'A sword tournament... hmm... I don't want anyone to get accidentally killed, so I'll need to make a rule to use wooden swords,' Vivienne pondered, her mind consumed by the upcoming project. 'But wait, wouldn't that make the knights look less impressive? Oh no! The dilemma between aesthetics and safety.'
"Lady Vivienne?" Milo's voice interrupted Vivienne's thoughts.
"Is there something I can help you with, Sir Milo?" Vivienne inquired.
"I would like to know how the event is progressing, as we need to start announcing it soon. The knights also need time to prepare," Milo requested.
"Here are all the details I have written down so far," Vivienne handed Milo the paper to review.
"The budget looks fine, and the location you've chosen is suitable. Having the tournament in two months is fitting. Why did you decide to use wooden swords?" Milo asked.
"I was worried that someone might get seriously hurt or even killed if real swords were used. But if you prefer them to use real swords, I can change that," Vivienne replied.
"That's true. Using wooden swords is safer, especially since this tournament isn't meant to be too intense," Milo agreed.
"Is there anything else I should add?" Vivienne inquired.
"I don't think so. Oh, I heard that you took sword classes before. Do you plan to participate in the tournament?" Milo asked.
"I won't be participating. I learned sword fighting for self-defense purposes only," Vivienne answered. "How about you, Sir Milo? Are you interested in taking part?"
"I'm not skilled with the sword. I prefer using a bow and standing at the back during fights," Milo explained.
Milo's choice of weapon surprised Vivienne. In most isekai stories, swords tend to take center stage, so the idea of someone using a bow felt unusual to her. However, that didn't stop Vivienne's imagination from running wild as she pictured Milo holding the bow, poised to shoot arrows straight into people's hearts like cupid.
"I'm excited to witness Sir Milo's skill with the bow someday," Vivienne expressed eagerly.
"Likewise, I'm curious to see Lady Vivienne's swordsmanship," Milo replied.
*BANG!*
"Greetings, Your Highness, the crown prince," Vivienne and Milo said in unison.
Vivienne quickly retrieved a snack from her desk and handed it to the crown prince, while Milo gathered all the documents requiring the crown prince's approval.
"Please have this chocolate to improve your mood. As for the search, we have yet to find her. The only remaining location is the north," Vivienne reported.
"Please sign here, here, here, and here," Milo instructed the crown prince.
The crown prince gazed at the chocolate for a moment, and ultimately, it seemed to alleviate his irritability. Without thoroughly examining the documents, he stamped them as usual.
"Don't think you can hide from me forever," the crown prince warned, his words aimed at no one in particular. He left without causing any damage this time, but his departure carried an implicit threat.
Vivienne couldn't help but ponder the recent encounter. 'Was that supposed to be a thrilling scene?' she wondered. 'Being in the same location as him just made him appear like a deranged person talking to himself. Perhaps if it were written in a book or depicted in illustrations, it would have had a more captivating effect.'
Once they were certain the crown prince was truly gone, both secretaries sighed with relief.
"I never considered offering snacks to His Highness before. Now we won't have to keep changing the door. It's a brilliant idea, Lady Vivienne," Milo praised.
"Just as we discussed earlier, since His Highness is like a five-year-old, the best way to calm a child is by giving them snacks," Vivienne proudly remarked.
'The chocolate will serve as the crown prince's temporary tranquilizer. Once the female lead appears, we won't need to rely on chocolate anymore,' Vivienne thought to herself.
From that day forward, Milo and Vivienne made it a habit to keep chocolate readily available whenever the crown prince barged into the room.
2 months later...
'Tournament Day! Tournament Day!' Vivienne chanted excitedly in her head. 'I'll finally get to see hot guys swinging swords. Come on, isekai world, don't disappoint me now. Knights are known for their gathering of attractive men. Although Sir Milo is handsome too, a girl needs some fresh eye candy once in a while.'
"Vivienne! Over here!" Vivienne's mother waved her hand excitedly, beckoning her to come sit next to her.
It was no surprise to see both her parents at the tournament, as her younger brother was participating. Vivienne was already confident that her brother would emerge as the winner, with his striking black hair and eyes. While many were placing their bets on well-known knights, Vivienne had wagered all her coins on her brother's victory.
'These people are foolish! Can't they see how handsome my brother is? He even has the looks of a male lead! Well, if the crown prince were competing, my brother might have a tough time, but since he isn't, victory is guaranteed. I'm just here to admire handsome men,' Vivienne thought as she prepared her binoculars and scanned the stadium for potential candidates. 'As expected, seeing Milo's and my family's faces every day has spoiled me. Everyone else looks plain now.'
Disappointed by the lack of attractive men, Vivienne's anticipation shifted solely to the money she would earn from her bet on her brother's victory.
Every time Leopold stepped onto the stage, prepared to face his opponent, the three family members would rise from their seats and cheer for him with great enthusiasm. The audience would give them peculiar looks each time it happened, but Leopold remained unfazed. He would beam a bright smile and wave back, acknowledging their cheers and letting them know that he had heard them loud and clear.
When Vivienne organized the tournament, she anticipated it would span a week. However, to her surprise, her younger brother's exceptional sword skills allowed him to swiftly defeat his opponents in under a minute. As a result, several matches had to be rescheduled earlier than planned, leading to a shift in the entire schedule. Consequently, it took only three days for the final match to occur.
Vivienne was aware of her brother's swordsmanship prowess, but she never expected him to be so extraordinary that he would dispatch a highly skilled knight in a mere minute. The other matches typically lasted around 15 minutes, so Vivienne didn't even have the chance to experience the excitement or nervousness that usually accompanies supporting a loved one in a tournament.
As the tournament reached its final match, the Emperor and the crown prince made their grand entrance to witness the ultimate showdown. Leopold, unfazed by the presence of royalty, remained composed and calm. The Ravenswood family, undeterred by the strange gazes from the royal family, continued to cheer and applaud with unwavering enthusiasm.
As Milo stood beside the crown prince, he couldn't help but notice how excited the Ravenswood family was. Witnessing Vivienne's enthusiastic cheering, a fond smile formed on Milo's lips as he found her really adorable.
The final match turned out to be incredibly brief, much like all the previous encounters Leopold had experienced. In a jaw-dropping display of skill, it took him a mere two minutes to defeat the empire's most formidable knight. Leopold's exceptional talent seemed to know no bounds, leaving spectators in awe and admiration.
It came as no surprise to the Ravenswood family when Leopold secured the first-place position, but their cheers echoed throughout the arena nonetheless. Vivienne's excitement overflowed as she found herself now enriched with winnings, planning to present her share to Leopold later as a token of celebration.
The royal family sat there, utterly bewildered by the sight before them. Traditionally, the final match was a grueling, intense battle that would last far longer than a mere two minutes. But this time, before their seats had even warmed beneath them, they found themselves having to rise and crown the victor. The abruptness of it all left them in a state of disbelief, their expectations shattered as they struggled to comprehend what had just transpired.
The Emperor gathered his composure, a regal air emanating from him, as he gracefully made his way towards the stage. Behind him, Sir Milo followed closely, holding the winner's cape with utmost reverence. The hushed anticipation in the air grew palpable as the Emperor's steps echoed with authority, setting the stage for the grand moment that was about to unfold.
"Leopold Ravenswood, congratulations on your triumphant victory in this year's tournament," proclaimed the Emperor, extending his commendations. "In recognition of your outstanding skill and prowess, we bestow upon you the prestigious title of the Empire's Best Knight for this year." With those words, the Emperor gracefully draped a cape over Leopold's shoulders, symbolizing his status as the esteemed champion.
With the tournament concluded successfully, a wave of relief washed over Vivienne, knowing that the event she was in charge of had proceeded without a hitch.
"Vivienne, excellent job on organizing the tournament today," the Emperor approached her, though the crown prince was conspicuously absent.
"I appreciate your kind words, Your Majesty," Vivienne replied, bowing respectfully.
"Your brother showcased remarkable swordsmanship skills. You must be immensely proud of him," the Emperor remarked.
"Yes, indeed. I plan to treat my brother to a grand feast later today," Vivienne beamed.
"Take the remainder of today and tomorrow off, as you have truly earned it. Embrace this opportunity to cherish precious moments with your loved ones. I assure you, the Crown Prince shall not object, isn't that right, Alfred?" the Emperor kindly proposed.
Alfred promptly emerged and affirmed, "Indeed, Your Majesty. I shall handle everything." With that, he vanished once more.
"Thank you very much for your graciousness, Your Majesty," Vivienne expressed her gratitude to the Emperor.
As the Emperor departed, Vivienne couldn't contain her joy, leaping with excitement before hastening to join her family in celebrating her brother's victory. It was the first time in months that she returned home and enjoyed precious moments with her loved ones.
Somewhere else...
"Ah, Ava! I heard you visited the capital. How was your time there?" an elderly lady called out to a woman with vibrant pink hair and captivating blue eyes.
"The capital is as grand as ever, bustling with people selling all sorts of marvelous things," Ava replied. "Today, I'd love to have my usual stew, Mrs. Charlotte."
"You seem to be in high spirits. Did something positive occur during your time in the capital?" Mrs. Charlotte inquired slyly.
"I'm relieved to say that the individuals who once caused me harm are no longer in the capital, which means I can finally step out of the shadows," Ava replied with a smile.
"That's truly wonderful news. I shall prepare a delectable feast to commemorate your newfound freedom," Mrs. Charlotte declared. As she disappeared into the kitchen, Ava's smile gradually transformed into a frown, her countenance revealing a hint of concern.
"Who was responsible for the tragedy that took my entire family? When I inquired, people only spoke of vague accusations, claiming that my family had committed treason against the royal family," Ava contemplated, her thoughts consumed by the lingering mystery. "But now, I no longer need to fear being recognized. Maybe it's time for me to go back to the capital, search for employment, and say goodbye to the northern region."
Ava's mind raced with possibilities and plans, envisioning a future where she could build a new life.
"Here you go, my special beef stew," Mrs. Charlotte proclaimed, placing the dish before Ava with a sense of pride.
"Thank you for the delicious meal," Ava expressed her gratitude with a warm smile and began to savor each mouthful.
Little did she know that her peaceful and calm life was about to be disrupted by an approaching wave of turmoil and disorder.