第２７１堀：決闘祭り始まる (Part2)
"Setting aside the duel, confessing one's feelings is never something you truly get used to, is it? Yuki, you of all people should know that best."
"……Yeah, I suppose."
Considering how much of a struggle it was for me to confess to Cleena and Samantha recently, I can only imagine the level of tension Eoid must be feeling, having to confess to his childhood friend for the first time.
"Well, that’s Eoid’s moment to show his worth as a man."
"……Mm. If Yuki’s plan works, they should be physically and mentally exhausted from the duel. If it’s after that, there’s a possibility he can confess quite easily."
"But, it is Eoid-san we’re talking about. ……As a fellow student who has known him for a long time, I really want things to work out with Amanda-san."
Is this the typical cowardice of a protagonist? Still, I’ve already crushed that possibility, so I’ll just pray he’s steeled his resolve.
As we chatted, lounging around after breakfast, the clock struck seven.
"Well then, shall we head to the academy?"
With that, everyone rose from their seats and headed toward the school grounds.
*Buzz, chatter, bustle…*
"It’s livelier than I expected."
"Indeed. As you suggested, Yuki-dono, we’ve opened the gates to the general public. This increases the number of witnesses for the video cameras. As for the food stalls, we didn't have much time, so we couldn't gather as many as I’d hoped."
"That can’t be helped. Well, why not make large-scale group duels like this a regular event? It’ll draw more people to the academy and serve as a great way to showcase the school’s prowess to the public."
"I see. Since it’s a place of learning, the idea of turning it into a spectacle never occurred to me. What do you think, Lara?"
"I believe it is a fine proposal. Much of the academy’s poor reputation stems from its perceived insularity. If we establish proper rules and hold organized events, I see no issue with it."
"I have the documentation from when we held events in Weed. Would you like to use it as a reference?"
"May I?"
"Eris. You kept those, right?"
"Yes, of course. But Yuki-san."
"What is it?"
"Aren't you going to the dueling arena? Everyone else has already gone to secure their spots."
Indeed, just as Eris said, the rest of my wives—leaving only my personal guards behind—had already headed to the arena to secure positions with the best camera angles.
"Well, I am one of the participants in the duel, after all."
"Taiki-san and Eoid are already in the waiting rooms, aren't they?"
"Mm, no. You see, I was finalizing the last-minute details with Popuri and the others. But wait, why are you still here, Eris?"
"That’s because I am a wife officially recognized by the academy, Yuki-san. After shouting as much as I did at the arena, it would be a failure as a wife to let my husband head to such a grand stage all by himself."
The four guards nodded in unison.
"Haha, you are truly loved, Yuki-dono. Eris-san, I can receive the documents at a later date, so I shall leave Yuki-dono’s escort to you."
"Yes, leave it to me."
Eris said this while linking her arm through my left one.
"Then, the rest is for me to—"
"Stop. I shall be the one to do that."
"No, no, as a student of this academy, it should be me—"
The remaining wives assigned to my guard duty were bickering over my right arm…
"……Mm. Right arm secured. Let’s go."
"““Ahhh!?””"
The verdict went to Cleena.
"As expected of Cleena. Excellent tactical judgment."
"Mm. As my master taught me, I do not compromise on love. But, next time, I will yield to everyone else. I do not seek discord. I love you all."
"““……Well, I suppose we have no choice.””"
With those words from Cleena, the others gave up.
Honestly, Cleena has really integrated well with the other wives. I was worried about what would happen when she first handed me those undergarments, but things have turned out quite nicely.
As we headed toward the arena, I was called out by an unexpected face.
"Oh, if it isn't Yuki-san!"
"Eh? Oh, the innkeeper."
Sure enough, for some reason, the innkeeper and his wife were running a food stall. Naturally, they were selling fried chicken.
"I heard the news—you’re stepping into the ring, right?"
"Yes. A lot has happened."
"I know, you’re going to show them what a man is made of, right? You’re going to prove to those girls—and everyone else—that you’re the man they deserve."
"Yes."
"Man, Taiki-kun said the same thing—that he wanted to show his wife his best side. He wasn't even embarrassed to say it. That’s cool. No, that’s a real man. A fine husband, indeed."
"““He is our pride and joy!!””"
When my wives answered in unison, the innkeeper beamed and immediately wrapped up portions of chicken for everyone.
"Here, dig in. I’ve already given some to the little ones and the other ladies, so don't be shy. Ratz-san already covered the tab."
If the bill is paid, there’s no reason to hold back. It’s delicious fried chicken; I’ll enjoy it to the fullest.
Then, he handed me two more pieces.
"These are from me and the missus, since we can't be there to cheer you on. Go show them what a man can do."
"We're rooting for you."
"Yeah. I’ll give it my all!!"
Damn, the innkeeper really is the best man in this academy town! And man, this chicken is delicious!! It brings back the joy of eating fried chicken from the butcher shop back when I was a student, carefully budgeting my allowance.
"Fufu, I’m so happy to see you like this, Yuki-san."
"……Mm. Yuki’s smile is wonderful."
"Ugh, if I were holding his arm, I could see that smile up close…"
"Let’s calm down. We can just buy some of that chicken and feed it to him ourselves."
"Jessica-san, that is a brilliant idea!! I shall go buy some right now!!"
……No, my stomach has its limits. It’s before a duel, so I’d rather not be stuffed.
With that, we reached the front of the waiting room, and I parted ways with Eris. The four guards, of course, stayed with me.
"Now then, Ria, Jessica, Cleena, Samantha. From here on, it is a duel, so no interference is allowed. I know that as your guards, this is something you cannot accept, but please, endure it."
Eris said this, and the four nodded deeply.
"……However, if any foul play occurs, that rule no longer applies. Use your bodies as shields to protect Yuki-san and annihilate the enemy."
"““Yes!””"
"Also, you are the only ones who can record from the waiting room area. It’s an important angle, so I’m counting on you."
"““Leave it to us!!””"
……Is something wrong with that?
After that exchange, I entered the waiting room to find Taiki-kun and Eoid eating fried chicken.
"Yo."
"Oh, Yuki-san, you got some too?"
"The innkeeper’s chicken is delicious, isn't it?"
The fact that our first conversation was about fried chicken just goes to show that we’re all still growing boys. Or rather, since I’m included, it just proves that the innkeeper’s chicken is the best. Crispy on the outside, bursting with juices on the inside. It doesn't kill the flavor of the chicken; it seals it in, piping hot and fresh. It’s a dish that stands perfectly well on its own or as a side for rice.
"Nom, nom. Oh, it’s Big Brother!"
Hearing a cute voice, I turned to see Aslin running toward us, still munching on a piece of chicken.