V7Ch4: Lurking in the Shadows at the Eve of the Festival!

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Translator: Soafp

---

Tonight was the eve of the royal succession contest.

“Wow… this is incredible,” I said, looking up at the beautifully illuminated World Tree.

The towering tree, its leaves lush and green, was lit with multicolored magical lights, painting a vivid picture against the dark night sky. Normally, I wasn't one to care much about scenic views, but this… this was worth seeing.

“It's amazing…!”

Lalanoa stood next to me, her mouth agape.

At the foot of the World Tree, participants and affiliates of the succession contest had gathered, enjoying cheers, wine, and a variety of delicacies.

“Oh, two grape juices, please.”

I called to the serving elf and received two glasses—one for myself, the other for Lalanoa.

“Delicious…”

As expected of Elven grape juice. Rich in flavor, yet easy to drink.

“Ahh~ nothing beats a feast like this!”

Lalanoa drank hers in one go, clearly accustomed to it.

“By the way, Lalanoa, you grew up in the royal palace, right?”

“Yes. No one ever spoke to me, so I always drank this”

“Oh… I see.”

I felt I might have asked something I shouldn't, but since she was smiling, it was probably fine.

“Another round,” I said, taking another glass of grape juice and gazing up at the beautiful World Tree. Drinking grape juice while looking at the World Tree like this—it was exquisite.

Alright, time to get some food.

Just as I was about to move, the entrance to the venue grew lively.

“Conservative faction's Gendoo-sama has arrived…”

“Oh?”

Looking over, Gendoo, dressed in formal attire, had just entered the venue. Beside him was a young woman—presumably his daughter.

Behind them were Ryu and another unfamiliar magic swordsman.

“That's Gendoo-sama's knight,”

“I see.”

True to the long-lived nature of elves, their presence carried a weight humans simply don't have.

There was something about it—a solid, imposing presence. Silver-gray hair, a large scar on the cheek, a well-proportioned body, and a distinguished beard. He looked like a Hollywood actor brought to life.

“Exactly. Ash Gray-sama is a 248-year-old elven swordmaster. Born on the battlefield, he learned his art entirely through combat, never from a teacher. Despite that, he has defeated multiple elite officers trained in swordsmanship. A true self-made warrior!”

Lalanoa's eyes sparkled with admiration.

They were immediately greeted by members of the conservative faction.

Looking around, it was easy to see the venue divided roughly into several factions.

Seats with views of the beautiful garden near the entrance were occupied by the conservatives, the flashy and noisy central area was home to the reformists, the seats closest to the World Tree were for the king's brother's faction, and the remaining small factions filled in the empty spaces, Lalanoa explained.

Of these, the small factions were the most active. Knowing they couldn't win the succession contest on their own, they scrambled to form alliances or, in some cases, gave up and aligned themselves under one of the three major factions.

Being the eve of the contest, most were making final adjustments, but there was still one factor they had to consider: the presence of a faction that had yet to appear in the social scene.

“…They've arrived”

For a brief moment, the venue went silent, then everyone whispered the faction's name.

“Hey, the Mitsugoshi faction is here.”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.

It was already known that Tokiseiryuno and the Mitsugoshi Company had joined forces. But what to call the faction hadn't been decided—should they be called the Tokiseiryuno faction, or the Mitsugoshi faction?

Since Sakura held the succession rights, calling them the Tokiseiryuno faction made sense. But the Mitsugoshi Trading Company's rising prominence was undeniable.

Rumors of them circulated far more than of Tokiseiryuno. Some argued they should just be called the Mitsugoshi faction.

Yet that risked diminishing the rightful heir, which displeased some, leaving the name unsettled until today.

In the end, since most people referred to them as the Mitsugoshi faction, it was temporarily decided.

Honestly, it didn't matter much to me, but apparently, for elves, it was important.

In any case, the mysterious Mitsugoshi faction drew immense attention from everyone around.

The elves from the small factions knew that the “Mitsugoshi faction” wasn't allied with anyone, so some of them were preparing to approach them, hoping for a chance.

Leading the way was Sakura of Tokiseiryuno, ranked sixth in succession rights. She wore a dress that perfectly matched her pink hair. She should be the same age as Lalanoa, yet she carried herself with impressive poise and presence.

Walking beside Sakura was not Alpha, but the handsome Alfred in a tuxedo. Last time we met, I had been wary that my disguise might be discovered, but it seemed I could relax this time. During the John Smith incident, I was caught immediately and learned my lesson. This time, my disguise was flawless— even Delta wouldn't easily see through it.

As for Sakura and Alfred, they entered accompanied by a large number of Tokiseiryuno affiliates and Mitsugoshi staff.

Their entrance drew the full attention of the venue.

Who would approach them first? Should anyone even make the move?

As the tense standoff continued, one elf finally made a move.

---

All eyes were on them.

The moment Sakura entered the venue, she raised her eyebrows at the sheer number of gazes directed at her. Tokiseiryuno had stayed away from social events for a long time, and she couldn't afford to be underestimated here. She tightened her expression.

She also realized that more than half of the eyes were on Alfred walking beside her. Everyone was sizing up the knight chosen by the Mitsugoshi Company.

No one knew the swordsman Alfred. There was no way that the Mitsugoshi Company—or Tokiseiryuno—would appoint an ordinary swordsman as a knight.

Yet, a skilled swordsman inevitably becomes known. Who exactly was Alfred? And why was Tokiseiryuno, long withdrawn from the public stage, suddenly entering the royal succession contest?

“Relax your shoulders. We will guide you to the throne. You just need to hold yourself with composure,” Alfred whispered.

Only when he pointed it out did Sakura realize she had been tense. She exhaled slightly and loosened up.

“Just standing tall without action makes me no more than an ornament”

“That's enough if you can say that,” Alfred replied with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.

Sakura felt as if he could see through everything, and the difference between her and Alfred, who was only a few years older, became clear.

“It's been a while since I attended a social gathering. Do you feel nostalgic too?”

“No matter how many years pass, the faces of elves never change…” Alfred scanned the hall, as if recalling past scenes.

“True. That's part of what makes elves special…”

“…but also what can rot this country from within.”

“Harsh words. Surely some of your old acquaintances are here.”

He exhaled softly and smiled.

“Now, the observation is over. Here they come…”

Following Alfred's gaze, Sakura saw an elf approaching them.

“Long time no see, Sakura Tokiseiryuno,” the elf said politely.

“Long time no see… Otoutorion-sama,”

The venue murmured. The first to make contact with the Mitsugoshi faction was the younger brother of the former king Anorion, the man entrusted with the royal will.

“It's been a long time since Tokiseiryuno attended a social gathering. You've grown, Sakura. How is Senzo, the elder?”

“Quite well, thank you. His swordsmanship hasn't dulled at all; he continues to train alongside the younger generation.”

“That's good to hear. Senzo was said to be one of the top five elven swordsmen. I even trained under him a few times when I was young.”

“I, too, have been trained by him since childhood.”

“I was surprised to hear that Tokiseiryuno, long absent from the public stage, would join the royal succession contest… Did you wish to test your skills?”

“Yes… I've been praised recently for the significant progress in my swordsmanship…”

“I see… I thought perhaps you still cared about the past,” Otoutorion's tone dropped.

“What do you mean by ‘the past'?”

“The incident that caused Tokiseiryuno to step away…”

“There were various circumstances, so Tokiseiryuno took a brief hiatus. There was no ill intent,” Sakura interrupted him calmly.

“I see… I worried that something might have troubled you.”

“…That is not the case” Sakura said without moving an eyebrow.

“Then it seems I worried unnecessarily. Forgive me.”

“No, Otoutorion-sama, your concern is understandable.”

“But that leaves the question: why is Tokiseiryuno now participating in the succession contest? I hear you recently allied with that well-known trading company… Are they involved?”

For the first time, Otoutorion's gaze shifted to Alfred.

“I apologize for the late introduction. This is my knight, Alfred.”

Alfred stepped forward.

“My name is Alfred. I have long heard of your accomplishments, Otoutorion-sama..”

He said gracefully, bowing elegantly and facing him with a sculpted, beautiful expression.

“I don't recognize your face. If you were a skilled swordsman, I'd likely remember,” Otoutorion said, scanning Alfred from head to toe.

“I am still a novice as a swordsman. Moreover, I have wandered many lands, so it is no surprise you do not know me,” Alfred replied with a polite smile.

“I cannot imagine the Mitsugoshi Company choosing an untested swordsman. Have you participated in official tournaments?”

“Unfortunately, I cannot wield a refined sword”

“Self-taught, then. Never in tournaments, never part of a school. Why would Mitsugoshi select such a swordsman?”

Otoutorion's eyes narrowed slightly.

“You flatter me too much,” Alfred said with a gentle smile.

“You must understand everyone is curious. Just how skilled is this unknown swordsman chosen by the Mitsugoshi Company? Depending on the outcome, he could become the dark horse…”

Otoutorion's gaze lingered on Alfred as if assessing his true ability. Alfred remained silent, smiling faintly.

“Show me your skill here.” Otoutorion finally said.

From behind him, a swordsman stepped forward.

“I'll introduce him—my former knight. Perhaps a mock duel as entertainment for the gala?”

“You jest. My skill will be shown in the royal succession contest starting tomorrow,” Alfred declined, and Otoutorion squinted and leaned closer.

“I'm sorry, but I want to remove any uncertainties,” he whispered.

Alfred met his gaze for a moment. Just as he was about to respond, Sakura interjected.

“Otoutorion-sama, please. Alfred is my knight. Such matters must be discussed with me first—”

“Sakura Tokiseiryuno, it's merely a bit of entertainment. Why fuss?”

“…A mock duel on the eve of the succession contest is just entertainment—”

“Sakura-sama, there is no issue. It is merely part of the gala,” Alfred interrupted her calmly.

“But…!”

“It's fine. Besides, it wouldn't do to cause a scene here,” Alfred said in a low voice.

Looking around, they noticed the elves watching them closely, whispering among themselves. Their gazes were far from friendly.

Sakura understood perfectly.

Tokiseiryuno had been absent from the public stage for a long time, and the Mitsugoshi Company was an outsider from abroad. In other words, they had few allies present here.

“What they want to see is our true skill. If they wish to see it, then we shall show them,” Alfred said in a low voice.

“If you reveal your hand the day before the royal succession contest, they will surely prepare countermeasures.”

“I do not intend to show everything.”

“You think you can defeat the swordsman who was Otoutorion-sama's knight if you hold back?”

“Sakura-sama, you have only seen a fraction of my ability so far,” Alfred said casually.

Sakura felt a headache coming on and pressed her temples.

“…Very well, I accept that proposal,” Sakura said, addressing Otoutorion.

“This will surely make tonight's gala even more exciting,” Otoutorion said with a refreshing smile as he gave instructions to prepare for the mock duel.

---

“It looks like they're going to have a mock duel,” Lalanoa said, surprised.

“Is that swordsman really going to fight Alfred?” Biting into some roast chicken, I compared the two swordsmen.

“Master, who do you think will win?”

“If they fight normally, it'll be Alfred.” The other swordsman isn't bad, but compared to Alpha, he still falls short.

“You're really rooting for Alfred, aren't you? Otoutorion-sama's former knight is Secondary-sama. He's won countless official tournaments and has fought the Sword God and Sword Saint multiple times. He's a representative elven swordsman,” Lalanoa said.

“So, Lalanoa, you think Secondary-sama will win?”

Lalanoa puffed out her cheeks slightly.

“If it were the old me, I would have said that. But…” She stopped and then, with sharp eyes and a serious expression, looked at Alfred.

“Now, I can tell. Alfred's refined presence…”

“Oh?”

“And if Master says Alfred will win, then surely that will be the case.”

“It's about to start.”

The tables in the hall were pushed aside, forming a makeshift arena for the mock duel. Elves began moving around it, surrounding the area. I grabbed my apple juice, Lalanoa took her grape juice, and we smoothly secured front-row seats.

Secondary and Alfred were already facing each other, holding practice swords with dulled blades.

The elves around us were excitedly whispering about the match.

“To challenge the Mitsugoshi faction to a mock duel… that's bold.”

“Exactly, it shows how cautious they are. The will might be fake, after all. Even the royal prince faction can't afford to be careless. But Alfred… is that swordsman really that strong?”

“Hmm, I doubt the Mitsugoshi faction would send a weak one, but their opponent is Secondary-sama. Winning will be difficult.”

“Even a good fight is enough. If he wins, the balance of power could shift.”

“Hmph. I don't care if it's the Mitsugoshi or not, we can't let them waltz into the Elven Kingdom easily. They need to show their authority.”

The elves continued voicing their predictions.

At that moment, the seat next to us suddenly became vacant.

“Which of them do you think will win?”

The one who sat down next to us was the conservative faction's representative, Gendoo.

The surrounding elves murmured. It seemed the conservative faction's representative approaching us was quite unexpected.

“Alfred,” Sakura answered. I followed with, “Same here.”

“Hmm… you expect Secondary to lose? Interesting.”

“Gendoo, who do you think will win?”

“Without knowing Alfred's ability, I can't guess. But if Secondary were to lose, the succession war would descend into chaos.”

“Chaos?”

“Every faction is planning strategies to win the succession war. If the Mitsugoshi’s swordsman has enough skill to defeat Secondary, tomorrow's strategies could be thrown into turmoil. Otoutorion-sama is daring indeed…” Gendoo crossed his arms, eyes sharp, letting out a small sigh as he looked toward Otoutorion, who was orchestrating the mock duel.

“Courage, talent… but dangerous,” Gendoo murmured softly.

Otoutorion, brimming with confidence, raised his voice.

“Let the match begin!!”

Immediately, Secondary moved. He accelerated with smooth mana control, closing the distance in an instant.

“Shh—!”

With a breath, Secondary unleashed a strike. Its speed made Gendoo mutter, “He's improved again.”

Alfred held his sword loosely, watching the approaching strike with calm eyes. The next moment, it seemed Secondary's blade had caught Alfred's neck.

But the sword cut only air.

“──!”

Shock appeared on Secondary's face. Alfred had somehow moved behind him.

“Unbelievable…” Gendoo whispered.

“Why don't you strike?” Secondary demanded.

Caught behind by Alfred, he couldn't move after swinging his sword. Alfred did nothing, still watching his back.

“You could strike anytime. Why not?” Secondary asked.

Alfred smiled naturally.

“It's a mere exhibition. I thought it would be dull otherwise.”

“──You'll regret this.”

Secondary clenched his teeth so hard it made a sound, turning toward Alfred. He poured vast amounts of mana into his sword, the air around them crackling with tension.

“It's just an exhibition, Secondary-sama.”

“Your sword will never reach me again.”

“Is that so? Then I shall also…”

Alfred dropped the sword he held. The clang echoed strangely throughout the hall.

“What are you thinking?”

“I told you, it's only an exhibition.” Alfred lowered his stance slightly, forming a fist.

“If your sword won't reach me, I'll face you with my fists.”

Secondary's face flushed red as his mana surged.

“Don't mess with me──!”

Mana burst around him as he charged. This was faster than before, surely his true effort.

Yet Alfred remained calm, dodging Secondary's sword at the last possible moment. A crisp snap echoed.

“Ah…?”

Blood dripped from Secondary's nose, staining the floor. Alfred slowly moved his left fist.

“A light greeting.”

Another strike. A jab too fast for Secondary's eyes landed on his jaw.

“Ugh──!”

Though he couldn't see it, he seemed braced for the impact. Secondary maintained consciousness, but Alfred's left fist struck again and again with precision.

Secondary's body swayed.

“Ooooooooh!”

Yet he did not fall. Face flushed, blood spraying, he swung his sword in retaliation.

Alfred watched the blade and flicked it upward with his right elbow. The sword was sent flying and cut through the air.

“What──!”

Gendoo and some of the more skilled onlookers, who could follow the exchange with their eyes, gasped. Matching Secondary's sword speed with a right elbow was quite a show.

Alfred's left fist struck Secondary's stunned face. An uppercut like it could pierce the sky lifted his face, and a finishing right punch landed on his unguarded face.

“Ah…”

The strike was infused with an intense density of mana. The audience, anticipating a devastating conclusion, let out screams.

Yet the fist never reached Secondary.

“Ah… ah…”

Alfred had stopped his right fist just in front of him.

“That's enough. Just an exhibition”

At his words, Secondary sank to the ground as if his legs had given out. The hall fell silent for a moment.

Clap, clap, clap—one person's applause broke the quiet.

“──Magnificent!”

Otoutorion, a smile on his lips, approached the two who had finished fighting.

“As expected of a knight chosen by the Mitsugoshi Company! To think you could defeat my ‘former knight' Secondary with your fists!” He theatrically emphasized “former knight.”

“He was a swordsman worthy of being your former knight, Otoutorion-sama. I hope you enjoyed it,” Alfred said, bowing alongside Sakura who had stepped forward beside him.

“That's kind of you, but I feel a bit embarrassed. This might cause others to underestimate us. Right, Secondary?” Otoutorion smiled and patted Secondary on the shoulder. At that moment, his body shivered.

“Ah… I-I apologize…” Secondary said, his voice trembling.

“I never thought I'd be one-sidedly defeated by someone unarmed.”

Otoutorion whispered in a cold tone.

“──I will surely make up for this in the succession war!”

“I hope so. Now, since we have the chance──let me introduce my current knight!”

Otoutorion glanced at Secondary, then spread his arms, drawing the audience's attention. A swordsman approached, boots thudding against the floor. Many frowned at his attire, which seemed unfit for the pre-festival event.

But he paid them no mind and naturally stood beside Otoutorion.

“This is Sakisa of the Extreme Sword. He's never participated in official matches. He claims to have trained under the Sword God about a hundred years ago, but no one remembered. In terms of being unknown, he's like Alfred… but his skill is undeniable.”

Tall and slender, with long black hair and a noticeable scar by his eye, Sakisa's sharp red eyes fixed on Alfred. Alfred met his gaze, frowning slightly.

Yes, that's right. I had been noticing it—Sakisa seemed exceptional, even among the high-level elven swordsmen.

“Seems Secondary wasn't enough for you,” Sakisa said calmly.

“Not at all,” Alfred replied vaguely to the sudden question.

“You haven't even shown half your strength, have you?”

“──It's an exhibition.”

“Be gentle in the real match.”

“Likewise.”

They exchanged smiles and shook hands.

“──Don't get cocky,” a small voice muttered.

Looking toward the voice, Secondary glared at Sakisa.

“Hmm…”

Even within the factions, there seemed to be various tensions.

“Can't believe Secondary was handled so easily… hard to imagine such a swordsman remained unknown,” Gendoo spoke to me from beside him.

“Yes, it was surprising.”

“In terms of being unknown, Nazono-sama is probably the same”

I narrowed my eyes, staring into the distance.

“Perhaps. No one remains who knows me… only my memories remember…”

“Still, Nazono-sama… that's from the past… perhaps not something to discuss here,” Gendoo said awkwardly, retracting his words.

“How did you see Alfred's skill?”

“His fists are quite something.”

“But his main duty is with the sword.”

“Yes, you could still see the habits of the sword in his movements.”

“…Another formidable opponent has appeared. That swordsman called Sakisa is also intriguing.”

“It's strange that Otoutorion-sama would make a man of unknown background his knight”

“Indeed. That man became Otoutorion-sama's knight only half a month ago. It's likely a move considering the succession war, but to elevate a man of unknown background to knight right before the war… that's bold.”

“That must mean he has that level of skill”

“Rumor has it he overwhelmed Secondary in the exhibition match and kept dissenters in check. But where did they even bring such a skilled fighter from?”

“The world is vast. It means there are hidden strong opponents,”

“Otoutorion-sama often opposed Anorion-sama's policies. He isn't fully elf supremacist, but he does have an exclusionary mindset. I thought his connections to the outside world were weak… but there's no point dwelling on that now.”

Gendoo let out a dissatisfied sigh.

“Still, Nazono-sama doesn't seem cautious,” Gendoo said, looking at me.

“What do you mean by cautious?”

“You seem not to be wary of Alfred or Sakisa at all.”

“That's not the case…”

I denied it, but Gendoo's gaze seemed to see right through me.

“You either saw through Alfred's skill, or you judged that even knowing his skill, you could still win.”

“That's giving me too much credit,” I replied with a small smile.

“To me, Nazono-sama looks more terrifying than Alfred. That's why I can act.”

“And what is that?”

“Our conservative faction won't target Lalanoa Hinoizumino in the preliminaries, nor her knight Nazono Senen. In return, I hope you won't target us either.”

“I see… so that's your proposal.”

I glanced at Lalanoa to let her respond.

“So… should I take this as an alliance proposal?” she asked nervously.

“No. We have different beliefs. This is merely a mutual non-aggression understanding, not a cooperative alliance.”

“I see… What do you think, Master?”

“For our small faction, it seems advantageous in any case.”

“Understood. We accept that arrangement”

“Good. But no handshake—we don't want others to notice.”

Gendoo and Lalanoa nodded to each other.

“Tomorrow will be early. I should be leaving.”

Gendoo departed with his subordinates.

Looking around, Otoutorion and Sakura had exchanged brief greetings and parted ways.

The audience crowded around, speaking to Alfred.

“Your fight just now was remarkable. The speed was such that even I could barely follow with my eyes──”

“Two swordsmen from our faction trained in the Jakusai style will participate in the succession war. If you don't mind, Alfred, we could recognize you as the head of the Jakusai style──”

“Alfred, are you married? If so, perhaps our daughter──”

“Our family is a long-established guild. If the Mitsugoshi Company plans to expand, we could help with distribution. I'd like a chance to dine with your chairman──”

For better or worse, he became the center of attention.

But being noticed before the succession war even begins is something only second-rate people do.

The first-rate scatter hints first and gradually reveal glimpses, just like Nazono Senen.

“…”

By now, the food at the hall had been cleared, replaced with desserts. The pre-festival was nearing its end.

“Well, well! And here I find you—none other than the mixed-blood Lalanoa.”

Soon after Gendoo left, an unfamiliar elf spoke to Lalanoa.

His face wore a flippant smile, and a few attendants followed him. Clearly, he had been waiting for the right moment to speak.

“The reformist Koban…”

Lalanoa muttered, frowning.

“You have been away from the royal palace for a long time. What are you doing now?”

“I… I am—”

“I heard you plan, arrogantly, to participate in the succession war. Anorion-sama's reforms were halted halfway because of the tainted blood of Hinoizumino. It's all your fault…”

Koban cut off Lalanoa and started speaking rapidly.

“How can someone in your position even think of joining the succession war to decide the next king…? That can't possibly be true.”

He glared at Lalanoa.

“I… will participate in the succession war,” Lalanoa answered firmly.

“Was my meaning unclear? Very well, I'll make it simple enough even for someone like you to understand. I am telling you to withdraw from the succession war.”

“I have no intention of withdrawing. I will participate,” Lalanoa answered clearly again.

Koban's eyebrows shot up, his gaze sharpening further.

“I will also participate in the succession war. If you join, I will find you… and kill you by the cruelest and most humiliating means. I have the resolve and power for that. You know that, don't you?”

“Indeed, you were once my father's guard. I also know you've left several colleagues unable to recover with that strength.”

“I only trained half-hearted people lacking resolve… Oh yes, I even trained you before.”

“Yes, in places where no one could see, you struck me down repeatedly when I was a child.”

“Yes, you swung your sword with such dedication that my teaching became intense as well.”

“When I was a child, I could do nothing… but now it's different.”

“Oh? What's different?”

Koban frowned in annoyance.

“I have become stronger… thanks to my Master,” Lalanoa said.

Koban appraised me from head to toe.

“You are Lalanoa's knight?”

“I am Nazono Senen. Pleased to meet you,” I said, extending my hand, which he elegantly ignored.

“I've neither seen nor heard of you before. Which school do you belong to?”

“I haven't learned a sword style I could boast about. If anything, I'm self-taught.”

Koban chuckled, amused.

“Ha… self-taught, is it? Excellent! You must wield a strange sword indeed; I would like to see it! Don't you all want to see it too?”

He laughed along with his attendants.

Yes, this is it!

Their reaction was exactly what I had hoped for. I stood expressionless but made a silent fist pump in my mind.

“Do not mock my Master's sword! Do you know how much effort Master put into honing it…? None of you stand a chance!”

For some reason, Lalanoa's face turned bright red as she angrily shouted.

“Shall I make it so you can never show your face again…? If you want to apologize, do it now.”

Koban's face also flushed red.

Let's both calm down a little.

“You should apologize. Apologize here and now for insulting my Master!”

“You dare insult me, a mixed-blood?!”

At the same moment, Koban drew a dagger from his sleeve.

At the pre-festival, carrying a weapon was prohibited for anyone except guards. However, high-ranking nobles were implicitly allowed to carry a dagger for self-defense.

Of course, this did not apply to Lalanoa or me.

But Lalanoa could handle it now.

She tracked the incoming dagger with her eyes, pulled it close, shifted one leg back, and angled her body.

The knife's trajectory missed her.

Her dress was torn, revealing white skin, but not a single scratch was on her.

It was a near-perfect dodge.

This was a glimpse of Lalanoa's talent.

She had observed my movements in detail, learning techniques like a fish in water.

Until now, she had trained alone, an inefficient method, but by repeatedly practicing the basics, she had built a strong foundation.

By chance, my techniques merged with hers, and she finally blossomed.

“──Shh”

Lalanoa locked her wrist joint and caught the dagger.

Her magical control was flawless.

Using the momentum, she spun and delivered a backflip kick.

“…You still intend to continue?”

She stopped the kick just in front of Koban's nose.

Blood dripped from his twisted nose.

“Damn you!”

Embarrassment flushed Koban's face.

But having lost the dagger, he had no immediate way to counterattack.

She looked around nervously, her eyes darting about… then she fixed on one spot, showing a frightened expression.

“Oya, tonight's banquet is quite lively, isn't it?”

A handsome elf approached with a gentle smile.

“S-Shinji-sama…!”

Koban hurriedly wiped his nosebleed and bowed.

Lalanoa also lowered the leg she had raised.

“It's been a while, Lalanoa Hinoizumino. Did something happen with someone from my faction?”

“S-Shinji-sama, there's a reason for this—!”

“I'm not asking you,” Shinji said, glaring sharply at Koban.

“This one insulted my knight and attacked her with a dagger,” Lalanoa said, holding out the dagger she had taken from Koban.

“Did someone from my faction cause trouble?”

“Ah… Shinji-sama, I'm terribly sorry!”

Koban and the others hurriedly apologized.

“Lalanoa Hinoizumino, please allow me to handle this so that I save face.”

“That's fine.”

“I'll compensate for the torn dress later.”

Shinji then left with his attendants. As he departed, Koban glared at Lalanoa with eyes full of hatred…

In the hall, voices murmured in a mix of “A mixed-blood…” and “Did you see that just now?”

“This can't be… I actually won,” Lalanoa whispered to herself.

“Your blooming was only a matter of time. It just so happened that I was the trigger”

“That's not true! Thanks to my Master, I feel I've grown more than ever in my life! If you are here, I—”

At that moment, an elf girl interrupted Lalanoa, running up to her.

“Are you alright, Lalanoa?”

It was Sakura Tokiseiryuno.

“Sakura Tokiseiryuno… what is your business here?”

Lalanoa said, slightly annoyed.

“I saw you being confronted by someone from the reform faction… I was worried.”

“Your concern is unnecessary. I have grown stronger,” Lalanoa replied.

“I see… that was a fine judgment”

“Of course,” Lalanoa said, turning her face away with a huff.

“Lalanoa… you truly intend to participate in the succession war, don't you?”

Sakura asked, her face serious.

“Yes, I do.”

“Is it because this man tempted you?”

Sakura shot a sharp glance at me.

“No. I decided to enter the succession war of my own will. My Master is only helping me,” Lalanoa said firmly.

“Even using the intelligence networks of Tokiseiryuno and the Mitsugoshi Company, we couldn't uncover this man's identity. Be careful.”

“Do not speak ill of my Master!” Lalanoa said, glaring sharply.

“Lalanoa…”

Sakura lowered her gaze, tears welling in her eyes.

“…Let's go, Master. Tomorrow will come early,” Lalanoa said, taking my hand, and we quickly left the hall.