On the day of the demon sword tournament, my mother rushed up to me as I tried to leave the house.

“Wait Arnos-chan! Mothers coming with you!”

My mothers all dressed up in her going out clothes.

“You’re coming to Deruzogedo?”

“Un. The school sent me a ticket and anyone with a ticket to the tournament can enter the grounds.”

“I still haven’t decided if I’m taking part yet.”

I’ve arranged to meet Aivis at the school and get his report first.

I’ll make my decision based on what he tells me.

“You still not sure if you can get a good enough sword?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

If I explain my true reasons my mother wouldn’t really understand so I’ll stick to my previous story.

“You might get your sword so mothers coming along. Also, I want to see the school Arnos-chan goes to.”

I’m not sure what she’s expecting to see but its fine.

“Shall we go then?”

“Unn.”

We lock up and as we start walking my mothers links her arm with mine.

“Fufufu. I rarely get a chance to go out with Arnos-chan. Mother’s happy.”

It’s a bit hard to walk with you sticking to me like this though……….

“Nee, Arnos-chan.”

My mother looks very happy.

“…….That’s true.”

It’s fine I suppose.

Hanging on to my arm so I can’t escape my mother seems so happy. I’m not going to pour cold water on her mood.

“Have you seen father recently?”

After dashing out he came back once then left again and hasn’t been back since. I guess he’s still working hard on obtaining a demon sword.

“He’s helping out at other blacksmiths since they are short-staffed.”

I see. Is that price he paid for knowledge on demon swords?

“He’s only troubling you though.”

My mother laughs happily.

“Perhaps, but I don’t mind. That person is a hard worker so it’s okay.”

I’ve never seen my father work. To be honest, I can’t imagine it at all when I think about his usual everyday figure.

“Speaking of which Arnos-chan, is the other person chosen from your class Ray-kun?”

Walking leisurely I answer my mother’s questions and after arriving at school I lead her to the arena.

“If you carry straight on you will get to the audience seats.”

“Un, thank you Arnos-chan. Do your best.”

“Aah. We shall see.”

“Mother supports you!”

My mother left without listening to my words.

Since we walked quite slowly the tournament should be ready to start.

The very first match is also my match so I really don’t have much time left.

I didn’t head to the waiting room though. I left the arena and headed to the demon tree forest.

The forest had completely recovered after our matches and wash now lush and green again.

After walking for a while a *nyaa* came from above.

Looking up a black cat is perched on a branch. With a light gait, it comes down the tree. It’s Aivis.

“What have you found?”

The black cat opens its mouth.

“Gaius and Idol, two of the old seven demon emperors are involved in the tournament behind the scenes.”

Those two?

Gaius’ memories were erased and his body taken over by a subordinate of Avos Dillheavia. I never checked Idol but its very likely its the same with him as well.

“What’s their aim?”

“I believe it’s you Arnos-sama. I think they are trying to trap you somehow.”

“If that’s the case then they are probably trying to beat me by using the rules.”

Aivis agrees.

“They will probably try to reduce your power by using the rules against you Arnos-sama.”

Fumu. This is probably the most likely scenario.

“What’s the location of Gaius and Idol?”

“I don’t know, but I found out that they will be coming to watch the finals tomorrow.”

I don’t think they will just be watching though.

It seems like they have anticipated me wining today and going through to the finals.

“What about Melheys?”

“He’s a hard one to catch sight of, but from what I can find he doesn’t seem to be involved in the management side of the tournament. There’s no sign that he’s intending to defy you Arnos-sama.”

Is he innocent?

Oh well. I still can’t confirm either way so no point worrying about it.

“What about Ray?”

“Ray Grandori’s mother is hospitalised in the Lognoss magic clinic. Her condition isn’t good. She’s close to death and healing magic is barely effective. Somehow the hospital has managed to at least stabilise her though.”

That’s why he looked so down. Why didn’t he depend on me though?

“What’s the disease?”

“The doctor’s notes state its spirit sickness.”

Fumu. I’ve never heard of it.

“What kind of disease is it?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never heard of it. I had to look it up and apparently, it’s very rare.”

So that’s why she’s admitted to the best magic clinic in Deiruheido.

“Anything else?”

“That’s all I’ve managed to find.”

To understand his mother’s illness I’ll have to examine her directly. It doesn’t sound like a disease associated with mazoku though.

“Sorry for the trouble I’ve put you through. I’ll be depending on you again.”

“Your will.”

Aivis walks off into the forest.

I return to the arena but head to the audience seats and not the waiting room for the participants.

I’ll wait here for a while.

“Without further ado, the first round of the Deiruheido demon sword tournament shall begin!”

A voice comes from the owl flying in the sky.

“First up is Kurt Roodwell from the Lognoss demon sword association!!”

A long-haired man with delicate features appears on the arena along with a great cheer. A thin rapier type demon sword hangs from his waist.

“He’s here! The winner of the last tournament! Deiruheido’s strongest swordsman Kurt Roodwell!!”

“Shocking! The first match and he’s here!”

“Aah. At only 20 years old he rapidly cut down all his opponents. He can only have gotten better. I look forward to it.”

“He’s over 300 now. I wonder how much more polished his sword techniques are? It’s scary just thinking about it.”

“Who’s the unlucky fellow to get Kurt on the first round?”

Apparently, he’s some type of celebrity and the audience is excited.

“The Lognoss demon sword association is a famous group amongst the royal factions.”