Chapter 103
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: The Grand Duchess Has No Intention of Releasing Her Servant. (4)
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As I stepped into the training grounds, I felt several unwelcome gazes upon me. It was like they were sizing me up. They weren't openly hostile, but it was clear they were gauging my strength.
There were four people watching me. Since they were all participating in the friendly match, it was safe to assume they were the top two from the second and third years.
I met their stares with equal measure. There was no reason for me to back down.
Of course, as a junior, it might rub the seniors the wrong way, but that wasn't my concern. They had picked the fight first, after all.
Fortunately, the staring contest didn't drag on. They broke eye contact first, so I didn't need to keep it up either.
Soon after, a burly man approached us.
"Long time no see."
"Sir Peka, it's been a while."
I bowed politely in greeting.
Peka Ravina. We had brushed past each other briefly at the academy's banquet earlier.
His build was similar to that of the retired knight order captain, Chrome, which was impressive once again. He looked like he could hold his own against the fierce barbarians of the North in a contest of strength.
That said, the academy's ability to custom-tailor uniforms for bodies like his was something else...
"You seem even stronger than when I saw you at the banquet. Must've had some breakthrough over the break?"
"I'm still woefully inadequate."
"Modest as ever. We should spar sometime when there's a chance."
Could I beat him in a duel right here and now?
Honestly, it was hard to say. I'd never seen him swing a sword before.
But that also meant I'd grown enough that he wasn't an impossible opponent anymore. Back at the banquet, no matter what I did, he had seemed unbeatable.
"Why don't you introduce your friend there? I know his name already, but a proper introduction is different."
"This is Yubel Lutwalt, second place in the first year."
As I prompted him, Yubel bowed deeply, like he was meeting a boss at work.
"I'm Yubel Lutwalt."
"Nice to meet you, Yubel. I'm Peka Ravina."
"I've heard a lot about you, Sir Peka. Everyone says the same thing—that you're incredibly strong."
"I appreciate the praise, but it's undeserved. It's funny hearing that from the top of the third years, but there are truly so many strong people out there. Compared to them, I'm really nothing special."
I couldn't agree more. Just among the people I knew, there were plenty I couldn't beat. If I included strangers, I was still a total rookie.
How far could I climb?
As that question swirled in my mind, another man appeared beside Peka. He had an average build, but next to Peka's massive frame, he looked downright slender.
"I'm Bannen Vendeta, second place in the third year."
"Nice to meet you, Sir Bannen."
As we exchanged names with the third-years, the top two from the second year soon joined us.
Unlike my worries, none of them seemed like troublemakers. We'd traded stares earlier, but that was par for the course—no big deal.
How much time passed after that? Professors from each year, including Shavel, entered the training grounds.
"Everyone, please pay attention for a moment."
They began explaining the schedule and the details of the friendly match.
Even though it was just a friendly, we represented the academy—and the Empire—so no one would take it lightly.
The duels on the day would follow a winner-advances format, a tournament where the first round pitted you against someone from the same year.
And finally...
"Do not besmirch the honor of knighthood under any circumstances. Whatever the outcome, accept it gracefully."
The third-year professor's serious voice echoed across the training grounds.
This duel was meant to foster camaraderie between the two academies, after all. Getting hung up on winning and causing issues would defeat the purpose.
With that, the brief briefing wrapped up.
'Come to think of it, Elena must've had her briefing today too...'
The friendly matches weren't just for the Swordsmanship Department—the Magic Department was involved too. Since we didn't get along, the briefings were separate.
I ran into Elena that evening, a bit later.
When I arrived in the garden after her summons, I spotted her approaching from the dorms.
I headed straight for her.
"You're out early today."
"I've always come out before the agreed time."
"Then why am I always the one waiting?"
The retort Because you come out ridiculously early nearly slipped out, but I swallowed it. A servant shouldn't say that to his lady.
The problem was, it seemed like Elena could read my mind.
"You look like you have a lot to say."
"Not at all."
"That wasn't sincere. You know that, right?"
"No idea."
"I-I'm not that bad of a person! You come out early too, anyway!"
Elena's eyes went wide as she spoke in a fluster. She seemed thrown off that I'd taken her seriously.
She was just like a kid in moments like this—adorably so. Fun to tease.
Unable to bear the mood, Elena hurriedly changed the subject.
"The bracelet—you're still wearing it, right?"
"Yes, as ordered. Never take it off."
I held out my wrist demonstratively. A red braided bracelet adorned it.
Elena gazed fondly at my wrist and extended hers. She wore the matching one.
"Good job. Never take it off except when washing."
"I do remove it for training sometimes..."
"I'll allow that. It'd be a shame if it broke."
"Thank you for understanding."
At first, the bracelet had just felt annoying, but now I barely noticed it. It even felt empty without it.
That said, she probably didn't call me out here just to check on that...
As the thought crossed my mind, Elena sat on a garden bench and spoke.
"Luke, you had your briefing today too, right?"
"Yes."
"What did they say in the Swordsmanship Department?"
"On our side..."
I relayed everything from the briefing. Nothing to hide, and no intention to anyway.
Elena nodded thoughtfully after listening.
"Pretty much the same as ours. Winner advances, no slacking off—same deal."
"Oh, there was almost a little issue at first."
"Issue?"
"Yes, the usual knightly posturing. It ended without trouble, but I'm sorry for acting on my own. If it causes any problems, I'll take responsibility."
"Nothing to apologize for. If anything comes up, I'll handle it—don't worry."
Elena thumped her chest confidently. Her soft curves jiggled noticeably, but I decided not to stare.
Her intentions were good... intentions counted for something, right?
"Actually, something similar happened to me. I went to the training grounds with Cain, and the seniors were blasting their mana everywhere."
"I see."
"Well, knights and mages alike get proud when they're skilled. Plus, with two medals on my chest, I guess I was a target."
It made sense hearing it. Maybe the staring contest I'd faced was because of my medals too.
"Anyway, I gave it right back. They shut up after that."
"Impressive as always."
Having beaten the future Magic Tower Lord for top spot, overwhelming them in raw mana was only natural for Elena.
That said, what had Cain been doing? No one trusted Elena enough to leave her alone.
Then, out of nowhere, Elena said,
"Wanna make a bet?"
"A bet...?"
"Whoever places higher in the friendly match wins. Loser grants the winner any wish."
The outcome was obvious to anyone. Elena was the protagonist of this world; at best, I was a side character.
Still, no reason to refuse. Even if it was a sure loss, it was a way to reward her hard work.
Not that I'd go easy on her, of course.
"Sure."
"For real? Any wish at all?"
"You'd better brace yourself, my lady."
"E-even so, that's a bit..."
Elena crossed her arms over her chest protectively.
No matter how shameless I was, I'd never covet my lady's body. That was a line I wouldn't cross.
Time passed, and before long, a month had gone by.
The friendly match was right around the corner.