第９３２堀：死闘 (Part1)
**Chapter 932: A Mortal Struggle**
**Side: Deryu**
"And so, it has been decided that I will go to discuss matters with the Zurable Empire."
"““No way!””"
Yuki’s proposal was rejected instantly. Well, that was to be expected. What wife would want her beloved husband to head into the heart of a tyrannical, ruthless enemy’s territory?
However...
"No, I already explained the reasoning, didn't I? I’m the most suitable person for this. The Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is already operating autonomously through the efforts of each nation, so I have some time to spare. Besides, I’ll be traveling as a Doppelganger, and I can create a dungeon to return whenever I need to. Above all, is there anyone here more silver-tongued than me when it comes to negotiations?"
As Yuki said, even I had to admit that, considering the conditions, he was the best possible choice. Just as everyone was left speechless by his undeniable logic, Kagura broke the silence...
"B-but, Yuki, it’s dangerous! Battles happen spontaneously, and no matter how incredible your magic is..."
Hm?
"That’s right! Yuki-sensei seems to be good at fighting with magic from the rear, but battles also involve close-quarters combat! Mikos-chan is strictly against this!"
Hm, hm?
"Exactly. There are people who will approach you with a smile only to suddenly thrust a knife at you. I’ve experienced that firsthand. You absolutely must not go to a place like that!"
Ah, Enora was speaking from experience, wasn't she? Wait, no, that’s not it. I felt like Kagura and the others were saying something rather strange... While I was plagued by that lingering sense of discomfort, Stasia spoke up next.
"I agree. Yuki-sama’s magical prowess is indeed formidable, but at the end of the day, he is a mage. If someone were to close the distance, he would have no way to defend himself. To head into such a dangerous place..."
I see. Hearing the four of them, I finally understood what they were misunderstanding. It seemed the other members felt the same, as they exchanged glances. Seraria, catching my eye, also wore a troubled expression. Well, I suppose I likely looked just as troubled.
"Hm? Everyone seems strange. Why are you all looking so troubled? Yuki going into enemy territory as an envoy is quite reckless and dangerous, isn't it? I understand what Yuki is saying, but even as a Doppelganger, if something happens there, that’s a problem in itself. Unless he has the skill to prevent that..."
Agil said this at the end. Ah, so Agil didn't truly know the extent of Yuki’s ability either. I was agonizing over how to explain it when Seraria said:
"That’s true. We’ve been meaning to land a hit on him for a while now, and since we haven't done it in a while, we might be rusty. We should definitely confirm that."
"Hey."
Yuki tried to put a stop to it immediately, but...
"Indeed. Seraria is right. And Kagura’s concerns are also valid. Besides, even though he is the strongest among us, it is necessary to confirm whether his skills have dulled."
"Woooah, wait a minute!"
I joined in on Seraria’s plan. What she said wasn't wrong. It was frustrating to leave everything to Yuki, and it was a fact that we were worried.
"If you all object, don't just talk—do it with force. If you can defeat Yuki, then we can be the ones to go. You’ll do it, right?"
When I asked, everyone nodded. Kagura and the others looked a bit blank, though.
"Hey. Are you ignoring what I have to say?"
"You’re the one saying absurd things. If you want to see that absurdity through, you’ll have to defeat us first."
Yes, yes. I’ll take this chance to get some revenge on Yuki. I’ve been training too, so I should be able to land at least one hit.
And so, it was decided that we would start with the close-quarters combat that Kagura and the others were worried about...
"Um, Deryu-san. Why are we going all the way to a place like this just to fight Yuki?"
Yes, we had gathered at the combat training grounds in Weed’s military facility. If we didn't use a place like this where we didn't have to worry about our surroundings, we wouldn't stand a chance against Yuki.
"Yeah. Yuki-sensei is an amazing mage, right? It’s not that he can’t do close-quarters combat, but Mikos-chan thinks it won't be a match at all against Deryu-san!"
"That’s right. I’ve never seen Yuki doing combat training. Why are we going out of our way to do this?"
"I don't think Yuki-sama is weak, but wouldn't he get hurt if he fought us in close quarters?"
"I’ve never seen Yuki holding a sword or anything. Isn't he the same research or commander type as me?"
Kagura and the others were still confused, completely unaware of Yuki’s high level of close-quarters combat ability. How should I clear up this misunderstanding? Hmm. It would be useless to beat around the bush, so I should just be honest.
"It’s simple. Yuki is far stronger than I am. That’s all."
"““Huh?””"
Kagura and the others tilted their heads, unable to grasp my words. Well, Yuki doesn't look like a fighter at first glance.
"Deryu, you don't need to try and persuade them. Let’s have them realize the truth about their husband firsthand."
"Seraria-sama!? Why are you in full gear!?"
Turning around at that voice, I saw Seraria standing there, fully equipped not just with a sword, but with armor as well. Kagura and the others were shocked to see Seraria looking like she was heading to the front lines.
"Why, you ask? You’ll have to fight your husband to find out. If you win, you can have him all to yourselves for a week."
"““A week!?””"
At Seraria’s words, the look in Kagura and the others' eyes changed. Well, they have been very busy lately with the Sea-Cypho matter and the Gusdo Kingdom. As a result, their time for intimacy with Yuki has decreased, and they apparently fall asleep immediately even during their nightly fun. It’s only natural that their motivation would skyrocket if such a prize were dangled in front of them.
While I was thinking that, everyone finished their preparations, and finally, Yuki arrived, looking somewhat bewildered.
"...Why do Kagura and the others look so strangely motivated?"
"That’s because you keep saying reckless things! We’re going to beat you down properly and have you all to ourselves for a week!"
"Yuki-sensei, Mikos-chan will harden her heart and teach you the reality of the situation!"
"That’s right. It’s a wife’s duty to punish her husband so he doesn't do anything reckless."
"Yes. It is also a wife’s duty to protect her husband."
"Well, I know we’re being played, but I can’t exactly back down now. Let’s get this over with."
Kagura and the others were fully fired up. If Yuki truly loses, then so be it. That said, Agil seemed to have some inkling of how this would turn out.
"...And what’s this about being together for a week?"
"I told them that if you lose, they can do whatever they want with you for a week."
"What is this, some kind of slave contract?"
"I think that’s perfectly fine, don't you? You like Kagura and the others, don't you?"
"No, that’s a different story. *Sigh*, well, I suppose it’s better than being taken down while I’m off-guard..."
"Indeed. I’m glad you understand. Well, first, why don't you try fighting Kagura and the others?"
Yuki walked toward the center of the training ground where Kagura and the others were waiting, looking resigned...
"Are we really doing one-versus-many right off the bat?"