He was surprised and looked at Albe beside him, but Albe only returned a puzzled expression as if asking what was strange.

It seemed Qiong Xing was the only one who found this odd.

"This is supposed to be a mock battle, right? Then why is it only the captains?"

"Why?"

"What is it?"

As the two tilted their heads, Narka who found it strange approached them.

"I heard that in mock battles only the captains fight each other. Why is that?"

"Huh? What do you mean why?"

Qiong Xing asked why and Narka responded with why.

"I will say something fundamental, but strength is not just about physical power, is it?"

"What?"

All three of them reacted with shock.

Qiong Xing was confused as to why they were so surprised.

"Even if there is a difference in raw strength, depending on how you plan your strategy, you can still win, right? Just like when I defeated you before."

Had he already forgotten how he lost despite underestimating Qiong Xing?

"I think it is a waste to decide everything based solely on sword strength."

"A waste?"

Qiong Xing was starting to feel that explaining this was becoming a hassle.

"In an actual war, everyone moves according to a strategy, right? Then why would you not do that in a mock battle? Rohen, you were the one constantly urging the captain to attend strategy meetings."

There was meaning in it.

It was effective, which was why they planned and moved as a group.

Ignoring that and simply fighting made no sense.

"Also, what is the point if only the captain fights? If you are comparing the strength of units, then it should involve all members. A mock battle is also practical training. It shows those above how much everyone has trained and how well they can work together."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Qiong Xing could not understand why he had ended up passionately explaining something like this.

Both Narka and Rohen were surprised.

But at the same time, it made sense.

Hearing it put that way, they began to wonder why they had never done it like that before.

"...You’re right. Just because the captain wins doesn’t mean we become stronger."

Even if they celebrated the captain’s victory, in the end, their own strength had to be proven by themselves.

Those above only looked at results.

They had been told that before, yet they had never truly thought about it.

"So we should have been participating too."

"If it is a mock battle, then yes. Though if it is just a sparring match between captains, then that is fine as it is."

Only now did they realize that this had been a place to demonstrate their own strength.

"Do you think it’s not too late to change it?"

"We can ask the prime minister. If it’s not possible this time, we can at least push for it starting next time."

The captain nodded as well, agreeing.

"The scale of the match would change, so it might be difficult. But even if that’s the case, you can still find meaning in it."

"Meaning?"

They looked puzzled.

"What do you mean?"

"You said you don’t have enough funds to make swords, right? Then why not earn it through that match?"

"Then what do you mean?"

"I have never seen it myself, so I cannot say for certain, but you could invite both nobles and commoners to watch everyone’s bravery. If you collect even a small viewing fee or entrance fee, would that not help?"

"..."

"..."

What was going on inside Qiong Xing’s head?

Even the captain stared at him in shock.

"It becomes entertainment, allows people to see the strength of their own country, and also brings in money. If people recognize the value of those swords, you might even gain sponsors."

They could not keep up with the possibilities being laid out one after another.

The captain who had been standing there stunned suddenly lost strength and sat down on the spot.

From a spectator’s perspective, it would certainly be entertaining, and seeing such strength might even bring them a sense of security in their daily lives.

For those participating, they could display their skills before a large audience, learn from the battles, and possibly even secure funding for their unit.

Fighting in actual war was not the only purpose.

"Someone might even be inspired to join the unit out of admiration. Though I would refuse."

Seriously?

"Then just join already."

Rohen nodded as well, but Qiong Xing firmly refused.

"I do not want children to dislike me."

"You have kids?!"

"You have children?!"

They had assumed on their own that he was unmarried.

With his slender and delicate appearance, they had even thought he was younger.

"I do. Four of them."

"!? "

"!? "

Four, on top of that.

They had never heard about this.

"One of them is not related by blood, though. Is that really so surprising? You two are married as well, right?"

"I am not."

"I am not."

"...Huh?"

Given his age, it would have been strange for the captain not to be married, but considering his personality, it was understandable.

As for Rohen, his busy work life kept him far from anything like marriage.

It was not that either of them was at fault, but they had somehow assumed they were in the same situation, so realizing they had been overtaken by someone younger left them with complicated feelings.

"You... with that pretty face, you have already done th—ow!"

"What are you even saying!"

He was about to say "in front of children," but then became confused, realizing that Qiong Xing was not a child at all.

"Well, things like this come down to meeting the right person. You are both wonderful, so I am sure you will find someone soon."

Both of them silently resolved to try harder.

Still, having children at his age was impressive.

As they stared at him in amazement, Qiong Xing suddenly said he would bring them along next time.