Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Cluster of Stars (5)
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I stretched my body on the benches near the mock arena.
The duel would begin soon.
The nobles around me were buzzing among themselves, wondering how on earth this duel had come about.
"Is this for real? Challenging someone four years younger? That guy's seriously committed."
"Don't be so quick to judge. It's Leonhart, after all. No one in the empire can match his swordsmanship talent."
"Even so, come on. Challenging a younger guy? He's got some thick skin, that jerk."
"You never know, though. They say Young Master Kline even beat the White Wing Knights Captain. He might turn out to be a fine teacher."
"Ugh. I'm out. What kind of duel is this?"
Most reactions were sharply negative.
A few here and there defended it, saying the skill gap might not be that wide.
But nearly everyone present shared the same thought.
'Why bother with this nonsense?'
I agreed.
Did he want to beat me so badly that he'd challenge his four-years-younger brother?
I just couldn't understand it.
So, I planned to crush him thoroughly.
I wasn't about to let that jerk off easy after dragging me into this hassle.
"You actually accepted that ridiculous duel request."
Adelheit approached the benches and spoke up.
She had been sitting with us, listening to the conversation between Jill and me.
Her pink eyes sparkled with keen interest as she looked at me.
"Honestly, I thought you'd turn it down. No one would blame you for rejecting it."
"I thought the same."
"But isn't this a duel you could've skipped? This isn't what I came to see. You didn't have to do this for me."
"Spot on. Truth is, I accepted out of emotion."
"Hmph. See? You act on feelings too. All that posturing for me."
"But that doesn't mean I'll shirk my duties."
"What?"
Adelheit blinked in surprise.
I shrugged and continued.
"If I were just going to react emotionally, I wouldn't have accepted. Even in this mess, there's work to be done."
"Like what?"
"Making sure this duel ends without leaving too deep a scar."
"Talking like you can control the outcome. Pretty confident, huh?"
"Of course. Her Highness is watching—I have to give a good show."
"Tch. Smooth talker."
She pouted, huffed, and turned away.
"Fine. Do whatever. Bet it'll be great for you."
"Not staying to watch?"
"I will. I said I will. Geez, what makes you think it'll be so amazing?"
Adelheit stormed off with a grumble.
Knowing her personality, there's no way she'd miss my duel.
She'd watch intently, secretly excited to see what I'd do.
So, I needed to put some real effort into this.
By now, my body was fully warmed up.
As I prepared to head to the arena, another young lady approached me.
"Um, excuse me. Young Master Kline."
"Yes?"
It was Lady Elysia.
She had been chatting animatedly about Bluddied until moments ago, but now she fidgeted awkwardly, clearly bursting to say something to me.
"Do you need something?"
"Ah! N-no. Eek. I mean... if you get hurt... you can come to me. That's what I wanted to say."
"Pardon?"
Come to her if I got hurt?
I tilted my head, puzzled, and Elysia grinned sheepishly before continuing.
"I-I... um, I've learned some healing magic. I'm pretty good at treating wounds... hehe."
Her face made me grimace a bit.
Eyes spinning, a bit of drool, cheeks flushed.
Deeply yandere vibes.
Was she always like this?
I thought she was just a timid, fun-to-tease cute lady.
Who knew she had a perverse thrill from treating wounds.
'Hmm...'
What should I even say to that?
My mind spun for a moment, and I waved my hand dismissively.
"No, I'm fine. Probably won't get hurt anyway."
"Y-yes? H-how can you be sure? Wounds can happen anytime, anywhere. Don't let your guard down."
"It's not letting my guard down... Anyway, thanks for your concern."
"Hiiik... Are you really okay?"
"Yes. Totally fine. No issues. Why not tell Jill the same?"
"W-well... I like Young Master Kline more. Eh, ehehe."
"..."
Her goofy laugh was oddly cute.
She seemed so innocent at first glance.
But that yandere side was throwing me off.
"W-well, I'll go now? B-but if you do get hurt, promise you'll tell me. I'll heal you."
"Sure. Take care."
Once Lady Elysia left,
I sighed in relief and finally headed to the arena.
Thud—thud—
Nobles lined the path, eyeing me with eager anticipation.
At first, many looked worried for me or glared at Jill disapprovingly.
But now that it was happening, they were excited to see how it would play out.
Right—that was the point of my talk with Adelheit earlier.
I accepted the duel largely out of emotion.
Jill kept getting on my nerves, so I wanted to put him in his place.
But I wasn't stopping there.
'This duel only leaves scars as it is.'
Even if Jill won, he'd get no praise.
If I won, it'd be even worse for him. He'd gain nothing.
Challenging and losing to someone younger? He'd deserve the mockery.
That was on him...
But ending it like that would leave a bitter taste in his life.
So, I decided to approach it differently.
'If we're dueling anyway, let's make it end on a better note.'
Of course, with me winning.
But giving Jill a decent outcome too.
I didn't hate Jill as a person.
He annoyed me, but I didn't despise him.
Getting fired up against someone much younger? Well... it happens.
He's still young. Immature.
So, I planned to give him a stern lesson and call it quits.
Lost in thought, I stepped onto the arena.
Jill was ascending from the opposite side.
We faced each other.
Each held a practice sword.
Non-lethal, but they'd sting on impact.
Neither of us were amateurs, though, so probably no injuries.
"Sir Kline! You've got this!"
As we stared each other down, a loud voice echoed from the second floor.
Marvin Druske.
The ten-year-old boy I'd met recently gazed down at me with sparkling eyes.
Pure admiration in them.
To Marvin, this duel wasn't unfair or Jill distasteful.
He just thought it was cool that I was dueling.
I chuckled and nodded back.
Feels nice having a cute little brother figure.
"Quite popular."
"You think?"
"Yes. They're cheering because of your reputation. I'm curious just how skilled Young Master Kline really is."
"You won't be disappointed."
"Haha! As expected, brimming with confidence. It's a fine sight."
Don't lie.
Your face screams you desperately want to beat me.
"To be honest, I was pretty nervous too. How dare I challenge the Leonhart heir."
"Watch your words. Challenging someone four years younger should make you more nervous, no?"
"Haha. You hit where it hurts. I'm reflecting on it."
"Reflection's useless now. Your family's reputation with the other nobles has probably tanked."
"Young Master Kline. Do you lack confidence in your own skills?"
To my half-mocking remark, Jill flashed a competitive smile.
Was it competitive, though?
Seemed more like he was convincing himself.
"With all the hype you've built, you won't lose to me. So face it boldly. Isn't that why you accepted?"
"Nope. I just pitied how badly you wanted this duel."
"...Haha."
A crack appeared on Jill's face.
But he kept smiling.
Because he's a noble? Older? The challenger?
Who knows.
I found his psychology a bit ambiguous.
'He definitely seems driven by rivalry.'
He genuinely wants to beat me.
But mixed in with that.
He acknowledges me as strong and wants to topple me,
but even more, he sees me as an obstacle, dismisses my rep as fake, and craves the vanity boost from crushing me.
I don't think that's bad.
He's only seventeen.
Young enough for it.
So, I'd duel as a senior in life,
teaching him not to pull stunts like this again.