"Everyone, you must reserve the Seventh. Go to the bookstore or use an online shopping site."
---
I would like to do some direct marketing that touches people's hearts someday.
When the third year was nearing its end.
A tournament by mobile knights was held.
It was quite popular, and the media was there.
Rich people also gathered to watch, so it was definitely getting a lot of attention.
In the hangarâI was in front of Avid.
Marie was holding my helmet in both hands.
"Seeing Master Liam's battle up close makes me tremble with joy."
"That's good."
"Yes! Marie is so lucky!"
Her cheeks flushed as she flattered me, which was cute, but what I wanted wasn't this kind of response.
Then, a woman passed by me.
It was Rosetta.
She was wearing a thin pilot suit that clearly showed her figure, confident in her body.
She was attracting the gazes of the boys.
Her large chest and buttocks.
Her balance was also very appealing.
I liked how she maintained a cool expression while attracting the animal-like gazes of the boys.
I called out to her.
"Hey, Rosetta. Are you participating too?"
"---Yes."
She looked at me with very cold eyes.
She must know about the marriage proposal I made and probably despises me.
"You're so cold. Try to be a bit friendlier, Rosetta-chan."
"I'm not interested."
As Rosetta walked away, Marie's expression was blank.
She must not be able to forgive Rosetta for defying me.
This girl is a yes-manâno, a yes-woman? Well, that's what she is.
Butâright now, I want a response like Rosetta's.
I want to make this woman, who won't even look at me, submit.
It would feel so good to see her face twisted in humiliation.
"Marie, who is your first-round opponent?"
I asked Marie.
I don't check myself because of my high status.
Such trivial matters should be left to subordinates.
Because I am important.
"---It's Lady Rosetta."
Marie said solemnly, and I smiled.
"I'm lucky. Don't you think so, Marie?"
I can crush that arrogant woman right from the first round.
Just give in easily, Rosetta.
"Yes. Master Liam is a person who carries good fortune."
Seeing Marie's serious response to my joke, I thought:
---It's still not satisfying, though.
The spectator stands were far from the arena.
After all, battles between mobile knights are dangerous.
There's a risk of damage to the spectator stands, so it's common to watch using holographic projections or large monitors.
The matches are broadcast, and can be seen throughout the empire.
For the nobles, this is both a small spectacle and an important litmus test.
They can see and confirm which heirs are strong and which families have made mistakes in their upbringing.
In that sense, Derrick has been showing his ugly side to many nobles.
He has won the tournament twice by bribing and intimidating his opponents, despite lacking the skills.
The nobles think that as long as Derrick is around, there won't be a proper match.
In the spectator stands, Kurt was watching Derrick's match.
"What a terrible match."
Wallace was betting on Derrick's victory.
He thinks Derrick will definitely win.
Kurt was wondering if it was okay for Liam to participate.
"Quite a luxurious machine. Which weapons factory? From the shape, it looks like the third weapons factory's new model?"
Derrick's machine was a cutting-edge mobile knight.
It probably hasn't even been deployed to the regular military yet.
Sitting next to them was Nias from the seventh weapons factory, invited by Liam.
There were other officials from various weapons factories around them.
The spectator stands were full of officials from different weapons factories, as this was the debut of the new models.
"It's a machine from the first weapons factory. They built this tasteless machine by forcibly taking technology from other factories because they have a factory in the capital planet."
It sounded like he had a grudge, and Kurt nodded in exasperation.
"Is that so? Then, can Liam win?"
Derrick's machine, with its overwhelming performance, would dominate even with his skills.
Nias smiled slyly.
"Win? It won't even be a match. Butâ"
He then became serious.
He was looking at the officials from the first weapons factory, who were also being glared at by officials from other weapons factories.
"âif it's a fair fight, that is."
For the weapons factories, this tournament is a great opportunity to promote their machines and products.
Nias and the others are also expecting Liam, but the same goes for the officials from the first weapons factory who provided the new model to Derrick.
Wallace shook his head as he watched the holographic projection.
"This is also terrible."
The next match was Liam's, but before that, Rosetta appeared with a practice machine from the junior school.
The machine, with visible repair marks, looked like it was on the verge of breaking down.
Nias immediately narrowed his eyes.
"That machine is beyond its limits. It's dangerous for the pilot."
Kurt agreed.
"Yes, this is really bad. Ah! Liam!"
But when Liam appeared, he smiled.
Wallace said next to him, "You really like Liam, don't you?"
---
Landing at the arena in Avid.
The arena, if you can call it that, was a wasteland on the planet where the junior school was located.
There was nothing around.
In my past life, it would be like the school and spectator stands are in Japan, but the arena is in Australia or overseas.
"Interstellar nations are on a different scale, and it's a problem."
In the spacious cockpit.
Thanks to spatial magic, my seat was floating in a comfortable space.
The luxurious cockpit was very pleasant.
"Alrightâ"
In front of me was a rather old machine.
Rosetta was piloting it.
The announcement for the start of the match was heard, but it didn't register in my ears.
On the monitor projected in the air, I could see the image of the opponent's cockpit.
Rosetta, who had been looking down, raised her head and glared at me.
---I got goosebumps.
Sitting in the cramped cockpit seat, she directed her hostility towards me.
My machine was Avid.
There was an overwhelming difference in appearance, and my grades at the junior school were far superior to hers.
The match was already decided from the start, but I respected her unyielding spirit.
Well, I'll break her no matter what from now on.
The preparations are already in place.
"Rosetta, I'll praise you for not forfeiting and showing up."
In response to my cheap provocation, Rosetta answered.
"---Yes."
"Huh?"
"Shut up! I won't lose to you! In a real battle, I have a chance!"
---You are as stubborn and cute as ever.
I admire your mental strength, thinking you have a chance in a real battle even though you usually can't win.
"I'll tell you. Reality always smiles at the strong. If you admit defeat and wag your tail for me, I'll take care of you."
"Don't patronize me!"
The match started, and Rosetta came running.
Her poor piloting skills as she approached me wereâvery amusing.
---
In my heart, I knew I couldn't win against the machine in front of me.
The rented mobile knight I was piloting was in a different league.
When I swung my large sword, Avid, despite its size, moved with light steps to avoid it.
Liam didn't even give Avid any weapons.
"This! This!"
I moved the old-fashioned machine with almost no assist functions and swung at Avid.
Avid moved around without shaking the ground.
The sound of the large machine's feet hitting the ground and the vibrations were absent.
"How much money did you spend to make such a machine!"
I almost cried.
But I held back.
At least, I tried to land one blow, but Avid stopped it with its manipulators.
A mobile knight's hands, which are supposed to reproduce delicate movements, would break easily if used like that.
But Avid's hands didn't break.
Instead, it shattered my large sword into pieces.
"It's like a sword made of glass or dirt."
The quality was indeed bad, but it shouldn't break so easily.
"---So you look down on me! You!"
I was envious of Liam.
He embodied what a noble should be and was the strongest of all.
I admired his confidence.
---I wished I could be like that too.
"Uwaaa!"
When I tried to tackle, Avid had already drawn its sword.
It was a weapon shaped like a katana.
"---Huh?"
Immediately, the monitors showing the machine's parts turned red.
My limbs had been cut off.
I fell to the ground, spun once, and landed on my back.
The cockpit shook violently.
"Ugh!"
When it stopped, Avid was stepping on me.
Looking up at Avid from inside the cockpit, Rosetta was crushed by reality.
(---No matter what, I can't reach him)
Her heart was completely broken.
Tears streamed down her face, and she laughed.
"Ha, hahahaâ"
Avid lifted the machine's torso and skillfully pried open the cockpit.
Liam was looking at her from outside the cockpit.
(Should I kowtow and apologize? If I flatter him, he might give me some money. The rental machine is broken, so the collection will be harsh again.)
Thinking this, she wiped away her tears and forced a smile.
(---No, I should destroy the Claudy family in my generation. I won't let my children bear the same fate. This is the only rebellion I can make.)
She tightened her face and glared at Liam.
"Quite a pathetic sightâRosetta."
Liam was smiling.
"Well, is it good for a model student to make such a face? I see your true nature. ButâI won't submit even if I lose! Kill me if you want! I won't bow to you. I am ClaudyâRosetta Sele Claudy!"
When participating in the match, you are informed of the risk of death.
And if you die, it's treated as an accident.
Many use this to eliminate hostile family members.
Right now, Rosetta is in the same position as being at Liam's mercy.
But she put on a brave face because she had given up on everything.
(MotherâGrandmotherâplease forgive me. There's no other way. This is the only way for us to be saved. At leastâI wanted a normal happiness)
She didn't ask for much.
If she had a husband and could live modestlyâRosetta actually wanted that kind of happiness more than success.
But it was out of her reach.
(---If there is a next life, I want to fulfill my dream of getting married. I wanted to wear a wedding dress)
The treatment by the duke's family and the bullying by the monitorsâRosetta had given up on everything.
Seeing Rosetta's response, Liam wasâsmiling.
---
Rosettaâyou are truly a remarkable talent.
Thank you for giving me a real "kukkoro" in this life.
In my past life, a junior passionately talked about "kukkoro"âthis is what it means.
I finally understand the appeal of "kukkoro."
I also admire your unbreakable spirit.
---But, it's a shame.
"Master Liam, I did it! This Brian persuaded them!"
"Good job. The timing was perfect, Brian."
The timing was just right, thanks to Brian's report.
Maybe it's because of my good behavior.
Or maybe it's because of my bad behavior?
The guide might have done some groundwork.
I really owe him one.
I need to thank him, but what can I do to show my gratitude?
"---Rosetta, I have some good news for you."
"What is it?"
Seeing Rosetta's brave demeanor, I naturally smiled.
"Our engagement has been officially decided. Your motherâthe duchessâhas approved it."
"---What?"
Seeing Rosetta's stunned face, I felt I had done it.
---It must be painful to be betrayed by the family you trusted!
"We'll formally engage during the long break in the fourth year. Eventually, you will succeed as the official duchess. AndâI will take your title."
Rosetta was trembling.
It must be frustrating.
Not only will you lose your family, but you will also lose your position as a duchess to me.
---I also suffered in my past life.
It's not just losing your family. It was really painful to find out you were betrayed.
So, I understand your pain.
But, I will trample on you! YesâI am not the one being taken from anymore.
I am the one taking.
"I have also obtained the empire's permission. Isn't that great? No matter how much you refuse, your family has recognized me. Andâthe home you return toâno longer exists. Your hometown has been confiscated."
"Wh-whatâ"
She couldn't speak. With her family taken as hostages and her hometown lost, I said to the pitiful Rosetta:
"Be happy, Rosettaâyou can become my wife."
Rosetta was crying.
Tears streamed down her face, and she was saying something, but I couldn't hear her.
Was I seen like this in my past life?
My chest ached a little, but it was just a memory of the past.
I contacted Marie.
"Marie, keep an eye on Rosetta. Deal with anything that happens."
Marie responded like a loyal dog.
"Yes! Leave everything to me, Marie!"
Turning my back on the sobbing Rosetta, I returned to the cockpit.
"Alright, who's next?"
---
The one-sided match was over.
Wallace looked at the crying Rosetta with a complicated expression.
"I don't know what he said, but to make Rosetta cry like thatâLiam is a devil."
He turned to Kurt, but Kurt was too excited to hear.
"Liam is stronger than before. Or maybe it's the machine's performance? Anyway, he's not someone an ordinary knight can match."
The conversation between Liam and Rosetta was not heard by the audience.
The next match was about to start.
However, Nias noticed something strange.
"Is there noise on the monitor?"
The noise gradually got worse.
Then, he confirmed multiple machines approaching Liam's Avid.
"Those areânew models from the first weapons factory?"
They had changed their appearance, but Nias guessed they were new models.
Wallace stood up.
"Bad! Derrick is trying to take out Liam here!"
Wallace's face turned pale, but the image disappeared and showed nothing.
Brian (ÂŽïŒÏïŒïœ) "It's sad to see Master Liam, who brings misfortune without the guide's involvement, sufferingâ"