Chapter 257 - The Arena Roars to Life
The opening exhibition match will be an unconventional battle. Flannel the Hero is set to take on multiple challengers in succession. It's somewhat like a tournament, but it's just an exhibition match, and Flannel’s victory is a foregone conclusion.
For many, the highlight is seeing the Hero’s prowess, not his potential defeat. It might seem rigged, but this exhibition match is just for show, and there’s no betting involved. Besides, Flannel is skilled enough to take on a group of decent fighters and win easily.
With the main tournament just around the corner, I wrapped up my discussion with Siegrune and looked forward to a good night's sleep. The next day would be a busy one from early morning.
The Security Bureau was already working overtime to prepare, and everyone else who wasn’t handling essential duties would head to the Arena. Many staff members, not just the Kikyo Society, are involved, but the preliminary meetings and drills should ensure everything runs smoothly. I’ve heard that the advisors sent by Anastasia Union provided very useful guidance and advice.
As the president of the Kikyo Society and a board member of the Arena, I’ll be on site early in the morning. Various dignitaries are expected to arrive today, thanks to all the coordination. Even though the bomb threat has been resolved, security will be tight, as it should be.
Dignitaries have their reputations to maintain, so they can’t back out of attending just because of a resolved issue. They have a duty to quash any concerns or rumors, so they must appear confident. While the main event of the tournament starts later, today’s opening exhibition is also crucial.
To be honest, the first day of the main tournament, with its seeded famous fighters, will be less interesting to the dignitaries. They’re likely more intrigued by today’s exhibition match. Additionally, today is a purely festive day without betting, so the atmosphere is less tense, and security can focus more on the VIP stands rather than the general audience.
As the tournament progresses and reaches the semi-finals and finals, more dignitaries will return, but by then, the staff will be more familiar with their roles. Today, the Exembra Guard and security personnel from the Royal Capital will also be on duty, so the burden on us will be lighter.
“...Ah, I’m thinking too much.”
“Onee-sama, as a board member, it’s natural to worry, but everything will be fine.”
That’s true. I’ve delegated the on-site responsibilities to the team, and there’s no point in overthinking things at this stage. If any issues arise, they’ll handle it. I’m here as backup in case Zenobia faces an unexpected situation, but I doubt anything out of the ordinary will happen.
Since I have some free time, I might go encourage the participants. Staying idle just makes me overthink.
“Valeria, let’s go to the contestant lounge.”
“Yes!”
From the board member’s private room on the third floor of the Arena, I walked through the bustling corridor to the basement. First, I headed to Flannel’s room. He’s not a hero to me, but as an acquaintance, it’s only right to greet him.
The room was more luxurious than the others, and I reached it after a brief nod to the Security Bureau members. I pressed the doorbell on the magic-locked door, and it opened without a word.
“Who is it?”
A teenager who looked to be in the prime of adolescence answered. Probably Flannel’s attendant.
“I’m a board member. I’ve come to greet you.”
“That voice is Yukarinowe. Come in, please.”
“No way, Rosmerta!? When did you...”
Her familiar voice and mannerisms were unmistakable. The Duchess Rosmerta, always making surprise appearances. Does she get a kick out of shocking people?
The boy opened the door wide, and Valeria and I entered.
“Fufu, I was planning to surprise you later.”
“You’ve already given me a big enough surprise. Weren’t you supposed to arrive with the royal family this afternoon?”
Flannel needs time to prepare as a contestant, and showing up at an odd hour could cause a commotion. But as a Duchess, Rosmerta’s arrival is handled differently.
Since there were no reports from the Security Bureau, she must have disguised herself and entered with Flannel’s entourage. What is she up to?
“Deception starts with your allies. The king has already arrived and is resting until the event.”
“Even the royal family? You should have at least told me... There’s no enemy left, you know.”
“Always prepared is my way.”
“Sure, whatever. Thanks for Flannel’s willingness to participate.”
Regular correspondence with Rosmerta means there’s not much to catch up on. I’ll focus on encouraging Flannel.
With his long blue hair and androgynous features, he’s bound to be popular. Beyond his heroic deeds, his looks alone are a crowd-pleaser.
“It’s a request from the Lady. I couldn’t refuse.”
“He’s your boss, after all. I’m counting on you today. The success of the event depends on this exhibition match.”
“Onee-sama and I will watch the fight. Do your best.”
Valeria subtly adds a bit of pressure.
“Yes, show your full strength as the former Crimson Knights leader. Don’t forget, this is also your debut as the leader of the Aurora Torch Knights.”
“Hm, Aurora Torch?”
“It’s the name of my new knight order. It was quite a challenge to equip them.”
I recall reading in her letters that she had seized a mine that produces Aurora Ore.
Aurora Ore is a high-quality magical mineral with a rainbow sheen. It’s noble and beautiful but not as heat-resistant as Mithril. It’s visually striking, shining rainbow colors in the light, making it a flashy material.
The attendant removed the cloth covering a set of armor made from Aurora Ore. This must be the gear for the new knight order.
A quick look suggests that the armor’s heat weakness is mitigated by engraving magic. Using a different magical mineral as the primary material could free up resources, but this is a matter of personal preference, which I respect.
“While it might not suit ordinary knights, it fits Rosmerta’s knights well. Especially Flannel, who can pull it off effortlessly.”
“Looks great. I think it’s perfect.”
It’s a heroic look that will boost Flannel’s popularity even further.
“Of course, Yukarinowe and Valeria understand. A person who stands out should do so completely. If it fits, there’s no need to hold back.”
The person wearing it doesn’t seem to mind, so it’s fine.
After a bit of small talk, Flannel started his preparations and left the room.
“Rosmerta, what are you planning to do? If you have free time until the match, I can give you a tour of the Arena.”
“That would be nice, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to wander around, would it?”
“True, a VIP like you would draw unnecessary attention.”
“I’ll stay here. I have about twenty letters to write. I’d like to finish them now.”
Unfortunately, she has work to do.
Writing that many letters sounds tedious, but it’s a common task for dignitaries. It must be tough.
“Understood. If anything comes up, let me know.”
“Yes, thank you. I’ll be busy after the event, so I won’t be able to spend time with you today. We’ll have to meet another time.”
“At the Epic Junebel. It’s a busy time for everyone.”
“Indeed, it’s a packed schedule.”
Today, influential figures from home and abroad are gathering.
Nobles from the provinces and VIPs from other countries are in attendance. There are viewing sessions during the tournament, impromptu meetings, and several gatherings at the hotel afterward.
Security for the Epic Junebel Hotel & Resorts will be a significant challenge. The Security Bureau will be working tirelessly.
“Anyway, let me know if anything comes up. I’m heading out.”
“Rosmerta-sama, until next time.”
“Yes, see you.”
Leaving the special room, I decided to visit the main contestant lounge next.
While they’re supposed to lose, the contestants need to put in a good effort to create excitement. They need to try their best.
Walking into the large room where the contestants gathered, I heard a loud voice.
It wasn’t the contestants hyping themselves up but someone else encouraging them. Perfect, they’re already doing it.
Entering the room, I saw what I expected.
“The opponent is the Hero Flannel, former leader of the Crimson Knights. No one expects you to win, but at least land a hit! You’ll earn respect for taking a swing at the Hero!”
Indeed, even if they can’t win, they need to show some spirit. A lackluster performance would be boring to watch.
In fact, I’d prefer they aim to win. This is an arena, and humility is unnecessary. Be greedy for victory!
“Yukari, you’re just in time. This is the Arena’s boss. A good performance might even earn you a bonus.”
I’ll join in on Gradena’s hype.
The eight young men in front of me were recommended by the Adventurer Guild and Mercenary Guild. I expected cocky and confident, but they’re surprisingly calm, listening to Gradena. Gradena’s imposing presence must have them intimidated.
They seem more honored to face a hero than eager to win.
I see, they need more motivation.
“Understood. I promise, as the president of the Kikyo Society, that a good performance will earn a generous bonus. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in front of tens of thousands of spectators. A poor showing will disappoint not only the crowd but also Flannel. You’re the Guild’s promising young talent. We have high hopes for you, and I’m sure Flannel does too. Show your spirit!”
“Exactly, you guys! If you impress him, you might even join Flannel’s knight order!”
The young men’s eyes lit up.
“Could I really join Flannel’s knight order?”
“If you do well, it’s a real possibility.”
“Alright, I’ll do it. I’ll do it!”
“A bonus would clear my debts!”
They’re straightforward and easy to motivate.
The bonus and the honor of performing in front of thousands seem to have sunk in. They’re determined to put on a good show for the hero.
“Gradena, take care of them. Your guidance will ensure a better match.”
“Sure thing. Flannel has nothing to worry about. The future of this event depends on these guys. I’ll do my best. By the way, Valeria, help out here. We’re starting a mock battle.”
“Onee-sama.”
“I’ll head back to my room. Other board members will likely arrive soon and start complaining. I’ll just have to placate them until the match. You’ll be more useful here, so help out.”
With those words, I returned to my room.
As expected, the dignitaries arrived and started voicing unnecessary concerns, which I had to politely dismiss. Time flew by.
Before the main event, there were various pre-shows. Sponsors had actors perform to subtly promote their products, a singer in flashy attire performed, and there were dance performances. There were also greetings from important nobles. I missed all of it.
After a brief rest, I headed to the arena. The corridors were filled with the buzz and presence of people.
The third floor is a special area for nobles and their associates, so it’s not overcrowded. Most people are in the audience, eagerly awaiting the start.
The arena was already buzzing with excitement, even before the matches began.
Approaching the door where the Security Bureau members were stationed, I reached the box seat reserved for the Kikyo Society.
As I approached, the door opened, and a wave of cheers greeted me. The main guest must have just arrived. Looking down, I saw Flannel, dressed in his new Aurora Ore armor, making his entrance.
Sieggrune gestured for me to take a seat. Margaret’s commentary echoed through the arena.
“Flannel the Hero enters the stage! The former leader of the Crimson Knights, a key figure in the Kingdom of Brenark’s revival, and a Hero of Salvation! Dressed in a new, radiant white armor, the hero is ready to debut at the Exembra Arena, in the opening exhibition match!”