-- As the third year draws to a close.

A tournament by Mobile Knights will be held.

It's quite popular, and the media is here.

Wealthy individuals also gather to watch, so it's definitely attracting attention.

Hangar -- I was in front of Avid.

Marie was holding my helmet with both hands.

"To be able to see Lord Liam's battle up close, I'm trembling with joy."

"That's good."

"Yes! Marie is fortunate!"

While her blushing, flattering words are cute, this isn't the response I'm looking for.

Then, a woman passes by my side.

It was Rosetta.

Perhaps confident in her body, she was wearing a thin pilot suit that clearly showed her figure.

She was drawing the gazes of the men.

Her large breasts and hips.

Her balance is also very much to my liking.

I also like how she maintains a cool demeanor while attracting the gazes of those beast-like men.

I call out to her.

"Hey, Rosetta. Are you participating too?"

"--Yes."

She looked at me with very cold eyes.

She must know I proposed marriage, and she probably despises me.

"Don't be so cold. Be more friendly. Rosetta-chan."

"I'm not interested."

After Rosetta walked away, Marie had a blank expression.

She probably can't forgive Rosetta for defying me.

This girl is a yes-man -- no, a yes-woman? Well, she's like that.

But -- right now, I want the kind of reaction from a woman like Rosetta.

I want to subjugate this woman who doesn't even look at me.

It would surely feel good if her face contorted in humiliation.

"Marie, who is my first opponent?"

I ask Marie.

The reason I don't check myself is because my position is that high.

I can leave such trivial matters to my subordinates.

Because I am important.

"--It's Rosetta."

When Marie muttered with a solemn expression, I smiled.

"I'm lucky. Don't you think so, Marie?"

I can crush that arrogant woman from the first round.

Don't break too easily, Rosetta.

"Yes. Lord Liam is someone who carries good fortune."

Looking at Marie, who seriously responds to my joke, I think.

-- As expected, it's not enough.

The spectator seats are far from the match venue.

After all, battles between Mobile Knights are dangerous.

Since there's a possibility of damage to the spectators, it was common to watch via holographic projections or large monitors.

The matches are broadcast and can be viewed throughout the empire.

For nobles, this is a bit of a spectacle, and at the same time -- an important touchstone.

They can actually see and confirm which heir has grown strong, or which family has made a mistake in their upbringing.

In that sense, Derrick was exposing his ugliness to many nobles.

He bribed and threatened his opponents, and despite lacking skill, he experienced victory twice.

Nobles believe that as long as Derrick is around, the matches won't be fair.

Spectator seats -- Kurt was watching Derrick's match.

"What a terrible match."

Wallace is betting on Derrick's victory.

Because he believes he will undoubtedly win.

Kurt wondered if that was okay, even with Liam participating.

"What a luxurious unit. Which weapons factory is it from? Judging by its shape -- is it the new model from the Third Weapons Factory?"

Derrick's unit was the latest Mobile Knight.

It probably hasn't even been deployed to the regular army yet.

Sitting next to the two talking is Nias from the Seventh Weapons Factory, who was invited by Liam.

Around them are officials.

As it was an unveiling of a new model, representatives from various weapons factories were present in the spectator seats.

"It's from the First Weapons Factory. Because they have a factory in the capital, they stole technology from other factories and forcibly created this tasteless unit."

It was a scathing description, as if there was some resentment.

Kurt nodded in exasperation.

"I-is that so? Then, can Liam win?"

Even with Derrick's skill, the new model shows overwhelming performance compared to others.

Nias grinned.

"Win? It won't even be a contest. However --"

However, he immediately changed his expression to a serious one.

In his line of sight are the officials from the First Weapons Factory.

They are also being glared at by officials from other weapons factories.

"-- If we fight fairly, that is."

For weapons factories, this tournament is an excellent opportunity to promote their units and products.

Nias and his colleagues have expectations for Liam -- but the same is true for the officials of the First Weapons Factory who provided Derrick with the new unit.

Wallace shook his head while watching the holographic projection.

"This one is terrible too."

The next match features Liam, but before him, Rosetta from the junior academy appeared, participating with a training unit.

The unit, with its visible repair marks, looked like it was on the verge of breaking.

Nias immediately narrowed his eyes.

"That unit is beyond its limits. The pilot is in danger."

Kurt agreed.

"Yes, it's really too bad. Ah! It's Liam!"

However, when Liam appeared, he showed a smile.

Wallace next to him said, "Aren't you a bit too fond of Liam?"

We descended into the match venue with Avid.

Although it's called a match venue, it's a wasteland on the planet where the junior academy is located.

There's nothing around.

In my previous life, it would be like -- the school and spectator seats are in Japan, but the match venue is in Australia or overseas.

"The scale of the interstellar nation is too different, it's troublesome."

Inside the spacious cockpit.

Space magic was used, and my seat was floating in a relaxed space.

The luxuriously crafted cockpit was very comfortable.

"Well then --"

In front of me is a rather old unit.

Rosetta was piloting it.

I could hear the opening remarks for the match, but they didn't register.

A monitor projected in the air showed the image of the opponent's cockpit.

Rosetta, who had been looking down, raised her face and glared at me.

-- I felt a thrill.

Sitting in the cramped cockpit seat, she directed her hostility towards me.

The unit I'm in is Avid.

There's an overwhelming difference just from its appearance, and my academic performance in the junior academy is far superior.

Even though the outcome is decided from the start, I want to pay respect to her unbroken spirit.

Well, I'll break it now no matter what.

The preparations are already sufficient.

"Rosetta. I'll praise you for not forfeiting and showing up."

Rosetta responds to my cheap provocation.

"--Shut up!"

"Huh?"

"Shut up! I won't lose to someone like you! If it's a real battle, I have a chance too!"

-- You are a hopelessly persistent and cute person.

I admire the strength of spirit that makes her think she has a chance in a real battle, even though she usually can't win.

"Let me tell you. Reality always smiles upon the strong. If you admit defeat and wag your tail at me, I'll dote on you."

"Don't underestimate me!"

As the start of the match was announced, Rosetta charged.

Her clumsy piloting as she came at me -- is very amusing.

My heart acknowledged that I couldn't win against the unit in front of me.

It's a different class from the Mobile Knight I rented.

When my unit lunged forward and swung its greatsword, the unit in front of me -- Avid, with its size, dodged with light footwork.

Liam hasn't even equipped Avid with any weapons.

"This! This!"

She attacks Avid with an old-model unit whose assist functions are barely working.

Avid moved around without shaking the ground.

There was no sound or vibration as the large unit stepped on the ground.

"How much money do you have to spend to create such a unit!"

She looked like she was about to cry.

Still, she endured.

She lunged to land at least one hit, but Avid caught it with its manipulator.

Normally, if a Mobile Knight's hand, designed to replicate delicate movements, did that, it would break easily.

However, Avid's hand didn't break.

Rather -- it crushed the greatsword into pieces.

"It's like a sword made of glass or dirt."

While the quality is indeed poor, it's not something that would shatter so easily.

"--You look down on me like that! Someone like you!"

She honestly envied Liam.

He embodies the ideal image of a noble and, above all, is strong.

She admired his confident demeanor.

-- She felt regret that she couldn't be like that.

"Waaaaah!"

As she lunged to tackle -- Avid had already drawn its sword.

It was a weapon shaped like a katana.

"--Huh?"

Immediately after, the monitors displaying various parts of the unit turned red.

Her limbs had been severed.

She fell to the ground, spun, and ended up on her back.

The cockpit shook violently.

"Ugh!"

Just as she thought it stopped, she was being stepped on by Avid.

Looking up at Avid from inside the cockpit, Rosetta was crushed by reality.

(--No matter how hard I try, I can't reach it.)

Her spirit was completely broken.

She shed tears and then laughed.

"Ahaha --"

Avid lifted the unit's torso and skillfully pried open the cockpit.

Liam emerged from the cockpit and looked at me.

(Should I prostrate myself and apologize? I hope she gives me some money if I grovel. Since I broke the rented unit, the collection will probably be stricter.)

Thinking this, she wiped away her tears, her smile disappearing midway.

(--No, it's better if the Claudia family is destroyed by my generation. I won't let my children bear the same fate. This is the only rebellion I can manage.)

She set her jaw and glared at Liam.

"You look quite pathetic -- Rosetta."

Liam was smiling.

"Oh my, is it okay for a model student to make such a face? I've seen your true nature. But -- even if I lose, my spirit won't be broken! Kill me if you want! I won't bow my head to you. I am Claudia -- Rosetta Sele Claudia!"

Participants in the match are informed of the risk of death.

And even if they die, it's treated as an accident.

Many people use this to eliminate members of hostile families.

Rosetta now has her life and death in Liam's hands.

Her putting on a brave face was because she had already given up on everything.

(Mother -- Grandmother -- Please forgive me. There's no other way now. This is the only way for us to be saved. At least -- I wanted a normal life.)

She didn't ask for luxuries.

If she had a husband and lived modestly -- in reality, Rosetta also wanted to achieve that happiness rather than success.

But it was a wish beyond her reach.

(--If there's a next life, I want to fulfill my dream of becoming a bride. A wedding dress -- I wanted to try wearing one.)

Rosetta had already given up on everything, including the treatment by the ducal family and the bullying by the supervisors.

Liam -- was smiling at Rosetta's response.

Rosetta -- you are truly a wonderful talent.

Thank you for letting me hear "kuttokoro" in real life.

My junior in my previous life passionately talked about "kuttokoro" -- so this is what it was like.

I finally understand the goodness of "kuttokoro."

I also take my hat off to your unbroken spirit.

-- But, it's a shame.

"Liam-sama, I did it! I, Brian, was able to persuade them!"

"Well done. The timing was perfect too, Brian."

Brian reported at the perfect moment.

This is probably due to my good deeds from day to day.

Or rather, because they are bad?

The guide might have made arrangements behind the scenes.

I truly owe that person.

I need to thank him next time, but what would be a suitable reward?

"--Rosetta, I might have some good news for you."

"What is it?"

Seeing Rosetta trying to act brave, I naturally smiled.

"Our engagement has been officially decided. Your mother -- the Duke, has approved it."

"--Eh?"

Seeing Rosetta's dumbfounded face, I thought I had done it.

-- It's painful to be betrayed by the family you trusted!

"Let's officially get engaged during the long vacation of the fourth year. You will eventually succeed as the formal Duke. And -- I will also take your title."

Rosetta was trembling.

She must be frustrated.

Not only her family, her emotional support, but also her ducal position will be taken by me.

-- My past self also suffered.

It wasn't just losing my family. It was truly painful to know I had been betrayed.

So, I understand your suffering.

But, I will trample you! That's right -- I am not the one being taken from now.

I am the one who takes.

"I've also obtained permission from the Empire. Aren't you happy? No matter how much you refuse, your family has recognized me. And, your home -- has been auspiciously confiscated."

"Eh, ah --"

She couldn't even speak. I say this to the pitiful Rosetta, whose family was taken hostage and who lost her homeland.

"Rejoice, Rosetta -- you can become my wife."

Rosetta was shedding tears.

Tears flowed down, and she was saying something, but I couldn't hear it.

Was I seen like this by my opponent in my previous life?

My chest aches a little, but it's just because I remembered the past.

I contact Marie.

"Marie, keep an eye on Rosetta. Deal with anything that happens."

When I gave the order, Marie rejoiced like a loyal dog.

"Yes! Leave everything to this Marie."

Turning my back on the weeping Rosetta, I returned to the cockpit.

"Now, who's next?"

The one-sided match ended.

Wallace looked complicatedly at Rosetta, who was crying.

"I don't know what you said, but to make Rosetta cry this much -- Liam is a demon."

He tried to talk to Kurt, but Kurt was too excited to listen.

"Liam has gotten stronger than before. Or perhaps it's the unit's performance? Anyway, with that, ordinary knights won't be able to match him."

Liam and Rosetta's conversation was inaudible to the spectators.

Then, the next match was about to begin.

However, Nias noticed something unusual.

"Noise on the monitor?"

The noise gradually worsened.

And then, he confirmed multiple units approaching Liam's Avid.

"Are those -- the new models from the First Weapons Factory?"

Although the exterior has been changed, Nias predicts that the interior is the new model.

Wallace stood up.

"This is -- bad! Derrick intends to get rid of Liam here!"

Wallace turned pale, but the image disappeared, and nothing was displayed.

Brian (crying): "Liam-sama, I'm sorry for the unfortunate Liam-sama who isn't involved in the guide -- it's painful."

"Well done. The timing was perfect too, Brian."

Brian reported at the perfect moment.

This is probably due to my good deeds from day to day.

Or rather, because they are bad?

The guide might have made arrangements behind the scenes.

I truly owe that person.

I need to thank him next time, but what would be a suitable reward?

"--Rosetta, I might have some good news for you."

"What is it?"

Seeing Rosetta trying to act brave, I naturally smiled.

"Our engagement has been officially decided. Your mother -- the Duke, has approved it."

"--Eh?"

Seeing Rosetta's dumbfounded face, I thought I had done it.

-- It's painful to be betrayed by the family you trusted!

"Let's officially get engaged during the long vacation of the fourth year. You will eventually succeed as the formal Duke. And -- I will also take your title."

Rosetta was trembling.

She must be frustrated.

Not only her family, her emotional support, but also her ducal position will be taken by me.

-- My past self also suffered.

It wasn't just losing my family. It was truly painful to know I had been betrayed.

So, I understand your suffering.

But, I will trample you! That's right -- I am not the one being taken from now.

I am the one who takes.

"I've also obtained permission from the Empire. Aren't you happy? No matter how much you refuse, your family has recognized me. And, your home -- has been auspiciously confiscated."

"Eh, ah --"

She couldn't even speak. I say this to the pitiful Rosetta, whose family was taken hostage and who lost her homeland.

"Rejoice, Rosetta -- you can become my wife."

Rosetta was shedding tears.

Tears flowed down, and she was saying something, but I couldn't hear it.

Was I seen like this by my opponent in my previous life?

My chest aches a little, but it's just because I remembered the past.

I contact Marie.

"Marie, keep an eye on Rosetta. Deal with anything that happens."

When I gave the order, Marie rejoiced like a loyal dog.

"Yes! Leave everything to this Marie."

Turning my back on the weeping Rosetta, I returned to the cockpit.

"Now, who's next?"

The one-sided match ended.

Wallace looked complicatedly at Rosetta, who was crying.

"I don't know what you said, but to make Rosetta cry this much -- Liam is a demon."

He tried to talk to Kurt, but Kurt was too excited to listen.

"Liam has gotten stronger than before. Or perhaps it's the unit's performance? Anyway, with that, ordinary knights won't be able to match him."

Liam and Rosetta's conversation was inaudible to the spectators.

Then, the next match was about to begin.

However, Nias noticed something unusual.

"Noise on the monitor?"

The noise gradually worsened.

And then, he confirmed multiple units approaching Liam's Avid.

"Are those -- the new models from the First Weapons Factory?"

Although the exterior has been changed, Nias predicts that the interior is the new model.

Wallace stood up.

"This is -- bad! Derrick intends to get rid of Liam here!"

Wallace turned pale, but the image disappeared, and nothing was displayed.

Brian (crying): "Liam-sama, I'm sorry for the unfortunate Liam-sama who isn't involved in the guide -- it's painful."

"Well done. The timing was perfect too, Brian."

Brian reported at the perfect moment.

This is probably due to my good deeds from day to day.

Or rather, because they are bad?

The guide might have made arrangements behind the scenes.

I truly owe that person.

I need to thank him next time, but what would be a suitable reward?

"--Rosetta, I might have some good news for you."

"What is it?"

Seeing Rosetta trying to act brave, I naturally smiled.

"Our engagement has been officially decided. Your mother -- the Duke, has approved it."

"--Eh?"

Seeing Rosetta's dumbfounded face, I thought I had done it.

-- It's painful to be betrayed by the family you trusted!

"Let's officially get engaged during the long vacation of the fourth year. You will eventually succeed as the formal Duke. And -- I will also take your title."

Rosetta was trembling.

She must be frustrated.

Not only her family, her emotional support, but also her ducal position will be taken by me.

-- My past self also suffered.

It wasn't just losing my family. It was truly painful to know I had been betrayed.

So, I understand your suffering.

But, I will trample you! That's right -- I am not the one being taken from now.

I am the one who takes.

"I've also obtained permission from the Empire. Aren't you happy? No matter how much you refuse, your family has recognized me. And, your home -- has been auspiciously confiscated."

"Eh, ah --"

She couldn't even speak. I say this to the pitiful Rosetta, whose family was taken hostage and who lost her homeland.

"Rejoice, Rosetta -- you can become my wife."

Rosetta was shedding tears.

Tears flowed down, and she was saying something, but I couldn't hear it.

Was I seen like this by my opponent in my previous life?

My chest aches a little, but it's just because I remembered the past.

I contact Marie.

"Marie, keep an eye on Rosetta. Deal with anything that happens."

When I gave the order, Marie rejoiced like a loyal dog.

"Yes! Leave everything to this Marie."

Turning my back on the weeping Rosetta, I returned to the cockpit.

"Now, who's next?"

The one-sided match ended.

Wallace looked complicatedly at Rosetta, who was crying.

"I don't know what you said, but to make Rosetta cry this much -- Liam is a demon."

He tried to talk to Kurt, but Kurt was too excited to listen.

"Liam has gotten stronger than before. Or perhaps it's the unit's performance? Anyway, with that, ordinary knights won't be able to match him."

Liam and Rosetta's conversation was inaudible to the spectators.

Then, the next match was about to begin.

However, Nias noticed something unusual.

"Noise on the monitor?"

The noise gradually worsened.

And then, he confirmed multiple units approaching Liam's Avid.

"Are those -- the new models from the First Weapons Factory?"

Although the exterior has been changed, Nias predicts that the interior is the new model.

Wallace stood up.

"This is -- bad! Derrick intends to get rid of Liam here!"

Wallace turned pale, but the image disappeared, and nothing was displayed.