『試合終了っ! 帝国主催、闘技大会優勝者は......ユーミル・ハインドコンビである!』
グラド皇帝の力強い宣言に、観客達が更なる大歓声を上げた。
俺がそれに呆然としていると、不意に背中へドッと衝撃が走る。
「あはははっ! 勝った、勝ったぞハインド! どうした、喜べ!」
先程までの悲し気な表情はどこへやら、喜色満面のユーミルが俺にのしかかってくる。
重みでふらついたが、踏ん張って状況把握に努めた。
「ユーミル......最後、どうなったんだ?」
「何のことはない! 私がヤツよりも先に攻撃を当てたという、ただそれだけだぞ!」
「――ははっ、マジかよ」
最後の最後でこいつ、兄貴の反応速度を上回りやがった。
ユーミルの話によると『サクリファイス』の効果時間は『バーストエッジ』を撃った直後に切れたのだそうな。
俺はその瞬間を見ることが叶わなかったので、後でリプレイでじっくりと確認したいと思う。
そして皇帝陛下が会場に向かって言葉を続ける。
『傑出した個の力――アルベルトのような武人は、古来より人を魅了して止まない。しかし個で劣ろうとも連携でそれを乗り越える姿は、実に美しい! お前達の全力を出し合った戦い、余は大変満足であるっ! 感無量ぞ!』
そんな陛下の言葉を受けつつ、向こうではアルベルトとフィリアがゆっくりと起き上がった。
彼はそのまま大剣を回収した後、フィリアを伴って真っ直ぐこちらに向かって歩いてくる。
何事かと、背に乗っていたユーミルも俺から降りてアルベルトと向かい合う。
「どうやら、また負けたようだな......だが、楽しい戦いだったぞ二人とも。優勝おめでとう」
「ありがとう、アルベルト! 負けたというのに爽やかな奴だな! 大人かっ!」
少なくともユーミルよりは、実年齢的にも精神的にも大人だろうなあ......。
ユーミルの珍妙な発言にさしもの兄貴も、どんな顔をしていいか分からなくなって頬を掻いた。
と、そこでアルベルトの横の小さな少女もこちらを上目遣いで見やってボソッと一言。
「......おめでとう」
「お、おお。ありがとう、フィリアちゃん」
本当に祝ってくれてる?
表情変わらないなぁ、この子......悔しがっているのかそうでないのかサッパリ分からない。
俺達はそのまま互いに握手を交わし、観客からも敗れたアルベルト達に拍手が送られる。
「――ところで、一つこの場で相談があるのだが。聞いてくれないか?」
「なんです?」
ゴツイ体をやや屈めるようにして、声のボリュームを絞って話し掛けてくる。
この場面で一体なんだ? と疑問に思っていたら、彼の語った相談内容はある意味とても納得いくものだった。
アルベルトの兄貴の願いは、敗者として優勝者を称えることで傭兵としての株を上げておきたい――という、顔に似合わず計算高い
その為のアピールを今からするので、俺達に協力して欲しいそうだ。
「そんなことをしなくとも、アルベルトの評判はもう充分に高いと思うのだが......?」
ユーミルが言うように、決勝までの圧巻の戦いぶりを見れば彼の強さを疑うプレイヤーは居ないだろう。
今後は傭兵としての依頼も増えるのではないだろうか?
だが、彼は力を見せつけただけでは良くないのだと言う。
「念には念を。人柄を評価されれば、それだけ依頼も受け易くなるというものだ。俺はただでさえこの容姿で、人に怖がられ易いからな」
つまり親しみやすさが足りないと?
まあ、こちらとしては「上に乗っかっているだけ」なので一向に構わないが。
「大丈夫ですよ。やるなら皇帝陛下が待ってくれている今の内にやってしまいましょう」
「感謝する。ユーミルも、良いだろうか? 敗者の自分勝手な申し出で済まないが」
「うむ、いいぞ。しかし、本当に持ち上がるのか?」
俺達の承諾を得たアルベルトの兄貴は、ユーミルの質問に答えずに屈み込んだ。
言葉よりも見せた方が早いということらしい。
怖々とその広い両肩に俺達が座ると、一気に地面が遠のいていった。
「うおっ、本当に持ち上がった! 高っ! 怖っ!」
両肩に高校生を担いで平然と立つ兄貴。
落とさないようにしっかりと太い腕が俺達の体を支え、頭を掴んで良いと言うのでユーミルと二人で手を短い茶髪の上に乗せる。
何だこの安定感......肩なんて不安定な場所に乗っかっているのに、全く落ちる気がしねえ。
そのまま俺達を称えるように、肩に担いだままぐるりと舞台の上を観客席の方を向きながら一周していく。
そしてユーミルが声援に応えて片手をブンブンと振った。
確かにこれなら負けて尚、彼は勝者を称える器の大きい人物として他プレイヤーの目に映るだろう。
フィリアちゃんもアルベルトの横を一緒にてこてこ歩いていく。
目線が高くていい眺めだなあ......あ、リィズ達が手を振ってる。おーい。
と、俺達が周回を終えたところで皇帝陛下がサッと手を上げて誰かに合図を出した。
更には大きな声でこう発言。
『皆の衆、勝者を称えよ! 彼の者達が、当大会一の強者である!』
すると観客席のそこかしこに、各街で見掛けた魔導士と同じ黒ずくめの者達が現れて呪文を詠唱した。
まさか攻撃魔法ということもないだろうが――おっ!
「おおー! ハインド、花火だ! 花火!」
「紙吹雪まで舞ってるぞ。豪勢な演出だなあ」
「......綺麗」
「これも全て、今となってはお前達の為のものだろう。羨ましい限りだ」
気付けば夜になっていた闘技場の空に、魔導士が手から出した魔法の花火がポンポン打ち上がる。
そこかしこで光の粒が弾け、武骨な闘技場に美しい色彩が花を添えた。
観客達、特に女性プレイヤーはこの演出に嬉しそうに目を輝かせている。
『諸君、楽しんで頂けたかな? ではこのまま表彰式に移る! ユーミル・ハインド、両名は余の前へ』
皇帝陛下が宣言し、帝国軍人らしき一団によって舞台上に一斉にテーブル・トロフィー・賞品が並べられた。
兄貴の肩から降り、俺達は皇帝陛下の前に立つ。
華やかな表彰式が終わり、今の俺は一人静かに自室のベッドでまどろんでいた。
こうしていると先程までの騒がしさ、賑やかさが噓のようだ。
しかしあの景品の馬、立派だったなぁ。
ガチガチの重武装をしたプレイヤーでも余裕で乗せられそうな、しっかりした肉付きをしていた。
さすがは最高等級といったところである。
それが二頭も......良く考えたら、二人一組での出場なのだから揉めないように二頭用意しておくのは当たり前の話か。
『それでは諸君、さらばだ! 機会があればまた会おう!』
ミツヨシさんとトビ、三人娘と別れてサーラに戻った俺達四人はギルドホームでささやかな祝いの席を設けた。
といっても酒などを飲める訳ではないので、ハーブティーとお菓子を食べつつ喋っていただけだが。
トビがマール共和国から戻ってくるのは時間が掛かるので、帰り次第全員でもう一度ギルド内でお祝いをするかもしれない。
そして大会の報酬に関してだが、ギルドメンバーの協力あってこその優勝だったので賞金は後日山分けすることに。
サーラの厩舎に自動で送られるという馬の処遇については、ギルドの共有物として扱うことにして解散。
ログアウト後は理世と母さんに就寝の挨拶をしてから、部屋に戻ってベッドに潜り込んだ。
それにしてもゲームとはいえ、優勝というのは気分が良い物だな。
冷えないように布団をしっかり掛け直して寝返りを打つと、自然と口元に笑みが浮かぶ。
みんなのおかげで、今夜は良い夢を見られそうだ......。
{That's the end of the match! The winners of the tournament sponsored by the Empire are...Yumir and Hind!!}  (Emperor)
When the Grado's Emperor declared that with vigor, the audience raised their voices even further.
I was taken aback by such an occurrence and a shock ran through my back suddenly.
[Ahahaha! We won, we won Hind! What's wrong? Be more happy!]  (Yumir)
I wonder where that sad expression of hers has gone to. Yumir was now leaning on me with a joyful look.
I still couldn't really register what had happened so I tried to ask about it.
[Yumir...what happened at the end?]  (Hind)
[Nothing! I just landed a strike on him before he was able to, that's all!]  (Yumir)
[...hahaha, seriously?]  (Hind)
This girl, at the very end, was able to exceed aniki's reaction speed.
According to Yumir, the effect of {Sacrifice}  ran out right after she hit him with {Burst Edge} .
Since I wasn't able to see that happening with my own eyes, I'm thinking about watching the replay later on.
Then, the Emperor ascended to the stage and continued his speech.
{A being with outstanding strength...like the warrior Albert, people have been fascinated by such men since times immemorial.
While hearing such words, Albert and Philia slowly stood up on the other side.
After retrieving his greatsword, he came over here along with Philia.
I wonder what was going on, Yumir who had been on my back until now, got off and went towards Albert.
[It seems like I've lost again...however, it was fun, you two. Congratulations on winning.]  (Albert)
[Thanks, Albert! You sure are doing well considering you lost! What are you, an adult!?]  (Yumir)
At the very least, he's more mature both physically and mentally than Yumir...
Since Yumir made such an odd statement, aniki scratched his face while not knowing how to reply.
At that moment, the small girl that was standing next to Albert, came towards me with upturned eyes and said absentmindedly.
[...Congratulations.]  (Philia)
[O-Oh. Thanks, Philia-chan.]  (Hind)
Is she really congratulating us?
This child's expression doesn't change at all...I can't tell if she's frustrated or not at all.
We exchanged handshakes right there and the audience applauded Albert and Philia's efforts.
[...By the way, I have something concerning which I'd like to consult you. Will you hear me out?]  (Albert)
[What is it?]  (Hind)
He bent his body and talked to me in a low volume.
What would he even ask of us in this situation? Just when I was having those doubts, the content of the request was such I could understand where he was coming from.
Albert aniki's request was to openly congratulate us on our victory as the losers, therefore increasing his value as a mercenary...something quite calculating that you wouldn't expect from someone with such a face.
He's going to appeal to the public right now, so he wants our cooperation.
[Even if you didn't do that, I believe Albert is plenty famous right now...?]  (Yumir)
As Yumir had said, having reached the finals while showcasing that way of fighting, I doubt there is any player out there that would see that and have doubts about his strength.
Wouldn't he get even more requests in his mercenary business now?
However, he proceeded to say that it wasn't good to only show his strength.
[It's just in case. If I can make them appreciate me for my personality, that would make getting requests much easier. After all, if I only showed this appearance of mine, that would just make it easier for people to be scared of me.]  (Albert)
So in other words, he's saying that he doesn't look friendly enough?
Well, the only thing we have to do is [Climb on top of him]  so it's not like we mind at all.
[I'm fine with it. If we are going to do it, we should do it now that the Emperor is waiting for us.]  (Hind)
[You have my thanks. Yumir, are you fine with it too? I'm sorry for this request, even though we are the ones that lost.]  (Albert)
[Umu, I'm fine with it. However, are you really going to lift us?]  (Yumir)
Having received our agreement, Albert Aniki bent over without replying to Yumir's question.
It seems like he thinks it's easier to show us than replying.
Timidly, we sat on top of those broad shoulders and the floor became distant in a single moment.
[Uoh, he's really carrying us! So high! So scary!]  (Yumir)
Aniki calmly stood up while carrying a high school student on each of his shoulders.
He supported both of our bodies with his brawny hands to make sure we didn't fall off; since he told us that it was fine to grab onto his head, Yumir and I placed our hands on top of his short brown hair.
What's with this sense of stability...? Even though we are on top of an unstable surface like his shoulders, I don't feel like I'd fall at all.
Then, as if to congratulate us, he made a lap around the stage while facing the audience.
Yumir also waved her hand in response to the cheers of the audience.
It's true that with this, even though he was the one that lost, he'll look like a tolerant player that is congratulating the winners to other people.
Philia-chan was also slowly walking next to Albert.
This view sure is from quite high...ah, Riizu and the others are waving. Hey!
Like that, once we finished our lap, the Emperor raised his hand as if he was giving a signal to someone.
Then he declared in a loud voice.
{Everyone, congratulate the winners!! These people are the winners of our tournament!!}  (Emperor)
The moment he said that, mages wearing all black like those set in towns appeared around the spectators and began to chant a spell.
I doubt it's something like an offensive spell but...oh!!
[Ooh!! Hind, fireworks!! Look, fireworks!!]  (Yumir)
[They even come with confetti. Quite the big production value.]  (Hind)
[...So pretty.]  (Philia)
[All this had been prepared for both of you. Makes me feel kinda jealous.]  (Albert)
Just when we realized it had turned into night, firework magic was released from the mage's hands and burst in the air.
Those particles of light filled this unrefined arena with flowers of lovely colors.
The audience, particularly the female players, looked at this event with eyes glittering with delight.
{Ladies and gentlemen, was that to your liking? In that case, let's proceed to the award ceremony! Yumir and Hind, please come to the front!!}  (Emperor)
When the Emperor made that announcement, what looked like a group of imperial soldiers got on top of the stage and lined up the Trophies simultaneously.
We got off Aniki and stood up in front of the Emperor.
The flashy award ceremony ended and I was now dozing off in my own bed.
Being in such a calm environment made it seem as if the previous events had all been a lie.
However, that horse we got as a prize sure was splendid.
The horse had such a splendid build that it looked as if it would easily carry a player with heavy equipment.
I should say, as expected of a mount of the highest grade.
We even got two of them...if you thought about it, I guess it's a given that they would prepare two of them just in case there are disputes within the pairings.
{With that being said, farewell!! If the opportunity arises, let's meet again!!}  (Emperor)
After being separated from Mitsuyoshi-san, Tobi and the three girls, and returning to Sala, we went back to our guild home and did a modest celebration.
That being said, it's not like we could drink sake or anything, so we just talked for a bit while drinking herbal tea and eating sweets.
It'll take a while for Tobi to return from the Mahl republic, so there's the chance that we'll do another celebration once everyone is gathered in the guild.
As for the prize of the tournament, since everyone in the guild contributed to our win, we plan to divide the money evenly at another date.
As for how we would deal with the horses that were sent to the stable in Sala automatically, we decided to set them as guild property so everyone could use them.
After saying good night to Rise and mom after logging out, I went back to my room and crawled into my bed.
Even if it's just a game, winning sure feels good.
I covered myself with my futon to not get cold and turned around. Then my mouth spontaneously turned into a smile.
Thanks to everyone, it seems like I'll have a good dream today...
VRMMO no Shien Shokunin ～Top Player no Shikakenin～
ＶＲＭＭＯの支援職人　～トッププレイヤーの仕掛人～
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/vrmmo-no-shien-shokunin-%ef%bd%9etop-player-no-shikakenin%ef%bd%9e/
Action Adventure Comedy Fantasy Harem Slice of Life
Adventurers Beautiful Female Lead Blacksmith Brother Complex Calm Protagonist Childhood Friends Clan Building Cooking Crafting Curious Protagonist Dense Protagonist Elemental Magic Fantasy Creatures Game Ranking System Gamers Hard-Working Protagonist Healers Level System Love Interest Falls in Love First Love Rivals Male Protagonist Misunderstandings MMORPG Ninjas Possessive Characters Priests Siblings Siblings Not Related by Blood Sword And Magic Virtual Reality Younger Love Interests Younger Sisters
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4014ds/
二階堂風都