Volume 2 Chapter 15 Miniature Garden
'State your reason for aspiring to be king.'
When asked that, I would probably answer like this.
'I want a bigger box garden.'
My job class is Box Garden Master.
With one of my command magics, 'Box Garden (Eden),' I can summon a small box and confine monsters that I have subdued within it to command them.
There are a few complex conditions to subdue a monster, but most monsters that can be defeated alone can be made to submit.
So, I continued to gather monsters in my small box garden, gradually enriching my little garden.
However, there were limits to that.
The box garden has a "breeding limit," which determines the number of monsters that can be contained.
That number is ten.
'...That's too few.'
I was quite fond of my ability to subdue monsters, but I couldn't help but feel dissatisfied with the size of the box garden.
Once my job class as a Box Garden Master surpassed level 20, I was able to acquire the skill "Garden Master," which allows for "box garden modification".
However, even after expanding the box garden, the number of monsters I could contain only increased to 15.
'I need more servants...! A perfect world just for me...!'
An overwhelming desire for domination sprouted as I commanded the monsters.
To satisfy that desire, I needed a bigger box garden.
It couldn't be just this small box that I held in my hands.
A wider garden. More servants. A world for myself.
As I continued to wish for that, a ray of light shone through.
'A duel for the right to the throne will be held.'
I thought the first in line for the throne would be the first princess, Clematis.
However, my brother Crocus raised an objection, and suddenly it was decided that a fair duel would determine the king.
Hearing that news made me wonder if gods truly exist.
It was an unparalleled opportunity to obtain my own world.
To become the king of this country and acquire the vast box garden known as the Compost Kingdom.
In a world that's not just a tiny little box garden, I want to grasp a much wider world.
'In this box garden, I am the king...!'
To obtain a larger box garden, I've decided to aim for the throne.
* * *
On the day of the inheritance battle, many people gathered in the castle courtyard.
Everyone was dressed in fine clothing, looking down at the courtyard from the balcony on the second floor of the castle.
All of them were members of the upper class who had come to watch the inheritance battle.
The battle would take place over a total of 3 days, under their watchful eyes.
"Thank you for coming to witness this royal inheritance battle. I, Capucine, the organizer of this event, will be in charge."
Upon hearing the king's greeting, everyone gathered in the courtyard clapped their hands in unison.
The schedule was set: on the first day, the first match of the knockout battle would be held among the 4 heirs.
Then, on the second day, the two winners from the first match would face off in the second match.
Finally, on the third day, the first-ranked heir, Clematis, would compete against the winner of the knockout battle in the final match, determining the ultimate order of inheritance.
"Now, let's begin with a duel between the second prince, Hollis, and the third princess, Nemophila. Both of you, to the center of the courtyard."
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Hollis stepped into the center of the courtyard, taking his first step toward becoming king.
His opponent was a large, unsmiling woman with blue hair that reached her eyes.
She was his sister, Nemophila Amicus.
"I believe you are already aware of the rules, but let me confirm them once more. The duel will be a mock battle between the two representatives. The use of weapons and tools is allowed. The outcome will be decided when one side acknowledges defeat or when I, as the referee, determine that continuation is impossible."
Capucine then spread his arms wide, indicating the entire courtyard.
"Additionally, if either of you steps out of this courtyard or causes the other to die, that person will also be considered defeated. By participating, you agree to all of these conditions, and we will proceed with the inheritance battle."
As soon as those words were spoken, Hollis shifted his gaze around once more.
To prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, skilled court healers were gathered in the area.
They would rush to assist any participant who sustained serious injuries, ensuring that top-notch healing was always available.
This way, they probably won't die from just a little something.
Even if an arm gets torn off, as long as they have the real thing, they can definitely stick it back on.
"Am I really going to see the power of that Box Garden Master all of a sudden?"
"To think I can see the power of the world's only monster tamer with my own eyes...!"
"But, the opponent is that third princess, right? I hope it turns into a proper duel..."
Hearing the laughter from around him, he couldn't help but smile back.
There are healers around, but he could say they're prepared for the other side, not for him.
It's unlikely he'll need a healer in this fight.
After all, his opponent is that weak and cowardly Nemophila.
What he should be thinking about instead is his next opponent.
(I wonder how Big Bro Crocus will make his move...)
In tomorrow's second round, it's almost certain that his brother Crocus will come out on top.
Of course, Crocus has a powerful job class, but he's also the best strategist among them siblings.
You could even call him a dirty player.
If it comes to a direct fight, the chances of winning are about 50-50, but he's sure to come up with some kind of strategy to tilt those odds in his favor.
He glances at the balcony on the second floor of the castle and spots Crocus there.
Their eyes meet unexpectedly, and he feels like Crocus gave him a creepy smile.
It seems he's not the only one thinking about the next opponent.
"...Well, go ahead and watch as much as you want."
He won't even use his trump card in this match.
In fact, it might just come down to a single monster deciding the outcome.
No matter how much Crocus observes him, it won't cause him any trouble at all.
Hollis thought as he focused again on the opponent in front of him.
The opponent who would become his stepping stone.
"I hope you've gotten a bit better, Nemophila?"
"..."
Nemophila doesn't change her expression at all.
She doesn't respond to his question.
She just quietly stares at him with her dull, piercing eyes.
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