When Kaito stepped onto the field, those who knew him perked up, and those who didn't quickly asked around.
Learning he was a Tarnished of great renown, they were stunned, then grew tense.
Yes, many Tarnished were nervous.
If Kaito couldn't clear the challenge, everyone could keep paying to try, eventually challenging Rennala for her Great Rune.
But if Kaito succeeded, defeating Rennala and claiming her Great Rune, then they would lose this opportunity to obtain a Great Rune this way.
At least here, they only needed to spend money, not risk their lives. Elsewhere was far more dangerous!!
So, while curious about his strength, they also feared he would succeed.
Where there are people, there are factions; some, driven by self-interest, resent others' success.
That was undeniable.
We were all Tarnished; why were you so strong while I was so weak?
We were all candidates for king; why should you be the one to succeed, wearing the crown, sitting on the throne, enjoying everything?
And them?
All failures, just bones beneath Kaito's feet!
Some would never look inward to find the reason for their failure, instead blaming others, especially those stronger than them.
Kaito's entrance naturally drew no cheers. Other Tarnished at least received some encouragement.
As long as everyone was equally incapable of reaching the end, they could all be friends!
But if you succeeded, you were the enemy!
If I succeeded, well, that was because I was strong, and you were weak. You wouldn't be qualified to be my friend, though I might consider you a subordinate.
Heh.
In the short walk onto the field, Kaito could sense the shift in atmosphere around him. Only Hirano, the Fire Keeper, and Melina genuinely cheered for him.
Even Hirano's Maiden didn't want to see Kaito succeed.
Understandable; she served Hirano and wanted her to become king, not to see her lord fail while a friend succeeded.
That was their mission, their responsibility as Maidens.
It was also their tragic fate.
"Hello. My name is Kaito. I'm also the king of Stormveil Castle."
"You could say I've already defeated Godrick the Grafted and claimed his Great Rune."
Facing the moderately attractive female mage before him, Kaito cheerfully introduced himself.
If he could make her concede without a fight, he'd save time and move to the next round.
"It's y-you!"
Clearly, after more than half a year, Kaito's name had spread throughout the Lands Between.
A Tarnished had defeated Godrick the Grafted, become the new king of Stormveil Castle, revitalized it, and improved the lives of its residents.
The new laws were particularly admired by the common people.
In short, through merchants and travelers, Kaito's name was gradually becoming known across the world.
His policies made him a common enemy of nobles in cities, towns, and villages, who spread all sorts of malicious rumors.
But the common people, the poor, the slaves, yearned for Kaito's arrival, hoping he would become the new king of the world, the Elden Lord.
Only then could Kaito's reforms spread across the land!
Stormveil Castle, though not as developed as Leyndell or other prosperous towns, boasted the highest happiness index!
Because there, there were no arrogant nobles who treated life like dirt!
Though a few good, kind nobles existed, they were a minority!
In Stormveil Castle, every noble who had committed crimes was gone!
The kind nobles had become officials, managing the city under better systems.
"So it's Lord Kaito. I am delighted to meet you here! Actually, my mother is from Stormveil Castle. She was a noble, but now she's an official."
Though they had to surrender a large portion of their property, they kept a good amount and were given many benefits.
She learned this through her mother's letters.
She was also very grateful that Kaito hadn't harmed her family, and relieved that they were a minor noble family of the kind sort.
"Oh? I didn't expect we had such a connection?"
"Yes. In fact, I should address you as 'Your Majesty'. But this is Raya Lucaria Academy, and I am a student here. So, Lord Kaito, please forgive my presumption and disrespect. I also wish to have a fair and honest duel with you. This is a valuable training opportunity for me as a student."
Looking at her, Kaito found her rather endearing.
This was fate. It was fortunate her family was of the kind sort, not the wicked kind.
"Alright. I'll go a bit easy on you. It's not that I look down on you, but since you're still in need of training, I can teach you more combat methods through this fight."
"Then... I am deeply grateful... Your Majesty..."
The last words were a whisper, clearly showing her gratitude and genuine acceptance of Kaito as king.
But due to school rules, she dared not speak loudly, expressing her sincere thanks this way.
"Hehe, let's begin! Use your strongest attacks against me; I'll handle them properly."
"Yes. I will be presumptuous, Your Majesty (whisper)."
The woman began chanting quickly, moving cautiously, wary of Kaito's attack.
As for Kaito, since he was going to teach her, he couldn't just wait for her to attack.
He had initially wanted a quick victory, perhaps even convincing her to forfeit.
But how could he end it like this now?
This was his subject!
Such a lovely girl; he would fulfill her small wish.
He was the king!
"I'm attacking."
With those words, a rock spear materialized in Kaito's hand.
As the woman finished her incantation and unleashed a lightning strike, Kaito casually hurled the rock spear, intercepting it.
The spear continued towards her.
Fortunately, she was constantly moving, not just standing still chanting.
She dodged.
But soon, Kaito had formed another rock spear and was already charging towards her.