Chapter 91

『That's the end of the match! The winners of the tournament sponsored by the Empire are...Yumir and Hind!!』 (Emperor)

When the Grado's Emperor declared that with vigor, the audience raised their voices even further.

I was taken aback by such an occurrence and a shock ran through my back suddenly.

「Ahahaha! We won, we won Hind! What's wrong? Be more happy!」 (Yumir)

I wonder where that sad expression of hers has gone to. Yumir was now leaning on me with a joyful look.

I still couldn't really register what had happened so I tried to ask about it.

「Yumir...what happened at the end?」 (Hind)

「Nothing! I just landed a strike on him before he was able to, that's all!」 (Yumir)

「...hahaha, seriously?」 (Hind)

This girl, at the very end, was able to exceed aniki's reaction speed.

According to Yumir, the effect of 『Sacrifice』 ran out right after she hit him with 『Burst Edge』.

Since I wasn't able to see that happening with my own eyes, I'm thinking about watching the replay later on.

Then, the Emperor ascended to the stage and continued his speech.

『A being with outstanding strength...like the warrior Albert, people have been fascinated by such men since times immemorial.

『However, the sight of you two overcoming him through cooperation was beautiful! I'm extremely satisfied with how you combined your strengths! I'm filled with so many emotions!』 (Emperor)

While hearing such words, Albert and Philia slowly stood up on the other side.

After retrieving his greatsword, he came over here along with Philia.

I wonder what was going on, Yumir who had been on my back until now, got off and went towards Albert.

「It seems like I've lost again...however, it was fun, you two. Congratulations on winning.」 (Albert)

「Thanks, Albert! You sure are doing well considering you lost! What are you, an adult!?」 (Yumir)

At the very least, he's more mature both physically and mentally than Yumir...

Since Yumir made such an odd statement, aniki scratched his face while not knowing how to reply.

At that moment, the small girl that was standing next to Albert, came towards me with upturned eyes and said absentmindedly.

「...Congratulations.」 (Philia)

「O-Oh. Thanks, Philia-chan.」 (Hind)

Is she really congratulating us?

This child's expression doesn't change at all...I can't tell if she's frustrated or not at all.

We exchanged handshakes right there and the audience applauded Albert and Philia's efforts.

「...By the way, I have something concerning which I'd like to consult you. Will you hear me out?」 (Albert)

「What is it?」 (Hind)

He bent his body and talked to me in a low volume.

What would he even ask of us in this situation? Just when I was having those doubts, the content of the request was such I could understand where he was coming from.

Albert aniki's request was to openly congratulate us on our victory as the losers, therefore increasing his value as a mercenary...something quite calculating that you wouldn't expect from someone with such a face.

He's going to appeal to the public right now, so he wants our cooperation.

「Even if you didn't do that, I believe Albert is plenty famous right now...?」 (Yumir)

As Yumir had said, having reached the finals while showcasing that way of fighting, I doubt there is any player out there that would see that and have doubts about his strength.

Wouldn't he get even more requests in his mercenary business now?

However, he proceeded to say that it wasn't good to only show his strength.

「It's just in case. If I can make them appreciate me for my personality, that would make getting requests much easier. After all, if I only showed this appearance of mine, that would just make it easier for people to be scared of me.」 (Albert)

So in other words, he's saying that he doesn't look friendly enough?

Well, the only thing we have to do is 「Climb on top of him」 so it's not like we mind at all.

「I'm fine with it. If we are going to do it, we should do it now that the Emperor is waiting for us.」 (Hind)

「You have my thanks. Yumir, are you fine with it too? I'm sorry for this request, even though we are the ones that lost.」 (Albert)

「Umu, I'm fine with it. However, are you really going to lift us?」 (Yumir)

Having received our agreement, Albert Aniki bent over without replying to Yumir's question.

It seems like he thinks it's easier to show us than replying.

Timidly, we sat on top of those broad shoulders and the floor became distant in a single moment.

「Uoh, he's really carrying us! So high! So scary!」 (Yumir)

「This is some impressive strength...well, we knew that already. Even though we should be around 100kg combined...」 (Hind)

Aniki calmly stood up while carrying a high school student on each of his shoulders.

He supported both of our bodies with his brawny hands to make sure we didn't fall off; since he told us that it was fine to grab onto his head, Yumir and I placed our hands on top of his short brown hair.

What's with this sense of stability...? Even though we are on top of an unstable surface like his shoulders, I don't feel like I'd fall at all.

Then, as if to congratulate us, he made a lap around the stage while facing the audience.

Yumir also waved her hand in response to the cheers of the audience.

It's true that with this, even though he was the one that lost, he'll look like a tolerant player that is congratulating the winners to other people.

Philia-chan was also slowly walking next to Albert.

This view sure is from quite high...ah, Riizu and the others are waving. Hey!

Like that, once we finished our lap, the Emperor raised his hand as if he was giving a signal to someone.

Then he declared in a loud voice.

『Everyone, congratulate the winners!! These people are the winners of our tournament!!』 (Emperor)

The moment he said that, mages wearing all black like those set in towns appeared around the spectators and began to chant a spell.

I doubt it's something like an offensive spell but...oh!!

「Ooh!! Hind, fireworks!! Look, fireworks!!」 (Yumir)

「They even come with confetti. Quite the big production value.」 (Hind)

「...So pretty.」 (Philia)

「All this had been prepared for both of you. Makes me feel kinda jealous.」 (Albert)

Just when we realized it had turned into night, firework magic was released from the mage's hands and burst in the air.

Those particles of light filled this unrefined arena with flowers of lovely colors.

The audience, particularly the female players, looked at this event with eyes glittering with delight.

『Ladies and gentlemen, was that to your liking? In that case, let's proceed to the award ceremony! Yumir and Hind, please come to the front!!』 (Emperor)

When the Emperor made that announcement, what looked like a group of imperial soldiers got on top of the stage and lined up the Trophies simultaneously.

We got off Aniki and stood up in front of the Emperor.

The flashy award ceremony ended and I was now dozing off in my own bed.

Being in such a calm environment made it seem as if the previous events had all been a lie.

However, that horse we got as a prize sure was splendid.

It's name was...『Grado Turk』 I believe?

The horse had such a splendid build that it looked as if it would easily carry a player with heavy equipment.

I should say, as expected of a mount of the highest grade.

We even got two of them...if you thought about it, I guess it's a given that they would prepare two of them just in case there are disputes within the pairings.

『With that being said, farewell!! If the opportunity arises, let's meet again!!』 (Emperor)

Once the award ceremony ended and the Emperor declared that, the players were forcefully returned to the towns they came from.

After being separated from Mitsuyoshi-san, Tobi and the three girls, and returning to Sala, we went back to our guild home and did a modest celebration.

That being said, it's not like we could drink sake or anything, so we just talked for a bit while drinking herbal tea and eating sweets.

It'll take a while for Tobi to return from the Mahl republic, so there's the chance that we'll do another celebration once everyone is gathered in the guild.

As for the prize of the tournament, since everyone in the guild contributed to our win, we plan to divide the money evenly at another date.

As for how we would deal with the horses that were sent to the stable in Sala automatically, we decided to set them as guild property so everyone could use them.

After saying good night to Rise and mom after logging out, I went back to my room and crawled into my bed.

Even if it's just a game, winning sure feels good.

I covered myself with my futon to not get cold and turned around. Then my mouth spontaneously turned into a smile.

Thanks to everyone, it seems like I'll have a good dream today...