第２４７掘：人の恋路を邪魔する奴は…… (Part2)
“T-That’s right. Tomorrow, I’ll call an emergency assembly in the hall, introduce the transfer students, and tell everyone to absolutely not lay a finger on them.”
“No. You must absolutely not say that!”
“Eh? But if I don’t tell them to stay away…”
“If you say that, the students who live by the code of meritocracy will definitely target them. For the Principal, who advocates for that very meritocracy, to give an official order not to touch someone is essentially the same as putting a bullseye on their backs.”
“Ah…”
“So, instead of phrasing it that way, we should claim the transfer students are here to promote the greatness of the Academy. If we do that, the students shouldn’t be so boorish as to pick fights recklessly.”
“I see, I see. But that’s still not a guarantee, is it?”
“Indeed. It is merely a way to prevent further damage. Unless there is a way to change the contract itself, we can only take a reactive stance.”
*Hmm, so that’s the problem. Wait…*
Meritocracy. Something about that word stuck in my mind. Then, a brilliant idea struck me. My head felt clear, the thoughts falling into place. This was a perfect chance to give those people a taste of their own medicine.
“Lara, what if I challenge one of them to a duel? We could put a contract revision on the line. If I lose, I’ll offer some conditions—I’m sure they’ll bite. We can frame it as a ‘demonstration of dueling’ and hold it in front of the entire student body.”
As I spoke, Lara’s eyes widened, and she fell into deep thought.
“…That might actually be a good idea. The duel would serve as a deterrent to the other students, and if you win, the contract can be amended. Furthermore, if they experience your strength firsthand, they won’t be able to make such unreasonable demands. They are certainly silver-tongued, but your power is overwhelming; they’ll have no choice but to show restraint.”
“Right?!”
“Of course, it would be the absolute worst-case scenario if you lost.”
“Well, things can’t get much worse than they already are, can they? Besides, do you really think I’d lose?”
“No. The only ones capable of defeating you, Principal, would be the legendary Heroes or the Holy Sword users.”
“Ah, yeah. Exactly. So, can I leave the preparations to you?”
“Yes. I will arrange for the use of the dueling grounds and prepare to gather the students.”
I watched Lara leave and then stared blankly into space for a moment.
…No, I can’t get distracted. There’s no way I’ll lose a duel. I should finish this paperwork. Tomorrow is going to be fun.
***
**Side: Eris**
“Hehehe…”
“Whoa, Eris, you’re being scary.”
Startled by the comment, I realized I was laughing to myself. That won’t do. If I can’t control my emotions, I might make an unexpected blunder during negotiations.
“Still, you really caught that one clause, didn’t you?”
“Yes, it seems I have a bit of a head on my shoulders.”
“Eris-oneechan is so fluffy…”
“So fluffy, indeed.”
I was currently sitting on Yuki-san’s lap, with Aslin and Firia sitting on top of me. This was my natural right as compensation for yesterday’s events.
“…Shera, come here and let me hold you.”
“Eh? But Labyris, you’re shorter than me…”
“I’m frustrated that those two took the best spots.”
“Oh, honestly, fine.”
I’m sorry, you two. Yuki-san alone isn’t enough to fully heal my spirit. Since I can’t bring my daughter here, I have to make do by cuddling Aslin and Firia.
“So, what’s the plan? Are we going ahead as scheduled?”
“Yes. My mood will be completely refreshed by the next duel, and this will ensure the faculty and students stop complaining about our preferential treatment.”
“True,” Yuki said. “You’re going to crush the Principal until there’s nothing left. Anyone who tries to mess with us after that would have to be a total moron. Though I suspect the Principal will be the one getting flattened first.”
“Indeed.”
“Well, I feel like we might be overdoing it a bit, so make sure you make up afterward. You’re friends, aren’t you?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll likely be the one facing her. I’ll clash with her properly and deepen our friendship.”
“That sounds less like ‘clashing’ and more like ‘trampling’ to me.”
“Oh no, I wouldn’t dream of using such overwhelming power that the onlookers couldn’t even comprehend it. I’ll match the Principal’s level perfectly. And then, I shall simply surpass her in every single category.”
“…That’s actually worse than just trampling her.”
“But it will be excellent data for the Holy Sword users who are still monitoring us, won’t it?”