第２７１堀：決闘祭り始まる (Part4)
"……And regardless of the outcome of this duel, we have invited special judges to provide a general assessment for both students: Mr. Lamba, Head of the Mercenary Guild; Mr. Dorid, Mayor of the city; and General Agil, a Magic Sword User from Enaria. Naturally, the academy’s own special judge will be Principal Popuri."
Oh, Agil. I thought she’d been holed up in her laboratory lately, but I guess she shows up for events like this. Or maybe she was just lured in by the video camera?
The camera shifts from Eris to Ratz, who stands up, microphone in hand.
"Now, the preamble has been long, but this is where the real show begins!! Let’s move on to the contestant introductions!!"
*Wooooooo!!*
The duel arena, which had quieted down for the introduction of the dignitaries, erupts in excitement.
"First up, the one who requested this duel. It’s contestant Ardes Gues!!"
Ardes waves his hand, responding to the cheers as he steps onto the stage. He doesn't seem nervous; as a noble, he’s clearly used to being the center of attention. ...I can see some painful-looking bandages on him, but well, I’ll leave that be.
"As you can tell from his family name, Ardes is of noble birth, but even in this meritocratic academy, he is a powerhouse ranked 13th! He is a mage who has even received direct orders from the Principal to hunt down monsters and successfully carried them out!!"
*Ooooooh!!*
A wave of surprise ripples through the crowd. As Ratz said, what he’s doing is genuinely impressive. Announcing something like this in front of the public will certainly help the academy’s image.
The television screen cuts from the footage of Ardes back to Ratz. Ratz has a smirk on her face...
"And facing off against Ardes is a student with an unknown academy ranking!! Though, in my personal opinion, there’s no doubt he’s worthy of being ranked 1st. A transfer student from Zilba and Enaria!! Yuki!!"
...What kind of introduction is that? Still, since I’ve been introduced, I reluctantly step onto the stage. The cheers aren't as loud as they were for Ardes. Well, I haven't been at the academy for very long, after all.
"Now, as for Yuki’s background, he was chosen as a representative transfer student from Zilba and Enaria, so he possesses the skill to match. Just the other day, his abilities were recognized, and he became engaged to Lady Samantha, the second daughter of the Huge family!"
*Ooooooh!!*
Well, I suppose it’s natural to be surprised that I’m engaged to the daughter of a powerful noble family.
"Aaaand, believe it or not!! He is also the husband of yours truly, Ratz, and Eris!! Kyaa, do your best, darling!!"
"I believe in your victory, Yuki-san."
Hey, hold on a second, you wives. Ardes is getting angry. Actually, I feel like the men in the arena are shooting cold glares at me.
"…What was that? He’s taken in a noble daughter like Lady Samantha, and those two beauties hosting the event are his too?"
"…Damn it. The world is so unfair. Go get him, Ardes!!"
That comment acts as a spark; the hearts of the unpopular men in the crowd unite, and an "Ardes" chant begins.
"Ardes!! Ardes!! Ardes!!"
Responding to the cheers, Ardes raises his hands and shouts at the top of his lungs.
"I will turn your cheers into strength and defeat this man who leads women astray!!"
*Ooooooh!!*
Wow, that’s something. I used to be on that side of things back in the day, too. However, the cheers are instantly dissipated by a single remark from Eris.
"And that is the motive for this duel. I sympathize with your lack of popularity, but please don't drag other people's husbands into it. In fact, you should realize that *that* attitude is exactly why you're unpopular."
With that sharp, icy tone, the cheers from the unpopular men vanish, and even Ardes flinches. That’s scary, Eris.
"Well, well, despite this duel being essentially based on a baseless grudge, Yuki-san decided to participate to show his wives a good performance!! Man, what a great guy!!"
"Indeed. He’s preserving Ardes-san's honor while, in reality, fighting for our sake. Ah, how wonderful."
*Kyaaaaa!!*
With their explanation, the women in the crowd start cheering instead.
"…It’s so wonderful to have a husband who would go into battle saying things like that."
"…My husband was just like that back in the day, too."
I see, so they see me as some kind of ideal man? I still don't understand women. Besides, that explanation completely destroyed Ardes's dignity. After all, this is a duel born of personal spite, not some healthy reason like academics or wanting to fight someone strong...
"Now, Vice Principal Lara will serve as the judge for this match."
"The duel is about to begin. Audience, please maintain silence."
As Eris says this, the crowd gradually quiets down, and by the time Lara stands in front of me and Ardes, the arena is dead silent.
"Both of you, I will omit the duel rules as Eris-san has already explained them."
She looks at us firmly, then...
"Give it your all until the very end, and use your magic!! That is the path to becoming the strongest and gaining the power to protect many people!!"
She shouts the duel oath—with a slightly modified ending—and it echoes throughout the arena. Our own personal vows were omitted to keep things smooth and get the match started quickly.
Lara raises her right arm...
"I hereby begin the duel between Ardes Gues and Yuki. ...Begin!!"
She swings her arm down.
*Waaaaaaaah!!*
Simultaneously, the roar of the crowd fills the air.
"I won't hold back. I'll beat you to a pulp and open their eyes."
"…Ah, yeah. I think your determination is impressive, really."
Your talent for misunderstanding is top-tier, I’ll give you that. Truly.
Now then, how shall we fight this?
And so, it has begun. The first match. Let’s not say who the obvious favorite is and who’s just here to be a stepping stone. How will Ardes challenge Yuki?! How will Yuki counter?! And the MVP is the Innkeeper!!
Stay tuned for the next installment. I’m going to go buy some karaage.