Chapter 134: Award Ceremony

“Hey hey, they finally won…”

“To defeat the Eriksen family too…”

“And with Captain Gascoin on their side this year…”

As the match concluded and the players withdrew, the murmurs of the audience continued.

Much of it was directed towards the unexpected victory of the Klaufeldt family.

In the area where they had retired, members of the Klaufeldt and Eriksen families were chatting.

“I never thought you’d throw your magic tools. I still have a long way to go.”

“I never thought I’d end up throwing them either.”

It was Gascoin and Mizeroi speaking.

It seems that the action of throwing expensive magic tools caught them off guard.

“And what about the movements of that half-elf? I thought they were a rearguard. Was that also a magic tool?”

“Oh, that was magic. It was the Full-Body Enhancement spell.”

“Full-Body Enhancement… I didn’t mishear that, did I? But to enhance oneself so much with Full-Body Enhancement, I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Gascoin’s eyes widened at Ulysses’ answer.

Full-Body Enhancement was considered a magic that couldn’t be used, so it wasn’t surprising.

“Speaking of which, the last magic I got attacked with seemed to be called ‘Heaven and Earth Stake Grand Spike’?”

“Oh, yes, it was indeed Heaven and Earth Stake Grand Spike.”

“Really… To think you can create stakes of that size with Heaven and Earth Stake Grand Spike. Isn’t that impossible?”

The opponent who got hit by Felix’s Heaven and Earth Stake Grand Spike was surprised, making a gesture indicating a length of about ten centimeters with his index finger and thumb.

“That just shows how excellent our magic advisor Isamu-dono is. Isn’t that right, Selfers-sama?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

As they conversed, the heads of both families appeared.

The knights from both sides saluted.

“Well, I apologize, master. We lost.”

Gascoin said, bowing his head to Eleonora.

“Haha, Gascoin’s winning streak has finally ended. Well, that couldn’t be helped. To think someone would come assaulting after throwing their magic tools. Truly remarkable.”

Gascoin, a skilled mercenary and leader of a mercenary group, is deployed to various battlefields throughout the year.

It seems that being able to participate in the mock battle is rare, happening only once every three years.

With this level of strength, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Eriksen family, which is strong enough to win every year, frequently misses out on victory due to this reason.

“Well, the magic is also standing out, but… before that. It was surprising to throw away magic tools. That alone is unbelievable. Is this also Isamu’s doing?”

Eleonora narrowed her eyes and glanced at Isamu.

“Oh, I wonder about that… It might have been the catalyst.”

“… Well, never mind. We’ll find out soon enough. I’m looking forward to the joint extermination starting the day after tomorrow.”

Although Eleonora was dodging casually, she said with a soft smile.

“Now, it’s almost time for the awards ceremony. We can’t be late for His Majesty the King’s presence, so let’s start preparing.”

“Understood!”

The mercenaries responded to Eleonora’s call and headed to the waiting room.

“Oh, is it that time already? Let’s prepare as well.”

“Yes, sir!”

The members of the Klaufeldt family also responded to Selfers’ call and headed to the waiting room.

As they were cleaning themselves and their belongings, there was a knock on the door.

“The awards ceremony will begin shortly. Please gather in front of the balcony!”

A voice from outside the door announced. It seemed like it was time to assemble.

“Well, let’s go then.”

“Yes, sir!”

Responding once again to Selfers’ call, the group, led by Selfers, headed for the entrance to the balcony.

Shortly after, Count Eriksen, who won second place, and Marquis Felker, who won the third-place match held before the final, joined in, entering the balcony where the awards ceremony would take place.

By the way, in the awards ceremony, not only the heads and regular members but also support members can participate.

Many teams have support members who often end up fighting due to injuries during matches.

As a precaution, Isamu was registered as a support member, so he could also participate in the awards ceremony.

The group emerged from the door to the balcony and was greeted by thunderous applause and cheers.

The balcony was located higher than the stage where the matches were held, connected to the VIP seats where the king and other royals were watching by a staircase.

Naturally, it was a structure that could not be accessed from the regular seats, and it was surrounded by royal knights.

Responding to the pouring cheers with smiles, everyone proceeded to their designated positions and stood up straight.

“Now, let us proceed with the awards ceremony.”

“””””Ooooooohhhhh!!”””””

The audience erupted in cheers at the host’s declaration. Isamu heard from Selfers that the host seemed to be a Marquis who also served as the Minister of Internal Affairs.

“His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, please enter!”

“”””Ooooooohhhhh!!””””

The audience’s cheers grew louder at those words.

“Your Majesty~!” “Queen~!” The calls echoed, and Isamu felt like he was witnessing a Hollywood actor appearing at an airport.

Isamu asked Selfers quietly if it was okay not to salute, and he explained that as long as you’re not on the same stage, commoners don’t have to use excessive manners. It seemed that the popularity among commoners, including the king and queen, was also very important, so excessive etiquette wasn’t enforced in such situations.

On the other hand, those on the balcony connected to the VIP seats greeted them with the most respectful salute.

As they continued to wait in that position, the cheers from the audience suddenly grew louder.

Wondering what was happening, they heard a low but clear voice.

“Raise your faces.”

At that voice, everyone on the balcony raised their faces at once.

“The mock battle this time was grand. It reassures me to see the strength of the Kingdom Knights still alive and well this year.”

The king’s words of praise were directed at them.

He’s said to be close to seventy years old, but with slightly long, loosely waved blonde hair, and a beard of the same color, he had a ruggedness that belied his age.

The queen also looked much younger than her age, which was said to be over sixty. The people behind her, who seemed to be princes and princesses, were also full of youthful vitality.

Royal blood seems to be different from that of nobles, Isamu thought, as the king finished his speech and the host spoke up again.

“Now, let us proceed with the awards. Third place, Marquis Felker!”

“””Yes!””””

When the name was called, the members of the Felker family stood up, and cheers and applause were sent from the audience.

“The shield and medal will be presented by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Head of the family, Samuel Felker, please step forward.”

“Yes.”

Following the host’s instructions, Samuel stepped forward.

“You may have been disappointed with the semifinals, but the third-place match was splendid. As expected of the Felker family, your magic prowess is reassuringly strong this year as well. Please continue to serve the kingdom well with your strength.”

“Thank you very much for your kind words!”

The first prince pinned a medal to Samuel’s chest and awarded him a shield.

Then, the prince spoke a few words to each of the six regular members and two support members, pinning medals to their chests as well.

“In second place, Count Eriksen!”

“Yes!”

When the name of the Eriksen family was called after the Felker family, there was a louder cheer than before.

It seems that the popularity of Eleanora, the female count and the strongest in the kingdom, is indeed quite high.

“I shall bestow upon you this shield and medal on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. Please step forward, head of the house, Eleanora Eriksen.”

“Yes.”

“The final match was a splendid battle. Unfortunately, it ended with a second place, but I am relieved to see the strength of the mercenary house of the Eriksen family still intact. Please continue to serve us well in the future.”

“Yes. Thank you very much for your kind words!”

“Haha, Eleonora, weren’t you the one who wanted to fight?”

“Ah!! As expected of you, Your Majesty… I can’t hide anything from you.”

“Guh” “Kuh”

Eleonora scratched her head at the queen’s teasing. The Eriksen family knights, upon hearing this, struggled to contain their laughter, looking sideways or downward.

Seeing such a frank conversation, it seemed that the queen and Eleonora were close acquaintances.

Afterward, the queen, with a gentle smile, bestowed medals upon the knights of the Eriksen family one by one.

“And the winner of this year’s tournament, the Viscount Klaufeldt family!!!”

“Hah!!”

With that, the final name, the Klaufeldt family, was called out. The loudest cheers of the day echoed from the audience.

“The shield and medal will be presented by His Majesty the King. Head of the family, Selfers Klaufeldt, please step forward.”

“Yes!”

“It was an excellent battle. To have defeated the Eriksen family led by the monster Captain, it can be said without a doubt that you are the rightful champions. Moreover, it seems you also helped with firefighting activities in the city and stopped unruly magic users. Your efforts are commendable not only for the nobility but for all the citizens of the kingdom. With that strength, please continue to support the kingdom in the future.”

“Yes! Your words are too kind, and I am deeply honored. I will continue to do my best for the kingdom’s sake!”

“I heard this success was largely due to the guidance of that wanderer over there?”

“Yes! Isamu can efficiently use magic thanks to his skill, so we have been experimenting with various techniques based on that.”

“I see. Samuel, what do you think?”

The king turned to Samuel. As the kingdom’s top magician, it was natural to ask for his opinion since he was nearby.

“Well… I haven’t directly seen Matsumoto-dono’s magic, but concerning the magic used by the knights of the Klaufeldt family… Their spells seems to have higher power despite having the same magic energy.”

Though he was suddenly asked, Samuel answered calmly, without any signs of panic.

“Hmm. Even from the perspective of the kingdom’s top magician, is that so? Well, I regret being late to the party. If Selfers’ daughter hadn’t been engaged, I would have considered him as a match for my granddaughter.”

With a smirk, the king looked at Isamu.

“While it is indeed an honorable offer, I have already sworn my future to Lady Annemarie… Your Majesty’s words are greatly appreciated, nevertheless.”

Seeing Selfers remain silent, Isamu bowed deeply as he spoke.

“Haha, of course, of course. It would be a matter of royal dignity if I were to forcibly take another family’s betrothed. As a substitute, would you consider parting with some of the magic tools you used this time? Those must be concealed magic tools, right?”

Although he said it with a laugh, Isamu could tell that the king was half serious.

Since he planned to use them only in his territory, Isamu had no intention of selling them. However, he wondered if he should consider providing them with some replicas made with plating as a countermeasure. While Isamu was contemplating this, he noticed Selfers nodding slightly.

However, just as Selfers was about to speak, unexpected individuals spoke first.

“With all due respect, Your Majesty, is it not somewhat problematic to request the transfer of concealed magic tools…?”

“Yes, indeed. When Your Majesty suggests such a thing, it may be difficult for everyone to refuse…”

While it wasn’t surprising that Eleonora, who seemed to be close to the queen, and even Samuel would advise against it, Isamu was surprised to see Selfers wearing the same astonished expression.

“Haha, it’s clearly a joke! Both Selfers and Isamu, along with Eleonora and Samuel, have been requested to participate in the joint extermination starting the day after tomorrow. Now, let’s all celebrate the birth of a new strongman!”

“”Oooooooh!””

Ignoring Samuel and Eleonora’s reactions with ease, the king addressed the audience, causing the venue’s excitement to reach new heights.

Amidst the uproar, the king awarded medals to the members of the Klaufeldt family. Though they weren’t allowed to wear them directly on their chests except for the head of the family, everyone was tense as they received them directly from the king.

Afterward, as the excitement in the venue reached its peak, the host deemed it the right time to conclude.

“With this, we conclude this year’s tournament awards ceremony! Let’s give equal praise to those who made it to the top and those who were unfortunately defeated!”

With the closing words, the final cheers of the day echoed throughout the venue.

In the deserted royal waiting room where all the spectators and nobles had left, two men remained.

“I tried to shake things up a bit, but… I never expected Samuel and Eleonora to intervene. What do you think, Zaid?”

The first man was none other than the king himself. His earlier cheerful expression was now replaced with a more serious demeanor.

“Well… At this point, it doesn’t seem likely that they will form an alliance. Due to the lack of information on that wanderer, we should expedite our information gathering efforts.”

Zaid, the man addressed, responded. He was the Minister of Internal Affairs, Zaid Meklinger, who had just hosted the ceremony.

“Hmm… It seems unavoidable. I heard Samuel had turned away from it, so I didn’t pay much attention, but it seems to have backfired. Well, it’s fine. Let’s cast our shadow over the Klaufeldt territory in the future.”

“As you wish.”

Bowing deeply to the king’s instructions, Zaid left the room.

“Now then, is that wanderer a medicine or a deadly poison, I wonder…”

The king’s voice quietly echoed in the empty room.

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