I Became a Veteran Heroine in a Harem Story

“Are the tournament preparations going well?”

“Yes, sir. Everything is currently proceeding according to plan without any issues.”

What occupied the Chancellor’s mind these days was the upcoming first-half Martial Arts Tournament, which was now just around the corner.

It was essentially the same as the gladiatorial arenas of the past, making students fight each other while spectators watched and ranked them, but the times and circumstances had revived this practice.

And it wore the mask of noble and honorable dueling.

It was a prestigious tournament with tradition, proudly showcased by the academies within the kingdom, and one that would rightfully appear on students’ individual careers.

“I hope there won’t be a shortage of participants?”

“I don’t think that will be an issue.”

“But fewer than 40 first-year students have registered to participate?”

“Well, about that…”

When the Chancellor examined the report and looked at the first-year Head, the Head flinched and began speaking with an awkward expression. Clearly, participation among first-years was indeed low. Not even half had signed up.

This was in stark contrast to the second and third-year students, where nearly 70 to 80 percent had applied.

“The students selected only their elite members to participate in this tournament on their own initiative. The instigator told me it was a strategy to aim for a high win rate with carefully chosen elites.”

“They decided this on their own? Don’t tell me the Year Council led this effort?”

The Chancellor’s brow twitched upon hearing the Year Head’s report. Such a claim would be absurd coming from anyone else, but currently living in the first-year Year Council was a monster acknowledged by everyone.

“That’s correct. Kiina took the lead, and all first-years agreed to this plan.”

“Hmm, interesting.”

“It seems unprecedented. So many things have been happening simultaneously.”

At the first-year Head’s words, other executives either chuckled dryly or sighed. It was rare for an entire year to move as one body like this. Especially first-years who hadn’t even fully adjusted yet.

‘Overwhelming strength plus the ability to thoroughly command her subordinates. Though I don’t know how this will end, isn’t this truly a proper seed emerging after so long? If things go well, His Majesty will be greatly pleased.’

The Chancellor enjoyed these reactions with a face full of interest. From his standpoint, it was natural to find amusement in giving students like Kiina tasks and watching how far they could go.

“Ahem, if her autocracy becomes too severe, shouldn’t we intervene? The Year Council’s authority is clearly…”

“It doesn’t seem to violate any regulations. After all, getting her peers to follow her voluntarily is purely based on ability.”

He silenced those who suggested Kiina’s influence should be reduced. As someone responsible for nurturing talent for the nation’s future, he rather wanted to give her more opportunities.

“How are those students she’s been training doing? Are there still no results?”

“She’s still immature and her technique is not fully developed yet. It’s something she discovered and mastered on her own. She herself hasn’t been properly trained, so it won’t be easy to pass it on to others.”

The conversation naturally shifted to another topic about Kiina. In response to the Chancellor’s question, the first-year Head cautiously revealed that none of Kiina’s students had shown any results yet.

“Hmm, so does this mean we should abandon this project? That’s unfortunate.”

The Chancellor clicked his tongue at the news that it wasn’t easy. In truth, no one expected her secret technique to be easily mastered.

Teaching is that difficult. Of course, the students’ inability to learn her technique was entirely due to their level, but it was true that her method was particularly demanding and difficult, showing no consideration for the learners.

“Let’s terminate the project. Perhaps when she has matured and developed further, it might become possible.”

Eventually, he postponed the plan to transmit Kiina’s secret technique indefinitely. It was inefficient to keep pursuing something that showed no effect.

At the same time, the expressions of several executives hardened upon hearing this. This meant the Academy had given everything to Kiina but received nothing in return.

“Why those expressions? Do you think we’ve gained nothing from her?”

The Chancellor snickered at the atmosphere. It was almost a scornful laugh.

“Don’t be mistaken. That child is our student, not our enemy or competitor. We haven’t lost anything; we’ve gained her. Isn’t she a treasure of our Academy?”

The Chancellor issued a blatant warning. It was a warning not to bring external issues into the Academy.

This Royal First Academy was one of the most important national institutions in the Kingdom of Laus, directly established and overseen by the royal family.

It was also where all nobles of this centuries-old, historic kingdom gathered. Dividing it by strict ranks and hierarchy rather than existing social status symbolized that this place existed separately from the outside world.

As the current king’s teacher and a high-ranking noble himself, the Chancellor was appointed with responsibility and had to maintain that honor.

“We will keep it deeply in mind, Chancellor.”

No one could argue with his words. Most simply bowed their heads deeply or averted their eyes.

♦♦♦

“That’s unfortunate. I was really serious about it.”

“As I’ve already told you, it’s a technique that doesn’t suit you.”

The project was officially canceled by the Chancellor. Unlike others who were genuinely delighted at their liberation, I shook my head as I watched Erich sigh with disappointment, who had been trying hard to learn.

When you think about it, he, who could train the techniques of this world to their limits, was the polar opposite of me, an irregular who came from outside.

I had no intention of learning his techniques either. Similarly, him learning my techniques didn’t seem like a good match.

“It’s actually for the best. Now we can focus on the tournament.”

“Everyone’s already training hard… Are you serious? Even more than this?”

“Having someone by your side can provide more motivation. It can also help you realize which areas you’re lacking in.”

Since we’d met like this, I conveyed what I had planned to him. Though he was surprised by my words, as always, I pushed forward.

While it might be impossible for other years, I believed our year could do it.

“Once the tournament ends, we’ll immediately be dispersed and assigned to field units for practical training outside. When we return from that month-long training, wouldn’t it be nice if we could all see each other’s faces intact and alive?”

“Of course. We all understand what you mean.”

He smiled bitterly and agreed with my words. However, from his tone, it seemed like he had more to say.

“But if you push too hard, everyone will become exhausted. If they train reluctantly while being self-conscious, it could have negative effects.”

“I don’t worry about such aspects. I still believe those who can’t endure don’t even qualify. That’s why you and others need to step up for those parts.”

His point was certainly valid. However, I had already set the direction from the beginning.

Since I wasn’t good at it anyway, there was no need for me to try. There were people who were good at those aspects, so I could just leave it to them.

“Can you handle it? It’s for the benefit of all of us.”

“That’s true, but we also need some carrots… Will you provide those carrots?”

When I dumped the work on him, he chuckled and mentioned carrots. I could roughly guess what he wanted from me. After all, I was already a heroine on his radar.

‘Should I give him a little opening?’

I wanted to frown and question what he meant, but for the sake of those watching, I decided to adjust a bit.

Anyway, the power to decide whether to accept or reject remained with me.

“There’s no reason not to reward those who contribute.”

“I’d better work hard then.”

When I showed a positive sign, he grinned. Given his personality, he’s definitely not someone I can let my guard down around.

“You might want to rest and play, but it’s better to endure for a few more days. Even objectively, we’re at a disadvantage compared to our opponents. It’s natural since they have more experience and knowledge. But we can’t just surrender without a fight.”

In the evening after dinner, during what was officially free time—

While other students were doing their own activities, around forty students, including myself, gathered at the training field in gym clothes.

This was the group training I had intended. Without such rigorous drilling, it would be impossible to defeat the seniors in the tournament.

This cruel plan of calling everyone during break time for training was so shocking that all who heard it clicked their tongues in astonishment. Surely everyone had many complaints, but at least they seemed less displeased when looking at me.

Whether that was due to the fear of me, who dominated the year, or because of hostility toward a common enemy, didn’t matter.

“Let’s begin our training. I’ll be practicing alongside you.”

I absolutely gave them no escape route. Everyone, without exception, needed to be so exhausted after training that they would collapse into sleep, and not just me but all tournament participants, including the Year Council members, participated in this training without exception.

Rumors like “Aren’t those first-years crazy?” began to circulate from the third day of group training.