The moment he saw the stage, Rei was surprised by the crowd that had gathered there in far greater numbers than he had expected.
What was about to take place was, after all, nothing more than a mock battle.
There were food stalls and performers of that sort around as well, so Rei had even figured that more people were probably watching those in a festive mood.
But now that he had actually arrived at the stage, there were not merely a hundred or two hundred spectators—there were over a thousand... no, even more than that.
Honestly, Rei had not expected this many people to gather, and those even more surprised than Rei were likely his opponents in the upcoming mock battle.
The majority of those gathered had accepted requests from nobles after hearing they could fight an Alias Holder adventurer, taking the jobs with a mindset closer to sightseeing.
For such people to arrive at the mock battle venue and find this many spectators waiting—it was only natural that those unaccustomed to it would be startled.
Of course, not everyone was surprised like that.
Several who appeared to be High-Rank Adventurers showed no signs of being intimidated despite the crowd of spectators surrounding them and directing their gazes their way.
They were probably accustomed to people's stares.
However, such individuals were still the minority.
In particular, among the newcomers who had only recently graduated from novice status as adventurers, many were cowed by those stares.
(They chose to participate in this mock battle of their own accord, so I'm not going to sympathize with them.)
Thinking that, Rei parted ways with those who had escorted him this far and proceeded toward the stage.
That said, despite being called a stage, it was nothing that impressive.
It was truly a simple structure, with the stage area merely packed down so that footing would not deteriorate even if it snowed.
It was likely the result of a judgment that it only needed to last for today.
Those standing on that stage did not direct hostility toward the appearing Rei... in fact, some even directed grateful looks his way.
They understood that because Rei had appeared accompanied by Set, the spectators' gazes had shifted away from them and onto Rei.
Naturally, not everyone directed such looks at Rei. Some directed challenging stares, while others directed hate-filled gazes for whatever reason.
But... Rei, receiving those stares, felt somewhat deflated.
(The source of that gaze I felt on the way here... isn't here. Or are they hiding their strength and lurking among those people?)
He could tell that there were several strong opponents, but that was all there was to it.
The owner of that eerie gaze he had felt on his way to the stage did not seem to be among the people in his line of sight.
"Lord Rei, over here."
The man at the center of the stage called out to Rei.
Among the watching spectators, some showed expressions of understanding at the words of the man entrusted with the role of referee, some showed expressions of disbelief, and some showed expressions of contempt, thinking that child?—reactions varied.
Gazes from all sorts of people were directed at Rei.
Voices openly mocking Rei could also be heard, but he paid them no particular mind and turned his gaze toward the area where the nobles had gathered.
There, they were presumably keeping warm with some kind of Magic Item. Despite it being the time of year when the current year would soon come to a close, no one was particularly heavily dressed.
Among those nobles, only one person—Gaiska alone—directed a hate-filled gaze at Rei.
(Even so, I don't recall doing anything to deserve being hated this much... Why does he hate me this much? Is it just from that dispute back then? Well, they do say there are nobles who never forget a grudge, so maybe it's not that strange?)
Receiving Gaiska's gaze, Rei's eyes next turned to Bluitt, who appeared somewhat cramped—likely because the chair was too small for him.
As always—though only a few days had passed since they last met—he had a heavily muscled frame, and those muscles were clearly not for show, but built for actual combat.
Also present were Teles, Ranigus, Ara, Duke and Duchess Kerebel who governed this city of Anesis, and above all, Elena.
Furthermore, a considerable number of nobles Rei had never seen before were assembled, all of whom had come here to watch Rei's mock battle.
"Then, Rei. First, introduce Set."
Prompted by the words of the man serving as referee—or perhaps host would be more accurate—Rei called over Set, who was waiting a short distance away.
Just by calling its name—Set—the creature approached as if it understood what Rei wanted.
Even among the surrounding spectators, those seeing Set for the first time included some who were so frightened they could not even speak.
However, those who had seen Set when Rei was walking around Anesis with him understood that Set was docile, and so showed no particular signs of fear.
"Everyone, please look! This monster is an A-Rank Monster... no, as a Rare Species, it has been certified by the Guild as S-Rank equivalent—Gryphon Seto!"
The host's words echoed through the surroundings... and the spectators, who had been making enough noise to be considered loud just seconds ago, fell silent.
Naturally. Set had just been introduced as an S-Rank equivalent monster right before their eyes.
Introduced as an S-Rank equivalent monster, it was only natural to be astonished.
Even an A-Rank Monster was something an adventurer might encounter only once in a lifetime, if that.
For the spectators who were not even adventurers, it was safe to say such creatures were the stuff of fairy tales.
Because of that, even hearing that Set was an S-Rank equivalent monster, the honest truth was that it lacked any sense of reality.
For now it was fine, but if time passed like this, everyone would likely show astonishment at the words "S-Rank equivalent."
Just as Rei thought that, as if reading his mind, the host spoke.
"But please, rest assured! As you can see, Set has a very friendly disposition as the Tamed Monster of this adventurer... Crimson Rei! ...May I pet him?"
Addressing the spectators, the host asked Rei.
Though it did not show in his voice or expression, Rei noticed that the host's legs were trembling slightly.
The host must also feel fear at petting a High-Rank Monster like Set.
Even so, the fact that he kept it from showing on his face was likely because he understood that if he acted frightened, the spectators would become afraid as well.
Regardless, Rei felt a favorable impression toward the host, who was trying to touch Set himself despite being afraid.
"Yeah, no problem. Set is used to being petted too, so as long as you don't pet him too roughly, it'll be fine."
Hearing Rei's words, Set, standing beside him, turned its round eyes toward the host.
Are you going to pet me? Are you going to play with me? Such an expectant gaze was directed at the man, and the host felt foolish for having been nervous.
He understood that what was before him was an S-Rank equivalent monster, but looking at it like this, it only looked like a dog or cat that had grown accustomed to people and was showing through its behavior that it wanted to play.
The host slowly reached out his hand toward Set.
That slowly extended hand touched Set's body... and stroked it.
"Ooh!"
At the host's action, gasps of astonishment slipped from the spectators' mouths.
Even though the host said it was safe, to think he would actually pet Set himself to prove it...
But those gasps of astonishment gradually settled as they watched the host.
That was because they could see the tension rapidly leaving his face.
A texture of happiness that made one want to keep petting it forever.
Several minutes passed like that... and even after that much time had elapsed, the host showed no sign of stopping. Not only the spectators but even the nobles began to show signs of slight irritation.
Those who had gathered at this stage had come to see whether Crimson Rei's abilities truly matched the rumors. They had come to confirm that, not to see the host's slack-jawed expression.
(This looks like it could become troublesome if it keeps up.)
Making that judgment, Rei called out to the host, who was still petting Set.
"Hey, how long do you plan on doing that?"
"!?"
At Rei's words, the host snapped back to himself, hurriedly pulled away from Set, and addressed those present.
"No, it was a wonderful texture! With fur this pleasant to the touch and such a friendly disposition, I can understand why Set is beloved by everyone in Gilm, which serves as Rei's base."
The host's words, despite the large number of people present, were delivered without anyone missing a single one.
The reason that was possible was likely because the host was using some kind of Magic Item.
Unfortunately, there was nothing visible—such as a microphone-like device—and Rei could not tell what kind of Magic Item he was using.
(But I want one. Should I look around Anesis's Magic Item shops later?)
A Magic Item with a megaphone-like effect would obviously be highly convenient for various purposes.
Of course, it would not be strange for such a Magic Item to have some kind of limitation, but unless it was an extreme restriction, Rei intended to accept it.
While Rei was thinking about Magic Items like that, the host was giving an explanation about Set, trying to somehow recover from his earlier blunder.
Though, that could also be interpreted as the host being even more infatuated with Set.
"For that reason, there is no need to be alarmed if you see Set around town. Set, being this friendly, will happily purr when petted. Additionally, the power of those round eyes will undoubtedly win over most people in a single glance. It truly makes one wonder whether Set possesses Charm Magic or a skill."
Ah, I see.
Rei, listening to the host's words, found himself understanding it that way.
Of course, Rei understood that Set did not have such magic or a skill, but seeing Set's friendliness and how quickly it endeared itself to anyone, it was only natural to think that way.
"Now then, with Set's introduction finished, we finally move on to today's main event! As you know, the purpose of this occasion is for Rei, Bearer of the Crimson Moniker, to face adventurers based in Anesis, as well as the soldiers and knights serving the noble lords—a gathering of the strong!"
Waaaaaaaaah!
At the host's rousing words, the spectators who heard them raised a cheer.
They had seemingly completely forgotten about the incident with the host petting Set just moments ago—such was their response.
"Guru?"
Can I stay here? Set purred at Rei while listening to the spectators' cheers.
Patting Set's head, Rei told it to move off the stage.
Set showed no sign of resisting Rei's words and quietly left the stage.
There were some among the spectators and mock battle opponents who noticed Set's demeanor, but for now no one showed any sign of commenting on it.
For the spectators, Set's presence was not something they were unconcerned about, but they likely had a stronger interest in the mock battle, which was the main event of today.
And for those gathered as Rei's mock battle opponents, more of them felt a sense of relief at not having to fight the S-Rank equivalent Set.
Among them were a few who wanted to fight Set... but those who felt that way were only those confident in their own abilities, such as High-Rank Adventurers and Alias Holders.
In any case, even with some people still directing their gazes at Set, the host continued speaking.
"As you know, this is a mock battle. Pre-determined groups will fight Rei one at a time, but since this is naturally a mock battle, killing your opponent is strictly forbidden. Normally, weapons with blunted blades prepared specifically for mock battles would be necessary, but..."
The host paused his words there and looked at the adventurers who were Rei's mock battle opponents.
Among them were those carrying a massive Battle Axe, a curved sword with an extremely curved blade, and others besides—some holding weapons Rei had never seen before.
Also, among Rei's own weapons, the spear aside, crafting a similar weapon with a blunted blade for a mock battle would be difficult for a scythe.
Moreover, both were Magic Items, so making mock battle weapons would be pointless.
"Given that each person has their own weapon... it has been agreed that both sides will be careful not to kill their opponents. Additionally, practitioners of Recovery Magic have been arranged, and rare potions capable of healing even fatal wounds have been prepared, so the likelihood of death is low. ...Now then, the first group to fight in the mock battle will remain here, and everyone else, please temporarily leave the stage!"
The host's voice resounded across the stage.