Yuusha Yori Saikyouna Kuro Kishi
Chapter 23

Haah

Right now, during the Spear Corps matches, I sighed.

It was said that happiness escapes when you sigh, but in my case, happiness had escaped before I sighed.

Ahhhdidnt it turn out fine?

Muscle Brother-san was unusually cheerful.

However, why was he asking?

Either way, it wasnt all okay.

Brandon, what turned out fine?

-Biku!

Conrad asked Muscle Brother-san, and all of the other soldiers, including me, trembled.

It was because his voice was both dreadfully quiet and expressionless, to the point that it could have made the ground tremble.

In addition, Conrad was giving off a displeased aura.

The reason for that was his recent exchange with Charlotte, but why was he so irritated?

Co, Conrad?

I timidly addressed Conrad.

And then:

Yes, what is it, Commander?

I was surprised.

The irritated Conrad disappeared, and the normal Conrad responded with a gentle smile.

Why?

Ah, no, its nothing. If its the usual Conrad, then its fine.

Okay?

While feeling relieved that it was the normal Conrad, I told him that it was nothing.

Conrad tilted his head in confusion.

It seemed that the people around us were relieved that Conrads mood had improved.

A-anyways, the Spear Corps matches sure are interesting!

I turned my attention to the Spear Corps matches that were taking place in front of me.

I watched them closely, using the battles as a reference.

There were many types of spears, so there were also different battle styles.

The most common form was a lance, which had a short blade attached to a long shaft, as well as a conical guard on the handle.

Many of the knights in my Knight Corps used lances.

Another spear, called an ahlspiess, was shorter, about 1.5 mels long, with a rather long blade and a circular guard.

Within the Spear Corps, the number of people who wielded an ahlspiess was not low.

Just like there were various spears, there was a variety of fighting styles.

As a result, it was difficult to come up with a training menu for the Spear Corps.

It was the same with the Knight Corps.

It was easier to make one unified plan for the other four corps. On the other hand, there were all sorts of spears, and different fighting styles to go with those spears. In the first place, the members of the Knight Corps werent limited strictly to swords.

As I said before, there were knights who used lances, and there were also knights who used blunt weapons.

This caused me to have many headaches over the two corps.

Therefore, I decided to use these preliminary tournaments to create an appropriate plan from now on, which was honestly a pain, but after the half a year I had been enlisted, I was also happy to do it.

Well, tomorrowI would have to watch the tournaments while taking care of various things.

Various things.

I, Celestia Avary, was about to face my second-in-command, Caesar Anviru, a man with short green hair and a build similar to Adels.

Anyways, this really was lighter than the partisan that I normally used.

That was natural, since it was made entirely out of wood, but as a result, even the blade at the tip wasnt heavy at all.

I thought about this as I swung the wooden spear.

Yep, it was light.

If it was against a squad captain or a vice-captain, I probably wouldnt lose. However, if it was the Commander or Conrad, it would likely be difficult.

To begin with, I was no match for Black Knight-dono.

The extent of that persons strength was unfathomable.

After all, that person single-handedly repelled the feared Cursed Dragon, Fafnir.

It was impossible for me to reach that level.

However, that was why I wanted to have a match with that person.

In truth, I wanted to have an all-out fight, using all of our skills, but under these circumstances, it was an unspeakable luxury.

For that reason, I decided to completely devote my body and soul to this fight.

Since all of the other captains were watching, I couldnt show a disgraceful appearance.

Caesar! Dont hold back. Use your full strength!

I held the wooden spear above my head and spun it multiple times.

As you wish!

Caesar took the same pose.

His specialized weapon was an ahlspiess.

Of course, the ahlspiess was also made of wood.

The Ahlspiessen also held the nickname of Thrusting Drill Spear.

It was good for oth offense and defense, and many in the Spear Corps used that type of spear.

In a masters hands, it worked wonders in close combat.

Caesar was also one of the people who could work such wonders.

I couldnt be careless.

ReadyBegin!

At the referees signal, we simultaneously dashed forward.

Ooh! As expected of a captain and a vice-captain!!

I excitedly watched the match between Celes and Caesar.

The signal marked the start of an amazing match that showcased not only their skillful spearmanship, but most of all, their nimble movements.

They probably wouldnt lose to the agile Claude in that respect.

Yep, it could be good to observe Claudes motions.

Moreover, Celes was wielding that heavy wooden spear well.

It definitely should have been as heavy as a normal spear.

Well, it was lighter than the partisan she normally used, but that one was specially made for Celes.

She has the same superhuman strength as ever

If Im right, her spear is already heavier than a normal partisan.

Next to me, Stupid Swordsman and Muscle Brother-san spoke with cramped faces.

It seemed that Celestia Avary was either the second or third strongest out of all of the officers.

The reason she was second was because I took first place.

I didnt feel proud of it though, since this body was given to me by Amaterasu-sama.

I wasnt saying that I liked my superhuman strength, okay!

Wait, who was I speaking to?

Anyways, Celes was really strong.

If she went up against Muscle Brother-san, it would be a good match.

You couldnt tell from her beautiful, delicate-looking appearance, but it was the truth.

I heard that she had thrown trolls with her bare hands during the troll subjugation expedition the other day.

Was it possible that she had used that Seoi Nage that I taught her?

(TL: Seoi Nage = Judo shoulder throw)

No way, that couldnt be.

That move used the opponents strength to throw them, but trolls should be too big for it to be possible.

Why wouldnt it be?

I was unable to completely refute it, and I thought that if it was Celes, it wouldnt be strange for it to be possible.

I thought that Celes was a formidable opponent.

She was a skilled person, with both speed and power.

She also had plenty of combat experience.

What should I do? I was starting to feel the pressure.

Celes and Amy had strong feelings of admiration for me.

It seemed like I might have become their role model.

Just like I was for Conrad, Claude, and Alice.

Possibly even the Royal Family.

Woah, now my stomach felt like it had butterflies in it.

Commander? Are you alright?

Conrad realized that I was holding my stomach and checked on me.

Conrad always observed me well.

He was attentive, the complete opposite of that stupid Yuusuke.

Conrads kindness made the pain decrease slightly.

Im alright, just a little nervous from thinking about the matches two days from now.

Everyone around me, including Conrad, looked at me with surprise when I said that.

Huh?

Did I say something strange?

Bla-Black Knight-sama is nervousIts a jokeright?

Stupid Swordsman asked, as if it were impossible.

It seemed that Conrad and the others thought similarly.

You allWhat do you think I am!

I reflexively raised my voice.

Seriously, what did they think I was!

I was a normal person half a year ago! I cant not feel nervous on this large stage!

What is the person who yelled at royalty saying

Conrad immediately retorted to my protest.

Uh, I couldnt say a thing.

I had broken out in cold sweat after that moment, regretting it, but I couldnt say that now.

A-anyways, even I can feel nervous.

With that, I crossed my arms and stopped talking.

In other words, I was sulking.

Sheesh, it couldnt be helped that, apart from Conrad and a few other soldiers, nobody knew my appearance. Still, I wished that Conrad had been more considerate, since he knew that I was a girl.

Alice was right, Conrad didnt understand a womans heart!

Conrad apologized to me over and over, until the finals ended, but I ignored him while sulking and only forgave him the next day.

I didnt know why, but the people around us looked at this scene with lukewarm eyes.

Hmm?

It seemed that something strange was going on in the Military Personnel Seating Area, or was it my imagination?

As I thought that, I jumped over Caesars thrust, twirled around in midair, and flew over Caesar.

I really had gotten stronger since the last tournament.

It was natural, since I regularly went through the training regimen that Black Knight-dono and I thought up.

This time, the training menu would be redesigned after the match. I was looking forward to what the next one would be like.

Anyways, was it about time to settle this?

Of course, Caesar was strong, so it would take a while.

I temporarily created some distance and adjusted my stance.

I bent low, pointing the spear behind me. My right arm was extended backwards, while my left arm supported me.

(TL: Landing pose?)

I took a breath and looked straight at Caesar.

He took a defensive stance.

Good call.

However!

-Da!

In an instant, I rushed up to Caesar.

-Dokon!

I aimed my spear at the center of Caesars abdomen, aiming to shake him.

In the end, his wooden spear broke, and Caesar was sent flying into a wall.

Its over! The winner is Celestia Avary! The champion of the Spear Corps battles is Celestia Avary!

-WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

The crowd cheered at the referees declaration.

I rushed over to Caesar.

Shoot! I intended to hold back, but I accidentally put too much strength into it!

Hey! Caesar! Are you alright!?

I noticed as I got closer.

Caesar was laying prone, with his eyes rolled into the back of his head.

Sh-shit, I really went too far.

Me-Medic!! Bring a stretcher!! Hurry!!

I agitatedly called for the medics.

His bones werent broken, right?

Hmm, todays matches were also really interesting, huh.

Ah, well, there were also some strange things

Do your best

Claude and I were discussing the days events over drinks.

That said, Claude was drinking whiskey, while I had my juice.

Right now, I was in plain clothes and Claude was wearing an all-black outfit.

He was dressed that way because he had just reported about something I asked him to investigate, and we started drinking after that.

Im sorry for suddenly troubling you.

It wasnt really a problem. Its my job, after all.

Anyways, how was it?

That is

After hearing Claudes response, I folded my arms. It was as I thought, huh.

Haah, when I wrapped up one problem, another one came up.

I understand. Please continue what you were doing.

Understood. Also, does Conrad know?

Not yet. Itll be hard for him for a while longer, since I want more intel first.

Thats right, its too early to tell.

Without some preparations now, it would be bad.

For the sake of this country, Claude and I had to keep this secret.

Well, including Aaron-san, it was three people.

I understand. As you wish, Ill continue the investigations tomorrow.

Approved. Ill be watching the matches next to them, so Ill leave it to you.

Next to them, the royal family.

Afterword

I made you wait a long time.

How was chapter 23?

The chapter ended up being slightly shorter.

Well, although the main character and Claudes conversation is mysterious, please look forward to the conclusion of this Three Country Tournament Arc!

Please enjoy the next chapter too!