#1051 A Considerate Princess

I’m Momoko, the hero who’s currently just a spectator.

It’s SASUK*!

*ASUKE!!!

I never imagined they’d have SAS*KE in another world!

I thought nothing from modern times would exist here, but there’s a festival that rivals anything back home!!!

And it’s not exactly the same as S*SUKE; it has its own originality, which is a big plus!!!

Since it’s called Orkubo’s Castle, it’s themed around a castle siege, where you overcome various obstacles to attack a massive enemy fortress!

What a fresh and innovative idea!!!

“Hey, look, Momoko! There’s a group that’s pulling ahead.”

We continue watching while munching on some beans.

It seems there’s a group moving faster than everyone else, clearing the obstacles at an impressive speed.

Those guys have some seriously intense looks.

Their determination is on another level; as expected, SA*UKE really fires up its participants!!!

“The one leading the pack is... our very own Demon King!!! As expected of him—he’s number one wherever he goes!”

Huh?

...That’s the Demon King?!

That nice-looking old man?!

He’s got quite a belly; he looks tough, but isn’t he just a typical middle-aged guy you’d see anywhere?!

“Since the Demon King unified the former Human Kingdom, he’s been blessed with five children, and he’s stable as a wise ruler. Recently, he’s put on some weight, which adds to his dignity. Well, he is getting older, so there’s that.”

Isn’t that just middle-age spread?!

But despite being a chubby middle-aged guy, he’s moving with incredible agility!

He’s swiftly dodging falling rocks and charging ahead with unbelievable speed!

“I’ve heard that even after he started gaining weight, the Demon King managed to slim down before. So even if he’s got a stout body now, his strength from fierce battles remains.”

So he’s a fat guy who can move?!

Surely, beneath that layer of fat, he’s still got solid muscles!!!

But I’m a hero, and the first time I see the Demon King, he’s like that?!

Beside that happily chubby old man, there’s a robust man running alongside him, competing.

How should I put it... he’s kinda hot-blooded but somehow refreshing... like a surfer?

“That’s King Arowana of the Mermaid Kingdom. He’s the leader of a great nation that stands equal to the Demon Kingdom. Now, together with the Demon King, you could say they’re the two most important people in the world.”

Mermaid?!

There are mermaids in this world?!

But wait, aren’t mermaids supposed to have fishtails instead of legs?! That guy is running on two legs!

“In the mermaid world, they have a potion that lets them transform into land-dwellers when they drink it. It’s a country where potion-making is thriving, and they’re far more advanced than the Demon Kingdom or the Human Kingdom.”

Wow...

I had no idea there were mermaids in this world.

I’ve been here for quite a while, but there’s still so much I need to learn.

...Oh, people are garnering attention over there too!

That’s...not human!

It’s an orc and a goblin!

Even monsters can participate in this otherworldly S*SUKE?!

Moreover, that orc and goblin are moving in extraordinary ways!

Their performance shines in the new area.

Beyond the falling rocks area...

Should I call it the third obstacle?

There, what’s hindering them... What is that?! It’s creepy!

Something that’s neither monster nor human is writhing and attacking the participants.

Even to me, who has battled monsters for years as a hero and adventurer, that life-form looks alien! Life-form...?

I can’t even tell if it’s alive!!!

I’d personally categorize that as a “yokai”!

Like a Nuppeppo!

“Those are pseudo-life forms called homunculi, created through the Mermaid Kingdom’s pharmacological magic. To produce such autonomous familiars, the country’s magical potions are indeed astonishing technology!”

Come to think of it, Serena tends to geek out when it comes to magic.

Those homunculi are swarming toward the participants.

Facing that group, the orc steps forward.

“Haah!!!”

The orc emits an incredible aura that fills the space.

And the homunculi, overwhelmed by that aura, not only stop moving but are blown away?!

An aura that even causes physical effects?!

What’s going on?! I can’t believe it!

What is even more incomprehensible is the goblin.

Before I knew it, he had already passed through the homunculus area.

The formation of the homunculi had no gaps, so to get through, you’d have to force your way by pushing them aside somewhere.

I feel like I’ve glimpsed something far more terrifying than cheap tricks like super speed or hypnosis!

...This world’s SASU*E is on a pretty high level...

Mainly because of the participants, though.

...Hmm, I’m getting fired up too!

As a hero, adventurer, and female wrestler, my challenge spirit is tingling!

“I want to participate in that SA*UKE knock-off too! Is it still okay to join now?!”

“Sa**ke? Who’s that?”

Serena looks at me skeptically.

Oh right. People from this world wouldn’t know about it.

I should’ve been more considerate and not used words they wouldn’t understand.

Like a reincarnated heroine in a villainess story who overuses terms like “flags” and “reverse harem.”

“Um, SASUK* is a special program they often do at the end of the year... Wait, that explanation isn’t needed! Anyway, can I still join Orkubo’s Castle now or not?”

“In that case... I think the afternoon session’s registration hasn’t closed yet,”

All right!!!

Then I’ll sign up for the afternoon session at Orkubo’s Castle!

I’ll clear it brilliantly and aim to earn the title of Queen of the Obstacle Course!!!

“I figured you’d say that, Momoko. I knew from our time together that you live somewhat on impulse and enthusiasm.”

Serena!

“We’ve known each other for quite a long time now.”

Exactly!

Let’s both participate and aim for a one-two finish!

“But before that, won’t Princess Letsareit call us? The food stalls are likely to get quite crowded at lunchtime.”

...Oh, right.

Today, we were roped in to help that bean princess...

To be honest, I can’t help but wonder “Why us?” But once you’ve accepted a job, it’s only honorable to see it through to the end.

No choice then!

Let’s go help out again during lunchtime when the crowds pick up!

So, brimming with enthusiasm, we return to the bean-selling booth...

“Your work? There’s nothing in particular for you to do.”

Wow!

But why?!

It was so crowded before the event started; of course it’ll be crowded at lunchtime!!!

“And it actually is crowded!”

“The people who participated in the morning session at Orkubo’s Castle are coming to help in the afternoon. So we have enough staff.”

What?!

So we’re completely free for the afternoon?!

We’re only half-day?!

Don’t drag people out for such a half-hearted shift!

“Oh my, I thought I planned it out meticulously. You wanted to participate too, didn’t you? In Orkubo’s Castle?”

?!

Exactly...!

So, Princess Letasreit anticipated this...?!

“People who come to watch usually want to run themselves. Go ahead without hesitation.”

Your Highness...

You’re actually an amazing person!

You can foresee things this well and are so considerate!

“When you run, wear this sign around your neck.”

And the sign she hands us says “Beans.”

Is this... advertising?