#804 The Gathered Wrestlers – Human Race Version

Every man yearns to be the world’s strongest...!

Thus begins the grand sumo tournament in another world at Orkubo’s Castle.

Warriors from around the globe, whether by land or sea, gather to prove their might in the ring.

This event is not just about pitting strengths against each other but also promoting inter-species interactions and mutual understanding between humans, demons, and merfolk.

Imagine Kappas wrestling with humans, marking a moment in history... 

Merfolk seeks harmony by wrestling with both humans and demons in the same way!!!

Well, all that said...

Perhaps it’s because of this grand theme, but many VIPs are seen participating in this year’s Orkubo Castle Collaboration Sumo Championship.

Among them is Mr. Dalkish.

Though, I guess it’s more a custom for him now.

After all, he’s the feudal lord of the territory where Orkubo’s Castle is located! 

In fact, he’s been participating since the very first tournament!!!

I greet him, “Hello, Mr. Dalkish! You seem pumped for this year!!!”

“I want to go home...!”

Maybe not as enthusiastic. 

What’s wrong? Tummy ache?

“Ah, Lord Saint...! Something significant has recently occurred...!”

Why are you trembling like a scared bunny? 

Wait, has there been a problem in your territory?!

Remember, you can always rely on us!

We stand up to the absurdities of the world, a group that’s there whenever you need help.

...Haven’t I always told you that?

“The proposal of the Human Republic terrifies me...!”

Ah, the problem was us. 

Someone from our farm recently proposed establishing the Human Republic.

After the end of the Human-Demon War, the Human Kingdom collapsed.

Peace was progressing between humans and demons, and with the recovery of war-torn lands and people, talks about re-establishing the nation emerged.

But why are you bothered, Mr. Dalkish?

Do you oppose the republic?

“No... They’ve asked me to represent this new republic...!”

Oh, dear.

But given your status as a feudal lord, don’t you qualify?

“Lately, my territory has been prospering, mainly thanks to Orkubo’s Castle... I’ve become a prominent feudal lord, and as the youngest, they say I’m fit to be a leader for the new generation...!”

Mr. Dalkish covers his face with trembling hands.

Seeing him like that pained me.

“It’s not true... I’m not cut out for it...! I’ve gained profit and fame solely because of the castle’s location. It’s a mere boom! It has nothing to do with my capabilities...!”

“Mr. Dalkish, calm down...!”

“And now the other feudal lords are pushing me...! They say having a demon wife makes it advantageous for unification, but I didn’t marry Varlina for that...!!!”

It seems Mr. Dalkish felt cornered even on this joyous occasion.

Was he here to distract himself with the sumo championship?

Why not aim for victory to blow away your sorrows?!

“Do you know what you’re suggesting, Lord Saint?! Winning in a championship with three races would only intensify the spotlight on me! They’d push me even more to be the representative of the republic!!!”

You hate the idea of being the republic’s representative that much? 

“It’s not that I hate it, I’m just not fit to be one...! All that I am is an average feudal lord who got lucky...!!! There’s a limit one should recognize...!!!”

“That’s not true, sir.”

“Huh? Who said that?!”

Descending upon the distressed Mr. Dalkish was... a man with a wolf’s head?! 

It’s the S-class adventurer, Silver Wolf!

“I’ve come to participate again this year. Orkubo’s Castle event is crucial for adventurers now. As the Guild Master, I can’t miss it.”

“Right! Sir Silver Wolf, you’re now an S-class adventurer and a Guild Master!!!”

Seizing an opportunity, Mr. Dalkish pleads with Silver Wolf.

“You, an S-class adventurer, garner respect equivalent to royalty among humans! You’re perfect to be the representative of the new human era! Won’t you consider running for the republic’s representative?!”

“I humbly refuse,” firmly declines Silver Wolf. “Being an S-class adventurer and also the Guild Master is exhausting enough. How could I juggle more roles? Besides, adventurers are inherently outlaws. They don’t mingle with authority.”

Let alone stand at the pinnacle of it.

“Don’t worry, Dalkish sir... You’re inherently qualified. That’s why I believe you’ll be fit to represent the republic.”

“Huh? Sir Silver Wolf...?!”

“Yes, I’ve always seen it in you...! You ooze this quality... of someone who’s been through a lot!!!”

Oi.

“Sir Dalkish, you have the perfect temperament of someone who struggles! If you climb up to the position of a national representative, I’m sure you’ll give us all a good show of your hardship! So, please, do take the role! Build a new stage for yourself as a selfless workaholic!!!”

“What is this guy even talking about?!”

Classic Silver Wolf, one of the world’s most notorious Selfless Workaholics. His words overflow with profound meaning.

Actually, don’t push someone into a leadership role just to make them suffer more.

“Speaking of S-class adventurers, is Golden Bat also participating? He was here the year before last, right?”

“Why would he come? He’s probably climbing some mountain right now, saying it’s worth his while.”

Man, that guy is such a free spirit... 

But let’s focus on the real issue here: Mr. Dalkish, currently in deep distress.

“This is baaaaaaaad! Nothing good comes from getting him involved! Lord Saint! Please, use your words to remove me from the candidates...! Or maybe YOU should become the representative? You’re definitely qualified!”

Uh-oh, I’m caught in this mess too.

However, I’d like to clarify that I’m not interested in the slightest.

Why would I want a position of power? 

I’m all about living a laid-back life. Forever in a remote place, farming the land and living with the wind.

I sincerely hope you take on this oh-so-rewarding job of being the republic’s representative, Mr. Dalkish.

Really, from the bottom of my heart!

And then, another candidate appeared before us.

“Ah, Lord Saint! Long time no see!”

Ritheseus, our farm graduate?!

Are you participating in Orkubo’s Castle’s Sumo Tournament, too?!

“Of course! As someone who learned at the farm, I must actively participate in events! Many other graduates share my sentiments and are here today!!!”

How heartwarming...!

We were blessed with such outstanding students...!

Considering Ritheseus and the other boys who once lived on the farm have sumo experience, we will surely see some great matches.

Ritheseus catches Mr. Dalkish’s attention.

“Ritheseus...?! The same person who used his education on the farm to restore his almost-ruined homeland?! You’re perfect for the new era!!!”

“Pardon, sir?”

“Would you like to be the republic’s representative?”

Has Dalkish started recruiting just about anyone?!

Is he that desperate not to be the representative?!

“Okay, okay... Here’s an idea.”

I felt the need to intervene before he started recruiting every passerby.

“We have this sumo tournament today to decide the world’s strongest wrestler, right? Why not decide the republic’s representative based on their performance?”

The strongest should lead!

So, the sumo tournament winner becomes the Human Republic's first president? Or governor? Wait, chairman? What do they call it?

Anyway, whoever comes out on top is the big man!!!

“That’s a brilliant idea, Lord Saint! In that case, I, Feudal Lord Dalkish, will give it my all in the sumo match and lose on purpose!”

“No, no fixed games allowed!”

“If it’s obvious you threw the match, I’ll use all my Guild Master powers to push you to be the representative, Sir Dalkish.”

There, the issue of the republic’s representative has now been combined with the sumo tournament.

It will surely go smoothly.

After all...I’m not participating in this sumo tournament!!!

Huh? Why not, you ask?

Well, I’m technically part of the organizing committee.

That’s why there’s absolutely zero chance I’d be picked as the representative.

I’ll just sit back unbothered and watch how everything unfolds.