I, Charlotte, Third Princess of the Rosaria Empire and daughter of Hamilton, was currently agonizing over a very specific problem.
What in the world is wrong with these people?!
This was the second Humanoid Fighter Tournament ever held. Apparently, during the first one, the participants had trashed their exclusive machines so spectacularly that a new rule was added for the second: everyone had to use mass-produced machines.
What kind of reasoning is that?
Yet, after seeing the matches, even I had to admit it made sense. King Leo fought until everything was broken... or rather, he managed to fight his way through a subversion strategy and an entire encirclement net orchestrated by the Empress of the Taikyoku Nation.
As far as sports go, that Empress is a complete monster in her own right... but King Leo? What even is he?
Accompanied by only a few allies and two floating battery types—new models using technology we don't even possess—he took down his opponents. And those pilots weren't just anyone; they were a Jester and a Sage who had evolved from a Jester! Furthermore, that Sage was a user of powerful ESP that didn't even exist in our databases.
That’s practically cheating! No, technically it was within the rules... but it was still insane!
He didn't stop at defeating them, either; he went on to scatter the proud knights of Rosaria. I’m just glad I didn't participate; I would have been completely humiliated.
To top it all off, the survivors of the system shutdowns ended up brawling with their bare hands and were disqualified for foul play. In the end, the winner was a knight who managed to repair and restart a machine that had been trashed by the Sage’s ESP. The runner-up was an demi-human student who failed to finish his repairs in time.
To think that intelligent life forms from protected planets—non-human races—are even allowed to participate... and that they are being provided with education to ensure their species doesn't go extinct. This goes beyond being "broad-minded." I suppose you could call it having a massive capacity as a human, but are these people actually sane? In any other era, those races would be planning their revenge! And yet, here they are, being taught military science!
Our cultures are just too different...
Then there was the winner, Saijo, who was fuming because he "couldn't accept" the way he won. That’s only natural, I suppose. Now the citizens are clamoring louder by the day for a special match between Saijo and King Leo. Honestly... even I want to see that.
Despite the mess of a tournament, the one who profited most was undoubtedly Shiyun, the Empress of the Taikyoku Nation. Currently an exchange student in Chronos, she is said to be a direct disciple of the Galactic Empire Emperor. I can’t help but wonder... is the Galactic Empire perhaps a bit too merciful? Why show your hand like that?
Then again, when I hear rumors that the King of Chronos—the Emperor’s husband—destroyed several countries using nothing but diplomacy, it's clear he’s a monster who should never be underestimated.
His disciple, Empress Shiyun, successfully won over one peerless knight after another through the power of "bonds," eventually drawing half of the field to her side. Even for a mock match, she is a terrifying tactician. Because of her performance, a celebration parade was held in the Taikyoku Nation, and it’s said that celebratory sake was provided by the state and various feudal lords.
Now there are even rumors that Empress Shiyun is slated to become another of King Leo’s wives.
So, at present, King Leo possesses two master tacticians in the Galactic Empire Emperor and the Taikyoku Nation Emperor, a knightly order of absolute monsters, and a vast, powerful economic sphere with an incredibly high approval rating... Just thinking about it gives me a headache.
On top of that, he’s legalized several criminal organizations. In fact, public order in Chronos is so good that the King can go shopping on a bicycle without a care in the world.
"Hey, Charlotte. I'm going to go buy some snacks. Do you want me to pick anything up for you?"
While I was moping in the dining hall, a floral apron suddenly appeared before me!
"Oh... uh, sure. Something sweet."
"Right-o. Want me to make something?"
"I mean, I'd like that too... but I'd also like to try some store-bought things."
"A price survey of commercial goods, eh? Sure thing. Want me to give you the data later?"
"Is that okay?"
"I don't mind. It's public data anyway. Want the national statistics too?"
This country is abnormal.
"Store-bought sweets, got it. You want gummies or candy?"
"I wouldn't know. Our snack culture isn't particularly developed back home..."
"I'll just pick out some random stuff, then. Oh, could you ask the Imperial Guard if they want any booze? They're joining the drinking party later, right?"
My headache wouldn't stop. The more I heard, the worse it got. What is this? This abnormal level of communication ability...
Aren't Jesters supposed to be solitary, aloof beings? He is the polar opposite of every Jester we know. He’s already on familiar terms with my personal guard. It’s reached the point where their participation in the drinking party is treated as a given.
"Hiya! Cervantes here!"
"Hey, just leave the booze there. Did you bring the snacks?"
"Brought 'em right here!"
"Thanks a bunch!"
Leo signed for the delivery.
"Isn't that someone else's job in the Palace?" I asked.
"Well, this is our personal shopping."
"No, that’s exactly my point! Managing your private affairs is what a chamberlain is for!"
"Ooh, we've got potato chips. Those are bulky, so this helps a lot. Well, I'm heading out to buy the rest now~. See ya!"
"Listen to me!"
I was exhausted. Apparently, even his guard knights were going by bicycle... No, wait.
"Wait, King of Chronos! Why don't you just take a car?"
"That’s a great idea!"
I had a passenger car in mind. However, the King of Chronos set off in a compact cargo transport vehicle they call a light truck. Well... I suppose he is a military man. Maybe that’s just how they are. Probably.
"Forgive me, Princess... but a normal king does not drive a truck himself," one of my attendants whispered.
"I know! That guy is just weird!"
Come to think of it, I’d heard he stole a tank during the swordsmanship tournament, too. So he can pilot those as well.
My home country told me to "drive a wedge" between them, but that's impossible. Their unity is far too strong. I mean, they treat a rebellion and an encirclement during a tournament as a joke. That would never fly in Rosaria.
And besides, he’s the kind of man who would give his own wife a dedicated kitchen after she betrayed him just because she wanted to cook food from her hometown. Now that wife is happily making mysterious, spice-heavy dishes every day.
He isn't worshipped like a god. If he were, I could find a dozen ways to scheme against him. But he is trusted as a comrade, as one of them. Subverting that is nearly impossible.
I’d have a better chance of trying to win over the King himself... but that’s also a dead end. He treasures his wives too much. With the battle against the Zen God Race looming, I have to establish a firm relationship with them somehow, but... for me to manipulate them? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
I decided it was better to just ask him honestly. I went to find King Leo when he returned.
"Um... what are you doing?"
King Leo currently had a horned giant in a headlock. Most likely, the fellow had challenged him to a fight and received a double-sized helping of "finding out."
"Right... I've decided it's better if we speak candidly about the real reason we're here."
"Uh... is it okay if we talk while we eat?"
"Yes... please do."
The headache was back. I should just give up and accept that he is a being far beyond my comprehension.