Chapter 176
Chapter 176
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 176
Chapter Title: Victor's Pavilion Showdown
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Diana looked over at me with a surprised expression.
Finally giving me the time of day, huh.
I never learned mind-reading, but Badek's eyes seemed to say it all.
'What the hell is this guy?'
"Why the shock?
It's like I shouldn't be here or something."
"We haven't seen you around lately..."
While Diana trailed off, Tilia stepped right up to me.
"Decal!"
"Tilia."
Tilia gazed at me with eyes sparkling.
Her straightforward affection caught me off guard, but it also made me happy.
"Hey."
Tilia was the one who'd agreed to become my bride, right?
Diana wouldn't be outdone and closed in as well.
"Where've you been?"
"Been busy."
"...Who the hell is this guy?"
Badek had already forgotten who I was.
We met when I was with Aba.
I rested my hand on Tilia's hip as she hesitated to answer, stroking it gently.
"You can be honest, Tilia."
"...He's the one I was thinking of marrying."
"What...!?"
"I lost the duel.
And that's when I decided to become Decal's bride."
"..."
No way he imagined those words coming from Tilia's mouth.
Badek couldn't hide his shocked expression.
"Diana. What's this place?"
"Victor's Pavilion. A spot where you can fight with points on the line.
Show off top-notch combat skills, and you get evaluation points."
"Like a points-based duel?"
"Even lighter than that.
Victor's Pavilion is a space controlled by powerful magic, like a training ground.
Layered with double and triple protective spells so no one can inflict serious harm."
So it's mock battles without real risk of injury.
Sounds fun.
Provoking Badek might get me to Dragon Rank easy.
"...Heh."
Badek laughed.
"I remember you now. Some wandering adventurer with unclear origins.
And you think you'll marry a daughter of the Vanguard house? Big dreams."
"Why not?"
"Marriage unites the power of houses. It's not decided by mere romantic feelings.
That's why I was so disappointed, Miss Tilia. That you'd entertain such childish notions.
Or maybe it's inevitable for a woman... Guess I have to guide you onto the right path. Hm."
Woman? Guide her right?
What a load of bullshit.
I get the part about houses pooling strength.
But now that I've got the Goddess of Light on my side, noble prestige is laughable.
Yet Tilia and Diana just took that crap lying down.
Looks like the Rune house calls the shots on this issue.
How should I poke the bear...
Best way to rile up a guy is to steal the girl right in front of him.
"You're right. Marriage is out of the question."
"Oh? Thought you were some brainless thug who wouldn't listen."
"But a union between the Rune and Vanguard houses? That's impossible too."
"What?"
I pulled Diana and Tilia into my arms.
"Eek...!"
"Uh?"
They flinched in surprise but didn't push my arms away.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, you bastard!"
"Can't you tell?
They're both head over heels for me. That 'romantic feeling' bullshit.
They can't forget me, so just seeing your face makes them sigh all dramatic."
I slid my hand under Tilia's breast, lifting it from below.
"W-What the hell in sacred Melbritt!"
Even as I toyed with her breast, Tilia spoke softly.
"Decal... This is dangerous in Melbritt.
The enforcers will come. Once we're outside, you can grope me all you want..."
"No big deal."
I licked Tilia's cheek.
"I said, what the hell are you doing!"
"Can't you see? Tasting Tilia."
Tilia stayed meek in my arms despite the pervy treatment.
Normally, she'd have sliced me in half with her sword.
Badek knew that, which was why his eyes were bulging.
"Hands off Miss Tilia!"
"No thanks."
Diana poked my side repeatedly.
"What are you doing to my sister."
"Hm?"
I wrapped an arm around Diana's waist and slipped my hand under her skirt.
"Eep!?"
Diana squirmed weakly in panic.
"W-What are you doing with everyone watching."
"Tough choice. Which Vanguard sister to pick."
"...!"
Diana went quiet.
I wriggled my fingers under her skirt, rubbing her pussy over her panties.
"Fine. Whatever you want, you trash..."
With one hand, I kneaded Tilia's breast.
I flaunted the sight of groping the Vanguard sisters to Badek.
"Duel!
I'll fix that rotten brain of yours. Get to the center."
Badek took the bait.
"Duel?"
"If I win, stay away from Miss Tilia forever. If you've got any honor, you won't run."
Things escalated, and the candidates started murmuring.
Like I was the villain and Badek the hero of justice.
Well, can't blame 'em with girls under my arms getting molested.
"I'll raise the stakes too.
Bet your points in this duel. Be my step to Dragon Rank."
"...Point exchanges don't work that way.
Did you really climb to Bear Rank without knowing that?"
"Diana. What does he mean?"
I asked Diana.
She lifted her head with a flinch amid the pussy teasing.
"Eek. Well...
You can only bet the same amount as your opponent."
"Then I'll bet mine. 1,126 points. You match it."
The candidates buzzed.
Badek faltered for a split second.
My confidence threw him off.
But no way he'd back down.
"Fine. I accept!"
Diana grabbed me as I headed to the central circle.
"Decal. What if you lose? He's Badek Rune...!"
"Diana worrying about me. That's new."
Diana pulled her hand back in fluster.
"I just...
Life would be boring without you."
Tilia patted Diana's head.
"Believe in Decal.
You think he'd jump in without a plan? Holding back a guy in a duel is uncool."
"Your sister's right. Decal...
You've got a plan, right?"
Not really. Kinda?
But I said confidently.
"Of course. I know all about him."
"No way... You've been preparing this whole time?"
"...Heh."
I flashed a cool smile to dodge and stepped into the central circle.
[Duel established, pt 1,126]
[Decal first strike][Badek Rune second strike]
"The moment you stepped in that circle. You're done."
Badek declared.
"For what?"
"You thought the protective magic would save you.
But I'm Badek Rune! You'll crawl out half-crippled.
And I won't feel a shred of pity. You're no hero candidate—just a filthy womanizer."
"Isn't that better saved for after you win?
Gonna be embarrassing."
"Aba!"
"Y-Yes, bro..."
Aba shrank at even his brother's voice, head bowed.
"Watch closely.
Perfect chance to ditch your shit friend. I'll show you how a real fight's done."
"...Decal's strong too."
"Adventurer bravado at best.
I heard you handle fire magic too. Witness true fire magic here."
A grin spread across my face.
As expected, Badek wields fire magic.
Just like Aba said.
No need for hypnosis.
No plan, but I predicted this.
I'd tucked away the fact that Badek Rune used fire magic somewhere in my head.
He has no chance.
"First strike's yours.
Pick your spell carefully—it's your last."
"You first. I'll yield."
I passed first strike to Badek.
"You'll regret it."
"Aba's not brave, but smarter than you.
Chattering during a duel is dumb."
"Good point."
Mana overflowed from Badek's body.
It pierced the barrier enough to tense my body on reflex.
"Tremble, atmosphere!
Great Goddess of Fire, Beleira! Grant me even your slightest power!"
The air warmed.
Other candidates shielded their faces from the intense heat and backed away.
"Fire Blast!"
A ferocious flame torrent engulfed me.
Should I protect my clothes? Hesitated, but used a wind spirit to shield my uniform from soot.
The spell's power was... well...
(Beleira's blessing protects you)
Just warm.
[Badek Rune. High-level attack spell executed. 5pt]
[Badek Rune. No magic effect -1pt]
[Badek Rune. No magic effect -1pt]
[Badek Rune. No magic effect -1pt]
"What...?"
High-level attack spell executed.
But no effect.
Badek couldn't grasp the conflicting scores and panicked obviously.
"Why so surprised."
I stood firm, whipping up a gust to snuff the flames.
"Unscathed? Impossible..."
"..."
"Even with protection, you can't shrug off the impact and heat!"
"Got your level now."
"Urk...!"
Badek didn't cower, forming a flaming spear and charging.
Oh. Can make weapons too?
His application beats mine.
"Hah!"
I took Badek's spear thrust head-on.
No reason to dodge.
Because his weapon was made of fire.
(Beleira's blessing protects you)
[Badek Rune. Precise vital hit. 3pt]
[Badek Rune. No magic effect -1pt]
Badek's spear scattered harmlessly on contact.
"This can't be! What trick did you pull?"
"Trick?"
"If you guarded with magic, fine—but this...?"
"Your magic's just too weak."
I pointed at Badek.
"End of Flames."
Badek crouched defensively.
But the heat ray's speed far outpaced his reaction.
"Gaaack!"
Badek flew back, tumbling across the floor.
[Decal, high-level attack spell executed. 15pt]
[Decal, lethal magic executed. 5pt]
[Decal, nightmare magic executed. 20pt]
[Decal, complete opponent suppression. 10pt]
[Badek Rune, combat impossible.]
[Winner Decal]
[Badek Rune -1,126pt]
[Decal +1,126pt]
What? Already over?
Easy. Dragon Rank achieved.
As I turned, a voice boiled up from the ground.
"It's not over yet...!"
I spun back to see Badek gripping a dagger, fuming.
Before he could stab me, Tilia intervened.
"That's lame, Badek."
Tilia's shortsword halted precisely at Badek's throat.
When'd she slip in?
"Step aside, Miss Tilia! Duels have no rules.
This is for your sake too!"
"No."
Tilia bared white teeth in a grin.
Smiling, but quietly furious.
At him trying to backstab me.
Her blade gleamed with murderous intent, ready to sever his head.
Everyone froze stiff before Melbritt's Crimson Flame at full power, not even breathing.
"The result's in.
Winner's world is harsh and absolute.
Demoted candidate, kindly leave the main building?"
"Damn it. How can a damn adventurer wield fire magic like that?
Why the hell...!"
Because Beleira's my pussy slave.
...Nah.
No one'd get it. Phrase it right.
"Don't get it?"
"...?"
"You don't know.
Even after eating that spell?"
"T-That was..."
"If you felt nothing from that spell, you're way off."
"Grk!"
Badek knelt, crushed by utter defeat.
Truth is, I don't know what he should've felt.
What do you feel from End of Flames?
Probably fucking hurt.
"Decal. I felt it."
Tilia sheathed her blade and stood before me.
Face full of emotion.
"How much blood and sweat you poured in these past days... I felt it from your magic.
I've been there. Clutching my starving gut, endless training to carve a path from nothing."
...Nah, been fucking goddesses and getting knocked up.
Whatever, let her think what she wants.
"First guy to train this hard to marry me. Decal."
"...What?"
"Body and heart, I'm smitten.
I'll convince Father even if it kills me. Just bring your body.
I'll hook you up with lifelong riches and glory."
What the hell, this intense proposal.
"Hold up, sis!"
Diana crashed in, as expected.
"Yeah? What's up, Diana?"
"Decal didn't say he trained to marry you.
He honed his skills fighting alongside me."
"Then why fight Badek? Decal wants to marry me. I'm ready. Let's wed now."
"T-That's rushing it. Father's gonna have a heart attack!
We should get to know each other more first..."
"Diana, you want to marry Decal too?"
"..."
Tilia didn't hold back.
Diana froze mid-thought, swallowing hard.
"Spit it out.
Or I'll become Decal's bride."
"Yes! I love him! He's a pervy trash heap, but I'll take it all. Not yielding to you this time!"
Diana yelled.
Tilia widened her eyes in surprise, then laughed heartily.
"What. We like the same guy? Fun."
"Don't decide without the guy."
Tilia scratched her head with a grin.
"Sorry. Got too carried away?
Never been girly. Only know charging in and claiming what I want."
"Nah, that proposal shocked me plenty."
Tilia's charm was on full display.
They're all basically my brides anyway, so marrying either's fine,
But with Stia from another noble house in the mix, didn't wanna settle it here.
They slinked away, figuring house drama might spark.
Then a fun idea hit.
"Truth is, I'm torn between you two..."
"..."
"..."
"Ah. Sleeping with both would settle it."
"Want to bed both Vanguard ladies? Who do you think you are, king? Know your place."
Diana eyed me lustfully, licking her lower lip.
Acting like her usual sharp tongue, but her face hid nothing.
"Perverted trash like you needs a long sermon."
"Your intent's obvious, but... I wanna be Decal's bride. I'll bite."
Tilia pressed against me.
I groped their breasts, looking down at kneeling Badek.
"Gonna head out first, Badek."
"..."
I took them to the Vanguard mansion where Selenne waited.