NOVEL NEXT Chapter 313 - Opening!
Opening!
“Many of you may be seeing me for the first time. My name is Martinelshiela, and I’m the representative of the Special-grade guild, Schutor. I’m also the general manager of this tournament.”
Mara-san’s voice, smooth and unwavering, is incredibly pleasing to the ears. I looked around, and everyone was mesmerized, listening intently. Of course they are, not only is she beautiful, but her voice is also beautiful! I can’t help but feel a bit proud!
“It’s truly an honor to have so many of you gathered here today. Especially those representing each country, I’m incredibly grateful that you were able to make time for us, despite your busy schedules.”
Ah, that’s right! The kings of the Demon Continent are also here to watch! They’re probably on the floor above us, where Mara-san’s looking.
I wonder… what kind of people they are. I want to see them, but I’m also a bit intimidated. If I remember correctly, the Stella people are looking after them. I’m sure they’re handling it well. That’s the impression I have.
“Aside from our Special-grade guild, Schutor, there are many who have helped us to make this tournament a reality. And today, we’ve asked those leading each organization to join us here. You’re all probably familiar with them, but allow me to introduce them.”
Ah, it seems like it’s time to introduce Dad and the others. I have to get ready to applaud! I got out of my seat and clung to the handrail at the very front. It looks like Asuka also came. Waku waku!
“Firstly, the Demon King, Zahariash-sama, who rules over the Demon Continent.”
Father-sama, at Mara-san’s introduction, lightly raised his hand. Seeing that, I immediately started to applaud with all my might, but… Huh? Am I the only one clapping? It looks like everyone’s frozen because of Father-sama’s aura and dignity. My feeble clapping is echoing throughout the venue. Ah, huh? Maybe they don’t clap? D-Did I mess up…? Me…!?”
“My my, what a warm applause from the Demon King’s daughter. You’re loved, Demon King-sama.”
“M-Meg…!”
Mara-san’s follow-up comment made it even more embarrassing!? And Father-sama, realizing what was going on, covered his mouth with his hand and started to tremble, teary-eyed. Apparently, I moved him. Wait, wait, everyone, please don’t look at me!?
I couldn’t take it anymore and hid behind the railing. I peeked through a gap, and those in the center were staring at us blankly. It’s only natural! Dad, on the other hand, was clutching his stomach, looking away! J-Just laugh, if you’re going to!
Just as my face was burning red from embarrassment, I heard applause from behind. I was surprised and turned around, and everyone in Ortus was clapping! Everyone! The Ortus members are so kind! I love them!
And that started a wave of applause throughout the venue, enveloping us in a warm atmosphere. Correction, everyone in this venue is so kind! Everyone patted my head as I smiled teary-eyed. Eh, ehehe.
“Fufu, now then, next up, the leader of the Special-grade guild, Eugene-sama.”
When the applause subsided, Mara-san introduced Dad. He also raised his hand when his name was called, so I clapped. I’m not embarrassed anymore! And this time, everyone else also started clapping from the beginning. I’m relieved.
And it was the same when they introduced Chezario, the chief of Stella, and then Diega, the head of Annulus. I’m happy, seeing all the applause. Those who were applauded, on the other hand, seemed a bit embarrassed!
“It’s thanks to all of you that we’ve been able to reach this day. Thank you. I hope you’ll all enjoy the tournament.”
She’s right. A lot of people worked hard for this.
Stella was in charge of contacting the other countries and creating the schedule, Schutor was in charge of planning and gathering the personnel, Ortus was mainly in charge of the facilities, and Annulus was in charge of the arrangements for the surrounding area, and calculating the necessary expenses. And Demon Castle did the final checks and overall supervision… today was made possible, thanks to everyone cooperating in their respective areas of expertise.
I’m truly touched because unlike humans, the people on the Demon Continent aren’t really used to working together.
Mara-san then went over a few things. The tournament rules, the precautions, and information about the facilities. Yeah, yeah, that’s important.
“Lastly, after the tournament ends… we’re planning to open this facility to everyone as a training ground. It belongs to this country, Sainsley, and our guild, Schutor, will be managing it, but… we’ll be distributing a part of the profit to the guilds and to Demon Castle, those who helped us with this tournament. So basically, anyone can use it, regardless of which country you belong to. This was a mutual agreement between all the guilds, not just the Special-grade guilds.”
Mara-san’s words caused an uproar in the audience. Well, I guess it’s only natural. Because those without the Special-grade title aren’t allowed to operate in other countries, or interact with guilds in other countries. Though they can accept requests from individuals.
It’s a huge deal, being able to interact and spar with others by coming here, especially for the newly created, small guilds. And they can even exchange information about managing and growing their guild. And more importantly, it’s incredibly important to learn about other countries. Maybe the Demon Continent will develop even more with the growth of capable personnel.
“I hope this tournament will lead to a brighter future for the Demon Continent. Now then, let the tournament begin!”
Mara-san’s words brought the venue to life, and the opening ceremony ended. It’s finally time for the matches!
『We’re finally starting! Nice to meet you all! I’m Karina-chan, the beautiful maid who works at Demon Castle, and I’ll be giving you all the play-by-play commentary and announcements! Get ready for some fair, energetic, exciting commentary!!』
Suddenly, a cheerful, cute voice resonated throughout the venue. Eh, eh, commentary? They even have those? Everyone in the venue was buzzing.
『The leaders of each guild, those who were just introduced, and the Demon King-sama will be giving the match commentary, in rotation! Ufufu, isn’t that amazing!? Karina-chan’s so nervous!』
Eh, that really is amazing! But she’s so energetic! I kind of want to meet her!
『Now then! Let’s get ready for the matches! First up, the underage division! These children, the treasures of the Demon Continent, will be working hard! Everyone, please cheer for them!』
That adorable announcer then called the names of Asuka and Myke, who are in the first match, and then Goot and Pia, who are in the second match. I’m in the fifth match, so I’m still waiting in the spectator seats. I have to cheer for them!
“Ugh, I’m so nervous.”
“You can do it, Asuka!”
I cheered for Asuka, who was clutching his chest, looking nervous. That door over there leads to the waiting room, right? It was adorable, how he was repeatedly confirming with Schlie-san.
“Fufu, you two look so cute together, Asuka, Meg-chan! Are your battle outfits matching? It looks good on you!”
Saura-san, maybe to relax him, spoke up in her usual, cheerful tone. Ehehe, that’s right, they’re our favorites, because we paid for them ourselves!
Asuka’s is light blue, and mine’s light orange. The bottoms are a bit different, but it’s obvious they’re matching. I also love them, because it shows how close we are!
“Right!? I think it looks good on me too! It’s matching with Meg’s, and we look great together, right? Don’t we look good together?”
“Wah!”
Asuka, happy to be complimented, grinned and then suddenly linked arms with me. I lost my balance, but managed to not fall. “Come on, don’t do things so suddenly!” Just as I was about to complain, I felt his heart pounding against my chest, so I kept quiet.
He’s responding cheerfully, but he’s still nervous. It’s only natural because he’s the first one up. It’s his first time participating in a tournament, and it’s the first match! But he’s trying not to let it show, and that’s kind of cool!
“Fufu, that’s right, you two are both adorable! But there’s more to you than just being cute, right?”
Saura-san, saying this, grinned knowingly. She knows, of course. I mean, it’s Saura-san. Or rather, I think everyone here knows. Aside from maybe Juma-nii.
“You’ve trained hard, haven’t you, Asuka? Believe in your effort. Winning and losing, it’s all experience, it’ll make you stronger. Compatibility also affects a match. I’ve learned that the hard way!”
Those were powerful words. She’s incredible! It even motivated me! And I could tell Asuka was relieved. I’m glad!
“Okay! Got it! But I’m definitely going to win!”
Asuka declared that, clenching his fists. He then looked at me, and I also spoke to him.
“I’ll be cheering for you here!”
“Okay! It feels like I’ll be able to work even harder if you’re cheering for me, Meg!”
Asuka, saying that with an angelic smile, is an angel, I’m sure of it! Haa, you’ve defeated this onee-san with your adorable smile!
“Now then, let’s go, Asuka.”
“Okaay!”
Urged by Schlie-san, he then headed for the door that leads to the waiting room. Everyone patted him on the back as he passed by, and cheered for him. Ortus is like a family. I wonder if they’ll also do that when it’s my turn?
Just as the door closed, with Asuka and Schlie-san now in the waiting room, everyone moved to where they could see the venue. I clung to the handrail because I wouldn’t be able to see if I sat down. Those woes of being short… Saura-san was also standing. We were smiling at each other, standing side-by-side, and then I felt myself being lifted. Uwah!?
“You must be tired of standing. Well, if you don’t mind…”
When I looked back, there was Gil-san, wearing his mask. It seems like he’s going to let me sit on his lap. He’s a bit awkward, probably because of what happened. Uu~, that makes me uncomfortable! I’m happy though.
“Is that okay? Thanks! That would be helpful! Thank you, Wyatt!”
“No problem! It’s nothing!”
I looked to the side, and Saura-san was sitting on Wyatt-san’s lap. She nonchalantly thanked him and accepted. Seeing that, I relaxed. Yeah, it’s fine. Okay.
“Gil-san, thank you! I can see much better like this, and I’m happy!”
He’s probably a bit uncomfortable… but, that’s separate from properly conveying my feelings. I still want to be spoiled by Gil-san! And I want to rely on him if I can! Just like Saura-san, naturally!
“…I see.”
Gil-san, narrowing his eyes gently, answered. It feels like he’s relieved. Yeah, this is how it should be!
Someday, I also want to become someone that the guild members can rely on, someone who they feel comfortable asking for help from. Then maybe I’ll also be able to naturally rely on people. For that, all I can do is train hard! I pulled myself together.