Chapter 31

Ricardo’s fan club for the “Knight Shin Chronicle,” which could also be called a group of obsessed fans, known as ‘My Struggle.’

This gathering originally formed to complain about the fact that “Knight Shin Chronicle” was broadcast only once a week.

But now, with the series surpassing 25 episodes, this group has become the most powerful organization within the system.

Moreover, whereas in the past it was just drunken barflies guzzling beer at taverns who were members, now it includes nobles, students from the Royal Academy, mages, and even university professors from all walks of life.

The reason was simple.

Because it was entertaining.

And because they couldn’t suppress their desire to talk about “Knight Shin Chronicle” all night with others.

Thus, today as usual, countless people had gathered for ‘My Struggle.’

“Alright, as previously announced, I have an important announcement to make.”

The leader of this group, and simultaneously referred to as ‘President’ by certain individuals, Ricardo opened his mouth.

“Recently, conflicts among comrades within this group have grown too severe, something everyone is well aware of.”

Ricardo sighed deeply, looking around at the members of the group.

He could clearly see it.

Even while he, as the head and president of this organization, delivered a major announcement, there were people glaring at each other like enemies.

Their mutual hostility stemmed from one trivial reason: differing opinions.

Honestly, Ricardo couldn’t understand why they treated each other like mortal foes who had killed their parents.

Despite trying multiple times to stop their actions, Ricardo had failed every time.

Perhaps the day when people truly understand each other will never come…

With a melancholy expression, Ricardo said,

“I’ve been quietly observing for several weeks now, and I can no longer stand by and watch my comrades’ behavior. That’s why I’ve decided to hold this discussion today to resolve the issue.”

Saying this, Ricardo called up representatives from each faction to the front stage.

“I hope this discussion helps us not hate each other but rather understand each other better. Now, let’s begin the 47th Discussion on ‘Who is the True Heroine of Knight Shin Chronicle?'”

Clap clap clap.

Starting with this, the leaders of the factions supporting Saya, Eilian, and Chloe, the potential heroines of Knight Shin Chronicle, began speaking one after another.

“I won’t mince words. Honestly, I think anyone who doesn’t consider Saya the true heroine must have something wrong with their brain.”

“Huh?”

“Are you done talking, Professor Hermion!”

In the past, Hermion led the charge in criticizing “Knight Shin Chronicle,” but now he’s fully transformed into one of its biggest fans.

“Everyone here has seen episode 25, right? And in episode 25, it’s clear that Saya is undoubtedly the true heroine of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle.'”

“…What did you say?”

“In episode 25, Kai awakened the Zero Machine to god-like status solely to save Saya. This is different from the previous instances where the Zero Machine went berserk whenever Kai was in danger. In other words, Kai’s love for Saya is so immense that it awakened the machine to godhood.”

Professor Hermion smirked as he looked at the leaders of the factions supporting Eilian and Chloe.

They gnashed their teeth but couldn’t offer a proper rebuttal since deep down, they knew he was right.

However, their affection for Eilian or Chloe outweighed this realization, forcing them to counterattack.

“…That’s acknowledged. Clearly, Saya might be considered the heroine of episode 25, but aren’t you forgetting something crucial, Professor Hermion?”

“Something crucial? What’s that?”

“That Saya fundamentally has a fatal flaw that makes her unsuitable as the true heroine of this work.”

As she said this, Evangelin von Thieria, the leader of the faction supporting Eilian, pulled out a recorded artifact from her possession.

“This is an artifact recording part of episode 14. President, may I use this material as evidence in the discussion?”

“Permission granted.”

With Ricardo’s approval, Evangelin immediately played the artifact containing parts of episode 14.

“This is a scene where Kai recalls memories with his younger sister. In this memory, Kai’s sister’s face is intentionally blurred. But if we pause at a specific moment…”

Evangelin manipulated the artifact to show a paused frame to everyone.

“Hu… Huh?”

“What… what is this?”

At that moment, everyone present gasped in shock.

Because the face revealed in the paused frame belonged to none other than…

“S-Saya?”

“My goodness! Could it be that Saya is actually Kai’s younger sister?”

Though there were differences in eye color and hair, excluding those aspects, the resemblance was striking enough to suggest they might be identical twins.

“So, that’s just a coincidence, right?”

“A coincidence? Do you really think the director of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ would make such a mistake?”

“…”

“At episode 19, remember Saya’s monologue when she sees Kai in pain?”

Of course, everyone remembered it.

The Saya faction still considers it the best line in “Knight Shin Chronicle.”

“…Kai. I can do nothing while you suffer so much. Seeing your sorrow makes me sad too, yet tears don’t fall from my eyes. Am I merely… a doll?”

“According to this dialogue, Saya refers to herself as a doll. Therefore, isn’t it possible that Saya is a creation based on Kai’s younger sister?”

Evangelin spoke proudly.

“If this hypothesis is correct, there’s a high probability that Saya is a clone of Kai’s younger sister. In other words, if Saya is the heroine of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle,’ it becomes an unethical act!”

“G-gracious…”

Hermion clenched his teeth at Evangelin’s words but unfortunately had no logical counterargument.

Ultimately, lacking the ability to logically refute her, all that remained was a shouting match.

“Eileen isn’t mentally ill; she’s just overly sensitive and delicate! You dirty incest lovers!”

“The relationship between Kai and Saya isn’t dirty like you imagine; it’s noble and platonic! You fools!”

Though they initially started the discussion hoping to understand each other, they quickly reverted to bickering and hating one another.

“…Sigh.”

Just as Ricardo was about to sigh and end the discussion…

“Pr-presidents! Urgent breaking news!”

One of the organization’s members rushed to Ricardo, panting heavily, and whispered something into his ear.

“W-what?”

Upon hearing the message, Ricardo’s complexion changed instantly.

Judging this event far more serious than the current discussion, Ricardo immediately stood up.

“Fellow comrades, please pause the discussion momentarily! There is urgent news I must share with you all!”

At this, the Saya faction and Eileen faction, who had been arguing fiercely, stopped their actions and turned their attention to Ricardo.

“Just moments ago, a member stationed at the palace reported some alarming news. A few nobles have pressured His Majesty the Emperor, and as a result, they’ve obtained the broadcast copy of episode 26 of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’!”

“W-what did you say!”

“Is that true! Really?”

It was unbelievable.

Nobles had pressured the emperor to watch episode 26 of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ first?

“This… this is an abomination that should not exist in this world. With everyone eagerly awaiting episode 26 of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle,’ how dare someone use their power to watch it ahead of time!”

Shiver.

Ricardo couldn’t suppress his emotions; his clenched fists trembled.

“What will happen if a small number of nobles monopolize ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ and watch it first? They’ll likely spoil the story everywhere they go. No, it’s inevitable!”

“My goodness. Can people capable of such cruelty even exist?”

“It’s hard to believe. How can someone wearing human skin commit such… atrocities?”

Instantly, people began imagining the worst.

What horrors the emperor, the primary victim of this incident, might be enduring at the hands of the nobles who watched episode 26 first.

– Stop it, please. Don’t tell me the contents of episode 26!

– Hmm, my throat feels very dry. Is there anyone who can pour me a glass of water?

– If someone gives me a limited edition model kit of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle,’ I might share episode 26 with them.

And these villains wouldn’t stop at tormenting the emperor.

As Ricardo predicted, they’d surely spoil the content of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ to ordinary citizens to fulfill their despicable desires!

“There are such… no, such wicked people!”

“We must stop them, absolutely must prevent this! I don’t want spoilers!”

Listening to the uproar, Ricardo nodded, agreeing with their sentiments.

“You’re right. As the president of the ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ fan club, I declare this situation a grave emergency. I will do everything possible to resolve it swiftly. For that, the Saya faction and the Eileen faction must temporarily cease fighting and unite our forces.”

Nod.

Ricardo’s words were undeniably correct, so the people unconsciously nodded.

“To that end, I shall temporarily rename our group to ‘Stop Minor Criticism and Finding Fault.’ From now on, we shall be known as ‘Soviet.’ Furthermore, I promise you this: until the forces that spoil ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ are eradicated, my red heart will beat endlessly for the revolution!”

“Woo-hoo! Long live! Long live the Soviet!”

Inspired by Ricardo’s passionate speech, the people became drunk with revolutionary fervor without even drinking alcohol.

“The Eileen faction will collaborate temporarily for the greater good.”

“Well, there’s nothing we can do. We’ll form a temporary alliance with you this time.”

“We haven’t forgiven you yet. So, follow our lead.”

“There’s no time for petty issues… they’re coming! Let’s go!”

Thus, in this moment, a rather dangerous combination was born.