Facing Desire (4)
“Your words are a bit excessive, Inadia-nim.
There was a slight scuffle, sure, but that man is the one who graciously guided me all the way here.”
Oho, now this is an unexpected turn. No need for me to draw my sword—Ashushikara's already rolling out her silver tongue.
“Th-that can't be. How could someone like him escort a lady like the princess...”
“As expected of the righteous hero Inadia. You've come here out of concern for me. I am deeply grateful for your thoughtful attention and consideration.”
“No, no. It was only natural.”
“Yes, a man like you would naturally seek out the dangerous dungeon that appeared here recently, alongside your comrades.
You must know it well, having such fine companions.
That sometimes, trivial differences of opinion can lead to raised voices as you hash them out. That it's through shining a light on each other's shadows that trust builds.
Surely, Hero Inadia, you have experienced something so basic?”
“Ah, no. Th-that's not it.
I just... I thought he was saying something utterly vile to you that no one should...”
“My, how narrow-minded. Do you perhaps think me some frivolous woman who grants her affections to just anyone?
Or did you judge him a lowly thug based on his appearance alone?”
Ashushikara's dazzling verbal footwork—it's so reassuring at times like this.
Go on! Push a little harder, and that pretty boy Inadia will crumble!
...But wait, Ashushikara, didn't you almost give yourself to just anyone last night?
No, no time for nitpicking now. Quick, land the finishing blow!
“Then why not put it to the test?”
“What?”
“Pardon?”
“For all his rough looks, that man is a hero of Prosek. Surely you're well aware of the valor of Count Prosek and his sons?
Kirgil-nim is the real. deal. hero they've acknowledged.”
Whoa, whoa, whoa... She toys with Inadia like a plaything, then tosses him right at me!?
Scratch what I said about reassuring. This is a threat to my life!
“Oh dear, have I said something unnecessary? To think I'd try to corner the esteemed son of Inario-nim, a man who slays trolls single-handedly. Please, forget I spoke...”
The blond youth swallowed hard at Ashushikara's words. But he soon gritted his teeth, steeling himself, and placed his hand back on his sword hilt.
“If that's truly the case, then he's a worthy opponent to stake my honor on.”
Inadia finally drew his sword.
I nearly spat out a curse from my own mouth but held it back.
If I had three nukes, I'd blast one into that idiot blond's face and jam the other two into Ashushikara's smirking mug behind him.
“Kirgil, hero of Prosek, was it?
Draw your sword.”
“Haa... seriously? Do I have to...?”
“Afraid, are we? From that attitude, it seems you were just strutting around on the princess's blessing alone.”
The crowd was gathering thicker now. If this were inside the adventurer guild office, the staff might've intervened—but conveniently, we're outside. Even the guild employees had become spectators.
God, this situation pisses me off.
“Ashushikara-nim, if I win, won't you join me instead of that flighty fool?
With the princess's blessing, my comrades and I can lead you to great feats.”
There it is. All that honor talk, but he just needs a healer for dungeon delving.
Ashushikara pretended to think it over for a moment.
“Very well. I promise.”
She stepped between me and Inadia, clasping her hands in prayer.
“Noble hero of Darania, Inadia, and hero of Prosek, Kirgil. It is my honor to witness and vouch for this duel.
I affirm that your duel takes place beneath the sun.”
Nail it shut. I should've ditched this woman ages ago.
“Now then, hero of Prosek, Kirgil. Draw your sword. Ah, I almost forgot—you too must stake something on this duel.”
No choice—I drew my sword.
But what the hell did I even want?
“Uh... some gems to buy a decent weapon would be nice.”
Laughter and jeers rippled through the crowd at my half-hearted stake.
What can I say? It was too sudden. Unlike that guy, I hadn't prepped any grand wish.
As Inadia and I faced off, the onlookers—save Ashushikara—formed a loose ring, stepping back.
Even bets were being placed in that short time.
Man, Inadia's sword and armor gleamed with an otherworldly sheen—not ordinary steel, but infused with some mystical power. Should've asked him to fight naked instead.
“Begin.”
At Ashushikara's word, Inadia lunged with a sudden thrust. I dodged the stab, but he flattened the blade and spun into a wide slash.
Dumb as a rock, but his fundamentals are solid.
Wait—he's not stopping; he's raising his shoulder guard and tackling with his whole body?
This guy's specialized for duels!?
I barely evaded his flashy combo, and at the end...
I took the tackle.
“Oof!”
My sword flew from my grip as I dramatically slammed my whole body to the ground.
Leather armor's great for times like this.
Inadia pointed his sword at me as I lay there.
“There, there—you lose. You lose.”
I raised both hands in surrender, and he flashed a smug grin, sheathing his sword with flair.
Bet he practiced that pose. Looked like a samurai holstering his blade.
Suppressing my irritation, I tossed him some praise.
“Impressive—truly the son of the knight commander. I never expected such a flashy opening assault.
Precise thrust, seamless flowing slash, and that reckless abandon throwing your body in. To think someone so young has honed their skill to such sharpness.”
Flattery, sure—but no exaggeration. Even against a rival, swordsmen recognize each other.
“Hmph, you're no mere thug yourself. Had you dodged the final blow too, I might not have walked away unscathed.”
“Luck's part of skill. Seems the sun god's favor shines more on you than me.
Hero Inadia of Darania, it looks like this old guide's time to step aside.
So swear it: that you'll cherish Princess Ashushikara henceforth. That you'll lead her on a better path than I could.”
I extended my hand for a shake. Inadia clasped it firmly, heartily.
“I was too rude to you until now. I apologize for that. And I'll honor our oath.”
How cinematic.
How satisfying a deal.
A manly friendship forged, an oath sworn!
Cheers erupted from the crowd as we finished shaking.
All but one person.
Ashushikara stared at the scene in dazed disbelief.
“Kirgil, what are you doing?”
Serves you right. Bet you didn't see me throwing the fight coming.
Fancy nobles like him toss away reputation or pride without a second thought—but they don't get that some folks have long since shed that baggage.
Back in my old world, delivering packages, I'd bow apologetically to residents in elevators for no reason. Think he knows that feeling?
Time for my finisher.
“Inadia-nim, hate to say it, but the princess trusted me deeply. Still, she needs someone younger and more capable now.
I'll step aside like a beast sending its cubs into the wild—so please, take good care of her.”
“Even in parting, you're such an exemplary guide. You've surprised me twice now, Kirgil-nim. Don't worry.
I'll hold tight to the princess.”
“Wait! Kirgil, where are you going!? Kirgil!!”
Tears glistened in Ashushikara's eyes—whether from our breakup or resentment at my 'defeat,' who knows.
Still, with resolve, I turned and bolted, feeling unburdened. Yahoo~
Might get stalked again, so time to ditch the Connection Ring.
Wonder if I can pawn it for a new weapon.
Anyway, seems Ashushikara wanted to debut me dramatically in front of everyone.
Like I'd let myself get dragged into that?
First things first—change inns.
Inadia mentioned heading to some dungeon or other for adventure.
Hole up in the new place like a dead mouse for a few days, and soon they'll leave the city. I can check where they've gone and head elsewhere.
Grabbed some food, a few books with local info, more parchment for letters, weapon polish supplies—shopping done!
Moved to a pricier inn with lower foot traffic and private rooms. From two-star to three-star. Not the time to skimp.
By the time I finished prepping, night had fallen.
Who knew a quiet night alone in an inn could feel this peaceful? Pure vacation vibes.
Alright~ Time to write some letters with a clear mind. First, to my comrades back at Prosek Castle.
Lirisa and the others must be worried sick since I haven't returned. I promised I'd be back soon and feel bad for breaking it.
Apologize to them first. Can't detail what I did to Orio, though... Hmm, what to say?
Knock! Knock!
“Are you in? I've come to share the warmth of Kalderan. If you have any small wounds, I can pray for you.
...Hello? Anyone there?”
My heart skipped at the mention of the sun god.
Whew... Not Ashushikara's voice.
Probably a young priest doing missionary work and basic healing service.
Still, better safe—don't even show my face.
“Thank you for your mercy. I'm fine.”
I refused without opening the door.
Then—
CRASH!!!
An iron mace burst through the door's center, leaving a head-sized hole.
And...
Just like a scene from The Shining, a face peered through the shattered gap into the room.
“Oh my, looks like someone here does need prayer.”