#812 A Certain Young Man’s Sumo Tournament

I’m Neyote, and I turned 15 this year.

I’m just your typical guy from a tiny village in the Human Kingdom.

I lead an honest, simple life, taking care of my younger siblings, working, and studying for the future.

And the day I look forward to the most each year has finally arrived:

Orkubo’s Castle!

I took part last year and had an absolute blast, so I’m joining again this year!

Last season’s Orkubo’s Castle adopted an alternate format, so this is actually my debut in the regular event!

I can’t wait to see what kind of challenges await!

Once it began, I participated in the customary event.

I made it to the third area on my first attempt, you know? Next time, I aim to complete it.

There’s another event afterward, which is said to be the main attraction this year.

It’s called the sumo tournament.

I don’t know what it is, but it must be some kind of brawl.

You fight with your hands... but no punching? 

You slap with your palms instead?

It seems the main objective isn’t just about hitting but hurling your opponent.

If you get thrown out of the ring or touch the ground with anything but the soles of your feet, you lose.

The competition isn’t just for humans; demons and even merfolk are participating. It’s quite the grand spectacle.

Everyone says it’s an important event to foster good relations among the three races.

Many of my friends are joining, so I thought, why not me?

Honestly, I expect to be knocked out in the first round, so I’m going in light-hearted.

“What on earth are you talking about?! If you’re competing, you better aim for the top! You can’t settle for less! Get it together, honestly!”

That’s Sanita, who came to see Orkubo’s Castle with me.

Traveling from our village to Orkubo’s Castle is a long journey, so we usually organize a group trip.

During the journey, Sanita kept picking on me.

Did I do something wrong?

“Don’t think you’re a hot shot just because you did something last year, you hear?! I know you well, and it was probably just a fluke. You’d be exposed instantly if you lose right away, so you'd better give it your all if you don’t want to embarrass yourself!!!”

She’s always like this.

It’s not like I think I’m all that great, but it's a little discouraging when someone says it to your face.

I sometimes wonder why Sanita is always so harsh with me.

Most would avoid or distance themselves from such negativity, but I couldn’t do that with her.

Because... well...

...I have a crush on her.

I know. It’s weird.

Who falls for a girl who constantly criticizes them? People might say I’m a masochist, but I don’t think I am... probably.

Sanita is known as the most beautiful girl in the village, and everyone adores her.

She’s only ever mean to me. With everyone else, she’s super friendly.

Loads of guys in the village have fallen for her. But her father, planning to marry her off to some city noble or wealthy merchant, doesn’t let anyone get close.

That’s right. She’s way out of my league.

But being able to be near her is enough for me right now, even if it means getting insulted.

I’d rather she praised me than insult me, though...

If I do well in this sumo tournament, maybe she’ll acknowledge me a little?

I thought I’d give it my all and try to win when I signed up, but once it actually started... 

Things took an unexpected turn.

The Loincloth of Love?

What’s that?

They said it’s the uniform for the sumo match, and this loincloth has a unique feature?!

Apparently, if a female loves a male wearing the loincloth, the strength of that love boosts his power!

How innovative is that?!

In fact, it’s creating quite a scene with the participants.

First up, there’s Lord Dalkish.

We’re here at Orkubo’s Castle, and he’s the big shot who owns the territory. Not to mention, he’s married, so he’s getting a lot of love from his wife!

He’s pretty famous for conducting the first-ever marriage between a human and a demoness. So, I guess that means they have a really deep connection, huh?

His power is off the charts!

I heard they just had their second kid this year, too. Things are really looking up for them!

Then there’s Silver Wolf, an S-class adventurer, and the guild master!

I’m actually indebted to him in last season’s Orkubo’s Castle, and dude, he has gotten insanely stronger!

He got married to another S-class adventurer, Black Cat, but like, the love power I’m getting from him is kind of... cat-like? It’s a bit of a weird mix.

And it’s even wilder because Silver Wolf is half-wolf!

So, you’ve got this wolf covered in, like, a cat aura? What’s up with that? 

Then, there’s Ritheseus from Sendekyrs.

Lately, he’s become famous with his achievements.

He took out terrifying monsters solo, crushed a band of thieves, and even exposed a corrupt feudal lord, revealing his crimes and saving an entire region.

He doesn’t hold any official title, but everyone’s saying he’s “amazing” and he’s the talk of the town.

Seeing him in person, he’s as incredible as they say.

The aura of love he exudes is a riot of colors – seven?!

No, more like ten? Twenty?

There are probably that many.

I mean, for each color, there’s probably a lady showering him with affection, right?

Is that what they call a harem?

I’ve heard grown men say that being surrounded by many women is termed a harem.

That’s got to be it! Yeah!

So, does that mean Ritheseus is the King of Harems?!

Wow.

Do heroic figures who accomplish a lot get that much attention?

I, a mere human, can’t even imagine such a world.

At best, even if I tried to fit in... I’d probably be powerless, never truly loved by anyone.

Emptiness is my only strength.

With this attitude, I’m sure to be knocked out in the first round, unable to get Sanita’s approval...

...Huh?

Isn’t there a subtle aura around me?

Could it be that I, too, am radiating a dazzling aura?!

An aura of love that only appears to those who are cherished?!

But how?!

Well, due to the Loincloth of Love’s function, someone must be fond of me, but...

Who could it be?!

I haven’t the slightest clue!

“Hey! Don’t get the wrong idea!!!”

That voice... Sanita?

She looks flushed as the wind carries her shout towards me.

“It’s not me! Not me, not me, not me! Just because I like you doesn’t mean you’re shining! It’s not me, okay?! It’s gotta be someone else!”

Oh...Is that so?

“Absolutely! It’s absolutely, absolutely, absolutely not because I like you! Don’t you dare get the wrong idea! Besides, this is all your fault! Despite working so hard, you act so timid that even my dad looks down on you! He gets mad when I’m around you! If you want me around, show more of your effort and flaunt how great you are! Gah! What am I even saying?!”

It seems like the more she tries to deny it, the more she’s admitting it, though...

But I could just tell... this was something I shouldn’t push, so I kept my mouth shut.

My gut feelings usually hit the mark during such situations.

There were also a bunch of couples whose relationships changed because of the Loincloth of Love. Stuff that used to be hidden or kinda uncertain got brought into the open.

I don’t know if I should call it a wicked thing or fine play.