Chapter 75: Ash and Embers - (1)

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..........

...Um, Morgana? Are you all right?

Ugh... Is she still bothered by what happened with Karishara?

She should cheer up soon...

There's always only one way, Bedi.

A dessert to surpass apple pie... We have no choice but to create a masterpiece that stakes the Pendragon Royal Family's prestige...!

It's not about the food's quality. That glutton would eat dirt if it tasted good.

But even my best meat pie didn't work?!

Sniff... This is all my fault for not being good enough.

Honestly, am I not even allowed to be melancholic?

I just had a lot on my mind. I'm perfectly aware that there are other important matters right now.

Oh... Success, Elizabeth! It seems that pie from earlier really worked!

Finally, the results of my rigorous cooking training...!

I'm being serious right now?! The meat pie was certainly delicious, but...!

Whatever happened between Karishara and Oberon, there's no lead right now anyway.

It's better to forget about problems that won't have an answer no matter how much you worry.

Glad you've cheered up. Then let's focus on problems that actually have solutions.

First, to get to the Ygritte Empire, we have to pass through Cameliard.

Normally, we could've paraded around anywhere we'd like, but...

This time, we'll have to pass through as quietly as possible. Our plan shouldn't be known to the public.

Moreover, our next objective is the White Dragon's Holy Sword, "Alba Mors."

The Ygritte Empire would never hand over their treasure... So it certainly won't be easy.

.......

I-It's fine! Princess! I-I'm sure everything... will... be... f-f-f-f-f-fine...!

...In other words, you want to say, "I-I'm sure everything will be fine!" but...

You just can't bring yourself to say it, can you? Because even you think it's an irresponsible thing to say.

Ughhh... That's so mean, Morgana.

When that happens, don't overthink it. Just focus on what's in front of you.

Our destination is the Ygritte Empire. The condition is to avoid being discovered by anyone, if possible.

If I had my way, I'd stop by a castle, have a meal, take a bath, and relax...

Of course, I've prepared everything for my lord!

Now, what would you like to do first, eat or bathe?

Or perhaps... me first?

Hmm... Cameliard's food was delicious, indeed. But right now, I'm craving a bath.

...Wait, Guinevere!?

Yes, the lonely and pitiful princess who has been eagerly awaiting her lord.

I am Guinevere, the next Queen of the Kingdom of Cameliard.

By a sheer coincidence, and with luck that happens once in a thousand years, I heard that you would be passing through here...

...So I've prepared a very grand and meaningful welcoming ceremony.

E-Elizabeth... This is...!?

...Yes, we're completely surrounded. I let my guard down, thinking we were still in Britannia.

Long time no see, Princess Guinevere. You're as meticulous as ever.

But to mobilize such a large army just for the four of us...

...Isn't that a bit excessive?

Oh, not at all! Your fame precedes you even here in Cameliard, you know.

And since Her Majesty the Queen has grown much stronger than before, this Guinevere simply had to show due respect.

For now, it seems we have no choice but to follow obediently.

Well, Guinevere, you are smart, so...

...Surely you wouldn't dare try anything foolish against this Fairy Queen.

M-Me too!! The Knight of the World Tree! The head of the Knights of the Round Table... a-and also...!

Yes, for now, we will play along. But I hope you understand.

That to move the name of Pendragon, a proper cause will be required.

.......

Heh... You've become quite fitting for the throne since we last met.

Then, shall we go? To Cameliard, the shield of Britannia and home of passion and gladiators.

.......

...You all saw it on the way here, right? The security is almost battlefield-level.

Mmph... Guinevere's... Mmph... objective is... Gulp-!

I don't know what it is, but...

Mmph... she'll never... Mmph... let us go easily... Gulp-!

...it seems.

Deflate those balloon-like cheeks before you speak, you gluttonous hamster.

Hmph, it's a strategy to make the opponent let their guard down, you know?

You all enjoy the banquet without worry. There's no poison or anything.

Th-They must be soldiers meant to protect Elizabeth!

They're comrades who fought for Britannia together... There's no way they'd harbor ill will now...!

The war with Vortigern is over, so everyone's battlefield has simply changed.

Just because I've become Queen, doesn't mean I can simply snap my fingers and solve all of Britannia's problems.

They're probably planning to 'persuade' the Queen well, and get what they want out of this opportunity.

Honestly, humans. Starting politics right after a war ends, it's always the same.

Well, it's not like this was entirely unexpected.

Let's leave the difficult stuff to our Queen, and take this chance to just relax and unwind.

Ughhh... Still, I want to help with something...

No, it's quite the opposite, Bedi. From here on, I must overcome this alone.

I told you before, didn't I, that the moment I sat on the throne, all sorts of troubles would flood in?

That moment simply arrived sooner than I expected... and at a rather inconvenient time.

.......

...I guess I'm really no help with these headache-inducing problems.

B-But I'm confident in other things! Like crying with you when you're sad, or offering a lap pillow...!

What are you, a pet dog?

Don't worry too much, Bedi.

Later, it will surely become an everyday matter we can laugh about.

.......

...Ughh, now I'm even more depressed.

B-But I'll definitely do my part well! I am the Knight of the World Tree... and a lap pillow... and also...!

An esteemed member of the Knights of the Round Table, and the Guardian Knight of the Pendragon Royal Family.

Did everyone enjoy the banquet? Please let me know if anything was lacking.

The respect for this Fairy Queen is lacking, indeed. To think there were only 82 types of desserts.

The respect for a hero is lacking, too. Not a single menu item reminds me of my hometown, Earth.

Oh dear, I suppose I'll have to give the chef a stern reprimand.

Since kidnapping us without warning will be settled with the food, get straight to the point.

We're extremely busy, you know? Saving the world, as usual.

Ugh, busy, busy. We need to save at least one more world, quicky!

Heh... You've all become quite formidable in many ways.

Yes, then I shall get straight to the point.

First, the champion of the Colosseum has personally nominated the three individuals accompanying Her Majesty the Queen.

To quote her exactly...

...she said she would personally test whether Her Majesty the Queen's safety could truly be entrusted to you.

Eh...!? The Colosseum champion right now, surely not...!

Yes, it is the Knight, Kay, a member of the Knights of the Round Table. After Percival departed for Camelot, she became the new champion of the Colosseum.

She's not only strong but also possesses excellent showmanship, you know? So much so that I'd like to recruit her as a knight of Cameliard.

Ahaha... I tried to avoid people precisely because I thought something like this would happen.

Perfect timing, then. I've been wanting to test my new strength.

And it seems like a fitting pretext to get us away from Elizabeth.

It's far from enough to move this Fairy Queen, though.

Still, the banquet was quite satisfactory, so I suppose I'll humor you and play along just this once.

E-Eh... A-Are we really going by ourselves, just like this?!

Leaving Elizabeth alone?! I feel uneasy about this...

Hmph, it wouldn't do for lowly folk like us to interfere in the affairs of such high-ranking individuals.

Don't just naturally lump me in with you, okay? I've been noble since birth, you know.

Still, I must agree on one thing. I cannot waste the Fairy Queen's time on human power struggles.

Then, shall we go and see? What confidence that fool, who doesn't know the value of her own life, had to nominate us.

E-Elizabeth, go for it! Imagine I'm right by your side and you can do it!

Ah...! Ethan, Morgana! Don't leave me behind! Waaahhh...!

.......

.......

Well... I'm apologetic in many ways. ...For showing such a chaotic display in many ways.

Hehehe, not at all. On the contrary, I feel more at ease.

Then, shall we move to another location? I will guide you to Cameliard's Throne Room.

It's been a really long time since I was here.

Is this the first time since I went around gathering alliance pledges?

Yes, all sorts of crappy memories are already coming back to me.

The first trial was probably that perverted orc, wasn't it? The one who only wore Elizabeth's panties.

Hey, saying it like that sounds weird.

Well... more precisely... it was an orc who stole the Pendragon Royal Family's armor...

Next, we had to face the Eastern Empire's strongest swordsman.

Only later did we realize. That our opponent was actually a huge deal.

Ughhh... I really thought I was going to die back then...

And the last one was... who was it?

Lulu...? Ruru...? Lururu...?! Anyway, it was some fool named Lu-something...

Ugh...! I have an incurable disease that prevents me from remembering fools...!

Lucius. He's the current Emperor of the Ygritte Empire.

Let's at least remember his name. We'll definitely meet him someday.

Yes, it was incredibly scary. Of course, not the... Lu... Lururu... Lululu, but...!

Lucius.

Not Lucius...! But that pitch-black Dragon that popped out next to him...!

Was it called the Dark Lord...? It was truly terrifying...

Well, perverts, fools, or Dragons aren't that common, you know.

To stop us now, ordinary perverts, ordinary fools, or ordinary Dragons simply won't be enough.

Alright, then, come on and fight me already, Champion!

The heroic party who saved the world has made a special appearance, you know!

Hehe, everyone's still as boisterous as ever.

But don't let your guard down, okay? I'm also burning through life with all my might.

It's a relief to see you looking healthy, Kay!

Honestly... everyone treats their bodies so recklessly, despite their short lifespans.

Just because the Flame Emperor was separated from your soul, doesn't mean the wounds from back then are completely healed.

I warned you to rest for a while, but...

In the end, she couldn't resist going on a warrior's training journey, and instantly became Cameliard's strongest gladiator in history.

I think it's cool. You only live once, so it might as well be a fiery one.

.......

...You haven't touched the Flame Emperor's power again, have you?

Oh my, do you really not trust me that much?

I've definitely drawn a clear line with that troublesome friend.

Someday, I'll have to face my past... and the curse etched into this soul again.

But by then, I'll be ready.

Yes, yes, anyone can say that easily.

I don't like nagging, but since I can't quite trust you, I'll emphasize this one last time.

If, by any chance, your soul and the Flame Emperor's become intertwined again...

...This time, I will kill you with my own hands. Because there'll be no other way.

.......

Hey, isn't that a bit too harsh for a reunion after so long?

Th-That's right, Morgana! Kay is like a big sister to Elizabeth and me!

She's been mature and dependable since we were children...

No, Bedi. Morgana is right.

I, in my youthful folly, made a contract with the Flame Emperor, and ultimately lost control, holding everyone back.

No matter what excuses I make now, the past won't change. And I have no intention of denying it.

Kay...

But I won't hide or run away like a frightened child either.

Because as a Knight of the Round Table, I swore to protect Eli... my lord.

...Hmph, I have no intention of adding to the tedious talk.

The test, or whatever, sounds plausible enough, but your goal is ultimately to follow Elizabeth, isn't it?

Morgana is as perceptive as ever.

Yes, I don't know what Elizabeth's circumstances are, or why she's trying to separate herself from the other knights.

But I hope you can show me a skill level that puts my mind at ease.

Okay, if you're going to put it like that, it makes things easier.

Want to fight right here and now? I'm fine with a one-on-one.

You may have gotten stronger, but that just means you're an elite pig instead of an ordinary one, you know?

If we're going to fight one-on-one, Bedivere should be the one to step up.

She's a member of the Knights of the Round Table, after all. And among us, she has the least burden when using her strength.

M-Me?! With K-Kay...!?

Uwaaahhh... S-Save me! N-No! I can do this!

Hmm... That's not a bad idea, but unfortunately, this isn't Camelot.

In Cameliard, we must follow Cameliard's laws, mustn't we? Meaning the esteemed Colosseum Tournament.

Ugh... I have to go through that annoying series of battles again?

Good idea. Let's just have Bedivere compete and we'll watch.

Hooo, that's quite a clever plan. It also has the symbolic meaning of Knights of the Round Table competing against each other.

And she's the most fuel-efficient among us, after all. It's an efficient allocation of subordinates befitting a Fairy Queen!

.......

...I'll do it!

Huh? That was a joke?!

Whoa, whoa... Calm down, Bedivere. This pig spouts nonsense all the time, you know.

You were in on it too!

I-I'm serious!

Morgana can't just use her strength recklessly anymore, and she can't always rely solely on Ethan, after all.

As Elizabeth's Guardian Knight... I want to test myself too!

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.......

...Oh.

...Oh.

Isn't that a bit of an anticlimactic reaction?! I said that with a lot of courage, you know...!

No, I was genuinely impressed.

Me too. Honestly, it was pretty cool.

W-Well, now that you say that, I'm getting embarrassed...

Ahahahah! That's great! It's absolutely fantastic!

It's funny for someone my age to say this, but... yes, it feels completely youthful.

But be prepared, okay? If my opponent is the Knight of the World Tree, I can't let my guard down either.

Naturally, you'd best give it your all. I've also grown much stronger than before.

Then, I'll see you in the finals. Dame Bedivere, the Guardian Knight of Britannia.

Yes...! Th-Then, please wish me luck!

Hello, Cameliard! Are you burning bright today-?!

You're surprised someone unknown suddenly popped out, aren't you? Princess Guinevere, who always commentates, is just toooooo busy today!

Instead! I've brought three notable figures you might all know!

First, the former Swordbringer of the Holy Sword, Ethan, who will be commentating this tournament!

Wait, why are you the presenter? What happened to being a merchant?

(Whispering) Shhh, this pays pretty well, you know. Plus, I got permission to promote my merchant business during intermissions!

Hah, leaving a cat in charge of fish, indeed.

And the self-proclaimed adorable yet prissy Queen Morgana!

Self-proclaimed... what?

Lastly, the star of today's tournament! A member of the Camelot Knights of the Round Table, a girl chosen by the World Tree!

Dame Bedivere, the Guardian Knight of the Pendragon Royal Family!

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...Dame Bedivere, the Guardian Knight!

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...Dame Bedivere?

She's supposed to appear around now, right? That's what the script says.

Wait, we had a script?

So they wrote insulting words like "prissy" and "adorable" in the script?!

...Ahem, I apologize. It seems she's still preparing.

Right! On that note, could I ask the two of you to introduce the contestant?

An introduction for Bedivere? Uh... hmm... well, it's like...

...She's incredibly strong, more than she looks. Probably.

.......

Th-That's right...! Strength acknowledged even by the Swordbringer...!

Th-Then what about Morgana's evaluation!?

When it comes to Bedivere, it's definitely the lap pillow.

That plush texture, the warm touch, and the unwavering comfort.

Aside from the problem of only seeing half the sky, it's enough to make you not miss a feather bed.

W-Well, certainly... that's an evaluation that piques everyone's curiosity!

(Whispering) Um, Morgana, isn't there anything more fitting for a tournament?

(Whispering) This is business, after all. And one that supports Cameliard's finances.

Oh ho, so that's why you dared to use this Fairy Queen as a jester?

Yes, if it's bread and circuses you need, I'll gladly play along.

After all, fireworks using humans as kindling are my specialty.

...I-I apologize. Please just stay still and not cause trouble.

How about we just throw this one down there? It'd certainly be entertaining.

Next time, you should write your last words in the script beforehand.

Shall I write them for you, if you like? No, wait, a pig's dying words would probably just be "Oink-!"

Ahaha... You two are always so close, it seems.

Oh! Everyone, you've waited long enough! Both sides are now ready, they say!

So who's the first opponent?

To face Bedivere, an ordinary pervert, fool, or Dragon won't do.

The first match is usually for introducing the contestant.

It's a way to weed out the riff-raff, and intentionally draw attention from the audience by defeating a weak monster.

In game terms, it's like a tutorial.

...Wait, a weak monster? Surely not...!

Oh, come on! There are so many weak monsters in the world.

Out of all the countless small fries, there's no way they'd bring Bedivere's natural enemy...

...Mmph, mmph-! Mmph... Mmmph!

Oh, my.

For the World Tree's sake.

I-Impossible! Both contestants have appeared as one from the start!

An unprecedented incident in Colosseum history! The crowd is in a frenzy over this illogical development!

Can Dame Bedivere overcome this crisis?!

(Whispering) W-What's happening?! It's supposed to be just a normal slime...!

(Whispering) No matter how much stronger Bedivere has gotten, there are still bad matchups.

An inescapable fate. A self-fulfilling prophecy.

It's as inevitable as one plus one equaling two.

(Whispering) What's done is done. For Bedivere's honor, we need to create a plausible scenario.

Ugh... Hand me the mic for a sec. I've just had an idea.

Yes? An idea?

...Ahem-! Ah, mic test! One, two, three.

For Britannia's sake! That's the legendary Gluttony Slime, "Eclipse"?!

S-Surely we risked our lives to defeat it?! Could it have been alive all this time...!

.......

...Pfft-!! Hahahahah-!!

(Whispering) What is that childishly grand setup? Are you still clinging to your embarrassing teenage past?

(Whispering) I'm just making it up as I go. Bedivere's honor is at stake like this.

And though it's a bonus, Elizabeth's reputation is also on the line.

(Whispering) Honestly... there are so many ways to be troublesome.

I suppose there's no helping it. While I dislike having hyperbole mixed into this Fairy Queen's saga...

Ugh...! Did it survive my magic, which can even make the moon fall!?

The reputation of "Devourer of Worlds"... "Beast of Doom" was no exaggeration!

(Whispering) Hey, hey! Even so, that's way too grand of a scale?!

Ohh, what a twist of fate... No, it is fate itself!

At an unexpected moment! In an unexpected place!!

Justice's ancient foe has returned from the dead!!!

Mmph-! Mmmph!!

Oh, Dame Bedivere! Will our hero be defeated like this?!

Oh, Dame Bedivere! Must the world tremble once more in fear of the Gluttony Slime?!

Merry seems to be enjoying herself too. Is this job her true calling, unexpectedly?

I think it's about time we started worrying about Bedivere.

No matter how much of a natural enemy it is, I never thought she'd actually fall to a mere slime.

Ah, no...! This light is...!?

Not yet! Dame Bedivere hasn't given up yet!!

An immense mana, as if the earth itself is pulsating! Could this be the legendary power of the World Tree?!

Mmmph!! Mmmph!!!

.......

I-I'm alive...!

Ethan! Morgana! Did you see?!!

This time, I escaped all by myself! From that terrifying slime!!

Ugh-h-h... I wanted to show my growth... ...to the Goddess of the World Tree too...!

.......

It's decided! The victor is Dame Bedivere, Knight of the Round Table!

With just a single burst of mana, "The World Eater - Eclipse" has been defeated!

Can you hear it?! The roar that seems to overturn the entire Colosseum!

A fierce battle unbelievable for a first match! A grandeur as if a scene from a myth has been perfectly recreated!

On everyone's faces, beyond excitement! A sense of tragedy, as if united with legend, overflows!!!

Wow, woahhh...! I did it, everyone! Woooaaahhh!!

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.......

Hey, Ethan, how are we going to explain this to Elizabeth later?

Good question.

You just answered without thinking, didn't you?

Well, are you thinking then?

No.

You said it's better to forget about problems that won't have an answer no matter how much you worry. This is exactly that moment.

Indeed... it would be a waste to put any thought into this kind of thing.

The person in question seems happy. Let's just let her enjoy it for now.

For the Fairy Queen's sake. I'm not responsible for what happens later, you know?

.......

Do you hear it? The fervent cheers shaking the Colosseum.

You know, I disliked that noise since I was a child.

Loud and unrestrained, an echo that gnawed at dignity day and night.

But now that I've matured, I find myself listening intently.

Now, Your Majesty, close your eyes too. And from the chaotic tangle of sounds, read the expressions.

The clenching of fists and stomping of feet. The twitching lips and eyes moist with tears.

Oh, did you hear that just now? It seems the victor has already been decided!

Today's match seems to have been quite dramatic. To have such passion, and it's not even the finals.

.......

The Cameliard tournament has a tradition of being presided over by royalty.

Your father, King Leon, didn't show much interest, but...

...I heard that after Princess Guinevere took over state affairs, she always hosted the tournament in her own name.

Yet this time, you've withdrawn into the shadows. As if you wish to hide from the audience.

...Wow! To cut straight to the heart of the matter so quickly.

Yes, that's right. I am currently a small, shabby baby rabbit, fleeing for my life.

Lacking both strength and wisdom, merely hopping along.

Trembling in fear that I might be devoured by a lion.

I understand Cameliard's situation. Being closest to the Ygritte Empire, you can't help but feel threatened.

But please believe one thing. Britannia will never abandon Cameliard...

Heh... Which side should I believe, precisely?

Sir Mordred, who is too rational to discuss honor, and has repeatedly betrayed others until now?

...Or our Queen, who abandoned her throne while hiding all the circumstances?

......!!!

My father would have sprung from his sickbed if he heard that. Asking what insolence I was committing against Her Majesty.

Yes, King Leon was certainly an excellent monarch. A benevolent and wise ruler suited for the age of rabbits.

But when the age of lions dawned... we were powerless.

With only the princess's beauty as the card in hand, calculating where to sell it for a good price.

To the extent that I had to alone gauge the reality of becoming the Empress of Ygritte, rather than the Queen of Cameliard.

Th-This time, it will surely be different!

If Britannia's six kingdoms trust each other and unite their strength...!

Trust is the arrogance of those who can "choose" it.

And... most of us weren't even born with the right to choose.

I am not unaware of Cameliard's potential, but the Ygritte Empire is a military superpower of a different caliber than Vortigern's rebels.

Although Lucius is an insolent commoner, that very aspect could make him even more dangerous.

.......

Oh dear, I apologize. I became too agitated, which is unlike me.

My prologue was long, but... yes, it's a predictable story, isn't it?

A rambling complaint that I'm only given two choices.

To trust Britannia and fight against the Ygritte Empire.

...Or to become Lucius's Empress and protect my kingdom.

If I were to defy Lucius, Cameliard would be reduced to ashes.

No matter how much the Knights of the Round Table excel, this land becoming a battlefield would be unavoidable.

You need a more certain card than honor or trust, then.

Yes, I understand. And I am ready to get to the point.

Hmm? The point?

Because you wouldn't have arranged this meeting just to pressure me.

You're going to propose a third choice, aren't you? One that must be kept secret even from my companions.

.......

Truly... if you come at me like this, I feel rushed.

...Yes? What did you just say?

Hehehe, just talking to myself.

Encouraging myself while also giving myself a warning... Yes, a soliloquy still clinging to regret.

Then, without further ado, I shall make my proposal. Elizabeth Pendragon, Queen of Britannia.

Will you permit the marriage between Ethan and myself, Guinevere?

.......

...Y-Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes...!? WHAT!?!

Oh my, is that really so surprising?

Ethan is the linchpin of the alliance, and a seasoned warrior who defeated Vortigern.

Although I hear he has lost most of his strength now...

...What Cameliard urgently needs is not military might.

The fervor that my father and I could not ignite. An intangible strength that can spark a blaze like the cheers of this Colosseum.

It is the charisma that can make the people of Cameliard chase the madness called "faith."

.......

Moreover, all the kingdoms of Britannia owe Ethan a debt.

Even if he were to become my husband against his will, he is a righteous man who would never shirk his responsibilities.

Come now, there's no need to repeat the obvious, so will you make your choice soon?

Whether you will stand by and watch Cameliard fall to its knees before the Ygritte Empire.

...Or whether you will yield the spark for everything else that remains.

I-I...!

What is the meaning of this? To step before the throne without following proper procedure!

W-Wait a moment, Princess Guinevere!

Th-That soldier... is Mordred's...!?

F-Forgive my rudeness, Your Highness Elizabeth! And Princess Guinevere!

Urgent message from Camelot! Emperor Lucius's Imperial Knights are advancing north towards Cameliard!

The Knights of the Round Table have departed in haste, but... it seems they won't make it in time!

W-What are you saying...!? There was no sign of the Ygritte fleet moving at all!

Much less could they have crossed the strait so quickly...

N-Not the sea! It's the sky!

The enemy is a special unit of the Knights of the Holy Fire, led by their newly appointed captain! All of them are riding dragons, traversing the sky!!

D-Dragons!?

......!! Get back!!!

Eh...?

Overwhelming! Truly overwhelming!

No one can stop Bedivere's advance!

Even Kay might be in danger now, huh?! Will the Colosseum champion finally change today?!!

H-Huff... huff...

Please watch over me, Goddess of the World Tree...! My dazzling growth...!!

.......

.......

It's getting a bit boring. We've already fought over 30 rounds of trash mobs.

I know, right? And almost all of them were the same monsters.

They're even reusing tournament participants. Looks like this place also has a serious shortage of budget and personnel.

What nonsense is that now?

If nonsense had context, would it still be nonsense?

Oh, right. To add some tension to this lax tournament, how about we send out a slime one more time?

You want me to come up with another "Beast of Doom" setting? Doing it twice seems a bit forced.

Why are we talking about plot consistency now? We just blurted it out as it came to mind anyway.

That's true.

(Whispering) Um... could you two please start focusing again?

The next match is the semifinals. And this opponent won't be easy even for Bedivere.

Oh, what kind of slime is it this time?

Like a Lovely Cosmic Slime that crawled up from hell.

Ooh, how about we make it mimic Bedivere, then dress it in a maid outfit?

Sounds good. Let's get it a job at a Maid Café and have it hone its Skills.

Ah... Ahahaha...

...Okay, I apologize. Please, you two, just behave.

.......

...Once upon a time, there was a girl known as the Crybaby Knight.

The girl cried at the cruelty of the world and her own weakness, and she cried for all those who were hurt, but...

...In moments when she had to move forward, she swallowed her tears.

Instead, she sharpened her gaze like a blade, eventually chosen by the world, and accepted by herself!

We know that girl's name! Perhaps we are here to witness that legend!

A member of the Knights of the Round Table of Camelot, the knight who received the World Tree's final selection!

And the shadow of Britannia's Queen, Elizabeth Pendragon!

Bedivere, "The Slime Slayer"─!!!

P-Please take care of me until the very end!

I-I-I... I'll-I'll-I'll... I'll do my very best!!

For the Fairy Queen's sake. A more pathetic title than Ethan "The Pig" actually exists.

Shut up before I give you a catastrophically cute nickname.

Of course! This opponent is no pushover either!

Although no one cared! A formidable Warrior who steadily made his way through the long tournament!!

Come to think of it, who was the semifinals opponent? I think he roughly looked like Ethan.

It wasn't an orc, it was a troll. He was surprisingly intelligent, for a troll.

Although no one cared! A man already called a living legend in the mercenary world!!

...Gulp!

I can do it, Bedi...! Let's focus until the end, Bedi...!

Let's go, let's go...! You can do it, Bedi......!

Although no one cared! The legendary warrior who broke a Dragon's neck with his bare hands, and single-handedly wiped out an entire army!

Huh? W-What's that sound?!

O-Oh, my...! Is the contestant so impatient he's trying to break down the door?!

C-Calm down! The introduction isn't finished yet...

A-Are you alright!? I haven't done anything yet...!

Eh... Kay?!

Step back, Bedi! That's no contestant!

Honestly... No matter how important it is to attract the audience's attention, this kind of prank is troublesome.

First, come out into the light. I'll give you a chance to explain yourself.

.......

Hey, Morgana. Don't tell me that's...

Tsk, I figured we'd meet someday.

I never thought that vixen would show up herself... This is unexpected.

Mmm... With an atmosphere like this, I too wish to indulge.

I'd love a splendid introduction, but there's no way a script would be prepared for an uninvited guest, so...

...Yes, shall we improvise from here?

Long, long ago, in a very distant past. A time when humans knew nothing of magic, and fairies knew their place.

From the belly of a certain dragon, torn to pieces, a hatchling crawled out.

Was it because of its birth, which could only be called a curse? That black dragon was small and sickly, and grew up suffering all kinds of discrimination and scorn.

Eventually, it became twisted like an adolescent child, and became a tyrant who trampled friends and foes alike.

It's an ironic thing.

The White Dragon surely... ...must have given that child this name, wishing it would "act rightly."

.......

Oh dear... For an uninvited guest, I've gotten too carried away.

Since the preamble was long, let's keep the self-introduction as short as possible.

Eupraxia, the Third Dragon Lord and the Emperor's Guardian Dragon.