In response to the sudden external attack right before the story’s completion, I quickly thought of a way to deal with it.

Since a series of murders occurred at this holy festival, I thought I could borrow the power of the organizers, Cardinal Pana, or other forces── no.

I could, but I shouldn’t. Because, externally, it was an NPC that was killed. It has no identity and is a magically created model.

If I actively pursue the identification of the murderer and personal protection, it would become a bit awkward if it were discovered that this was a mass of magical energy hologram. Wouldn’t it mean that some crazy wizard was manipulating the tournament?

That fact itself is not a problem.

It’s just that I’m a bit out of my mind, and in my own way, the illusion wizard threw down a challenge. I’m going to lose if I fight head-on on stage, so I tried this surprise show instead. Isn’t this also my ability? Isn’t that okay?

What would happen if I went out so brazenly? At most, I’d just get kicked out of the tournament.

The problem is getting caught by Sisell.

In fact, this has all been a Truman Show! If that happens, it wouldn’t be strange for that deadly gravity swordsmanship to come flying at my face. So at least, until the scenario ends⋯⋯ it’s better to exclude the help of external forces.

So am I just going to take hits? No way.

“Citizens, rest assured. Our ‘Reformists’ will catch the murderer who is ruining the blessed atmosphere of the holy hero selection and protect you from threats! Bennett, please say a few words.”

“⋯⋯In addition to chasing the hooded figure, we are preparing safety measures, so worry less.”

I positioned the military priest Yul at the forefront and turned the crisis into an opportunity. The ‘Reformists’ declared that they would take charge of the incident. If we conduct the investigation ourselves, the hologram won’t be discovered, and if we can resolve the incident neatly, we can also gain public support.

I also assigned escorts to the NPCs on my side. Of course, not to everyone. There aren’t enough personnel to cover more than twenty NPCs. Only to those who play important roles in the story.

For example, Karen.

Sisell was nearing the end of the story. My intuition told me that only a slight gap and climax remained. As long as the scenario doesn’t break, we’re fine.

There’s still no information revealed about the hooded figure.

However, they are not ordinary.

I truly have many means to track people. I absorbed information from people and objects, but the culprit slipped through all those surveillance networks.

With strange misfortune. Every time I tried to investigate them, annoying things happened. It’s not a coincidence; it must be some kind of ability.

I don’t know how they drew aggro, whether by intention or coincidence, or what kind of ridiculous ability they have that makes this possible, but we’ll see after the session ends.

And the mysterious wizard X⋯⋯ Yuna, that is. She was dazzlingly finishing off each round and gaining great popularity from the audience.

She knew why she was teasing me, thanks to Niole’s hint. Acting like a cat, yet expecting me to behave like a tiger. While I felt relieved, I also wondered if I hadn’t paid enough attention.

Moreover, in a way, I had come to have fun, but when I came to my senses, I found myself working like this. It felt somewhat like going on a family trip and then seeing my partner receiving calls from clients all day long.

Yuna and Sishel share the same family history. Therefore, they probably share a similar sense of deficiency to some extent. This leads me to ask myself.

What does Yuna enjoy doing?

Looking back, it seemed she didn’t have any particular hobbies. So, I was choosing the words I would say to Yuna.

This is as far as my response goes. Time passed quickly.

——–

Round of 16, Sishel Yurensto vs. Kay of the Blade Arts.

“Um… may I ask why you want to become a hero? Can you share your current feelings and ambitions, and if possible, your life goals as well?”

“Why are you suddenly conducting a survey in the tournament arena? If you think to distract me and launch a surprise attack, let me inform you that it won’t work on Kay of the Blade Arts!”

“That’s not it. I’m just trying to find the meaning of this duel…”

“………”

The man, readying his blade stance, responded to overcome my rival who had fled far away through death. He had never won in his life, so he thought he should at least be a hero to defeat the dead.

The foundation of that emotion was not hatred, but a mixture of various complex feelings. Is that what one would call a rivalry? A relationship like that.

Sishel couldn’t read all of him, but he could tell that he was putting a lot of heart into this duel. He was desperate. He was trying hard.

However, the duel could end without writing a fable.

.

Quarterfinals, Sishel Yurensto vs. “Stinger” Old Man

“May I ask why you want to become a hero?”

“To die. I’ve lived my whole life in darkness, and now there’s no meaning left to live on, so I wanted to meet my end on a splendid stage illuminated by light. Isn’t that similar for you?”

“……… I don’t think so anymore.”

“Heh heh heh… Live leaving behind many things. If you don’t want to die alone.”

The old man gripping the sharp stinger looked like a moth. However, while moths chase the light to survive, he was searching for fire to die. Sishel looked at him and asked himself.

Was I also tired enough to wish for an early grave?

No, at least not now.

The duel could end without writing a fable.

.

Semifinals, Sishel Yurensto vs. Juren of the Cold.

“To become a hero…”

“Pointless dialogue—!! I, Juren of the Cold, will defeat you and become a hero—!!”

⋯⋯Though we could not converse, I could tell his enthusiasm was immense. He was a wizard of the azure tower, as if a cog had slipped from his mechanism, but wizards were often like that, and though he had not achieved his fable, his ability to manipulate magic was truly remarkable.

“『Duty’s Embrace – I shall bind you with a leash』.”

“The world is heavy⋯⋯?!”

He had written a fable. He had won.

Now the tournament was approaching its finals, and the opponent was the enigmatic wizard X.

On the branches, where a fresh vitality began to rise, only the last leaf remained, trembling.

.

The old man Alonso stirred his coffee and spoke. The wrinkles around his eyes curved with satisfaction. This was because the match of Cissel was pleasing to the old man’s eyes.

“I watched the match well. You now know how to respect your opponent. You give them time to showcase their efforts, and then you confront and overcome them head-on. Is there a more dignified fight for one who has become strong?”

“I have come to hear the answer you postponed before.”

“You need not hear it from my lips; have you not come to realize it yourself by now?”

“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”

Focusing on the tournament’s adversary gave Cissel a peculiar thrill. Their enthusiasm had a clear direction. Now he understood that it was precious and gleaming.

So, to the old man, who was close to a romantic idealist, how foolish did Cissel appear, swinging his sword without direction? Even if he won in the tournament, if he gained nothing in the end, it would be as if he had already lost.

But now⋯⋯ as one question unraveled, another filled its place.

“⋯⋯Is there meaning in being defeated?”

“Hmm.”

Cissel was finally finding the direction of his life, and he was beginning to understand its meaning. It was something he should have learned in his youth. Thus, he found himself thinking of those who had fallen to his blade⋯⋯ those who had not achieved their dreams.

For from them, he could see his own future.

His past life, which had merely flowed without purpose, may have been meaningless, yet it had been free of worry. But now, having gained a fragile dream, anxiety had begun to creep in.

Like a suddenly wealthy man worrying that someone might steal his jewels.

What if I fail to achieve it?

“That is for you to decide.”

“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”

Until now, he had been giving all sorts of advice, and now he tells me to figure it out myself⋯⋯? Cissel reflexively puffed out his cheeks, then quickly let the air out. It was a habit formed from standing on stage as the ‘Rabbit Princess.’

As Sir Cissel Yurensto continued his winning streak.

There was also change for the idol Rabbit Princess, who hid her identity behind a mask.

——–

From noble mtl dot come

“⋯⋯Thank you for coming today! Now I’m going to sing the last song, and then I plan to return to the rabbit hole. Are you ready to enjoy it?”

“Rabbit Princess! Rabbit Princess!”

I have become accustomed to it. The lines I used to leave to Karen out of sheer embarrassment, I can now deliver, albeit with a bit of stammering.

I have learned professional knowledge about singing and can now infuse intention into my technique. Isn’t swordsmanship about the endless combination of applying and releasing strength? Indeed, every profession has its depths.

I have come to understand what it means to lead the atmosphere and what it feels like to enjoy it. When the audience responds to my song with emotion or applause, it becomes a great joy.

“Kyuu, kyuuing.”

“Waaah──!!”

⋯⋯So I mustered the courage to act cute as well.

Compared to the elders of the Yurensto family, who never offered a single compliment, the audience was astonishingly generous with their praise. A rabbit that had starved for a lifetime could now eat its fill and laugh.

Now, I even have juniors.

“Our new member of the Rabbitz, Darkrabbit-chan!”

“⋯⋯Ah, hello. Darkrabbit, chan?”

“If you’re going to dress like this, at least put some thought into the name. If you’re going to stick a name on it, dress it like a human── Ugh!!”

“Haha, Dark-chan gets really shy, you know? Just a moment?”

She seems to have a bit of a temper. When I asked how she was recruited, Karen replied it was to complement the lacking bass parts. In reality, it was a selection for NPC security.

“But, Karen. The bass part was originally yours…”

“Oh come on, I was a bit lacking, wasn’t I? Darkrabbit-chan’s voice will surely blend well with Sisell’s. Now we can do duets too!”

“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”

My heart feels heavy.

Since Sisell is a fairy tale achiever, she possesses near-superhuman hearing and can naturally pick up on the words exchanged among the audience without even trying.

Karen’s singing was rather ordinary. She merely masked her shortcomings with various performances and flows, lacking any exceptional talent.

Until now, it hadn’t been a problem, but with Sisell standing next to her, the story changed. When a fireball rises next to a firefly, people can’t help but compare.

“Keep the sidekick away from the rabbit princess.” Such remarks.

Thus, Sisell felt a sense of guilt towards Karen. It felt as if she had dimmed Karen’s light. Hadn’t she even brought in a new member for her own sake?

When studying singing and improving her skills, she thought everything would be fine if she could sing well. But problems keep arising.

Would it be better to quit? Such thoughts crossed her mind.

“⋯⋯Are you having strange thoughts, Sisell?”

“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”

As I honestly laid bare my feelings.

Karen burst into laughter and told Sisell to sit beside her. Her red hair swayed. The benefactor who opened a new opportunity for Sisell spoke teasingly.

“Then, is my singing useless?”

“⋯⋯That’s not true. It’s not.”

Cicel was startled and waved her hands in denial. Wasn’t she moved by her performance, coming all the way to this place?

Karen poked Cicel’s exposed side, dressed in a bunny girl outfit. Cicel let out a small “Eek!” and shrank back. Karen, seeing this, burst into laughter.

“Honestly, I’m a bit jealous.”

“……..”

“You have something I don’t. You sing well, you’re even the vice-captain of a famous order, you fight well, and you probably have a lot of money too? You have everything except for a big chest.”

“……..!!”

Is there meaning in being bent?

Is there meaning for the firefly in front of the sun?

Is there meaning for the knight Cicel Yurensto, who has stopped using fables, for the young Cicel who couldn’t fill the wall of glory, or perhaps for the future Cicel who will face countless failures?

In response, Karen speaks of sailing.

“Life is like rowing a boat. Each person in their own boat, chasing their own island, heading somewhere.”

“A boat, you say.”

“Some have small boats, some start with big ships, some have cannons or flippers, and some have small chests.”

“……..”

However, regardless of whether the boat is big or small, humans inevitably face failure. One cannot achieve everything they desire. Just like the head of the Yurensto family and his wife.

But if there is a way to make all those failures, all that bending, meaningful…

“Enjoying the journey itself!”

“The journey, you say.”

“Wasn’t it fun? Learning to sing, occasionally hitting a wrong note, standing on stage and watching the audience grow or shrink.”

It was enjoyable.

That much doesn’t change. During Cicel’s life, this tournament period was the most joyful moment. If that alone holds meaning…

“……..Then, I think I was overthinking it. Even small things have value. It’s okay if it’s not something grand; it was fine.”

“Just like Cicel’s chest.”

Choked up.

She couldn’t hold back three times. Properly provoked, Cicel dashed at Karen, shattering the serious atmosphere. What does this local lump think it is!

“Stop teasing me for real—!”

“Ahahaha!”

——–

Today’s performance has ended.

Karen and Dark Rabbit-chan said they had work related to stage bookings, leaving Cicel to wrap things up as they exited the theater first.

Cicel sang according to her familiar routine, receiving small change (Karen said it was a considerable amount, but it couldn’t be compared to the salary Elaine directly handed over).

She stepped down from the stage, yielding her place to another performer, changed clothes in a private room where no one would notice, and sneaked out of the building… and walked.

It was a night when the moon was high.

The priests of the “Reformist” advised citizens to refrain from moving around at night if possible or to travel in groups. The serial killer had not yet been caught.

Whether the killer was trying to ruin the festival or not, they had been selectively murdering tournament participants. Four victims had already been reported.

But Cicel walked alone. She was strong.

No matter who the murderer was, they wouldn’t be foolish enough to pick a fight with a tournament contender. They would likely target someone of lesser stature, just as they had been doing.

Someone who hadn’t reached the fable.

Group A’s tournament was progressing quickly and was nearing the finals, but Group B’s schedule had been delayed due to the murders and was lagging behind. They were probably still in the round of 16.

Karen had not been eliminated yet.

She had good luck in the draw. Her skills weren’t enough to win the tournament, so she would fall eventually… but at least that time wasn’t now.

May she reach great heights. So that Karen could freely engage in the “promotion” she desired. Cicel prayed to the moon and the goddess.

In the midst of this, noise caught her ear.

Screams and murmurs. Had another person been murdered? She didn’t want to see a gruesome corpse sprawled out, nor did she have any intention of catching the killer.

There was one limit left to the use of the fable. Thus, she was seriously considering giving up her life as a knight to become a singer. So.

She didn’t want to risk her life over a pointless incident.

Cicel would have ignored the noise and passed by. If she hadn’t heard the words “red hair” amidst the commotion.

“………”

It couldn’t be.

Karen had gone back long ago. Not alone, but with Dark Rabbit-chan. And red hair was a relatively common color. So it couldn’t be.

Even while thinking it couldn’t be── her feet moved of their own accord.

She walked.

The stage swarmed with a crowd. The inside was obscured by people. It was just like her first meeting with Karen. But that time was during the day, and now it was night.

And, Karen’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

Cicel, as if entranced, slipped into the throng of spectators. And she pushed forward resolutely. Parting the curtain of people, what Cicel witnessed was──

Red hair.