#808 The Wife Barges In

Hey, it’s me again.

The special event at Orkubo’s Castle—the Grand Sumo Tournament—is about to begin.

Humans, demons, merfolk... This mixed-race competition is the largest we’ve ever had, and it’s fittingly hosted in Orkubo’s Castle, which already stands as a major event destination.

You can also sense Arowana’s passion wanting to popularize sumo throughout the nation. 

Although... there’s probably also a desire to deepen the bonds between land-dwellers and merfolk.

At least, I’d like to think that’s the main goal!

Moving on, many participants and spectators gathered even after the main event, which was a sigh of relief for the organizers.

Me? 

I’m working behind the scenes this time, you know. 

Oh man, what a shameee.

It’s such a shame I can’t participate as a sumo wrestlerrrr.  

Anyway... 

The tournament will follow the usual knockout format.

Wrestlers will fight, fight, and keep on fighting until only one remains. 

An epic battle is about to unfold. 

Let the Grand Sumo Tournament begin!

From the mermen side, we have Mermaid King Arowana, who suggested this event, and his predecessor, Nagus, who still shows a fierce spirit even after ceding his throne. 

Joining them are his trusted allies like Hendra and General Shark.

On the demon side, there’s Demon King Zedan, his loyal minister Lucife Focale, and one of the Heavenly Four, Mamoru.

...Hmm.

I expected as much, but the testosterone levels here sure are off the charts.

Given that this sumo tournament is men-only, it can’t be helped, but...

The humidity in this area is so high it makes me hesitant to take deep breaths.

From the human side, we have dignitaries like Lord Dalkish and other feudal lords. 

Hats off to them, participating amid their hectic schedules in establishing the republic.

Given the men-only rule, Letasreit might have dominated as a female sumo wrestler if she could’ve joined.

More kudos to the feudal lords for representing the honor of the Human Republic.

And then, one more individual...

The center of attention, not belonging to any of the three main factions:

Our very own Orkubo.

Given that this event is at Orkubo’s Castle, his participation was pretty much expected.

It’s the Orkubo’s Castle, after all. 

It would be unthinkable for its lord not to partake in the battle on his turf.

And while we’re grateful for his involvement...

“Sorry for pulling you into this, especially during your honeymoon and all...!”

I feel genuinely guilty.

I mean, Orkubo’s just got married this year.

It feels like a grave sin to drag a newlywed from their love nest.

Unlike Gobukichi, who also got married around the same time, said, “I want to spend sweet time with Carpy-Tarpy ♡♡” and opted out.

I really shouldn’t have forced Orkubo, who probably wanted the same!

My bad!!!

“Please don’t let it bother you...! Serving My Lord’s is my very essence...!!!”

... 

Orkubo? Is it just me, or do you seem... different?

“I remain the same, My Lord...!!! Forever on the battlefield, courageously and vigilantly, being your sword and shield, confronting challenges head-on. That’s me, Orkubo.”

“Seriously, what’s gotten into you?”

This isn’t the Orkubo I know.

His eyes are ablaze, smoke-like substance billowing from his mouth, and is that an ogre hovering over his back?

No matter how you look at it, he’s turned into some sort of demonic warrior, ready to fight!

What happened? Did tying the knot somehow flip a weird switch in him or something?

“Indeed, My Lord... My married life has made me realize my true nature: a warrior destined to fight for his master. Standing tall like a giant, sitting firm as a rock, and walking with the pride of a warrior. That’s me, the mightiest orc, Orkubo.”

Okay, I’m lost. 

Maybe Orkubo’s honeymoon overexerted his brain.

This sumo tournament might serve as a good distraction for him.

Let’s get started before anyone else starts acting weird.

So, without further ado, the Grand Sumo Tournament at Orkubo’s Castle...

Let the games begin!

“All right, first things first, let’s go over the rules,” begins an announcement from the organizers.

It’s the goblin holding the microphone who’s part of the management. It wasn’t Gobukichi, but one of his underlings.

The rule explanation is essential. 

If you step out of the ring, you lose; if you touch the ground with your knee or hand, you lose; no weapons allowed, and, strangely enough, no punching with a clenched fist either.

“Today, we’ve implemented a special rule, making this sumo match slightly different from the norm. This means that one doesn’t just rely on physical strength and size but strategy, too. It’ll be quite the thrilling match!”

Huh? I wasn’t aware of this.

Why wasn’t I, the farm owner, informed about the rule changes? 

People just keep disregarding me, don’t they?

Still, a competition that everyone can enjoy and where outcomes aren’t just determined by raw strength could be a great thing. 

Who came up with this?

“For a more detailed explanation, let’s hear it from our person in charge, Lady Zoth Syra, the Witch of the Abyss herself.”

“Leave it to me.”

Wait... Zoth Syra is in charge?!

I had no clue about this arrangement!

And it seems I wasn’t the only one taken aback. Even Orkubo was.

“Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!”

He looks completely shocked. 

His fierce demeanor from moments ago is gone.

Did Orkubo not know that Zoth Syra was involved in the sumo tournament’s organization, even though she’s his wife?

“I decided to support the event behind the scenes since my husband hasn’t been giving it much attention. I thought it’d be my role as his wife.”

“So, you’re participating in the event’s management?” 

“Exactly. I thought using my skills as the Witch of the Abyss would make the sumo tournament more exciting, and Orkubo would be pleased. This is what a supportive wife does, helping her husband from the shadows!!!”

Really? After taking center stage, you’re going with that narrative?

Zoth Syra’s sudden appearance has all the sumo participants frowning.

Why? Because of not-so-fond memories.

There was a time when she wreaked havoc in Orkubo’s Castle. 

She once created a Special Hard Mode for the event, and it was a hellish scene where every challenger was knocked out within just a few seconds of starting.

Remembering those times brings back the anxiety.

Now, Orkubo’s Castle has grown hugely popular, with regular attendees who surely carry the bitter memories from back then.

What say you, Zoth Syra?

You’re not just to vent your frustrations like before, I hope?

What’s it going to be?!

“I’ve changed since those days. Everyone knows that I was single. Now, I’m a wife... a married woman! I can’t let anything disgrace my beloved Orkubo!”

Ohh.

“Besides, I’m much less stressed now that I’m married than I was those stressful years ago. That makes a big difference.”

Of course, it’s always personal with her.

“All right, let’s get to the point, shall we?”

Yes, please get on with it.

Basically, she’s going to use her Witch of the Abyss skills to spice up the sumo tournament, right?

Whether that’s a good addition or just superfluous is nerve-wracking.

And that’s why she’s called the Witch of the Abyss!

“Now, let me explain in detail. I’ve already added a little magic to your loincloths!”

Wh-What?!

All sumo participants are wearing a loincloth. It’s the official attire for sumo, after all. Everyone has to wear it before stepping into the ring. 

The organizers provide them to all who wish to participate.

She tampered with the loincloths?! As expected of the witch who’s also the current Mermaid Kingdom Prime Minister!

“I added a feature to the loincloth you’re wearing using my magic. If you use it correctly, you’ll be able to harness more power than you naturally have.”

And... what’s this feature...?!

“Love.”

Why “love” of all things?