Chapter Text
The Aristocratic Academy's stadium. It is a training ground for knight apprentices, and in recent years it has also become the stage for the Ditter, a speed competition between territories, and the spectator seats are also a social gathering for the territorial competition. The elite chosen from each of the 23 territories were lined up there.
"On this fine day when the glory of the god of fire, Leidenschaft, shines, we have been able to gather here thanks to the guidance of the gods."
The opening ceremony began with a greeting from Zent Eglantine. Her clear voice reverberated throughout the stadium thanks to a magical device that amplified sound. I'm sure it was just my imagination that she sounded confused.
"The event being held today is Yurgenschmidt's first attempt. Professor Rauffen will explain why we decided to hold such an event." Eglantine nominated Rauffen, who stepped forward as if to take his place.
"Ditter is a means to win and protect what you need!"
...Shut up! You don't need magic tools for this.
Rauffen must have been waiting for this day for a long time, as he roared in a voice that was even more passionate and powerful than usual. The volume of his voice was enough to make you want to cover your ears. If he’d been using a microphone from Urano’s world, the sound would have distorted instantly.
"But there are many different types of Ditter. Why? Because the method you take differs depending on the purpose. The speed Ditter that has been held at the Noble Academy in recent years is aimed at training for the subjugation of magical beasts. On the other hand, before the purge, treasure-stealing Ditter was the norm at the Noble Academy. This was modelled after the battle over the foundations. The reason for the change from treasure-stealing Ditter to speed Ditter was that due to a lack of magical power and a sharp decline in the number of nobles, treasure-stealing Ditter was deemed too much of a burden."
The majority of the nobles knew this, so the spectators and the knights lined up looked at each other with expressions of "What a given."
"However, as a result, the students today are lacking in education. Knights have become too focused on attacking, neglecting teamwork. With no one other than apprentice knights involved in the Ditter, civil servants and attendants have come to think that fighting is the knights' job, and have lost the opportunity to learn how to develop magical tools to fight in cooperation with knights, how to do groundwork and gather information before a battle, and how to support in battle. I'm sure each territory can relate to this."
Rauffen looks around at the elites lining up in the venue as if asking for agreement, and then at the spectators sitting in the stands. Unlike before, there is an air of understanding and agreement not only among the knights lining up, but also among the Aubs and the guardian knights standing behind them in the stands.
...It seems that other territories are also plagued by the same problem.
"The most fatal thing is that the lord candidates have not learned the mindset of fighting. Some of you must have seen the lord candidates fleeing in the recent bride-stealing Ditter, not knowing that they would be leading knights."
A few laughs of remembrance spill out from the audience. "This is no laughing matter!"
The slight laughter disappeared in an instant as Rauffen continued.
"The invasion of Lanzenave is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Since the method of obtaining the Grutrissheit has reverted to the old way, lord candidates are not just heirs to their domains—they are candidates for the next Zent. If the border gate opens again, a second or even third Lanzenave could appear. What will happen then if the Zent or the Aub cannot lead knights to defend the foundation?
In fact, two hundred years ago Bosgeiz tried to incite Eisenreich to invade, so it is hardly unthinkable that it could happen again. History provides many examples of Ditter battles being central to territorial defence. And this very event is being held at the request of Lady Rozemyne, who voiced concern over the situation."
Rauffen spread his arms in an exaggerated gesture toward the Alexandria viewing area. All eyes followed—and cold sweat prickled across my back.
Stop it! Don't look at me! I never said a word about wanting to do such an event!
I protested in my mind, but most of them seemed convinced when they heard that I was the initiator of this first attempt. It was really disappointing.
"Those who have not been able to do Ditter for a long time since graduating from the Noble Academy should use their skills to the fullest. Their fighting will be an important learning experience for the young people. Young people of a generation who only know Ditter as a speed contest should watch the elders fight and realize what they are missing. Now then, I declare the opening of the first Ditter Yurgenschmidt Cup!"
...Oh! How did it come to this!?
As the knights in the arena roared their response to Rauffen’s declaration, I screamed inwardly—while keeping a noble smile plastered on my face.