#948 A Selfless Workaholic’s Ambush

I’m Neyote.

A plain village boy from the human race, turning sixteen this year.

Lately, everyone in the village has been telling me, “You’re a born workaholic, so you’ve got to learn to relax!”

What does that even mean?

I’m just living a normal villager life, as far as I can tell.

Speaking of which, I’ve heard that the Human Kingdom, previously under the rule of the Demon King’s Army, is being rebuilt into the Human Republic.

It’s good news that humans are getting a fresh start.

But with the demons’ reins loosened, those who were previously content to be greedy in silence might start stirring up trouble.

Even with reins, those who were disruptive have mostly been caught or have destroyed themselves. Just when I thought we were heading for peaceful times, unsettling movements began again.

...No, maybe it’s time to step up now that the army’s chaos has been dealt with.

While I’m pondering all this, a village buddy claps a hand on my shoulder and says sympathetically, “Don’t overthink it. It’s none of our concern.”

Now that you mention it... yeah.

We’re just simple villagers, after all, with no ties to the machinations of the nation.

Just work hard every day, study, live righteously, and let the bigwigs handle the country.

Come to think of it, the new king (?) of the Human Republic is just a bit older than me.

He must have his hands full, probably another one born to struggle like me.

Yet, if he can’t keep the newly reborn Human Kingdom together, the political turmoil might even spill over to our little village.

Please be competent, new king...!

As I send this prayer skyward, my friends slap my shoulder again, saying, “That’s why we told you, you think too much.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

***

As time goes on, the seasons change.

Even a worrier like me has something to look forward to all year round.

Yes, it’s Orkubo’s Castle.

Held once a year in the Wallachia frontier, it’s a festival where you encounter nothing but the unfamiliar and the exciting.

I also meet friends there...or should I say, comrades? People I can only see at this event, and seeing them again after a year is always a highlight.

But last year, a mismatch in the village’s food storage calculations meant I missed it while redoing the math.

This year, after carefully recalculating post-harvest, there’s no mistake!

I made it to Orkubo’s Castle!

Hooray!

I hope to reunite with Lady Zoth Syra and Lord Lucife Focale!

There are two ways to enjoy Orkubo’s Castle.

Either participate in the events or be a spectator.

I chose to participate. It feels more real when you’re part of the action, after all.

“You really do choose the hard path,” said my friends who came with me from the village.

They joined the spectators’ side without any hesitation.

So what?

Actually, this is my first time participating in the standard format of Orkubo’s Castle.

My first time two years ago was an unusual one due to the heavy snow, and as mentioned, I couldn’t go last year.

The true essence of Orkubo’s Castle is to overcome various obstacles and reach the top floor of the castle.

All right, I’ll make it to the top and clear the previous stage!

I stake my whole being on it!

— “That’s just like you to go all out on anything and everything. That’s the hallmark of a workaholic.”

Was that my friend who’s supposed to be in the audience?

Just as Orkubo’s Castle’s main event is about to start, an unexpected situation arises.

There are too many participants, so now there’s a lottery!

This is bad! I’m not lucky with draws! I doubt I’ll get selected!

But surprisingly, I got picked.

Phew.

During all this, multiple golems rampaged, and a massive dragon appeared, turning everything upside down.

This is Orkubo’s Castle... truly as formidable as expected.

And then, finally, the main event began.

It’s our time to run.

Yet, the air is oddly tense even before the start.

It feels like quiet sparks are crackling beneath the surface.

“The ability to read the atmosphere...You, young man, must be a workaholic.”

Who said that?

An old man participating suddenly talked to me.

“Workaholics, sensitive to the air, always run around trying to make things right. You can feel the tension in this place without anyone having to explain it. That’s what worrying is all about.”

“Uhh...”

“Let me tell you something. Just as you sense, this year’s Orkubo’s Castle is secretly filled with conflicts between the organizers and some who claim to be professional contestants.”

Professional contestants?

What’s that?

“Oh, the folks who frequent Orkubo’s Castle year after year have certainly turned pro at this. It turns out that participating here can be quite profitable. Clear all the attractions, and the prizes you can sell are enough to live leisurely for a year. Not to mention, a good performance boosts your fame quite a bit.”

A living like that exists?!

“However, it’s hardly a productive way to make a living. You’re not creating anything new; just selling items you received as gifts for money, which is morally questionable. Moreover, such practices occupy space that could welcome new participants. The organizers must have been wracking their brains for a while trying to address this issue.”

I see!

So that’s why they unleashed those golem troops earlier!

“From now on, it’s up to the organizers to prove that we can create a buzz even without the pros. The success of this really hinges on us, the actual participants.”

Right! We just need to dive in and stir up some excitement!

All right, let’s clear this castle...or so I thought!

The new king of the Human Kingdom is entering the competition?!

His name is President Ritheseus!

This is the first time I’ve seen him, and he’s surprisingly young. Is he really the guy leading the Human Kingdom now?

But just his participation is buzzworthy enough.

It looks like we might not be needed after all. I have mixed feelings of relief and disappointment.

But then—President Ritheseus flunks the first hurdle?!

Yikes. Goes to show that everyone has their off days, huh?!

At this rate, Orkubo’s Castle will flop, and those pros will be laughing their bums off.

This is my moment... As a participant, I’ve got to turn this around!

I need to give more than my all to flip this situation!

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!

***

And to tell you the outcome...

I cleared every single obstacle and made it to the castle tower.

I’m not exactly the brawniest, and the audience didn’t think I’d pull it off.

But I gave it my all, and though I was dead on my feet by the end, it seems I moved the crowd.

Orkubo’s Castle was a roaring success, and the applause was thunderous.

“Thank goodness... it ended well...!!!”

By the time I crossed the finish line, I was gasping for air, barely able to stand, and just collapsed right there.

My breathing was ragged and unsteady, and my vision flickered and sparkled.

I had to keep my wits about me, or I felt like I’d pass out at any moment.

“...Going beyond your all will do that.”

“You really didn’t need to push that hard...!”

Someone’s talking, but I can barely make it out.

At any rate, I did great.

I just want to go home now and crash into bed.

But then...

“Your grit is impressive.”

Someone grabs my shoulder.

Who?

“I’ve been looking for a spirited young person like you. The Human Republic is short on talent, and I’ve been reaching out to promising folks, but you’re exceptional.”

No way...

President Ritheseus?!

“You’re young, so you’ll fit right into the new ideas of the Human Republic. You should study under me. No, perhaps studying at the farm school would be good too...!”

Somehow, I’ve been roped into the president’s plans!

Huh?! What’s happening?!

My life is about to change massively!

“Oh no... a workaholic has been discovered...!”

“His real work starts now...!”

Seriously, who’s that random person who keeps pitying me?!

What’s going to happen to me now?!