"..... Rid, I was told it was a 'bowl battle' that you would lead the children of the beastmen tribes in?"
"Yes, you are correct."
"Then what's all this celebration?'
I replied with a wry smile, putting my hands behind my head as my father's angry shouts faded into the commotion of the hall.
'Well, ...... I really don't know how this happened. I too am stunned."
We are now in the spectator's stands at the venue of the bowl battle.
But the spectators below us are all members of the Knights, the maids of the house and others who seem to be members of their families.
The place was packed with other people who appeared to be their family members.
Furthermore, a small stand had been set up, probably by Chris, and it had turned into a 'festival', as my father said.
Perhaps it was with this intention that Dinas and Marietta came all the way to check on the spectacle.
Well, I think it's good that they are enjoying themselves.
I spoke to my father, who was looking down with wrinkles on his brow.
'Father, I didn't intend this celebration to happen either. But if you think that everyone in the Bardia household will enjoy it as a result, isn't this kind of thing good once in a while?'
'Hah ...... your magic and martial arts are not for show. It's unprecedented for a son of a noble family to show off his skills when he's not even in the presence of the sovereign.''
Father exhales a sigh and looks downcast and dismayed.
I called out to my father, a little coquettishly, to encourage him.
"Well, as expected, doing this kind of thing is the cause of being called 'unconventional'. I'll be careful from now on."
Father reacts to my words with a twitch.
He then slowly raised his face and glared at me with sharp eyes.
'...... This isn't just breaking the rules, it's tantamount to the nobility's 'lack of common sense'. You're not taking advantage of being called 'unconventional', are you?"
"No, no, I didn't mean it that way ...... haha ......."
I was fighting my father with tremendous power, and I was laughing as I retreated on the spot.
Then a lovely voice sounded from behind me.
When I turned around, Mel was running towards us.
Behind her, Diana, Cookie and Biscuit, who had arrived to escort her and Danae, were also following them.
'Nii-sama, chue, let's eat together "
"Meldi-sama, you will tumble down if you run so fast."
Mel's cheeks puffed up as she was warned by Deanna and Danae.
'Yes, because I wanted to eat this together with everyone. Here you go, Nii-sama, chue ."
Mel said and held out the food in her hand to her father.
Father looked a little dubious.
"Meldy...... what's this?'
'It's called yakitori. I had some too and it was very tasty.
"Yakitori......."
My father looked at the skewered and grilled chicken dish and turned his gaze to me with a huff.
I can only nod with a wry smile now.
Yes, yakitori is a food that I marketed with Chris and others, using 'chicken' raised on poultry farms and 'charcoal' mass-produced in the Bardia territory.
There are no such things as refrigerators in this world, so it is not yet possible to sell it to distant places.
But in order to popularise chicken as a civilian food, we started selling it in the territory.
Incidentally, the chickens were purchased from Chris and others via Nikique in Renaloute.
We still have a lot of work to do, including breeding, but I think it's a good start.
But did Chris want an invitation to open a shop? If so, she has a strong business sense.
When I reported the yakitori to my father, he told me that it is difficult for an aristocrat to bite into a skewer as it is.
The main reason was that it would be unfashionable if their clothes were soiled by the food.
It is true that if the oil from the chicken gets on the clothes of the nobility, it would be a big problem.
If it is not good, there might be a tremendous amount of compensation, so it is still difficult to serve it to the nobles.
That's why no one in the family had ever eaten it except me.
But I didn't think Mel would eat it right here, though.
Suddenly, I look at Danae and the others, and they cough.
Meldy-sama said, 'I really want to eat it,' so we were quite careful not to get our clothes dirty."
'...... we tried to stop her, but it was beyond us,...... and if possible, we'd like it to be the last time.'
They look distantly at Mel, who is delighted.
It seems that it was a very difficult time for them.
The two maids would certainly not want Mel's clothes to be soiled.
Incidentally, the father, who is being pressed by Mel, showed some hesitation to bite into the grilled chicken here.
However, Mel, whose eyes are shining, offers him the grilled chicken on the tip of the skewer, saying 'aaan'.
Eventually, Father took a bite of the yakitori, taking care not to stain his clothing in contemplation of Mel's smile.
'...... delicious.'
"I know, it's good, isn't it? I will bring more later !"
At Father's reaction, Meru looks happy and continues speaking while at the same time rejoicing with a happy expression on his face.
Hearing these words, however, Father turned unusually pale.
'Hey, Nanalee? No. ...... Meldy, let's not do that yet."
"Eh⁉."
Mel looks surprised, probably not expecting opposition.
But Father, with an uncommonly determined look on his face, gently explains to Mel.
'If Nanalee finds out that Meldy eats like this, she'll ...... Oh, no, Nanalee is still fighting the disease. We'll eat together when she's feeling better."
"'Uh ...... okay. I will."
Mel turns her head down in despondency at her father's words.
Mel's father beckoned her towards me, and when I approached her, she softly whispered in my ear.
'Hey, this is a dish you developed, isn't it? It's certainly delicious, but this way of eating is not for nobility ....... Somehow, devise it so that Nannalee and Meldie can also eat it as a normal meal.'
'Hmm, I'm in complete awe. I will discuss this with head chef Ary and Chris."
I was whispering with my father when Mel approached me with a scowl.
"Chue nii-isama, what are you talking about?"
'Yeah? No, it's fine. Mel, can I have the last bite ?'
Mel smiles brightly at my answer and offers me a piece of grilled chicken, saying: 'Yes, here you go'.
I took a bite of it.
"It's delicious. Thank you, Mel."
"Hehehe, you're welcome."
The cheerful atmosphere around us was created by the beaming Mel. At that moment, Capella's voice rang out.
"Rid-sama . Ellen, Alex-sama, Chris-sama and Emma-sama. 'I've brought them with me"
"Thank you, Capella"
When I turned to where the voice came from, I saw that Capella and the people to whom I had sent the invitations were gathered there.
Chris stepped forward from among them, as if representing them.
'It is a great honour to be invited to this occasion."
As soon as she finished, she bowed deeply and politely.
Ellen and Alex also bowed on the spot, as if following Chris, and I hurriedly told them to look up.
'No, no, more importantly, thank you all for coming. It's a bit ......, or rather a lot, a different atmosphere than I originally planned, but have fun and say so."
"I don't know. I like this kind of event. I think it's a festival called Battle of the Bowls, which was Rid-sama's idea, right?"
I was taken aback by the words "festival invented by you", and involuntarily chuckled.
I had no idea that it had spread around like that.
"Yes indeed, this is a very good thing. Ah, more importantly, there's a reason why I invited Ellen and Alex. In addition to what I want to tell you, I have a favour to ask you."
'You invited us for ......? Oh, ......, are you asking us to do something unreasonable again?"
"Yes, as expected, it's too much for just my sister and me.'
The two of them are panicking with a desperate look on their faces.
I shook my head in dismay.
'No, no, no,...... that's not what I'm about. The first is that in today's match, in addition to the fox people and the ape tribe that you said you wanted as personnel, there will also be various other children. So I want you to figure out what kind of talent they're have .'
'Oh, ...... that's how it is. I understand. I'll make sure I look at that as well."
The two people said they would be happy to help.
'Yes, please. And then there's ......."
I then tell Ellen and Alex what I want them to observe in the future.
Ellen and Alex seemed to like the area and their eyes sparkled during the process.
'Okay, I understand, is our area of specialisation, so please leave that to us.'
"Thank you. Then, take care of it.""
As soon as I finished my request to Ellen and Alex, I shifted my gaze to Chris and Alex.
"Did Chris and the others know that there was going to be this 'festival' commotion?"
'No, no, they didn't know. So I made preparations. Thanks to Rid-sama, the stalls are doing well."
Chris is smiling with a smug smile on his face.
But it was only yesterday that I gave official permission for the knights and maids to watch the match.
She probably moved after confirming that information as soon as possible.
'...... You really do have a strong business spirit, don't you?'
'Hmm, thank you for the compliment.'
She bows to me in a playful manner as she replies.
I looked around the spectator area and saw that there were quite a few people in a relaxed atmosphere, but just when I felt like there was no one there, a voice called out to me from behind.
"Are you looking for me?'
'...... yeah. I couldn't spot you, Sandra.'
Yes, I had sent an invitation to Sandra as well.
How could she, a curious person, pass up an opportunity like this?
When she saw the look on my face, she smiled.
'Thank you for the invitation. But today, I will be on standby as part of the medical team with Bizika, in case something happens here. That's why I've come to tell you that I won't be able to join you all here."
'Oh, I see. I see you have to help Bizika. Okay, I'll let everyone know."
"No, that's okay, I've already told Capella about that."
I see, so he already informed .
But the medical team will be closer to the venue of the match, which might be more fun for Sandra than here.
But I see that Bizika is here too.
I'll thank him later.
When I was thinking that, Sandra gave me a quick earful.
"Rid-sama, I told you before that there are 'attribute magic' and 'special magic' in witchcraft, didn't I?"
'Yes. After that, it can be divided into 'transformation magic' and 'manipulation magic'.
Sandra seemed satisfied with my answer, but then she gave a kind of wry smile.
'Actually, it is said that there are still other types of magic. One of them is called 'race magic'
'...... race magic?'
My eyes turned the colour of interest at the magic I had never heard of.
Sandra noticed this change and continued explaining happily
'Yes. As the name suggests, it refers to magic that can only be handled by the 'race'. There are many races and tribes involved in this 'Bowl Battle', so some of the children may use such magic. Be on your guard.'
"'Okay. Thanks for the advice."
'No, no, not at all. But ...... if there is such a child, I would love to know more about it."
Now she was going to say "research", wasn't she? But if there is such a thing as 'tribal magic' I would love to hear all about it.
Can it really only be used by that 'race'? This is something that should be examined very carefully.
Perhaps it will lead to a different clue for curing mother's illness.
'Okay. If there is such a child, I will talk to them to help with the research and development of magic.'
'...... As expected of Rid-sama, you are very quick to understand and wonderful. Well then, it seems that the Rid-sama we arrived, so I will take my leave now.'
Sandra bowed and left the place, and the knights, led by Dinas, came in front of me to replace her.
Then Dinas smiles.
'We are ready, Master Rid. I will guide you to the centre of the military stage."
'Yes, all right. Let's go then."
After leaving a few words saying 'I'm off' to everyone in the bleachers, I walk onto the stage together with Dinas and the others.
Mel cheered loudly at my back, saying 'Niisama, ganbatte ko‼' (Good luck ).
I immediately turn around in response to her voice.
Then, with a smile on my face, I answered Mel's cheers with a big wave of my hand.
"..... Rid, I was told it was a 'bowl battle' that you would lead the children of the beastmen tribes in?"
"Yes, you are correct."
"Then what's all this celebration?'
I replied with a wry smile, putting my hands behind my head as my father's angry shouts faded into the commotion of the hall.
'Well, ...... I really don't know how this happened. I too am stunned."
We are now in the spectator's stands at the venue of the bowl battle.
But the spectators below us are all members of the Knights, the maids of the house and others who seem to be members of their families.
The place was packed with other people who appeared to be their family members.
Furthermore, a small stand had been set up, probably by Chris, and it had turned into a 'festival', as my father said.
Perhaps it was with this intention that Dinas and Marietta came all the way to check on the spectacle.
Well, I think it's good that they are enjoying themselves.
I spoke to my father, who was looking down with wrinkles on his brow.
'Father, I didn't intend this celebration to happen either. But if you think that everyone in the Bardia household will enjoy it as a result, isn't this kind of thing good once in a while?'
'Hah ...... your magic and martial arts are not for show. It's unprecedented for a son of a noble family to show off his skills when he's not even in the presence of the sovereign.''
Father exhales a sigh and looks downcast and dismayed.
I called out to my father, a little coquettishly, to encourage him.
"Well, as expected, doing this kind of thing is the cause of being called 'unconventional'. I'll be careful from now on."
Father reacts to my words with a twitch.
He then slowly raised his face and glared at me with sharp eyes.
'...... This isn't just breaking the rules, it's tantamount to the nobility's 'lack of common sense'. You're not taking advantage of being called 'unconventional', are you?"
"No, no, I didn't mean it that way ...... haha ......."
I was fighting my father with tremendous power, and I was laughing as I retreated on the spot.
Then a lovely voice sounded from behind me.
When I turned around, Mel was running towards us.
Behind her, Diana, Cookie and Biscuit, who had arrived to escort her and Danae, were also following them.
'Nii-sama, chue, let's eat together "
"Meldi-sama, you will tumble down if you run so fast."
Mel's cheeks puffed up as she was warned by Deanna and Danae.
'Yes, because I wanted to eat this together with everyone. Here you go, Nii-sama, chue ."
Mel said and held out the food in her hand to her father.
Father looked a little dubious.
"Meldy...... what's this?'
'It's called yakitori. I had some too and it was very tasty.
"Yakitori......."
My father looked at the skewered and grilled chicken dish and turned his gaze to me with a huff.
I can only nod with a wry smile now.
Yes, yakitori is a food that I marketed with Chris and others, using 'chicken' raised on poultry farms and 'charcoal' mass-produced in the Bardia territory.
There are no such things as refrigerators in this world, so it is not yet possible to sell it to distant places.
But in order to popularise chicken as a civilian food, we started selling it in the territory.
Incidentally, the chickens were purchased from Chris and others via Nikique in Renaloute.
We still have a lot of work to do, including breeding, but I think it's a good start.
But did Chris want an invitation to open a shop? If so, she has a strong business sense.
When I reported the yakitori to my father, he told me that it is difficult for an aristocrat to bite into a skewer as it is.
The main reason was that it would be unfashionable if their clothes were soiled by the food.
It is true that if the oil from the chicken gets on the clothes of the nobility, it would be a big problem.
If it is not good, there might be a tremendous amount of compensation, so it is still difficult to serve it to the nobles.
That's why no one in the family had ever eaten it except me.
But I didn't think Mel would eat it right here, though.
Suddenly, I look at Danae and the others, and they cough.
Meldy-sama said, 'I really want to eat it,' so we were quite careful not to get our clothes dirty."
'...... we tried to stop her, but it was beyond us,...... and if possible, we'd like it to be the last time.'
They look distantly at Mel, who is delighted.
It seems that it was a very difficult time for them.
The two maids would certainly not want Mel's clothes to be soiled.
Incidentally, the father, who is being pressed by Mel, showed some hesitation to bite into the grilled chicken here.
However, Mel, whose eyes are shining, offers him the grilled chicken on the tip of the skewer, saying 'aaan'.
Eventually, Father took a bite of the yakitori, taking care not to stain his clothing in contemplation of Mel's smile.
'...... delicious.'
"I know, it's good, isn't it? I will bring more later !"
At Father's reaction, Meru looks happy and continues speaking while at the same time rejoicing with a happy expression on his face.
Hearing these words, however, Father turned unusually pale.
'Hey, Nanalee? No. ...... Meldy, let's not do that yet."
"Eh⁉."
Mel looks surprised, probably not expecting opposition.
But Father, with an uncommonly determined look on his face, gently explains to Mel.
'If Nanalee finds out that Meldy eats like this, she'll ...... Oh, no, Nanalee is still fighting the disease. We'll eat together when she's feeling better."
"'Uh ...... okay. I will."
Mel turns her head down in despondency at her father's words.
Mel's father beckoned her towards me, and when I approached her, she softly whispered in my ear.
'Hey, this is a dish you developed, isn't it? It's certainly delicious, but this way of eating is not for nobility ....... Somehow, devise it so that Nannalee and Meldie can also eat it as a normal meal.'
'Hmm, I'm in complete awe. I will discuss this with head chef Ary and Chris."
I was whispering with my father when Mel approached me with a scowl.
"Chue nii-isama, what are you talking about?"
'Yeah? No, it's fine. Mel, can I have the last bite ?'
Mel smiles brightly at my answer and offers me a piece of grilled chicken, saying: 'Yes, here you go'.
I took a bite of it.
"It's delicious. Thank you, Mel."
"Hehehe, you're welcome."
The cheerful atmosphere around us was created by the beaming Mel. At that moment, Capella's voice rang out.
"Rid-sama . Ellen, Alex-sama, Chris-sama and Emma-sama. 'I've brought them with me"
"Thank you, Capella"
When I turned to where the voice came from, I saw that Capella and the people to whom I had sent the invitations were gathered there.
Chris stepped forward from among them, as if representing them.
'It is a great honour to be invited to this occasion."
As soon as she finished, she bowed deeply and politely.
Ellen and Alex also bowed on the spot, as if following Chris, and I hurriedly told them to look up.
'No, no, more importantly, thank you all for coming. It's a bit ......, or rather a lot, a different atmosphere than I originally planned, but have fun and say so."
"I don't know. I like this kind of event. I think it's a festival called Battle of the Bowls, which was Rid-sama's idea, right?"
I was taken aback by the words "festival invented by you", and involuntarily chuckled.
I had no idea that it had spread around like that.
"Yes indeed, this is a very good thing. Ah, more importantly, there's a reason why I invited Ellen and Alex. In addition to what I want to tell you, I have a favour to ask you."
'You invited us for ......? Oh, ......, are you asking us to do something unreasonable again?"
"Yes, as expected, it's too much for just my sister and me.'
The two of them are panicking with a desperate look on their faces.
I shook my head in dismay.
'No, no, no,...... that's not what I'm about. The first is that in today's match, in addition to the fox people and the ape tribe that you said you wanted as personnel, there will also be various other children. So I want you to figure out what kind of talent they're have .'
'Oh, ...... that's how it is. I understand. I'll make sure I look at that as well."
The two people said they would be happy to help.
'Yes, please. And then there's ......."
I then tell Ellen and Alex what I want them to observe in the future.
Ellen and Alex seemed to like the area and their eyes sparkled during the process.
'Okay, I understand, is our area of specialisation, so please leave that to us.'
"Thank you. Then, take care of it.""
As soon as I finished my request to Ellen and Alex, I shifted my gaze to Chris and Alex.
"Did Chris and the others know that there was going to be this 'festival' commotion?"
'No, no, they didn't know. So I made preparations. Thanks to Rid-sama, the stalls are doing well."
Chris is smiling with a smug smile on his face.
But it was only yesterday that I gave official permission for the knights and maids to watch the match.
She probably moved after confirming that information as soon as possible.
'...... You really do have a strong business spirit, don't you?'
'Hmm, thank you for the compliment.'
She bows to me in a playful manner as she replies.
I looked around the spectator area and saw that there were quite a few people in a relaxed atmosphere, but just when I felt like there was no one there, a voice called out to me from behind.
"Are you looking for me?'
'...... yeah. I couldn't spot you, Sandra.'
Yes, I had sent an invitation to Sandra as well.
How could she, a curious person, pass up an opportunity like this?
When she saw the look on my face, she smiled.
'Thank you for the invitation. But today, I will be on standby as part of the medical team with Bizika, in case something happens here. That's why I've come to tell you that I won't be able to join you all here."
'Oh, I see. I see you have to help Bizika. Okay, I'll let everyone know."
"No, that's okay, I've already told Capella about that."
I see, so he already informed .
But the medical team will be closer to the venue of the match, which might be more fun for Sandra than here.
But I see that Bizika is here too.
I'll thank him later.
When I was thinking that, Sandra gave me a quick earful.
"Rid-sama, I told you before that there are 'attribute magic' and 'special magic' in witchcraft, didn't I?"
'Yes. After that, it can be divided into 'transformation magic' and 'manipulation magic'.
Sandra seemed satisfied with my answer, but then she gave a kind of wry smile.
'Actually, it is said that there are still other types of magic. One of them is called 'race magic'
'...... race magic?'
My eyes turned the colour of interest at the magic I had never heard of.
Sandra noticed this change and continued explaining happily
'Yes. As the name suggests, it refers to magic that can only be handled by the 'race'. There are many races and tribes involved in this 'Bowl Battle', so some of the children may use such magic. Be on your guard.'
"'Okay. Thanks for the advice."
'No, no, not at all. But ...... if there is such a child, I would love to know more about it."
Now she was going to say "research", wasn't she? But if there is such a thing as 'tribal magic' I would love to hear all about it.
Can it really only be used by that 'race'? This is something that should be examined very carefully.
Perhaps it will lead to a different clue for curing mother's illness.
'Okay. If there is such a child, I will talk to them to help with the research and development of magic.'
'...... As expected of Rid-sama, you are very quick to understand and wonderful. Well then, it seems that the Rid-sama we arrived, so I will take my leave now.'
Sandra bowed and left the place, and the knights, led by Dinas, came in front of me to replace her.
Then Dinas smiles.
'We are ready, Master Rid. I will guide you to the centre of the military stage."
'Yes, all right. Let's go then."
After leaving a few words saying 'I'm off' to everyone in the bleachers, I walk onto the stage together with Dinas and the others.
Mel cheered loudly at my back, saying 'Niisama, ganbatte ko‼' (Good luck ).
I immediately turn around in response to her voice.
Then, with a smile on my face, I answered Mel's cheers with a big wave of my hand.
