第２６８堀：持てる者 持たざる者 (Part4)
"……Well, let's say for the sake of argument—though it makes no sense—that I bet on the liberation of my wives. What are you putting on the table? Bets aren't valid unless they're balanced, right?"
I looked toward Popuri to confirm.
"Yuki-dono is correct. The bet wouldn't hold up in the first place. Their talents are exceptional. Ardes, what do you intend to offer to make this a fair match?"
"Guh... t-that is..."
So he hadn't even thought that far ahead?
"No! If you lose miserably, the sight of it will surely wake them from their stupor!! Accept the duel!!"
Ah, so that’s how it is.
Hm?
Wait a second. I think I can use this.
"Fine. If there's no bet, I'll accept the duel."
"““Eh!?””"
My wives, the Principal, and the Vice Principal were all visibly shocked.
"W-wait, Yuki. I don't harbor the slightest doubt that you'd lose to a small-timer like him, but I cannot approve of this as your guard!"
"Exactly! You know his type is bound to pull something dirty!"
"……Nn. Affirmative. Yuki, there is no merit in engaging in this duel."
"Indeed. I cannot overlook the possibility of my husband being pointlessly injured."
Well, logically, they're right. But if I shift my perspective, there’s a way to turn this to my advantage.
"Hmph, so you at least have the guts to accept the duel. The duel is tomorrow!!"
"Wait, hold on. I want to add some conditions."
"Conditions?"
That's right, conditions. There’s no way I’m accepting this duel for nothing.
My wives went quiet once they heard me mention conditions. They know me well.
"Nothing particularly disadvantageous. Your motive for this duel is because you're unpopular with women, right? So, you should be the only one ending things with this duel."
"……Well, I suppose. Not that it's because I'm unpopular!! It's to liberate them...!!"
"Alright, alright. So, here’s the deal: I’m going to call two acquaintances of mine, so you bring two other people who have grievances against us."
"……Who are the other two? What’s the point of fighting meaningless opponents..."
"One is Taiki. He’s a man with wives, just like me. And the other is Eoid. You know who Eoid is without me having to explain, right?"
"That... lecherous man?"
Yes. I’ll use this event to push the relationship between Eoid and Amanda forward.
The fact that even a fool like Ardes recognizes him as a lecher means he must have been pulling off some legendary "lucky pervert" stunts.
"We can do a winner-stays-on format, or a three-on-three. How about it?"
"Very well. That actually suits me. I have comrades in abundance. And naturally, those with real power among them!!"
"……Comrades who are unpopular?"
"Yes, exactly—no, wait!! I mean those who agree that these lovely women need to wake up!!"
"Well, if that’s the case, I’ll accept the duel. So, Principal, please handle the arrangements."
"Eh? Ah, understood. Are you sure about this, though?"
"Well, it’s a good place to show my wives that I’m a capable man. I’ll do my best."
I could hear voices behind me talking about recording the event and contacting others, but well, it’s necessary to convince my wives, so it can't be helped.
"So, uh, Ahodes. It doesn't have to be tomorrow, you know."
"It's not Ahodes!! It's Ardes!! And why would I need to postpone..."
Before Ardes could finish, the Principal placed a hand on his shoulder.
"That, naturally, is because you’ll be in no condition to move tomorrow."
"P-Principal!?"
"Well, I’ll hold back enough so you can move by the day after. Lara, prepare the arena."
"Yes. Understood."
"Ardes, this isn't just about punishment. As you are now, you wouldn't last a few seconds against Yuki-dono. That would be rude to both Yuki-dono and the spectators. I’ll train you until you can at least last a minute."
And that was the last I saw of the unpopular man, Ardes.
Wait, that means the duel is off, isn't it?
That unpopular man, Ardes, will likely gain even more power and stand in my way again.
……Hm?
Doesn't this make me look like the villain?
Oh well. I need to go talk to Taiki and Eoid...
Next time, I sense the waves of a romantic comedy!!?
Who are you all rooting for?
A duel between the "Real-Life Winners" and the "Real-Life Losers."
Whether they win or lose, the outcome won't change.
But even so, there are battles men cannot back down from, as they challenge the mighty enemy: the Real-Life Winners!!
……No, wait, I’m the author, so I’m on Team Yuki, obviously?
I’m not on Team Ardes, don't be ridiculous.
Now, finally, thank you as always for your comments.
From those pointing out typos to those who say it's interesting, and even the brave ones who tell me what they find boring—I read them all.
I apologize that I cannot reply to everyone individually, but I am always reading, so I look forward to your continued support.