Chapter 259 - Pumping Them Up: A Maiden's Encouragement
Exiting the box seats and heading toward the VIP area, I can't help but reflect on the match that just took place. From the constant cheers of the audience, it's clear the event has already been a success in terms of entertainment. However, the disparity in skill between Flannel and the challengers made for a rather poor match. Flannel's flair for showmanship is the only reason it remained watchable. Still, even with all the spectacle, the fact that none of the challengers managed to draw their swords is a bit disappointing.
Sure, they might throw in a last-minute sword draw as a courtesy, but the audience is already so excited that they might catch on to the staged nature of it. Especially when they look back on it, it will be obvious.
I don't mean to criticize the challengers who stepped up, but I can't help thinking they could have done better. The big stage and the respect they have for Flannel probably made them nervous, and they only managed to show half their true potential. Despite that, they are still promising young talent recommended by the Adventurer Guild and the Mercenary Guild. Their movements, though still at an intermediate level compared to our apprentices, hint at a high potential. I believe they can do better.
Since they've had one go at it, they must be more comfortable now. I think giving them a second chance is only fair.
With these thoughts in mind, I approach the Royal Box, where two knights in Aurora Ore armor guard the entrance. They seem to recognize me and greet me with a respectful nod. I introduce myself and explain my purpose.
"I am Shinogami of the Kikyo Society. I need to see Duchess Oversta. Can you let me in?"
"Unfortunately, the Lady is quite busy at the moment."
I nod, remembering that she is often occupied during matches. "Can you pass a message along, then?"
"I need one of the Aurora Torch Knights for a moment," I say.
"Us?"
"I want to give the challengers facing Flannel a little pep talk. I could use your help."
The knights confer briefly, and one of them steps inside the box. He returns quickly.
"I'll accompany you. The Lady has instructed us to assist you as much as possible."
Rosmerta aside, the knights are unusually helpful. They must know I am on good terms with her and understand the importance of the arena.
"Thank you. Let's go, then."
"Can you tell me what kind of assistance you need?"
"Just follow my lead. No special actions required."
I ignore the curious look from the knight and head for the underground locker rooms. I stride through the corridors and enter the room where the fighters are resting. The match has progressed, and seven young men who have just finished their bouts are lounging around, looking satisfied. They recognize me from my earlier encouragement and greet me with casual nods. However, when they see the knight in similar armor to Flannel, they immediately stand at attention.
I survey the seven young men without a word, my gaze lingering on each of them for several seconds. They shift uncomfortably under my scrutiny, but I continue to glare at them. After a moment, the cheers from the audience reach us, and Gradena and an eighth young man who just finished his match enter the room.
"It's Yukari, isn't it? What's up?"
Given that he saw me in the room, he probably assumed I was here to offer encouragement. But I stand there, unsmiling and unyielding, which must seem strange to him.
Leaving the young men behind, I lead Gradena and the knight into the corridor and explain my plan.
"The exhibition matches are just getting started. Gradena, go tell Flannel and the referee to prepare for another round."
"But the matches are over, aren't they?"
"Ending on such a weak note would tarnish the Exembra Arena's reputation. We'll add one more match."
"You have a plan, huh? Having a knight with you means you've already gotten the approval of the higher-ups. Got it. I'll tell them there's another match."
Margaret's commentary about the day's summary can be heard, but I won't let this end so easily. I'll squeeze in an emergency match.
With Rosmerta's approval, Flannel won't refuse, and the audience will be eager to see what happens next.
After Gradena runs off, the knight and I return to the locker room. The eight young men are tense, watching us.
I release a burst of Physical Enhancement Magic, a standard intimidation tactic. I don't go all out, but it's enough to make them feel the power. I then whisper to the knight, "Stay quiet for a bit, then follow my lead and tear them down. Make it rough."
The knight looks surprised but nods solemnly.
These boys need to be brought to their senses. The exhibition matches are not a place for making memories.
What do they think this place is? This is the Arena, a place of combat. They've already lost just by hearing the name of the Hero before the match. They're not just losing; they're taking fatal blows. It's pathetic. And yet, they're still considered promising young talent. Our apprentices, who are more driven and capable, would do much better. But these are the ones here now, and I need to push them.
"The only ones who seemed satisfied with the match were you. The audience was pleased to see the Hero Flannel, but they weren't happy with the content of the match."
I deliver this harsh truth.
The young men look scared and resentful, but they can't deny it.
"But Flannel said they fought well..."
"Really? Given the state of the match, do you think the Hero was impressed?"
I step closer to the one who spoke, my anger evident. I slap him hard across the face, and he flies back, his cheek swelling and blood spilling from his mouth.
The others, shocked by this sudden violence, begin to show hostility. I meet their anger with physical force, equal in measure. I slap another, smash a water bottle on the third's head, and strike the fourth with the other bottle. I sweep the fifth off his feet, kick the sixth into the wall, and throw the seventh over my shoulder, hitting the eighth in the process. I finish by kicking the eighth in the side.
A brief moment of play, but they've all taken more damage than in the match.
"Are you starting to see the light, boys? Hero Flannel is deeply disappointed, and you should realize that."
I knock them down in about ten seconds, hoping to instill some resolve in them.
And mentioning the Hero's name, along with the presence of a member of the Aurora Torch Knights, adds to the pressure.
"What do you think, knight? Was Flannel satisfied with the match?"
I turn to the knight, hoping he'll play along.
The knight, clearly uncomfortable with my methods, clears his throat and speaks.
"Well, as you said, the Chief looked forward to today's matches, but the content was... disappointing. While he appreciates the effort, he is very honest in his evaluations, both good and bad."
It's a bit wooden, but the message is clear.
Despite the poor performance, the young men seem genuinely shocked. They thought they did well, only to be harshly criticized and physically punished. Now they hear a poor evaluation from a member of the Aurora Torch Knights. The realization that their guild might receive criticism from the Hero must be a heavy blow.
But I'm the one who can offer them a chance to redeem themselves. I address the silent group.
"I've arranged a special opportunity. I've spoken to Hero Flannel, and you'll get one last chance."
I dangle the promise of hope and then drive it home.
"Listen up! At least one of you needs to take or lose an arm! Make the crowd happy and show them a real fight. This is your last chance to clear your names, so put everything you have into it!"
By now, they should be ready to give it their all. Only by doing so can they hope to bring out Flannel's true strength.
I strengthen their resolve further by providing them with recovery and enhancement potions.
"You'll each receive a recovery potion and a potion to enhance your true strength."
They seem hesitant, but I silence any questions with my authority. I hand out the potions and explain the rules.
"Understand? No matter how determined you are, you'll be no match for the Hero alone. All eight of you need to go all out, as if it's a matter of life and death, to even have a chance of making him draw his sword."
"But all of us? That's—"
"You just got knocked down by me. Show some respect."
They must understand that Flannel is far beyond them. They need to realize they are still just extras, despite the praise.
"All eight of you, from the start, full force, and with the mindset that it's life or death. Only then might you earn the Hero's respect. Got it?"
"Yes, I think so. The Chief expects a fight with strong resolve."
"Exactly. If you come back unscathed, I'll crush you myself."
I grab a practice sword and smash it against the table, breaking it in half. The sight should ignite their determination.
Gradena returns, announcing that Flannel is ready and waiting.
"Your turn, boys. Don't keep the Hero and the audience waiting."
The young men, now dressed and ready, follow Gradena. I explain my plan to her and leave with the knight.
"You did this, Yukari-dono? The announcement of an additional match has the arena buzzing. The audience clearly felt the previous matches were lacking."
"Onee-sama's assessment is correct."
The atmosphere is electric, but a calm observer would see the dissatisfaction. This unexpected match should bring out a better performance from those boys.
"Everyone, thank you for waiting! We're about to start an emergency rematch! Hero Flannel will face all eight challengers at once. This is surely asking too much, isn't it? What do you think, Leader?"
"The audience understands that the skill gap was too wide in one-on-one matches. This should make things more interesting. I'm looking forward to the additional match."
Indeed. I've set the stage for Flannel's victory, but if I can bring out even a fraction of his true strength, it will be worth it.
Show them what you can do.