Book 2: Chapter 30 (1/2)

“Governor Dupey sir,” an elf saluted as he entered his boss’ room. “There’s been an unexpected development concerning the competition taking place in two weeks.”

“Oh, what is it?” The question came from behind a massive black chair. Its back was facing the entrance, obscuring the elf’s boss from view.

“The SSS-ranked adventurer, Alice Lowenherz, has signed up for the competition along with three of her companions: two unknown SSS-ranked adventurers and an E-ranked fairy queen.”

“…What? Why?”

“…Perhaps she’s seen the glory of the dwarves and wishes to join us?” the elf asked.

“You know that’s impossible. The Lion of the East is the strongest defender of human rights. There’s absolutely no chance for her to join us. Has she taken a disliking to my competition? She’s here to sabotage it, isn’t she?” The chair shook, and the elf assumed the dwarf sitting on it was nodding. “Deny her application.”

“We tried that because we knew you wouldn’t approve, but she, no, her companion was extremely insistent on joining.” The elf paused. “Right. Her companions were odd. One seems to be an undiscovered species, possibly a hybrid between a fairy and an elf, and the other is…” The elf’s forehead scrunched up as he chewed on his lower lip.

“…Is?”

The elf winced. “Developmentally challenged…?”

A sigh came from behind the chair. “The worst kind of SSS-ranked adventurer then. Someone who believes they can do anything and actually can—that type of person?”

“Yes.”

“So he’s like His Gloriousness…” There was another sigh. “Let them compete then. Make sure to advertise as much as possible before the competition starts. You can even delay the competition to ensure maximum profits. There should be hundreds of people looking for the chance to fight the Lion of the East. She might be trying to fleece us of our equipment, but I can use her to make just as much money back.”

“As you command, General Dupey sir.”

***

“Have you heard? The berserk librarian is going to be competing in the next competition.”

“What? Really!? No way, why would she ever do that?”

Alice gritted her teeth as the fork in her hand snapped into two pieces. She muttered, “I hate that name.” She raised her head. “Do I really look like a librarian?”

“You look like a rogue,” Tafel said from across the table. Alice was wearing a cloak that obscured every part of her face except for her mouth.

“Whose fault is that? Why did I have to sign up for the stupid competition too!? I hate anything that promotes dwarven supremacy.”

“Stop looking so glum,” Tafel said with a smile. “Admit it, you actually enjoy fighting a lot. I could tell during our duel.”

“Well—”

Vur raised his glass, interrupting Alice. “I couldn’t.”

“You know, it’s been a very long time since I’ve been mad at a single person.” Alice pursed her lips while glaring at Vur.

Vur’s brow furrowed. “Being mad is no good. What if you destroy a few towns by accident?”