第２７５堀：戦いに必要なモノ (Part3)
It’s not just that she’s loud; her voice is incredibly beautiful.
While I was thinking that, Amanda noticed Eoid watching her and continued, her voice ringing out.
"Do your best!! Don't lose!! I believe in you!!"
Ah, I remembered.
This situation is a phenomenon that happens to people with beautiful singing voices.
I’ve seen it a few times before—no matter how noisy the crowd is, they fall silent in an instant.
It’s like when a star performer takes the stage at a concert or a school festival back on Earth.
Yes, it’s the same voice, yet it’s crystal clear.
It’s a "Diva Ability"—something that doesn't change when speaking normally, but activates when the speaker possesses a strong, unwavering will to convey their feelings.
...Hey, hey, that’s a level of ability that makes Dragon Knights look like nothing.
And the person who feels the effect of this most strongly is the one being sung to.
In this case, since it’s a cheer, naturally...
"I got it!! Watch me, Amanda!! I’m going to give it my all!!"
Damn it, can I produce sugar from my mouth?
I certainly did aim for this situation.
I figured that if I broadcasted a public declaration of love or something similar, the idiots who try to mess with these two would decrease.
But, I didn't want to be hit by it directly.
Oh man, the waves of love are making my heart ache.
It makes me feel like a small, petty human for plotting to tease them and turn it into a joke.
"Shall we do it too?"
"Please don't, I’ll die."
Mentally, that is.
If it were just Labyris, that’s one thing, but I’d clearly have to do it for all my wives. Confessing in front of a crowd ten times over is, by any definition, torture. I’d die.
Anyway, putting that aside, the venue was buzzing from the sudden exchange between Amanda and Eoid.
I suppose this kind of romantic drama is well-received everywhere.
『Now, we were originally planning to introduce him later, but under these circumstances, we have no choice but to introduce him now. The Academy’s 236th rank, Eoid!』
Waaaaaaahhhhhh!!
Eoid, surprised by the roar of the crowd but no longer nervous, walked onto the stage with dignity.
Tch, love is grand, isn't it?
"That’s right. Love is grand. And honestly, why are you so cynical? Or should I say, childish?"
"I’m just jealous of other people’s straightforward happiness. I can’t tease them."
"...Sigh. You’re strangely twisted about those things."
"No, this is just aesthetic beauty."
"Yes, yes. Eoid’s introduction is starting."
I was cut off by Labyris.
Ah, my wives have really gotten used to how to handle me.
『Now, everyone, you must be wondering. Why would someone with such a low rank participate in the Duel Festival?』
As Ratz said this, the crowd fell silent in agreement.
『It is for the sake of the woman who just cheered for him! Many of you may already know her. She is the now-famous Amanda, who tamed a wyvern and was granted the title of legendary Dragon Knight! And how does that relate to Eoid?』
Everyone held their breath at Ratz’s words.
Well, I didn't, but still.
『The two are childhood friends. They have spent every moment together until now. But then, a twist of fate arrived. Amanda became a legendary Dragon Knight... and Eoid struggled. She suddenly became famous, and with her talent, he felt he should be blessing her, yet he couldn't be happy for her...』
Ah, so that’s the script we’re reading.
Poor guy, my jealousy toward the happy couple has vanished.
The public execution has begun.
Operation Name: Tell the audience the purpose of this duel and leave no room for escape!!
As you can hear, we are explaining the circumstances of this duel to the audience, framing it as a stepping stone for Eoid to make his confession, backing him into a corner where there is no turning back.
If we do this, anyone who tries to tear the two apart will definitely become the talk of the town.
『It was then that Eoid finally realized his true feelings. He didn't want to be by Amanda’s side just as a childhood friend, but as a man. So he made a resolution. He would become a man worthy of standing beside her! He begged my beloved husband and Taiki-san. "Make me strong," he said. "So that I can spend my life with her!"』
Woo-hoo!!
The cheers spread.
People in this city have probably seen the comedy of Eoid and Amanda every day, so they naturally started cheering for them.
"Finally realized it, you lucky guy!!"
"We’ve been dying to know when you two would finally get together!!"
"Eoid, you did well!!"
"That’s right, you don't need to worry about Amanda being a Dragon Knight! Amanda only has eyes for Eoid anyway!!"
Exactly.
Since we knew it the moment we met them, there’s no way the townspeople and their schoolmates didn't notice.
Then, Eris took the microphone from Ratz and announced.
『Now, the perceptive ones among you may have noticed. This final match is the true purpose of this Duel Festival. ...Eoid!! Your opponent is very strong!! Even knowing this, they will not be the type to go easy on you! In fact, you wouldn't want such a half-hearted duel, would you? This stage is here to prove your strength!! To show everyone that you are a man worthy of Amanda!! Show us what you’re made of!』
Eris announced this in her beautiful voice.
Just like with Amanda, the surroundings fell silent.
Eris looks quiet, after all.
But, perhaps because they understood the purpose of this duel, the cheers gradually rose and spread.
"Eoid!! Show us your manliness!!"
"That’s right, no matter how strong your opponent is, show us the love between Eoid and Amanda!!"
"Win or lose, don't you dare run away!! You’re already standing tall right there, so you have nothing to be ashamed of!!"
"Yes. Now, go at them with everything you’ve got!!"
Yes, this is the true purpose of this Duel Festival.
But, having gone this far, who is the opponent?
『Now, as for the opponent who would dare stand in the way of Eoid and Amanda’s love...』
『Actually, you all have known from the very beginning.』
What does that mean?
Are the Academy’s single-digit rankers that famous?
No, I hadn't heard of Soel, and I hadn't even heard the names of the 1st or 2nd ranks.
『Then, please, to the stage. Eoid’s opponent is this person!!』
At Ratz’s declaration, someone jumped down onto the stage.
...Jumped down!?
What’s with that over-the-top performance?
And when I recognized the figure, it clicked.
『The strongest Archmage that the Lancer Magic Academy boasts!! Popuri Lancer!!』
Waaaaaaahhhhhhh!!
Oh, I see.
So she trained Ardes so that she could become a participant herself.
Indeed, leaving it to other students would make this stage too difficult.
No matter how you look at it, she’s the "villain."
But if the Principal is the opponent, losing is understandable, and winning would be beyond reproach.
She won't be seen as a villain, either. After all, she is clearly a teacher watching over a student’s growth.
『I am Popuri, as introduced. But as Ratz-san said, don't expect me to hold back. I’ve known for a long time that you two are childhood friends, so I understand your desire to spend your life with the Dragon Knight Amanda. But there is no meaning in merely depending on your partner!! A married couple is meant to support each other!! Eoid, show me everything you learned from Yuki-dono and Taiki-dono!!』
Even though she looks like a little girl, there is an intensity there that makes it impossible to deny her presence.
I can’t believe she’s the same person who was crying her eyes out in front of Eris and me.
『Yes!! I will give it my all!!』
Eoid’s motivation had been dampened slightly by Ratz’s "torture," but Popuri’s words brought it back completely.
Yeah, losing is expected.
The anxiety of "what if I lose here" has been wiped away.
If so, all that’s left is to give it his all.
『Lara, give the signal to start.』
At that command, Vice Principal Lara stood between the two and raised a hand.
"Use your magic and give it your all until the very end!! That is the path to the strength that protects the most people!!"
And then...
"From this moment, the duel between Popuri Lancer and Eoid begins. ...Begin!!"
Her arm swung down, and the duel started.
"Eoid!! Do your best!!"
I raised my voice for my childhood friend and prayed.
Yes, the thing needed for battle.
The Goddess of Victory.
This is the classic way, isn't it?
Now, the main event after the opening act.
Eoid vs. Popuri.
What are the results of his training?
Also, since we’re entering a long holiday, my writing speed might drop, so please understand that.