Now that the food to be served has been decided, we head to the venue, which is a short distance from the Margrave’s mansion. By the way, entry registration for the tournament would begin three weeks before the event itself.
“Many participants come to the martial arts tournament every year. The winners receive a large prize.”
“To keep the level of participants consistent, we restrict participation to those who are already strong enough.”
“Thanks to this, the matches are always heated. By the way, weapons are allowed, but killing each other is strictly prohibited.”
From what we heard from Fina-san and her bodyguard, who came along with us, it doesn’t sound like the tournament is a brutal or cutthroat event. In that case, then it should be a perfect opportunity for us to test how much stronger we’ve become.
Incidentally, Fina-san said that, as a member of the Margrave’s household, she’ll be helping out with the tournament’s organization. Some of the lord’s soldiers are apparently participating as well, though, unsurprisingly, her bodyguard won’t be joining in.
And then, the martial arts tournament grounds came into view.
“Whoa, it’s pretty big!”
“There are spectator seats, too.”
“The stage is paved with stone.”
To our surprise, the venue was actually the town’s central plaza.
Temporary bleachers had been set up, and there were also areas for people to sit and cheer. Right now, workers were busy finishing up the construction of the temporary seating. Dozens of them were moving about in the cramped space, working busily.
And in one corner of the plaza, we spotted the registration area for the tournament.
We hurried over to sign up—but then, a shocking fact was revealed.
“I’m sorry everyone, but you’re all barred from entering the tournament.”
“““Eh?! Why?”””
“Well, it’s the rules…”
An official in charge of registering explained that none of us were allowed to enter the martial arts tournament. Unconvinced, Shiro and the others confronted the man at the reception desk, but it still didn’t seem to work.
“First of all, for safety reasons, the tournament only accepts entries from those 12 years of age and older.”
“““N-no way!”””
Well… I guess that can’t be helped….
If a child were to get seriously injured—or worse, die during the martial arts tournament, it would be a huge problem.
“And furthermore, all participants must be registered adventurers with an official title. Those with one title may enter, but anyone holding two or more is ineligible.”
“What!? Then I can’t enter at all!”
Shiro exclaimed.
It seems adventurers are restricted by rank as well, and if you have more than one title, that’s another disqualifier. Shiro, who happens to meet both disqualifying conditions, collapsed in shock.
It’s unfortunate, but rules are rules.
Still, I can’t help feeling disappointed.
Then, Ao suddenly hopped up onto the registration desk and began reading the participation guidelines. With surprising dexterity, she picked up a pen with one of her tendrils and started writing something swiftly on the entry form.
“Let’s see… Participant: Ao. Seconders: Shiro, Fran and Horn.”
“So that means… Ao will be the one entering the martial arts tournament?”
“““Eh!?”””
According to what Ao had written, she would be the one entering the martial arts tournament.
But… could a slime even participate in the first place?
When I checked the entry requirements, I discovered that there was no problem at all.
The clause says: Tamers may enter with one contracted monster. However, the creature must remain under the tamer’s control at all times.
“Yes, that’s correct. Tamers are allowed to participate. In that case, their tamed creature becomes the official contestant, so the adventurer’s rank or age doesn’t matter.”
The officer-in-charge confirmed.
“Still, this seems like a bit of a loophole.”
Someone muttered.
“Indeed. It would be better to unify the qualification rules for tamers as well. But since we’ve already announced this year’s entry conditions, we’ll review it for next year’s tournament.”
It was true—there were no specific clauses regarding the tamer themselves.
A definite oversight, if you wanted to call it that.
Ao had found and slipped neatly through a loophole in the tournament’s entry rules.
“I’ve never seen a slime that reads the entry requirements and signs up on its own. Far from being under control—it’s completely autonomous. Well then, that completes your registration. If the number of participants exceeds the limit, we’ll hold preliminary matches, and announcements will be made on the day of the tournament.”
The officer said, half amazed and half amused.
“““Okay!”””
With the registration finally done, we started heading home.
“Sue-oneesama, is Ao-chan strong?”
“Ao is very strong. She practically qualifies as a titled adventurer herself.”
Sue replied with a smile.
“Wow, that’s amazing!”
Fina-san was surprised to hear from Sue about Ao’s strength.
Ao certainly wouldn’t lose to an average person unless something extraordinary happened.
“Ao, do your best.”
“I will be cheering you on.”
Fran added.
“I will be cheering you on too.”
Horn added as well.
Shiro and the others then shifted their focus to cheering for Ao.
Ao, trembling with excitement, actively responded to their cheers.
This martial arts tournament looks like it’s going to be interesting in some ways.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next
Yume Neiji's Works 