#546 Orkubo’s Castle: Season 3

“Orkubo’s Castle will be held again this year!!!”

A round of applause erupts.

It has become a winter tradition at our farm, although it’s hosted at a place far from here.

When was it...two years ago, I think? What started as the orcs’ wish to build a castle has now become an event that involves an entire region.

Basically, it’s a competition to reach the castle tower by breaking through the obstacles that have been prepared.

This event is packed with fun stages, such as a cushion ballista hitting participants trying to cross the balance beam or a large, round rock rolling down from the top of the hill and crushing any unfortunate players.

Last year, the event was delayed due to an accident, but this year it looks like it will go ahead without any hiccups, so we will start preparations as soon as winter arrives.

“The reputation of Orkubo’s Castle spreads far and wide as it enters its third season. We are looking forward to making a big leap by introducing new obstacles.”

As a highlight of the event, we have enlisted the cooperation of these people.

“Please give the S-class adventurers a warm welcome.”

Silver Wolf, Golden Bat, Black Cat, Pink Tonton, and Brown Kato.

These five distinguished personalities have lined up to participate in the board meeting.

Last year, the audience was shocked and delighted to see Silver Wolf’s sudden participation.

I thought, “If one person can make the event so exciting, what more if there were five of them?” With this idea in mind, I tried to get all S-class adventurers to participate.

Fortunately, the negotiations went well, and I was able to get them to agree.

“That...was the deal...?”

Don’t think too deeply about it, Silver Wolf.

I was surprised when the Professor showed up, but thanks to him, we were able to persuade the adventurers more smoothly.

Golden Bat and Black Cat, who love exploring dungeons, were given permission to enter Sensei and Veil’s dungeons on the condition that they participate in Orkubo’s Castle this year and keep information about the farm confidential.

Pink Tonton and Brown Kato also expressed their willingness to do so without any resistance.

“Um... Are you not going to ask for my consent...?”

“Huh? You will cooperate with us, right, Silver Wolf?”

“Yes, I will, but...!”

Then there’s no problem.

Anyway, this year’s Orkubo’s Castle will be gorgeous with the S-class adventurers’ cooperation! 

“Good heavens! S... S-class adventurers?!”

The one trembling at this sight is Dalkish, who is also present at our meeting as the feudal lord of the territory where Orkubo’s Castle is located.

“Is...Is this all right? S-class adventurers are heroes representing the Human Kingdom. The populace’s admiration for them far surpasses that of the royal family...!”

“If all these S-class adventurers were to gather, the response would be massive.”

“It’d be outrageously massive!” exclaims Dalkish.

Is it really that big of a deal?

“It’s not every day that all the S-class adventurers assemble, even for an Adventurers’ Guild ceremony!”

“A certain idiot makes sure to run away from those events, after all,” scoffs Silver Wolf. 

“How much is this going to cost per person? Have we gotten permission from the guild?! What if the demons misunderstand that this is a rally or something?! That’s how influential this group is!!!”

“Calm down, calm down...!”

Since Dalkish is this shaken, the audience might react similarly.

I feel even more convinced of this event’s success rate now.

“You give us too much credit, sire.”

Silver Wolf has now firmly established himself as a sensible member of the S-class adventuring community.

“No matter how proud we are of our rank, we are but adventurers—drifting from place to place all day long. It is not a profession that wins the respect of the people of the world.”

“Nonsense. Because of you adventurers who exterminate monsters in the dungeon and bring back their materials, we can live in peace and prosperity! As a feudal lord, I am always grateful for what you do!”

“We are honored to receive such praise from you, sire.”

“But to think that the one who stands at the top of all adventurers is so modest... It makes me have even more respect for S-class adventurers. On behalf of my territory, I ask for your continued support.”

“Likewise, sire. Without your patronage, the adventurers’ activities would not be possible.”

Silver Wolf and Dalkish bow to each other.

Everyone witnessing this scene thought to themselves, “Is this what mature relationships are like...?!”

When burdened with a territory or a guild, you must choose your words with the utmost consideration.

A feudal lord like Dalkish aside, a thoughtful and considerate adventurer like Silver Wolf isn’t someone you’d come across that often.

“Hmph. What a wasteful act.”

Everyone ignored Golden Bat’s comment and proceeded with the conversation.

“Lord Saint will be handling the recompense, so there is no need for you to worry at all, sire. I’ll talk to the guild about the matter as well.”

“But...”

“You can leave it to us, sire. Think of it this way. Our participation is still considerably trivial.”

“Okay...”

“We’re nothing of the ordinary. Many people related to Lord Saint are much more astounding than we are. For example...”

Silver Wolf takes a pause and...

“What would happen if someone like Sensei the Lifeless King were to participate instead?”

“...?!”

The moment he said that, the place fell silent.

Only the sound of gulping saliva could be heard.

“...Indeed. That sounds intimidating.”

“Compared to him, we S-class adventurers are still a decent group, don’t you think so, sire?”

“Very well. I accept.”

The two found a point of compromise. 

I wonder if I should tell them that Sensei’s participation is already confirmed for this event...

I mean, if he can’t participate, he’ll feel left out. 

Yeah... Maybe I won’t tell them now.

Surprises are fun, after all. 

And so, several things were decided upon, and... 

“If we’re going to have S-class adventurers participate in Orkubo’s Castle, how exactly should they get involved?”

“Will we just participate in the competition as usual?”

“But that’s no funnnn! If we purrticipate like the rest, we’ll end up sweeping the whole place!”

Black Cat makes a good point.

S-class adventurers don’t stand at the apex for nothing.

The game won’t be as exciting if you just overwhelm the audience.

“What should we do then? Should we handicap them like we did with Silver Wolf last year?”

“That’s a method to kill your enemy, not a handicap!!!”

“Oh, I’ve got a nifty idea!!!”

After brainstorming various ideas, Black Cat proposes, “Let’s have an expedition match!!!”

“...You mean an exhibition match, right?”

If I recall, an exhibition is like a demo or an intermission before an official match.

“Competing against the amateurs would be very childish, but if we go wild in the form of an intermission without any purrofit or loss, it’d be loads more fun! Let’s show them our purrofessional skills!”

“I see, that sounds good.”

Since first-class adventurers are participating, the audience will be more pleased if they get to see their flair rather than a handicapped performance.

Besides, they’re not doing it for the prizes (those given to participants who conquer all the gates at Orkubo’s Castle and make it to the keep), either.

If that’s the case, it’s better to concentrate on making the exhibition more exciting, right?

“Okay! Let’s do that! Let’s have an exhibition match by S-class adventurers!”

“Waittttt! Let me finish.”

What is it, Black Cat?

Do you still want to add something?

“While we’re at it, we can narrow it down a bit more. Having all the S-class adventurers compete against each other is fine, but it would be more exciting if we handpick a select few!”

What do you mean?

“I’m talking about a one-to-one fight between Golden Bat and Silver Wolf! I bet a battle to decide the number one S-class adventurer would be purrolific!!!”