When his grandfather signed him up for the competition, he promised that this year's competition wouldn't change his value. After all, this was his grandfather's selfishness.
Theo also had no prior knowledge about this competition, forcing him to learn everything from the start.
On the other hand, it certainly became big news for the other participants and family members.
Even Ignazio widened his eyes when he received the news. He was standing in his own garden together with his sister.
"This…" Ignazio furrowed his eyebrows.
His sister moved behind him, asking, "What happened? For you to have this kind of expression is uncommon."
"I believe we shouldn't participate in this year's competition. Let's just wait for another year." He scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.
"Ehm?" Mara tilted her head in confusion. "I don't know what you're talking about unless you tell me the reason."
"Actually, Theo is participating in this year's competition."
"Hmm?" Mara furrowed her eyebrows and said, "I don't know about his personality, but this movement… I am afraid this is Grandfather working behind the scenes."
"Why do you think so?"
"Grandfather wants to introduce Theo to the rest of the family while showing his ability. Because he has started learning from Grandfather, this is the only time he can prove why he's chosen by Grandfather. After all, there's not that much of a difference from his previous condition when he left Thersland.
"At the same time, he wants to tell the family that he's going to teach this kid. Some will take this stance positively and try to improve themselves, some will hate this and direct that hatred to Theo." Mara assessed their situation.
"Ah, there is that guy…" Ignazio nodded.
"Yeah. Among the big three who almost reach the Supreme Rank, there are two more people other than me that grasp the top three. I am afraid they're going to make a move soon in the competition." Mara smiled. "This is going to be an interesting year. Of course, we should participate."
"What?" Ignazio panicked for a second. "That guy… I am not trying to elevate his status, but that guy is a devil in planning. If it's in a fight, he's a far bigger devil."
"Well, I am curious about this guy who can make my Ignazio like this." Mara chuckled. "Besides, it's fine if I lose since I can't even use my legs."
"That…" Ignazio suddenly understood why she wanted to participate. "You're not going to let that guy win, so you can create a situation where you don't get any punishment in your allocated resources, right?"
Mara smiled. "What kind of person am I in your head?"
Ignazio rolled his eyes as she was exactly what he described earlier. Behind that gentle expression was a scary woman who could destroy anyone.
"Whatever… Since you're participating, I will do it as well." Ignazio resigned to his fate.
"As expected of my Ignazio." Mara gave a thumbs up.
"I am not doing this for you. I am only curious about his development within these six months." Ignazio looked away.
"Right? We will leave it at that." Mara chuckled.
As Mara said, the other two people, who competed with her in the top three positions, received this message.
The first one was a male in his twenties. He had spiky brown hair and sharp eyes. With only a towel on his waist, he came out of the bathroom before finding a woman with long purple hair. She wore a pink tank top and short jeans.
"Hmm?" The man furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you doing here? Are you missing me?"
Without a change of expression on her face, she said, "Sir Leonardo has just made a big move."
"Grandfather?" The man thought for a moment. "It's not normal for that old man to make a move, so every move of his is quite big… But you don't need to overestimate his small actions."
"No. I am sure Master has heard about Theodore Griffith…"
"Yeah. You told me about his arrival a few months ago." The man suddenly fell silent as he came to a realization. "He's participating in the competition?"
"As expected of Master." The woman nodded.
"What do you mean as expected? I can realize that much…" The man shook his head helplessly. "Still, if I am not wrong, Grandfather has moved into his house, teaching him. I see… This year's competition is going to be exciting."
"Are you planning to participate, Master?"
"Obviously. Is my schedule free at that time?" He suddenly felt something was wrong and changed his words. "No. Make sure my schedule is free around the competition. I am going to compete there to see whether this Theodore Griffith is worth the hassle… His mother is my mother's rival, so I am going to defeat him in this competition."
"I understand. I will make the adjustment." The woman nodded.
After discussing it, he wrapped his hands around her waist as he smiled, "Well, since you came here…"
The woman pushed away his hand. "Please don't touch me…"
Before he could react, the woman walked to the bathroom while saying, "I need to wash myself first."
"…" The man's eyebrows twitched before he facepalmed, not knowing what to say.
…
Meanwhile, in another place, there were two men playing chess.
The first one was a bald man with sharp blue eyes. He looked at his opponent and said, "So, fatty. What are you doing here? It's rare for you to come by yourself."
"I'm not fat. I'm chubby." He shook his head. "Well, it's—"
Before he finished his words, the bald man already said, "If you're talking about Theodore Griffith, I already know it."
"I guess I shouldn't have come…"
"That's right. Now that you are here, you're going to help me with my training."
"Ehm… Will you let me go with this information?"
"Hmm?" The man stopped for a moment and raised his head, looking his friend in the eyes.
"The one who will create the challenge for this competition is Sir Leonardo himself."
The bald man froze for a few seconds before laying down on the ground. "Seriously? Grandfather himself? Do you know how random Grandfather's challenges can be?"
"Maybe because there is a new guy, he's going to hold back a little?"
"Who knows…" The bald man closed his eyes. "I guess I will participate this year… Since he's holding this competition, that means showing off in this competition can pique his interest… I am going to do that."