An overview, but this Chrono King Festival is a one-day event, meaning the swordsmanship tournament also takes place only today. This event is divided into a morning and an afternoon session. The morning session is a prelude featuring the boys' division for those under fourteen, while the unrestricted age division takes place in the afternoon. Needless to say, the latter draws more attention, and with no age restrictions, the number of participants is significantly higher. In short—

If they leisurely conduct proper one-on-one duels for the preliminaries, there’s no way they’ll finish in just one day.

Ultimately, the preliminary rounds are just a warm-up, and most of the audience isn’t particularly interested. The real focus is the main tournament—everyone is eager to see the winner of this event face off against the Seven Peerless Swords. In other words—

“The preliminaries will follow the traditional Chronostaria Swordsmanship Tournament free-for-all! Each group consists of about fifty participants, and only the last one standing advances to the main tournament!”

The preliminaries, which determine who advances, are conducted in a rather crude manner. This time, about two hundred participants entered the tournament, and following the previously explained division, only four will make it to the main event.

—Well, this is the fastest way to proceed smoothly...

It seems the group divisions were predetermined, as the participants quickly moved to their designated groups. Apparently, Weiss and Freesia are in separate groups, meaning there’s a possibility they could face each other in the main tournament.

—Or rather, those two are practically guaranteed to advance.

I shift my weight, sinking deeper into the surprisingly cushioned chair. Seeing how I show no particular intention of cheering for my two comrades who are about to battle through the preliminaries, the prince sitting beside me comments.

“Oh? You seem rather composed, despite this being a proud moment for both your fiancée and your disciple. It’s as if you already know they’ll advance to the main tournament.”

“Please don’t tease me… You’ve noticed as well, haven’t you, Your Highness? Compared to the others, those two are in a league of their own.”

This isn’t favoritism or flattery—it’s simply the truth.

“Oh? And what makes you say that?”

The prince undoubtedly understands this as well, yet he feigns ignorance, prompting me to answer.

—What’s he scheming now?

Though I find this exchange tedious, I play along with his little act, given the eyes on us.

“They are still students, and even if they are from the prestigious Magic Sword Academy, to the public, they might seem inexperienced. In reality, many of the other participants have more practical combat experience and have endured far harsher trials.”

“Then…”

“Even so, their potential more than makes up for it. It’s not that the other participants are weak—it’s just that those two are abnormally strong. Moreover, Freesia ranked among the top in last year’s tournament, and she’s even stronger now. Weiss, too, has been intensely trained by my grandfather over a short period, significantly improving his skills. I pity the other participants.”

“I see.”

“Ohhh…!!”

The prince nods dramatically at my explanation, and the nobles eavesdropping let out impressed murmurs. Before I know it, we’re surrounded by elegantly dressed strangers.

—What the hell is this…?

As the nobles grow increasingly excited, I realize that the preliminary match for Freesia’s group is about to begin.

Since running all four groups at once would be impractical, they proceed one at a time. The preliminaries last thirty minutes, with magic strictly prohibited. Participants must rely solely on their bodies and swordsmanship to defeat their opponents.

“If I trip up here, Clay will definitely make fun of me!!”

“Wh-what intensity!?”

“The name Ice Demon isn’t just for show!!”

“S-she’s too strong!?”

With the start of the match announced by a wind magic blank shot, the battle-crazy girl enthusiastically swings her sword, cutting down the surrounding participants. Her groupmates have no way to resist. Occasionally, there are those who manage to exchange a few blows with her, but—

“Yeah, thirty minutes won’t be necessary for this…”

There’s nothing more to say. The outcome is already clear.

“As expected of last year’s top-ranked contender, Freesia Greyfrost! She’s strong! She’s fast! She’s overwhelming!!”

As the fervent commentary echoes through the air, Alice, sitting to my left, suddenly voices a question.

“Just as you said, it’s clear that Sister and Weiss will advance to the main tournament. But who do you think will make it from the remaining two groups?”

“Oh! That’s something I’d like to know too.”

The prince on my right and the surrounding nobles all show keen interest in my sister’s question.

—Is this some kind of discussion panel?

Despite my thoughts, I have no choice but to answer my beloved sister. When Alice asks her brother something, he answers unconditionally.

“Well, let’s see. There’s at least one notable fighter in each of the remaining groups—perhaps even ones who can rival or surpass Freesia and Weiss.”

“Ohhh…!!”

The nobles make no attempt to hide their enthusiasm as I shift my gaze to one of the waiting groups. Among them—standing in a knight’s uniform from the elite Refined Magic Sword Corps, known as the gateway to the Seven Peerless Swords—is a man anyone in this country would recognize.

“First, there’s him. I don’t know his name, but being in the Refined Magic Sword Corps means he’s certainly skilled.”

“That’s Flail Gardawind. He’s only been in the order for a year, but I hear he’s already made a name for himself. A rising star, so to speak.”

“I see…”

Nodding at the prince’s explanation, I acknowledge that Garrot is technically my senior. I hope he does well. Shifting my gaze to the last group, I focus on a black-haired woman wearing a kimono, a common outfit in eastern countries.

“And then, in the final group, there’s that woman with the long hair tied back. She doesn’t seem particularly impressive at first glance, but she’s definitely a tricky one. There’s no sense of battle aura or presence from her, yet she has an air of composure…”

“For you to say that, Clay… she must be something.”

“Brother, are you unsure whether you could defeat her?”

Alice tilts her head innocently, and I hastily respond.

“Ahaha! Not at all! Someone who can’t even properly control magic would stand no chance against me! I’d take her down in less than a minute!!”

“Brother…”

…I got carried away, trying too hard to sound cool in front of my sister.

—Damn.

Alice lets out an exasperated sigh, draining my spirit. I clear my throat to cover my slip-up.

“W-well, anything can happen in a match, so my predictions aren’t absolute. If anyone bets on this, they do so at their own risk. I take no responsibility.”

“...!!”

The nobles visibly flinch at my warning. Apparently, whether in school or outside, gambling on tournaments like these is a common occurrence.

—Unbelievable…

While shaking my head in exasperation, I notice that the first preliminary round has concluded.

As expected, Freesia won by a landslide.