Guests began to gather as the martial arts tournament approached.
Progenitor-san and Fouche were the first to arrive.
"I’m looking forward to being entertained again this year," Progenitor-san remarked.
He visited so often that it hardly felt like any time had passed since his last trip. He smoothly joined the Dragon family’s banquet and immediately began enjoying himself. He looked more energetic than he had recently; perhaps his workload had finally lightened.
When I asked Fouche about it, she explained that the country they had been feuding with had collapsed, so the conflict had simply ceased to exist. Isn’t a country falling a massive ordeal? It felt strange that such a disaster would actually make her less busy, but she certainly seemed to have a lot on her plate regardless.
"Aren't you going to join them, Fouche?"
When I tried to lead her to a seat next to Progenitor-san, Fouche gave me a polite smile and gracefully faded into the background. Perhaps she was concerned about the Village One residents? They hadn't even arrived yet, though.
Next was Michael-san. He arrived with the additional seafood I had ordered and planned to stay for the tournament. Rusty had flown out to Draim’s Nest to pick him up. At the moment, Michael-san seemed deep in conversation with Galf.
Additionally, three members of the Lamia Race arrived from the Southern Dungeon, along with twelve members of the Giant Race from the Northern Dungeon. They joined up with their kin already working in the Village of the Great Tree, spending their time as they pleased while waiting for the festivities to start.
The tournament was scheduled to begin in three days. However, quite suddenly, a sumo tournament broke out right next to the martial arts venue.
It all started when those who weren't participating in the main tournament asked if there was something else they could do, and I suggested sumo. Constructing a ring wasn't difficult, and we used simplified rules without the need for formal mawashi.
I had hoped this would minimize injuries, but that turned out to be wishful thinking. Everyone ended up with various scrapes and bruises anyway. Flora was already working overtime before the main event had even started.
I recommended that matches be held between members of the same race whenever possible. The bouts between the Giant Race—specifically the over-three-meter class—were incredibly powerful and drew a massive, cheering crowd. With all the excitement, it felt as though the martial arts tournament had already begun.
Even the dragons and Progenitor-san watched the matches while nursing their sake. We still had three days to go, though.
As for the sumo matches between the Lamia Race... those were remarkably difficult to judge. And I really didn't think the Harpy Race needed to push themselves like that. Also, no flying allowed!
Two days before the tournament.
A series of matches between Kuro’s offspring took place at the venue. Apparently, it was a playoff to decide who would represent them in the tournament. Even without the Civil Official Girls managing the brackets, the wolves were running their own tournament perfectly.
Following the sumo's lead, this was also a huge hit with the spectators. The only problem was that I couldn't tell them apart. The moment they got tangled up, I lost track of who was who. Fortunately, Zabuton's children started putting little outfits on the two competing wolves. That made it much easier. Good luck to both of you!
And Flora... I know it’s a lot of work, but I’m counting on you.
One day before the tournament.
The Demon King and his entourage arrived. This time, the group consisted of the Demon King, Yuri, Beezel, Gratz, and Randan. It seemed Hou couldn't make it.
Wait, a memo? Ah, it was a sake list. I suppose she wanted some as souvenirs. I’ll make sure to hand it over to the Dwarves.
For the time being, I led everyone to where the dragons and Progenitor-san were gathered. Except for the Demon King, the rest of the group scattered instantly.
Yuri and Beezel went to find Frau. Gratz headed straight for Ronana. Randan went to join Galf and Michael-san. I understood the situation with Gratz and Ronana, but when did Randan, Galf, and Michael-san become such fast friends? Apparently, they had all been involved in the engagement of Randan's younger sister. I see.
I tried to introduce the Demon King to the dragons and Progenitor-san.
"Um... by any chance... is that the Dark Dragon?" he whispered.
"Are you acquainted with Giral? That makes things easier. The others are Dos's relatives. Oh, and that little one is Giral's daughter, Gral."
I intended to leave the rest to the dragons, but the Demon King grabbed my sleeve and wouldn't let go, effectively keeping me pinned there for a while.
The dragons were mostly discussing who would win the sumo matches and the current power dynamics among the dragons on the northern continent. Even though they called it a power struggle, Dos’s Clan was the undisputed powerhouse. Giral’s Clan was essentially the only faction that stood against them, as everyone else had already submitted to Dos.
Ideally, since Giral had shown a willingness to cooperate with Dos, the dragon race should have been a united, stable front. However, when those at the top find peace, those below find reasons to fight.
"My faction is the one Lord Dos trusts the most!" "What are you talking about? Save your dreaming for when you're actually asleep." "Exactly."
It seemed small-scale skirmishes were breaking out. Excluding Giral’s faction, the clan of a dragon named Kuoline—who had sent Kuon and Kuorun to join Dos’s family—was supposedly the most influential. However, Kuoline himself wasn't particularly strong. There was even a story about him being chased away by the same rogue Wyvern that had attacked our village once.
I see. I suppose even dragons have their own hierarchies and issues.
"Actually, against that particular Wyvern, no one could have won except for my father, my mother, or perhaps Lord Giral," Draim said, defending Kuon and Kuorun.
Was it really that dangerous?
"That Wyvern was a wild beast that even its own kind couldn't handle. It was so talented and versatile that it was a mystery why it hadn't been born a dragon."
To me, it was just a creature that had suddenly attacked the village and annoyed me—and I remembered it being quite delicious.
"Was it an acquaintance of yours? My apologies," I said.
My apology was met with a chorus of laughter.
"I would have liked to taste it as well," Dos remarked. "As would I," another added. "Me too. I’m sure it was quite a meal."
The law of the jungle was absolute here. I suppose that's just how dragons are.
Anyway, taking advantage of a gap while the maids were refilling the food and sake, I managed to escape from the Demon King. He seemed to be holding his own in the conversation now. Good luck.
The High Ogre Maids were working at full capacity. They were prepping ingredients for tomorrow’s tournament dishes or already starting the cooking. After all, the dragons were already in the middle of a massive banquet.
Kierbit was helping them out as well. Or rather, was she being forced? I see. She was dexterous, so they had high expectations for her. There was no way she was in the way; if she were, they would have kicked her out immediately. Right, keep at it.
People from Village One, Village Two, and Village Three were also beginning to gather. I didn't mind the sumo, but I kept hoping no one would get seriously hurt.
Lu, Tia, please go give Flora a hand. The main event doesn't even start until tomorrow...
On the night before the tournament, several "final" sumo matches were held for the various races, and the atmosphere was electric.
Gratz had made it to the Minotaur Race finals and managed to win. I’m sure Ronana’s cheering had reached him. Just try not to flirt too much in the middle of the ring.
Other final matches were concluded one by one. The peak of the excitement was, as expected, the Giant Race. The sheer power was staggering. The sound of their bodies colliding echoed through the air. After a raw test of strength in the center of the ring, they grappled for an inside grip. Since there were no mawashi, they simply locked their arms under the opponent's armpits and threw.
The three-meter-tall giant hit the dirt. The victor thrust both arms into the air to a deafening roar of applause. Even the dragons were delighted.
Again, I have to remind everyone: the actual tournament is tomorrow.
After that, free-for-all sumo matches began, but I had to tell those scheduled to fight in the tournament to sit those out. Sumo was meant for the people who weren't in the main brackets. They could have their fun after the martial arts tournament was over.