same, but they do not openly display their strength. Still, Rogas is undoubtedly one of the strongest in the continent.

"This time, it was a good fight. Here, go ahead."

Ed extends his hand to the fallen Rogas, who grabs it and stands up.

The regret is great. But for Rogas, competing with such a strong opponent is a valuable experience, and he does not forget to thank Ed.

"... I always wonder when I will be able to defeat you."

"Eventually, it will surely happen. You are strong, and you are still young. That's why you still have a future."

"It's a relief to hear you say that."

Unprecedented six consecutive tournament victories, Ed has achieved this and will no longer openly compete in martial arts. He is no longer young, and he felt this was the right time.

"Father!"

In the audience, his son Grin also watches. The thought of his father losing is something Grin cannot fathom, and he is a bit confused, but he tries to stay strong.

"... Mother! Father lost, but he showed such great prowess. I am proud of Father!"

"Yes, that's right, Grin. Lord Rogas truly demonstrated his strength magnificently."

Glint and Alm, seated in the VIP seats, watched Rogas's match from the beginning.

They had never seen a man like Ed before and were overwhelmed. Rogas, who was an absolute presence, being outmatched by Ed's skills left them in awe.

But they never lost faith in Rogas. His battle with a strong opponent as a warrior captured their hearts.

"Mother, that Ed has won six consecutive tournaments. I will surpass that record."

"That's wonderful! I and Lord Rogas are waiting for it, but... perhaps we might see a battle between Lord Rogas and Grin. If that happens, who should I cheer for?"

"Hmm... I don't know..."

He might have to fight his father, Lord Rogas, in such a place. Hearing this, he starts to hesitate, but at the same time, a smile appears on his face.

Thinking about competing with his father, a man he admires, in such a place, it's not surprising that he feels excited.

But Alm thought that Grin might win.

Born as a holy knight, Grin was a bundle of talent. Without much effort, he surpassed his peers and continued to grow at an overwhelming speed. And there is one more thing, his fiancée, Anon.

A cute red-haired girl brought by Minister Aid, who became Grin's fiancée. Her blessing skill would undoubtedly make Grin stronger. And Grin, expected to become a celestial knight one day.

Alm is looking forward to his future.

*

The scene changes to a high-class inn room in the trade city. There, a royal figure waits anxiously for a report. Despite his country's representative being in the final, he did not watch the match but waited in the inn room for a reason.

"Still... still not found!"

"Y-Your Highness, please wait a little longer... They should be arriving soon."

Tigur von Heim, the third prince of the Kingdom of Heim and the third in line to the throne, is searching for a woman, a woman who has captured his heart. She disappeared after last being seen in this trade city.

"Why! Why... Where did you go, Crone!"

Born with holy magic and a cleric, the third prince Tigur's heart has been captured by Crone. The only woman he proposed to in his childhood and wanted to make his wife. Her beautiful and delicate appearance, her hair that shone like the sun, her extensive knowledge, and the joy she brought in conversation. Crone was a woman without any flaws in Tigur's eyes.

The disappearance of Graf, who also retired, is another reason. Using state funds, he has hired many adventurers to gather information and search, but the results have not been good. There are no substantial leads. This is because the fake created by Graf, even for a royal, was not easily broken, especially in a trade city like this.

"Harley! How can you remain so calm!"

"With all due respect, Your Highness. My wife, Eleena, and I have endured long periods of grief. When we received the news of her disappearance, I even considered ending my own life. I haven't come to terms with it, but seeing Your Highness so worried, as a parent and a vassal, I feel the need to be strong and search with all my might."

"... I'm sorry. You and your family have suffered the most."

"Your concern is much appreciated, Your Highness."

Harley, who understands all the circumstances, has been able to maintain his composure through the acting skills he cultivated in the noble society.

There has been no direct contact from Istarica yet. The only communication received in the past was through Euru, stating that Crone and Graf were accepted and living happily. There was no need for a country like Istarica to lie, and Euru, considering the potential deterioration of relations with Istarica, found the story credible.

"Excuse me, Your Highness."

A knight arrives, ready to report to Tigur, who has been eagerly waiting.

"Oh, you're here! Report immediately!"

"Yes, Your Highness. We have identified several inns they stayed at, and the carriage they last used. We are finally gathering some substantial information!"

"Excellent! Continue the search! ... Finally, we are starting to gather some information!"

It has taken time and money to reach this point.

The fake created by Graf was not easily broken, even for a royal, and especially in a trade city like this, the search has been difficult.

"Harley, the day when you see your father and daughter, Crone, again might not be far off!"

Tigur, stubbornly believing in their safety, is in stark contrast to the prevailing opinion among the nobles of Heim, who believe they have been killed or sold into slavery.

Despite this, Harley is impressed by Tigur's unwavering belief but knows it will never reach him.

"Your Highness, my wife is always grateful... When we find them, I will make sure to thank both your father and Crone."

"... Then, I want to make Crone my wife."

"Crone will surely give her heart to a prince who offers her something irreplaceable."

"Haha! That's right, for that, we must expand the search even further!"

A conversation that doesn't quite match. Even if Crone is found, Tigur will not give her something irreplaceable. And the term "Your Highness" is not incorrect, but it is unclear which prince and from which country.

Words can change their meaning based on the listener.

*

"So, that's why you came here."

"Yeah. I was kicked out."

"Of course. Bringing something like that in and asking if you can keep it is different from picking up a stray cat or dog."

Ain's mind drifts to a certain person when the cat analogy is mentioned. In his mind, the cat is Katima. He can't tell anyone.

"Yeah, that's true. But it was cute, and it stirred my protective instincts."

Ain brought back the twin sea dragons. As planned, he said he wanted to keep them, and Silvardo said, "You're under house arrest for now," and sent him to his room.

Ain wanted someone to hear this story, so he got permission and visited Crone's room.

"I don't understand what you're saying. Is it because I lack education...?"

"... No, it's probably my fault."

"Phew. How can you cause so much trouble in such a short time? Well, come over here."

Ain, sitting on the sofa opposite, obediently moved to Crone's side when called. Without saying it, he decided to be more compliant for a while, knowing he had caused a lot of worry.

"Oh, you're being so obedient, Ain."

"I'm always obedient."

"Is that so? If you were obedient, you would have come to my room last night. Well, it's fine. I'll forgive you if you think of it as atonement in your heart."

Ain feels a slight cold sweat at the frankness. But there's nothing he can do, so he decides to be open.

"Come over here."

"Huh? Huh...?"

His arm is wrapped around, and his head is placed on Crone's lap.

"What is this?"

"Your Highness, don't you know what a pillow is?"

"I know, but it's sudden, and I'm surprised, you know."

"... I want to do this, so please indulge me."

Ain doesn't mind being treated like this by Crone. He remains silent as the pleasant scent of flowers from Crone fills his nose.

"How's your arm?"

"It's a bit better than yesterday, but it's not fully recovered, so it might still cause some trouble."

The sunlight through the window was blinding, but Crone's head moved slightly, creating a shade for Ain. The breeze from the open window was refreshing, and it reminded him of the day he met Crone again in the port city of Magna.

The chirping of birds outside reached Crone's room, creating a musical atmosphere.

"Can you rest a bit?"

"Yeah, I found a pretty good spot."

"That's good."

Crone was also worried about Ain. Even though she let Olivia take the night, being able to spend some time talking to Ain was a fortunate moment for her.

"Hey, how did you feel when you were fighting the sea dragons?"

"... Are you curious?"

Ain's playful response earns a gentle tap on the cheek from Crone.

"Sorry, sorry, in the end. The only attack I could use was the one I explained, so I was just trying my best to use that."

"Weren't you scared?"

"I only realized how scared I was after I came back. Even when I was dragged into the sea, the sea dragon's magic stone tasted good, and the fight was intense, but I didn't feel that it was hard."

"You've become a hero by defeating the sea dragon, Ain. But you must have had the potential to be a hero from the start, I'm sure."

"Being praised so directly makes me blush."

Ain's face turns red from the straightforward compliment.

"But to think of food in the middle of such a battle. What a gluttonous hero we have."

"Hey, it was that good, okay?"

"That's