V7Ch3: Let’s prepare for the battle for the throne!

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Translator: Soafp

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A gigantic World Tree soaring up to the heavens, and at its base, a massive magical city had formed.

That was Sejukai, the capital of the Elven nation.

“So this is the capital, Sejukai…”

I murmured, staring up at the World Tree in awe.

No, this is incredible.

The colossal tree stretches beyond the clouds, its top unseen.

Truly a fantasy, absolutely breathtaking.

The World Tree aside, the magical city itself, using advanced artifacts in abundance, was also amazing.

Brilliant city lights sparkled, and magical devices like escalators carried elves up to the World Tree.

If such an interesting city existed, I should have come here much earlier.

“Master, is this your first time in the capital?”

Lalanoa asked, tilting her head.

“No, though I think it's changed a bit since I was here.”

“Oh, I see. Yes, it has changed since before. Lord Anorion was very active in redevelopment.”

Lalanoa looked at the city her father had built with a slightly wistful expression.

“Now, shall we go?”

We passed through the gate and walked into the city.

“It's changed quite a lot, hasn't it?”

“Yeah, it hardly resembles before.”

I glanced around, taking in the surroundings.

Everywhere, there were elves, and their attire was well-kept—proof of their wealth.

“They're all well-off.”

“That's because many elves in the capital are involved in magical device work. It wasn't like this before, but King Anorion promoted the development of magical devices and expanded trade with humans and beastfolk.”

“So that's why I've been seeing more elves' magical devices outside. Hmm, what's that?”

I pointed at a massive sphere floating above the main street.

Many elves had gathered around, looking up at the glowing sphere and chatting.

“That's a magical orb enlarged and floated in the air. Lately, it's become a trend for people to enjoy watching it from the square's seats or nearby restaurants. The succession war will also be broadcast live there.”

“So over ten thousand people will watch at the same time here.”

“That's right. If you perform well on the big screen, you can become famous overnight. I've heard some participants enter this tournament specifically for that purpose.”

Lalanoa frowned slightly, looking uncomfortable.

“So it's an opportunity to make a name for yourself, for better or worse.”

“Exactly. Master, we should head to the registration office soon. It will be closing shortly.”

Lalanoa avoided the crowd and took a backstreet. After walking for a while, a tower-like building appeared before us.

Lalanoa looked around curiously as she entered the building and began walking.

“The knight registration should be… here, I believe.”

When we opened the door, nearly a hundred elves were busily working inside.

Lalanoa spoke to a female receptionist and received a numbered ticket.

“They'll call your number when it's your turn.”

“Let's sit and wait.”

Lalanoa and I sat on chairs along the wall. Along the wall, other elves were also waiting, just like us. Some of them began whispering while looking at Lalanoa.

“Look, that girl…”

“Could it be the mixed-blood Lalanoa?”

“No doubt. I've seen her when I worked at the royal palace.”

“So the rumor about her participating in the succession war was true. How shameless.”

“Wait, then the man next to her is Lalanoa's knight?”

At first, the whispers were quiet, but gradually they grew louder.

At that moment, the door opened, and a group of armed elves appeared.

“Is it true that the mixed-blood Lalanoa has come to register?”

A middle-aged elf spoke. His voice was commanding, accustomed to having people obey him.

“Uh… this is Lord Gendoo. What business do you have here today?”

The staff member, seemingly in charge, bowed hastily to Gendoo.

“Th-this is Lord Gendoo, the top candidate of the conservative faction.”

“What a dignified and strong presence. Surely, Lord Gendoo is suitable to be king.”

“He respects the elves and values tradition. I've donated one hundred thousand zeni before the succession war. The conservative faction must win at all costs.”

A favorable murmur spread among the crowd.

I see, so that's one of the three major factions, the conservative faction's candidate.

“I've stated my purpose. Where is the mixed-blood Lalanoa?”

Gendoo repeated his demand calmly.

“Um, according to the rules, we can't speak to anyone not involved…”

The staff member glanced at us nervously as he spoke. It seemed there was some duty of confidentiality, though their gaze made it obvious. Or perhaps they were deliberately looking.

“I understand,” Gendoo nodded as if he grasped the situation, then approached Lalanoa.

“Well, of course.”

“You must be the mixed-blood Lalanoa.”

Lalanoa flinched at the remark.

“I-I am Lalanoa Hinoizumino. I am not mixed-blood!”

Lalanoa replied firmly.

“I see. Everyone was calling you the mixed-blood Lalanoa, so I must have remembered wrongly. My apologies, Lalanoa Hinoizumino.”

Gendoo said this with not a hint of remorse.

“It's alright. Anyone can make a mistake.”

Lalanoa reluctantly accepted the apology.

“Lalanoa Hinoizumino, is it true that you came to register a knight?”

“I am completing the procedure now.”

“Then you also plan to participate in the succession war.”

“That's my intention.”

“And the one beside you is your knight?”

“Y-yes.”

Gendoo looked me over. His gaze swept from my head to my feet.

“An elf I haven't seen before. Your name?”

“Nazono Senen. Despite appearances, he's a first-class magic swordsman.”

It was Lalanoa who answered, not me.

“…I don't recognize him,” Gendoo spat, averting his eyes from me.

“You probably know, but we are the conservative faction, and I am its representative. We honor tradition and wish for this country's prosperity.”

“Of course, I understand.”

“If you participate in the succession war, it will be inconvenient for us. You understand that, right?”

“I-I have the right to participate!”

“Of course you do. But I'm asking if you understand that by doing so, you are opposing us and still plan to join the succession war.”

“W-well…”

Under Gendoo's piercing gaze, Lalanoa became flustered.

“This succession war will be chaotic. Each of us has our own intentions. Do you have time afterward?”

“…Yes, after registration is finished.”

Lalanoa checked with me with her eyes and nodded.

“I will invite you to my residence. There are things we cannot discuss here.”

With that, Gendoo left the room, leading his soldiers behind him.

Gendoo's mansion was located in a quiet, upscale residential area, away from the main street. Lalanoa and Nazono passed through a gate illuminated by the glow of magical tools and entered the mansion.

The room they were led into was a reception room lavishly decorated.

“Make yourselves comfortable,”

Gendoo prompted from the sofa at the head of the room, and Lalanoa and Nazono sat down as well.

Nazono's eyebrows twitched at the soft, comfortable sofa.

“I want this. Perfect for a shadow power setup…”

“Did you say something?”

“No, I just thought it was a nice sofa.”

“It's a custom piece combining the finest elf furniture craftsmanship with the latest materials from Mitsugoshi Trading. Sitting on it feels like floating above the clouds,” Gendoo said proudly, pouring himself wine.

“Will you drink?”

“Not yet,”

“Better to wait for now,”

They both declined.

Besides the three of them, no one else was in the room. Surprisingly, Gendoo had not allowed his guard swordsmen to enter.

But for Lalanoa, this was still no place to let her guard down.

“I see. You'll be able to drink eventually,”

“I'll consider it,”

“There are things you cannot speak of without drinking,”

“Ha…” Lalanoa replied vaguely.

Gendoo smiled faintly and drained his wine.

“The longer you live, the more unnecessary burdens you carry. Sometimes I envy humans who live such short lives,”

He said, pouring another glass and drinking it before murmuring almost to himself:

“…I'm sorry about Ainoa.”

“Eh…?”

Lalanoa didn't understand what he meant.

“W-what are you saying? Weren't you the one who cornered my mother!?”

“That's right. I know Ainoa well. I know she is not a woman who would commit infidelity.”

“Then why did you accuse me of being mixed-blood!?”

“That is politics.”

Saying that, Gendoo sipped his wine again.

“King Anorion rushed things. Elf time flows slowly. Too rapid a change is poison to elves. We only wished the king would pause his steps for a little while.”

“Y-You humiliated my mother for that reason? Did my mother suffer because of such a reason!?”

“…I am sorry.”

“I'll kill you right now!! My mother suffered because of you!!”

“Stop, Lalanoa,”

Nazono intervened, preventing Lalanoa from drawing her sword.

“Don't stop me! It's because of him──!!”

“If you want to fight, do it in the succession war. Causing an incident here would ruin everything.”

“Ugh… I understand.”

She gritted her teeth and released her hold on the sword.

“…I am sorry,”

Gendoo apologized again.

“You think an apology makes it acceptable!?”

“I never imagined it would come to this.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

Lalanoa's face hardened like a drawn sword.

“I never imagined it would escalate this far. I never even imagined Ainoa would be killed.”

“You… what are you saying now, after all this!”

“At that time, we sensed someone's intentions. There were those who stirred up the people and amplified the chaos to corner King Anorion.”

“That wasn't you, was it?”

“It wasn't us. After that, we conducted our own investigation. The king's death, and even the events leading to the succession war, were all influenced by someone…!”

“I-I can't believe this just because you say so! Even if it were true, why are you telling us this!?”

“…We've caught a lead on someone. We're just one step away from uncovering them. Right now is the most critical time for us. We cannot afford to fail. That's why we want to reduce any uncertain factors. Enter, Ryu.”

At Gendoo's call, the door opened and a young elf stepped in.

“Y-you are…!”

“Hey, long time no see,”

The young man, smiling, was the leader of the group that had attempted to kidnap Lalanoa the other day.

“What is the meaning of this!? Why is this man here!?”

“Because I, Gendoo, hired him,”

Ryu said, glancing at Gendoo with a careless smile.

“That's right. I instructed this man to kidnap Lalanoa Hinoizumino. My plan was to keep her quietly at my villa until the succession war ended, but apparently, the plan was interrupted midway,”

Gendoo shot a sharp look at Nazono, who shrugged lightly and gave a wry smile.

“Why would you do such a thing?”

Taking over for the stunned Lalanoa, Nazono asked.

“One reason is that it would be inconvenient for us if Lalanoa Hinoizumino participated in the succession war. Another reason is that she could have been exploited by other participants.”

“Exploited?”

“For instance, to harass the conservative faction, someone could introduce a random knight to support her and stir trouble.”

“I see, that's plausible.”

“Once her purpose is fulfilled, she'd be killed. Nazono Senen, was it? We investigated you too, thinking you might be part of it, but there's no trace of you contacting anyone.”

“Of course. I've been traveling all this time.”

“Your origins are a mystery. No one knows you. Where are you from?”

“My homeland no longer exists. No one remembers me anymore, either. That's why I returned.”

“Hmph. You expect us to believe that?”

“Believe it or not, it's up to you. But I have no intention of saying more.”

“I could make you speak, if I wanted,”

“…Go ahead. If you can manage it.”

Gendoo glared, and Nazono smiled.

Their gazes locked for a moment, a quiet tension filling the room.

Gendoo was the first to look away.

“Ryu, do it.”

“No, no, no, boss, that's impossible! That's not what we agreed on!”

Ryu panicked, shaking his head repeatedly.

“Relax. It seems listening to your advice was the right choice,”

Gendoo chuckled softly, fixing his gaze on Nazono.

“What do you mean?”

“This guy unusually warned me. He said it would be dangerous to lay a hand on you.”

When Gendoo looked at Ryu, he spoke with frustration:

“You're the first person I've never even realized how I lost to.”

“I just cut with my sword,”

Nazono said casually.

“It's rare for him to say something like this. He may act like a thug now, but he was once a promising disciple of the Sword God.”

“Stop it. I was just an inexperienced student tarnishing my master's name,”

Ryu frowned, an unusual expression for him.

“Hmph. Well, this guy has a keen eye for swords. He won't recklessly attack a dangerous swordsman like this. But I can't just let him roam freely either.”

“So that's why you invited us here. The target is me, then?”

Nazono said, sensing something.

“Exactly, Nazono Senen. I can't read you… I don't know your full strength. I know my own skill, but how far can you go?”

Gendoo slowly touched his sword.

“You better stop, boss,”

Ryu shouted sharply.

“I am also a swordsman. If I know there's a strange swordsman, I want to test him. It's just a game over drinks, forgive me,”

Gendoo said, drawing his sword.

“Wha──”

Gendoo's sword had stopped partway out of its sheath.

It wouldn't come out any further.

“…You've had too much to drink,”

Nazono's sword had somehow been pressed against Gendoo's neck. If he had been even slightly slower, there was no doubt his head would have been severed.

Cold sweat ran down Gendoo's cheek.

“…When did you… draw it?”

He barely managed to get the words out.

“Now then… Lalanoa,”

Nazono made a thoughtful gesture and turned his gaze toward Lalanoa.

“W-what is it?”

She was flustered, unable to keep up with the sudden turn of events.

“Lalanoa, do you know when I drew my sword?”

“Um… right after Lord Gendoo drew his sword, I think. In an instant, you drew your sword and… on Lord Gendoo's neck… M-master, p-please put the sword away quickly!? If you don't, something terrible will happen!”

“Right”

Nazono returned the sword to its sheath.

“Lalanoa Hinoizumino… could you see it?”

Gendoo fixed her with a stern gaze.

“Yes, I could. After all, I watch every day,”

“I see… not only the speed, but there was no presence. That much…”

Gendoo smiled as he sheathed his sword.

“The world is vast. I didn't know there was a magic swordsman like you among the elves. From what you said earlier, are you the one teaching this girl swordsmanship?”

“Yes. Lalanoa has talent. Probably more than anyone else present here.”

“Oh… even more than you?”

“My own talent is nothing remarkable. It will be swallowed by the harsh currents of the times and fade away. After all, that's all the sword I can wield.”

“I see… a lineage of swords erased by history… if that is the case… no… there's no certainty, is there?”

Gendoo muttered to himself, deep in thought.

“Knowing you two today has been a great gain.”

“Knowing us is a gain?”

Nazono tilted his head in confusion.

“No one knows you two. Everyone will underestimate you, let their guard down. I can already picture the other factions panicking in the main battle,”

Gendoo chuckled deep in his throat.

“Lalanoa Hinoizumino. Do as you wish. We will no longer stand in your way.”

“R-really?”

“Yes, but think carefully. About the evil lurking in this country. About who should truly bear the weight of this nation.”

“…I am not worthy,”

Lalanoa said, slightly sulking.

“Do you have the resolve for that?”

Gendoo simply asked.

“I… I…”

Lalanoa looked down, searching for words. But no matter how long she waited, the next words wouldn't come.

---

At the base of the World Tree, in what was considered prime land in the royal capital, there stood a large mansion.

The calm glow of magical devices illuminated the beautiful garden and the World Tree, creating a scene that looked like a painting.

Even late at night, the lights in the mansion never went out, and several shadows overlooked it.

“Hm… if we get any closer, we'll be detected,”

said Eta in a low voice, watching a small magical device.

“This is as close as we can get? Not bad, actually,”

said Beta, the silver-haired one with a tear-shaped mole, staring at the mansion.

“If we interfere with or destroy the enemy's detection devices, we could get even closer…”

Eta tried to pull out a new magical device from her pocket.

“Stop. Today is just a recon,”

said Alpha, her golden hair shining in the moonlight.

“What a perfect chance to try out a new magical device…”

“If you interfere or destroy anything, the Elder Council will be on alert. It'll make it harder to observe their movements,” Alpha said.

“The Elder Council… an organization that has held great influence over Elven politics since long ago. It began as an honorary position to honor those who left significant contributions to the Elven nation, but now it's become organized, extending its influence in every direction…”

said Epsilon, a beauty with hair the color of a deep spring.

“I've heard the name Elder Council often since I was a child. That much tells you how well-known they are in the Elven nation. But in reality, what they do, and the extent of their influence, has been almost completely shrouded in mystery,”

Alpha said with a serious expression.

“When I was little, I thought it was just an honorary position. I just assumed it was for some important old men and women,”

Beta said.

“Even now… is it still a symbol of Elven honor… or has it become a symbol of corruption and vested interests… I wonder what kind of conversations are taking place in there,”

Epsilon muttered, and naturally, everyone's gaze turned toward the mansion.

From the windows on the top floor, light spilled out and the silhouettes of people could be seen.

“The Elder Council has a regular monthly meeting, but lately, they've been holding emergency meetings almost every day. I understand things are busy before the royal succession war, but even so, this is unusual,”

Beta said sharply, focusing her eyes.

“There was a report from No.89 that a person closely resembling a Diabolos cult leader had contacted the Elder Council. However, it was a single report; it might have been a mistake…”

Epsilon said.

“Even so, we can't ignore it. They seem to be meeting frequently with influential figures from each faction. I was planning to intervene if an invitation came to Sakura, but… unfortunately, she wasn't considered a significant candidate,”

Alpha said with a small smile.

“Perhaps they were cautious of the Mitsugoshi Company's influence,”

Epsilon added.

“In any case, if we get through the preliminaries of the succession war, the Elder Council won't be able to ignore us. They'll approach Sakura themselves, no need to rush,”

Alpha said.

“No risk, no reward, huh? It's a bit dangerous though…”

Beta said.

“Prototype eavesdropping magical device number 27, ready… commencing eavesdropping now…”

Eta murmured, and at the same time, a magical device like a loudspeaker began to glow.

“W-wait a moment, Eta! I said don't move yet, it'll alert them—!”

Epsilon hurriedly tried to stop her.

“Number 27 uses a frequency extremely difficult to detect, so it's fine… besides, it's already too late…”

A voice mixed with static leaked from the device.

[Gaga… finally, a candidate for the succession war… Zaa… Mitsugoshi Company's participation was unexpected, but the plan can mostly proceed as intended…]

Everyone strained to listen to the voice from the device.

[So, no changes… what should we do about the Mitsugoshi Company?]

[Might be better to put them on notice. It could affect the plan…]

[Don't rush. We'll decide after observing… whether they resist the main current or get swallowed and sink…]

[Hmph, as long as nothing happens… Zaa… that's the agreement…]

[Good grief, that… Zaa… hey, what's wrong, Sword God Temple?]

[Wait… there might be a mouse…]

Alpha's eyes sharpened.

Immediately after, a window of the mansion opened, and an old man appeared, staring directly at them.

“Could it be… we've been discovered?”

Eta said, slightly surprised.

“To be detected from this distance… they must be highly skilled,”

Beta said, on guard.

“Let's disperse,”

Epsilon said, and at the same time, everyone turned on their heels.

“That's the Sword God. Remember it…”

Alpha said, and at once, they scattered in different directions.