第２７０堀：後押しをしよう 全力で (Part3)
"Yes. It's delicious, so please have your mother try some too. It’s not the kind of thing that keeps for a long time, so don't hold back."
"Yes. Thank you very much."
After preparing some tea and handing the cake to my mother, I returned to my room to eat my own portion, but...
"Ngh—!! It’s delicious!? Oh, it’s sweet!? It’s so very sweet!?"
It was unbelievably sweet. Oh, it was delicious—too delicious!
"Mmm. As delicious as ever."
"Indeed."
"Wh-where is this sold!? No, you said you made it, right!? How do you make it!?"
"Now, now, calm down."
"Hmm, I understand how you feel, but you can't get these ingredients here. First and foremost, you need sugar."
"Su-sugar!? Th-this has that in it!?"
"Oh, absolutely. Nearly 100 grams. So, let’s see, more than ten spoonfuls of this, I’d say?"
"Th-that’s such a luxury ingredient! I-I could never gather that! Isn't this cake incredibly expensive!?"
"Well, it’s something we eat quite normally where we come from."
"That’s right."
"Where is that!? Where is that amazing town!!"
"It’s a bit far, I’m afraid."
"Indeed. But since Amanda is an acquaintance of ours, we can have some cake delivered to you."
"Really!?"
I did it. I was right to call these people my masters.
"Now, since we’ve had a breather, shall we get to the main point?"
"Oh, come to think of it, did you have business with me?"
"Yes. Have you heard about Eoid’s duel?"
At that mention, despite knowing it was just my own selfish anger, the feelings resurfaced, and I complained to my masters.
"Yes, I’ve heard. Honestly, Eoid... with me going through so much trouble..."
"I see, just as I thought. Well, it’s painful when the man you love ignores you."
"Fufu. Don't worry. Eoid intends to fight this duel for your sake, Amanda."
"Eh? How is that for my sake?"
I didn't understand. Why would Eoid fighting a duel be for my benefit? When I asked, the two of them put on serious expressions, checked to make sure no one else was around, and spoke in hushed tones.
"...Well, keep this to yourself. Especially, don't you dare let Eoid know."
"Indeed. If you do, Eoid might lose his nerve."
"Eh? No, Eoid has always been a bit of a coward..."
"...Then all the more reason not to tell him."
"...Yes. It could affect Amanda’s entire life."
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"Amanda, why did you ask us for guidance in the first place?"
"...Because I want to continue my current life. Because I want to stay with Eoid."
That’s right. I’m working hard now because I want to stay with Eoid just like I always have. I suddenly obtained the overwhelming power of a Dragon Knight and got caught up in incomprehensible power struggles. If things continued this way, I would be separated from Eoid, who had been by my side all this time. I didn't want that. That’s why I turned to these two, who knew how to handle such things.
"That’s right. To stay with the person you love. But, Amanda, you aren't the only one."
"Eh?"
For a moment, I couldn't grasp it. Not just me? Who could it be? But then, it immediately dawned on me.
"Eoid, too?"
"Exactly. Eoid is also training desperately under Yuki and Taiki to protect you and to become a man worthy of you."
"And this duel. Even though it’s hidden from Yuki and Taiki, this is Eoid’s duel. It’s to tell you, Amanda, that he has become a man worthy of you."
"Th-that... even if he does that, there’s no way I’d know..."
As I said that, tears spilled from my eyes. Even though he’s such a coward...
"I suppose so. Men are clumsy creatures. But Eoid has made up his mind. So, why don't you go watch the duel tomorrow?"
"Yes."
When I answered, both of them nodded with gentle expressions, and Eris took out a small box and handed it to me.
"What is this?"
"I played a little trick and brought it from Eoid’s place. It seems to be something intended for you, Amanda, so there’s no problem with you opening it."
"It’s okay for me to open it?"
"Yes."
Inside was a friendship bracelet featuring the flower I liked. But it wasn't just any bracelet. Even to my amateur eyes, I could tell it was crafted with incredibly beautiful detail.
"Wow. It’s so pretty and cute. Where did Eoid get something like this..."
"That was made by Firia."
"Eh!? Firia-chan made this!?"
"Isn't it amazing? It’s custom-made. That girl has an exceptional talent for this sort of thing."
"That’s amazing. Aslin-chan and Firia-chan both have such incredible talents. Labyris-chan and Shera-chan are already more reliable than me, too. But why give this to me?"
"It’s simple. If Eoid wins, he intends to use this as a gift to confess his feelings to you."
"Eh!? Then, th-to receive this now is..."
"Well, I suppose it’s a bit improper, but we brought it anyway. If by some chance he loses and doesn't confess, Firia’s hard work would go to waste."
"B-but."
"Both of your feelings are already decided. You just need a push to get moving. If he wins, he’ll confess; if he loses, you should wrap him in a hug. You’ve already happily accepted the bracelet, so I won't let you make any excuses, alright?"
"Ugh..."
I-I can't help it!! Because I’m just so happy that Eoid would give me such a wonderful gift!!
"Indeed. Tomorrow, once the duel is over, you two should go ahead and start making children."
"That’s right. Two girls and one boy, was it? At that rate, you’d better get started soon, or you’ll be too busy with life to manage it."
"Wh-what are you saying!?"
"Now, now, it’s advice from an experienced mother. You won't lose anything by listening."
"Yes. I am a mother of one myself. Six children in total, if you count them all."
"Eh, ehhh!? Does that mean with Yuki-san?"
"Naturally."
"There’s no one else but him, of course. Now, about making children, I really think being on top is the best way."
"You shouldn't take Eris’s advice too seriously. She has such a composed face, but she’s quite the pervert."
"Eh!?"
"What are you talking about? Isn't it natural to become wanton toward the husband you love?"
"You go too far, shaking your hips even when Yuki has fainted."
"F-fainted!?"
"It’s fine. Yuki stays 'large' even when he faints, which means he’s enjoying my body. Yes, let’s do our best today, too. It’s my turn. I’m looking forward to it."
"Large!?"
"Sigh, I just hope Yuki can duel safely tomorrow."
"D-do you really do that much!?"
"Yes. That is what it means to love one another."
After that, I became completely absorbed in the stories of passion told by Deryu and Eris.
...I’ll try it tomorrow night.
***
**Side: Yuki**
...*Shudder.*
My body trembles to its core.
"What’s wrong?"
"I have a bad feeling about something..."
"Eh? You’re not telling me another strange event is occurring, are you? Please, spare me."
"I gave both Eoid and Amanda the items Firia made, and I’m monitoring the three opponents, so there shouldn't be any issues... What other event could there be?"
"Hmm. The preparations are done, so Eoid and Amanda will get together either way, and we’re handling the three opponents. ...Maybe the other event is an intrusion?"
"Ah, an intrusion. That seems likely. I’ll strengthen the surveillance in that area."
"Indeed. It would be troublesome if someone interfered this time, so we should solidify that."
I began making preparations in accordance with my bad feeling, but that was a mistake. That night, looking at Eris, I realized that *this* was the bad feeling I had sensed.
Yes, the stage is perfectly set. Now, for the duel!!