CH 288

Monday.

The long-awaited Temple Festival had begun, and for me, it was a week filled with various tasks to resolve.

From today onwards, for a whole week, the Temple would be open to all civilians.

Of course, the majority of visitors were parents who had come to see their children at the Temple. As students from all over the continent gathered, parents arrived to meet their children during the festival. There were also people who were simply commoners from the Imperial Capital but had come to enjoy the Temple Festival.

In any case, the safety of the Temple students was the top priority, so there were restricted areas, and security was significantly strengthened compared to usual.

However, regardless of the solid security, the influx of countless visitors remained the same.

The Temple opening its doors to civilians meant that the festival period was when the Temple was most vulnerable.

Although there were no accidents this year, chaos erupted during the festival at the end of next year when the Gate was on the verge of collapsing.

Still, it was uncertain whether that would happen or not.

If the changed history had any influence, an accident could occur this year as well.

The Black Order coming to the Temple to find me would be easiest during this timing. However, they had not acted yet, whether they were coordinating opinions internally or not.

If they came, I would respond accordingly. At least, I was confident that they wouldn't try to kill me.

Anyway, Monday.

Although it was the festival period, it was not a holiday yet.

Cliffman, Ellen, and Liana had all returned to the dormitory.

All students of the Royal Class had gathered in the main hall, following the instructions of the student council.

In front of all the gathered Royal Class students on the first floor, the student council president, Ceres Van Owen, stood on the stairs.

"From today, the Gladius Temple Festival will take place for a week."

As she was addressing the entire school, she used a formal tone.

"Originally, the Orbis and Royal Classes would participate in the opening ceremony at the Great Stadium. However, as you all know, not only the opening ceremony but also all official events and schedules during the festival have been canceled this year."

"Thus, very exceptionally, the Royal Class will be granted unlimited free time during this festival period. Students who wish to participate in tournaments or festivals individually are free to do so."

"This year, just enjoy the festival. Do what you want and play if you wish. Throughout the year, you all have worked diligently, so you may participate in activities to evaluate your accomplishments or simply take a break and relax."

"There are no precautions for official events, but I will convey general precautions."

"Currently, a significant number of civilians have entered the Temple. They are people of various backgrounds and statuses. I urge you not to cause unnecessary disputes with civilians and avoid being involved in disputes as well."

"During the Temple Festival, there are always numerous conflicts between students and civilians. These conflicts may arise from the mistakes of students or civilians alike. If an unidentified civilian attempts to exert unfair pressure on any of you, seek help from the nearby guards, and they will take immediate action. The security has been greatly reinforced, so you will be able to find the Temple Guard in any location. Of course, the same measures will be taken if any of you were to exert pressure or force on others."

In short, the message was not to cause trouble nor to tolerate it. After finishing her speech, Ceres Van Owen looked down at the students.

"As the Royal Class Student Council President, I hope this festival will be a successful conclusion to your year."

The festival is an event for all Temple students who have worked hard throughout the year to enjoy. So, after having fun, they can embrace the winter break with a relaxed mind.

Of course, for me, this break after a year of hard work felt more like the last hurdle to overcome the year.

I test how much my skills, which were nonexistent at the beginning of the semester, have improved through the tournament.

If I win the first-year tournament, I will test how far I can go in the main event of the Unrestricted Tournament.

Miss and Mister Temple.

And even the dreadful cross-dressing contest.

I just need to get through this tough time and take a short break.

"I hope you enjoy the festival. That's all."

The festival began with the applause of the students. At that moment, some students excitedly rushed out of the dormitory as if they had been waiting for this, while others returned to the dormitory with indifferent expressions, seemingly uninterested in the festival.

Harriet was moving with a group for the time being.

They were members of the Magic Research Society.

-"You guys have fun. I'm fine."

-"No, it's okay. Let's go quickly."

-"I'm really fine..."

-"There's still a lot to improve. The main event is not far off, so we need to polish it further."

The first-year members of the Magic Research Society gathered around Harriet.

-"Junior! Are you practicing again today? Aren't you going to have fun?"

Redina joined them as well.

-"Ah, yes... I'm planning to do that. You can go to the festival, senior..."

-"No, this is more fun!"

-"That, that is..."

It seemed like the Magic Research Society was pushing Harriet to participate in the Unrestricted Tournament.

They didn't say how they managed it, but Harriet had won the group preliminaries for the Unrestricted Tournament and advanced to the main event.

I didn't have much confidence either, but Harriet pulled it off.

The fact that Harriet's combat ability is at that level means there is a high possibility that her fighting skills are at least on par with mine or even better.

Despite being beaten, bruised, and rolling around in pain, Harriet felt the desire to become a skilled fighter and was well on her way to achieving it.

Thus, instead of enjoying the festival, Harriet seemed to be focusing her efforts on preparing for the Unrestricted Tournament. It appeared that the members of the Magic Research Society were helping her as well.

Students of the same major gathered together, producing a synergy separate from the tasks I had assigned.

It was a good thing.

Before heading to the Magic Research Club, Harriet and I made eye contact.

She might be able to come to watch, but Harriet would be busy with her own matters.

For some reason, she gave me an apologetic look before she left the dormitory.

Well, it's not really a big deal, and I don't think there's a need to feel sorry about it.

Harriet left the dormitory.

I was at the very back of the line for the A-class dormitory, and Ellen was at the front.

She must have spent the weekend trying on various outfits and contemplating what to do at the Miss Temple event.

She turned her head and looked at me.

Having left the Temple on Friday and returned late last night, it was the first time we had seen each other's faces in a few days.

Although she must have tried makeup at the Grantz family's residence, Ellen was, of course, bare-faced and dressed in her usual school uniform.

“?”

When Ellen stared at me, I averted my gaze.

Yet, somehow, she seemed prettier than usual, or perhaps it was just my imagination.

"Ellen! Come to my room. I just received new makeup I ordered this morning."

"Ah, okay."

As Ellen stared at me quietly, she was dragged away by Liana's arm.

"Do you always have to be called?"

"Ah, uh, yes…"

"Isn't it about time you learned to do it yourself? Why are you so hesitant?"

"Sorry…"

With Ellen in her right hand and Cliffman in her left, Liana dragged them both away.

Even as she was being pulled along, Ellen kept staring at me.

Was she contemplating whether or not to come and watch the tournament today?

Somehow…

Rather than enjoying themselves, everyone seemed busier than usual.

It was a festival, but it didn't feel like one.

That was the feeling I got.

"Reinhardt!"

"Woah!"

"What now?!"

Suddenly, Olivia hugged me from behind, making me jump in surprise.

"Let's play together! There are so many things I want to eat and do!"

Olivia looked at me with her eyes sparkling.

"I'm busy today because I have the first-year tournament finals."

"Right! Can I come and watch today?"

"You can come if you want, or not if you don't."

As Olivia said that, she caught sight of Ellen being dragged away by Liana in the distance.

"Is she participating in Miss Temple?"

"Yes… that's what I heard."

Olivia let go of my arm and looked back and forth between me and Ellen.

"Are you going to vote for her?"

I couldn't give any answer, and Olivia pinched my cheek.

"You can't even make an empty promise, you dummy."

Olivia laughed heartily, and then she disappeared somewhere.

------

Monday.

Numerous events, performances, and activities were taking place all over the Temple, but I was far from the dazzle and bustle of the festival.

Today was the day of the first-year tournament finals. The finals for each grade's tournament would take place in the same arena, and the seats would be filled with spectators.

I was placed in Group A for the first match.

There were a total of 32 first-year students who made it to the main tournament.

The tournament would consist of the round of 32, the round of 16, and the quarterfinals.

I had to play three matches, with the semifinals and finals scheduled for tomorrow.

To prepare for the first-year tournament, I moved with Ludwig and Scarlett.

Needless to say, both Scarlett and Ludwig passed the preliminary round.

Ludwig looked at the tournament bracket and smiled happily.

"It seems the groups were divided by chance. How fortunate."

I was in Group A, Scarlett in Group B, and Ludwig in Group C. We wouldn't face each other until we were the winners of our respective groups.

If we were to face each other in the tournament, it would be at least in the semifinals.

"Is it really by chance?"

"Or did they purposely arrange it this way?"

Ludwig...

I'm responsible for making you like this.

"Of course, if they put all the championship contenders in one group, there wouldn't be anything exciting to watch later on."

"Ah, I see..."

There were a total of four main groups.

In Groups A, B, and C, there were competitors from the Royal class.

And in Group D, I saw a familiar name on the bracket.

Grayden Amorel.

Though the Orbis class had disappeared, he had transferred to a general class and participated in the tournament.

There might have been other names from the Orbis class, but I didn't recognize any. Names like Nils Oniana, Lilka Eren, or Ender Wilton.

Someone with an unknown name could have participated, but for now, I confirmed that Grayden Amorel was in Group D.

I wonder who will face Grayden Amorel if we win our main group matches.

It's still uncertain.

We were on our way to the stadium where the main tournament would take place. Today, we would play three matches, and tomorrow, the semifinals and finals would be held.

Ludwig was chuckling.

"Our friends are coming to watch later, what if I get nervous?"

There were only two main tournament participants from Class B. So, except for a few, the group was coming to watch the tournament. More specifically, to watch Ludwig and Scarlett's performance.

It seemed like everyone from the Magic Research Club would come, except for a few.

I wonder about my side.

I doubt Ellen and Harriet would be able to make it...

Even if Olivia were to come, she seemed a bit angry earlier, so I'm not sure if she will come.

What about Charlotte? Since there are students from Class B, would she come? If so, she might not be coming just to see me.

No, whether they come or not, I should just focus on my tasks.

Why do I feel somewhat sad?

Why do I feel like I'm the only one without parents attending a sports day where everyone else's parents are coming?

Have I been with kids for too long? I really don't feel much different from them now.

"Reinhardt! Let's do our best!"

"Uh."

A stiff response slipped out unintentionally.