After finishing the lemonade, which carried none of the atmosphere of victory, she returned to her aunt's small estate with Maria.
"They're here for you."
Zofia pointed at the professional manager by the door. He looked restrained and held nothing in his hands—no contract—so he was probably not here to discuss a sponsorship deal, but to convey the requests of the businessmen.
"I represent the companies and would like to make a small request of you. Please don't take this as an order, merely a few minor suggestions."
"Hohoho~~"
He looked so pitiful. I really want to plant a bomb on him.
"That voice... is that Miss Troublemaker?"
W smiled like a child. "Hoh, Troublemaker—that's the title the commentator gave me today, right? I like it. Though something more imposing would be even better. Call me the Destroyer—the one who destroys everything and connects all!"
"Speaking of destruction... the arena is public property, after all. Please do hold back a little when fighting."
"Fine."
The request was perfectly reasonable, and Hoshino agreed. Besides, this was one she had deliberately arranged, and the least important one at that.
"From now on, please make your fights longer. For those of us planning knight competitions, entertainment value is also an important factor. If the matches are too short, it is a loss for all of us."
"Longer?"
Hoshino did not agree so readily. She put on a thoughtful expression.
"But I've already been holding back a lot..."
"..."
"Then please hold back even more. Imagine yourself blowing a feather into the air. What matters is back-and-forth exchanges, not overwhelming victories."
"Understood, understood."
Hoshino answered like that, light gleaming in her eyes. With that innocent, pure expression, it was hard to imagine the environment she had grown up in.
"One final item—and this is