I turned it over in my mind, but the conclusion remained the same.
(It’s a bit much to ask him not to be nervous.)
If a person could calm down that easily on a stage this grand, Vane wouldn't have been trembling in the first place.
As I hesitated on what to say, Vane spoke first. His voice was quieter, more subdued than usual.
"I... I want to ask you something."
"Sure. What's on your mind?"
"The students from the other schools—just how strong are they?"
I blinked in surprise for a moment, but seeing the earnestness in his eyes, I adjusted my tone to match his gravity.
"Every school handpicked their representatives before sending them here. They aren't going to be weak."
While it was true that the Special Merit Class of the Imperial Academy drew more eyes than any other, every institution in the Imperial Capital of Leomel provided top-tier education. There were countless academies built on the philosophy of excellence in both literary and military arts. In short, every representative was a force to be reckoned with.
"However," I continued, "I think you’re just struggling to see the bigger picture right now, Vane. Why don't you take a look around? It might help settle your nerves."
"...Around?"
Vane scanned the area, and it didn't take long for him to realize what I meant. When he looked closely, he saw that the other students were stealing glances at him, their expressions just as taut and anxious as his own.
"I guess I’m not the only one feeling the pressure."
Vane had a specific reason for being the center of attention. As a representative of the prestigious Imperial Academy, the students from other capital schools couldn't help but fixate on him. They were all wondering the same thing: just how powerful was the representative of a world-renowned institution? It was only natural for those boys and girls to feel intimidated.
"Haha... Man, it would be pretty pathetic if I got knocked out in the first round after all this build-up."
"There you go, saying weird things again. But if you’re back to laughing, I’d say you’re doing just fine."
I checked the clock and stood up. But just as I turned to walk away, Vane called out once more.
"Do you think there’s anyone among the representatives stronger than you, Ren?"
I stopped in my tracks.
I didn't turn back. For several seconds, I remained silent. Despite the constant roar of the crowd outside and the bustle of the preparation room, it felt as though a localized silence had descended upon the two of us.
It was exactly like that day when Sera had asked Licia a similar question. Licia had frozen then, taking her time to find the right words.
When I finally spoke, I kept my back to him.
"I wouldn't know that until we actually fought."
Then, I turned my head to meet his gaze.
"But I have no intention of losing to anyone. Not since the day I found someone I wanted to protect."
At that moment, Vane knew.
He realized that Ren had reached a level of strength that couldn't even be compared to that previous summer. Vane felt it instinctively—Ren possessed a caliber of power that made him feel out of place in a mere student festival.
"Well then, I'll be rooting for you."
"Yeah. Thanks."
This time, I truly left his side.
A moment later, I heard a staff member calling Vane for the Opening Match. He slapped his own cheeks hard to psych himself up and marched toward the arena. Immediately, a thunderous cheer erupted. The sheer heat of the crowd’s anticipation for the first match reached even the back rooms.
"Yo, Ashton."
As I made my way back toward the central prep area, a sweat-drenched Kaito approached me. I gave a wry smile, noticing how much he was perspiring even though his turn hadn't come yet.
"Thanks for that. Vane was way more nervous than usual, but I think that talk put him at ease."
"I hope so."
I kept my answer brief, but there was one thing I felt compelled to point out. Vane was heading to the arena for the Opening Match, but Kaito hadn't fought anyone yet. Why was he already dripping with sweat?
"I assume you were warming up, but don't you think you went a little overboard?"
"I couldn't help it! My blood is boiling! I can't stay still!"
"Right... well, as long as you have enough stamina left for the actual fight. I’ll be in the preparation room, so come find me if you need anything."
"Got it! Thanks as always!"
About ten minutes after I returned to the room, the referee’s voice boomed from the arena, cutting through the cheers.
"Match over! The winner: Vane!"
The crowd erupted in praise for the victor of the Opening Match. Listening to the distant roar, I murmured a quiet "Good luck" and let a small smile cross my lips.
I had a prior engagement to meet a guest from the Sky Continent.
The meeting had been arranged through Ulysses, and I was to meet this visitor here at the Imperial Capital Grand Coliseum. The venue was the VIP Seats, where Ulysses and Lezard were already waiting.
Time passed as I finished some light duties, and by lunch hour, I had grabbed a quick meal and left the preparation room about ten minutes early.
(VIP section, VIP section...)
After climbing several flights of stairs, I reached the corridor leading to the reserved boxes. Ulysses had told me he’d make it easy for me to enter, but I knew better than to expect a casual stroll. Given that the VIP section hosted high-ranking nobles and foreign dignitaries, the security was airtight.
Sure enough, as I approached, a knight blocked my path.
"Access beyond this point is restricted to guests. You appear to be a student of the Imperial Academy; do you have an appointment?"
The speaker was a Regular Knight of Leomel, dressed in the same distinctive armor as the knights who had previously visited the Clausel estate to train Licia.
"Pardon me. I was summoned by Lord Ulysses Ignat."
"Hm? By Marquis Ignat?"
I quickly understood why Ulysses had been so confident. Among the many guards stationed in the hall, there were several familiar faces—knights dispatched from the Lion Sanctum.
They recognized me immediately. "Master Ren," they said, stepping forward.
The Regular Knight blinked in surprise and took a half-step back. It was one thing to hear the Marquis's name, but to see the elite Lion Sanctum knights greet a student with such respect changed the nature of the conversation entirely.
The Regular Knight turned to a jet-black-armored knight from the Sanctum. "Oh, so he is an acquaintance of yours?"
Another Regular Knight stepped in. "Wait, did you forget? The Marquis gave orders to permit entry to anyone claiming to be his guest. Besides..." the knight continued, "if the members of the Lion Sanctum are willing to vouch for him, there’s no issue."
"We guarantee his identity without reservation," my acquaintance from the Sanctum replied instantly.
The first knight bowed. "Understood. Please, proceed."
I was led forward by the Lion Sanctum knights. As we walked, I couldn't help but comment on the atmosphere.
"From the way the Regular Knights reacted, it seems you guys in the Sanctum hold quite a bit of authority over the standard army."
"Haha. In our case, we’re required to pass exams equivalent to the high officer grades, so it carries some weight."
"I see... that makes sense."
Our footsteps echoed down the long corridor. The VIP area was a series of private boxes, separated by thick walls to ensure privacy unless guests specifically chose to share a space. Each box even had its own entrance.
Edgar was standing before one of the doors. I thanked the Sanctum knights as they departed.
"Master Ren, we have been expecting you."
Edgar opened the door immediately and gestured for me to enter.
Inside, the box was furnished like a suite in a luxury hotel. It offered a perfect, unobstructed view of the entire Imperial Capital Grand Coliseum.
Three men were there: Strong-Armed Ulysses Ignat, Lezard, and a handsome, dark-skinned man I had never seen before.
"Ah, you're here. We've been waiting."
"Lord Ulysses, my apologies for the wait."
"Don't be absurd. You're actually a bit early, as usual."
Ulysses beckoned me toward the table where the three were seated. The semi-circular table faced the arena. I approached Ulysses first, then turned my attention to the guest from the Sky Continent who had requested this meeting.
"Marquis Ignat, is this the Ren Ashton I have heard so much about?" the dark-skinned man asked.
He was a striking figure. Dressed in vibrant, richly colored silks, his exposed arms revealed lean, corded muscle. Just as I’d heard, he was a knight-turned-merchant, and his physique still bore the marks of his warrior past. He was adorned with gold filigree and various gemstones, yet he didn't appear gaudy. His natural dignity made the opulence look effortless.
(So this is the guest from the Sky Continent...)
To put it simply, he looked like desert royalty. He was a man of intense charisma; one could easily imagine him captivating people with just a glance from those sharp, passionate eyes.
Right now, those eyes were sparkling as he looked at me, as if he were impatient for the introduction to begin.
"Precisely," Ulysses said. "This is Ren Ashton."
"I knew it!"
"Indeed. Born in a village within the Clausel Territory, he is the boy who saved my daughter—and Lady Licia Clausel—with his own strength. Currently, he attends the Imperial Academy as a close friend of His Imperial Highness the Third Prince."
At the introduction, the handsome man stood up. He was even taller than Ulysses.
"This humble soldier is Richter Leonhardt. In my homeland, I hold the rank of Count."
He used a very formal, military-style first-person pronoun, likely a lingering habit from his days in the service.
"It has been nearly twenty years since I last set foot in Leomel. I am delighted to meet a rumored hero in this great empire after such a long absence."
"I am honored by your words, sir. But... did you say twenty years?"
"Indeed. I may not look it, but I am well over sixty years old," Richter said with a grin.
I stared at him, unable to hide my shock. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties at the absolute most.
Seeing my reaction, Richter laughed, flashing a row of white teeth.
"If I seem young to you, it is because I am a Shelgardian. Tell me, are you familiar with my people?"
"Yes. I believe you are the people who have lived on the Sky Continent since the age of myth. I recall reading that your lifespans are more than double those of people on the surface."
Having only ever read about it in books, seeing the reality in front of me was a different matter entirely. It took a moment for my brain to catch up.
Richter seemed pleased that I knew of his race and relaxed his expression. He extended a hand for a shake.
"I hail from the Shelgard Empire, the only great power on the Sky Continent. You may attribute my complexion to my mixed heritage."
We shook hands, and then we all took our seats. I sat at the end of the table next to Lezard.
As I settled into the chair, Lezard leaned in slightly. "Thank you for coming, Ren. I know how busy you must be with your committee duties."