Absolute Ark and Maria were engaged in a mock battle focusing solely on swordsmanship.
Maria had the advantage in terms of reach and defensive solidity, but in all other aspects, Absolute Ark was far superior.
After several clashes of swords, Absolute Ark ultimately knocked Maria’s sword away, bringing the match to an end.
“...That makes ten consecutive losses, doesn’t it? I doubt there’s anyone who can beat Master in swordsmanship alone.”
In fact, the average level of soldiers in this country was 20. Compared to Absolute Ark’s current level of 70, they were considerably weaker. Maria's level exceeded 30, making her quite strong, but the difference was still vast.
“Who knows… But Father would easily overwhelm me. He’s a monster.”
Once, when Absolute Ark and his father, Villain, had sparred, Villain emerged victorious. Absolute Ark remembered being terrified. It was his first defeat since reincarnating into this world.
…In the original story, Father never appeared. By the time I graduated from the academy, I was already the head of the Ark House… Seeing Father obediently following the royal family, I can’t say he’s completely on our side. I don’t know what Father was doing when the Ark House was condemned in the original story, but I should prepare, considering the possibility of him turning hostile.
Maria watched Absolute Ark, who was lost in thought, with a worried expression. Noticing this, Absolute Ark decided to postpone his thinking.
“Sorry, I was just lost in thought… Let’s continue.”
Maria put down her sword as Absolute Ark took his stance.
“No, Master seems tired. Why don’t we take a break on that bench over there? I made some snacks.”
Seeing the snacks Maria had made, he felt a pang of hunger, so he accepted and gratefully ate them… The feeling of fullness caused drowsiness to overcome Absolute Ark.
“Master seems tired. If my lap is acceptable, please use it.”
Absolute Ark was about to fall asleep, his head resting on Maria's soft thighs.
(Ah, I’ve seen this in the original story’s training event!)
Thinking so, Absolute Ark’s consciousness slowly faded away during that gentle afternoon.
““It’s been a while, Absolute-sama.””
Chris and Lady Cruel had come to the Ark House.
They were working to foster good relationships with the nobles 【under the Ark House】. Thanks to them, relations had improved considerably.
“Ah, so? What brings you here today?”
He was as unsociable as ever, but the two didn’t mind. They knew that was just how he was.
“There’s a martial arts tournament in the royal capital. Why don’t you enter, Absolute-sama! I’m sure you’d win, Absolute-sama!!”
Lady Cruel passionately declared.
(Her face is so close! Don’t bring such a pretty face so close… I’m getting flustered.)
“It’s in the under-fifteen category, but wouldn’t it be a good opportunity to gauge the strength of others your age? Besides, it seems the descendant of the Hero will be participating this year,”
Chris added.
(What? The Hero, huh… Certainly, it wouldn’t be bad to see the Hero’s current strength. Unlike in the original story, Maria is with the Ark House. It wouldn’t hurt to confirm how that’s affecting things.)
“I understand the situation. Let’s go, then.”
“Really! I’m sure you’d win, Absolute-sama♡”
“No, I won’t be participating.”
Lady Cruel’s shoulders slumped.
(Sorry, but I don’t want to show the Hero too much of my hand.)
“I’ll have Uru participate in my stead.”
He designated the wolf tribe maid slave who was waiting behind them. Uru herself was taken aback by the sudden designation.
“Eh? U-Uru is going to participate, Master? I-I’m weaker than Master, and I'd be tarnishing Master’s name…”
(It’s fine. You’re far stronger than you think you are. After all, I personally modified you. If it were the protagonist before the story began, I have a feeling you’d put up a good fight.)
“Those are unnecessary worries. You’re sparring with me, aren’t you? You won’t lose to the riffraff there. If you can beat that descendant of the Hero, I’ll treat you to the popular sweets in the royal capital on the way home.”
“!”
Uru’s eyes widened. …Uru had eaten sweets for the first time since coming to the Ark House and had cried at their deliciousness. Ever since then, Uru had a weakness for sweets.
That was precisely why Absolute Ark had been able to tame Uru. In other words, he bribed her with food.
“If you win the tournament, I’ll buy you anything else you want. How about it?”
“I’ll do it!! Uru wants a new weapon and cute clothes!”
She already seemed to think she had won. But with this, he would be able to assess the Hero using Uru.
“Understood. Uru, win against the Hero and claim what you desire.”
“Yes! Uru will definitely win!”
The Hero possessed the Hero’s Skills and, despite being at a disadvantage in numbers in the original story, was a man who defeated the superior Absolute Ark.
Absolute Ark would never let his guard down. The battle had already begun.
【Hero Side】
The Hero, Alto, the descendant of the Hero, was currently under the care of the Mirai Marquis House, who acted as his guardian.
That Hero was currently skipping class and resting on a tree.
“I’ve found you! Honestly! Alto, you’re skipping class again! I’m always getting scolded because you don’t take it seriously!”
She was the eldest daughter of the Mirai Marquis House, Alto’s fiancée and childhood friend, and one of the original heroines, Alicia Mirai.
“But I just don’t feel motivated… Besides, I’m the Hero. My role is to fight, so I’ll leave the studying and stuff to Alicia and the others.”
Unlike in the original story, someone other than Maria was instructing the Hero. Maria skillfully used both carrot and stick to keep Hero Alto in line, but the current instructor was at the mercy of Hero Alto.
“No matter how strong the Hero’s Skills are, it’s a waste if the user is an idiot! Well, whatever. I have a message from Father. ‘Win the martial arts tournament being held in the royal capital,’ he said.”
“Hee, sounds good. Are there any strong guys? Alicia, do you know anything?”
“Who knows? Oh, that’s right, I heard someone from the Ark House will be participating.”
“The Ark House, you mean that family that’s connected to dark organizations and does whatever they want behind the scenes, right? Nice, I’m getting fired up. I, the Hero, will destroy evil. Death to all the bad guys!”
It wasn’t what you’d expect from the Hero, but anything was fine as long as it motivated him.
Alicia let out a sigh, revealing her troubles.
