An hour before the semifinals of the academy tournament began.

  In the tournament participant waiting room.

  "So for today and tomorrow, all the tournament participants will be gathered in this participant waiting room?," I said.

  "Yes, after all, there are only eight participants left. Isn't it better to gather them together than to separate them? I feel sorry for participants like Darryl and Nadine, who are the only ones left from their year. If the participant waiting rooms are still separated, they won't have anyone to chat with in the waiting room," said Senior Gretta.

  All the participants competing in the semifinals were gathered in one waiting room to the north. This waiting room was previously the fourth-year participant waiting room. All the participants competing in the semifinals were gathered in this waiting room. For the womens tournament, senior Alisha, senior Gretta, senior Nadine, and Irene were already there. For the mens' tournament, I, senior Darryl, senior Vyn, and a fourth-year student who would be senior Vyn's opponent in the semifinals were already there. I didn't know who he was because he wasn't a member of Elevrad.

  "I see," I said.

  "Yes, we might be competing against each other later, but please don't be awkward while you're here. You too, Irene, don't be awkward with me," said Senior Gretta.

  "No, I'm not awkward with anyone, I just don't like to talk much," said Irene.

  "Ahahaha, I see," said Senior Gretta.

  -

  Moments before the semifinals of the academy tournament began, in the special audience seats where Her Majesty the Queen was seated.

  Her Majesty the Queen had just arrived at her seat. She was still accompanied by Commander Oliver and several knights today.

  "Good morning, Lord Duke," said Queen Kayana.

  "Good morning, Your Majesty the Queen," said Duke Remy, bowing briefly and saluting.

  Duke Remy also greeted Commander Oliver, and Commander Oliver returned the gesture with a bow and salute.

  "I didn't expect you to come again, Lord Duke. Even though your daughter didn't make it to the semifinals, you still took the time to come again and watch the semifinals of this tournament," said Queen Kayana.

  "My daughter didn't make it to the semifinals, but that doesn't mean I'll stop watching this tournament. Besides, my nephew is still in the tournament," said Duke Remy.

  "That's right, Vyn is still in the tournament. What about Vyn's father? Won't he come to watch too?" asked Queen Kayana.

  "He's a very busy man, but I'll try to get him to watch tomorrow's final match if Vyn qualifies," said Duke Remy.

  "I see. But speaking of which, don't the other Dukes have any plans to watch this tournament? From the Round of 32 to this semifinal, you're the only Duke watching," said Queen Kayana.

  "For this semifinal, I'm the only one watching, but last night I contacted Lord ?Duke San Angela and Lord Duke San Minerva and asked if they wanted to watch the academy tournament, and they said they 'might' come to watch the final. So it's safe to say they're not sure they'll be attending tomorrow's final," said Duke Remy.

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  "I see. If Lord Duke San Angela and Lord Duke San Minerva are attending tomorrow, that means three Dukes will be attending the academy tournament finals," said Queen Kayana.

  "And they both said they would also invite their wives to watch the finals if they attend. Perhaps I'll invite Arnett to attend the finals tomorrow," said Duke Remy.

  "The Duchesses will also be attending? It seems like many important people will be watching the final match tomorrow," said Queen Kayana.

  "But you yourself are the most important person, Your Majesty," said Duke Remy.

  "That's right. If Lord Duke San Lucia were also present tomorrow, it would certainly be more lively," said Queen Kayana.

  "Hmm, he would definitely attend if Princess Irene qualified for the finals, but since the three of us are likely to be attending, it seems he still won't be willing to attend, given our deteriorating relationship," said Duke Remy.

  "I see. I hope your relationship improves quickly for the sake of this kingdom's survival. Hmm, since the three Dukes and Duchesses will likely be attending tomorrow, I think I'll invite my husband to watch the final match tomorrow," said Queen Kayana.

  -

  At 10:00 a.m., the semifinal matches began.

  "Good morning, everyone. Today is the start of the semifinals of the San Fulgen Academy Tournament. Without further ado, let's get started," said Lord Alan.

  The match schedule was immediately displayed. The first match was between senior Vyn and a fourth-year student. The two of them entered the tournament arena and began their match.

  -

  About 15 minutes later, their match concluded. Senior Vyn defeated the fourth-year student and advanced to the final round. Senior Vyn appeared to be unscathed in the match.

  "Vyn was truly extraordinary. Even though his opponent was also a fourth-year student, he still defeated him easily."

  "You're right, he didn't even suffer any injuries at all."

  "Looks like Vyn will win this tournament again this year," the audience commented.

  Several staff members began entering the arena to carry the fourth-year student Senior Vyn had fought to the treatment room. Meanwhile, Senior Vyn returned to the participant waiting room, as he was unharmed and didn't need to go to the treatment room.

  -

  In the special spectator seats where Her Majesty the Queen was seated.

  "Vyn has made it to the final round again, huh? Well, it's not surprising, since he's strong and the favorite to win this tournament," said Queen Kayana.

  "It looks like Vyn's victory in this tournament is already assured. His opponent in the final will be the winner of the semifinal match between third-year and first-year students. Even against a fellow fourth-year student was easy for Vyn, let alone against his junior," said Duke Remy.

  "You shouldn't be overconfident, Mr. Duke. Have you forgotten when you were so confident that Amelia would win, but ended up losing to Irene?" asked Queen Kayana.

  -

  In the participant waiting room.

  "Chairman, congratulations on making it to the final," said Senior Gretta.

  "Congratulations, Chairman," said Senior Alisha.

  We all congratulated Senior Vyn, who had just returned from the arena.

  "Thank you, all of you. You too, work hard to make it to the final and become champions," said Senior Vyn.

  "Roger, Chairman," said Senior Gretta.

  The others nodded.

  "You too, Rid. I'll be waiting for you in the final," said Senior Vyn.

  "If the chairman is waiting for Rid in the final round, doesn't that mean you're favoring Rid to win against me? I feel sad because no one is supporting me," said senior Darryl.

  "No, I'm waiting for you in the final round too, Darryl," said senior Vyn.

  Then, on the projection in the participant waiting room, Mr. Alan was already in the tournament arena.

  "Let's move on to the next match, the semifinals for the womens tournament," said Mr. Alan.

  Then the match schedule was displayed on the projection.

  "Looks like it's Nadine and I'll compete this time. Let's go to the arena, Nadine," said senior Alisha.

  "Okay, miss," said senior Nadine.

  Senior Alisha and senior Nadine began walking toward the tournament arena.

  "Good luck, Alisha, Nadine," said senior Gretta.

  "Good luck, both of you," said senior Vyn.

  -

  In the tournament arena.

  "As you can see in the chart on the projection, the participants competing in this match are Alisha Lesher, a fourth-year student, and Nadine Emerald, a second-year student. Let us welcome these two," said Mr. Alan.

  The audience began to applaud and cheer as Senior Alisha and Senior Nadine welcomed each other.

  Then the two of them entered the tournament arena and stood facing each other.

  "I know you're the strongest female student in the academy right now, Miss Alisha. But I will defeat you even if it takes all I have to do," said Senior Nadine.

  "I won't lose to you either, Nadine," said Senior Alisha.

  Then Miss Nora approached the two of them.

  "Are you two ready?" asked Miss Nora.

  "Yes," said Senior Alisha and Senior Nadine.

  "Then, the match begins!" said Miss Nora.

  -To be continued