Subjugation Battle (4)
“D-Disciple!”
“...”
“Disciple!!”
I pressed both hands against Ashu’s cheeks, puffing them out like a pufferfish. Only then did the light return to his eyes.
“Pull yourself together.”
“Yeah...”
He mumbled blankly, his mental state clearly shattered. Glancing back, I saw Sihan with his head slightly bowed. Black hair, blue eyes—definitely cousins, their faces bore a striking resemblance. From his expression, he looked thoroughly resolved.
In the story, he always wanted the ducal seat.
That’s how he ended up in an alliance with the protagonist, gradually falling for him as the main plotline unfolded.
...Things are starting to go off the rails.
I didn’t know the details, but there was no such event in Sihan’s past flashbacks. So this situation definitely wasn’t canon.
...Not that it matters right now.
At this point, Sihan Kan Hart would do anything to claim first place in the subjugation battle. Proving himself superior to Ashu was the only way to nail down his position as heir.
It’s obvious.
Even the retainers by the duke’s side looked shocked. This had to be the duke’s unilateral decision. A freshly appointed greenhorn lord needed the support of his collateral branches and vassals. Gaining their approval was crucial.
The duke was the strongest shield guarding the monster frontlines. Military might was just as vital as governance.
Another reason for him to take first place.
At this rate, it was like they were holding swords to his throat, forcing him to win.
“Disciple, snap out of it...!!”
I grabbed Ashu’s shoulders and shook him wildly. His body flopped limply, soulless. It was a rare sight. Who’d have thought this spoiled brat could crumble like this? Even a maniac like him must take massive mental damage from heir-NTR.
“Zoning out like this won’t help at all...!!”
“...”
“You gonna let that unheard-of punk steal the win?”
Silence. I was tempted to thump his chest just to jolt him.
“If that kid wins, you and I might never see each other again...!!”
It was true. If Sihan earned the full recognition of the vassals as heir, that’d be it. No escape. Would a criminal like me get spared? Hell no—they’d kill me on the spot. From the duke’s perspective, I was already a thorn in his side. He’d poured a fortune into recruiting me based solely on Ideal’s infamy, never dreaming she’d actually mentor Ashu like a real disciple.
I don’t know how it went in the original story...
Just as Ashu dangled like a balloon at the festival,
“What’d you say...?”
“D-Disciple! You’re back!”
“Why wouldn’t we see each other again?”
Suddenly, Ashu seized my shoulders. What the—? Why’s he acting up now? His eyes were terrifying. The shadows in his pupils made my hairs stand on end.
“Uh, w-well... The duke won’t let me off easy, right?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Uh, th-that’s...”
His expression was ice-cold, like he could kill someone right then. The grip on my shoulders tightened.
“Eek...”
“Oh.”
A groan slipped out before I could stop it, and light flickered back into Ashu’s vacant eyes. What was that just now...? My legs were still trembling. I swallowed hard and gently took his hand off my shoulder.
“Anyway... that’s not the point right now.”
“...”
“Subjugation battle. First place. You have to win. I promised to grant your wish if you do.”
“Wish...”
Ashu started coming around.
“Right, the wish...”
He muttered to himself, then suddenly grabbed my hand and shoved his face close.
“Eek!!”
I recoiled in shock, but he closed the gap just as fast. Why, why is this crazy brat—?!
“Hey, Ideal.”
“Y-Yes...?”
Now he’s calling me by name? My dignity was crumbling. I hadn’t expected honorifics, but hearing my name like that stripped away even the bare minimum respect...
“I’m winning this, no question.”
Ashu declared it, his eyes blazing fiercely.
“Uh, uh... Y-Yeah...”
Great that he’s pumped up again, but why’s my spine crawling? Ashu was starting to scare me for real.
Sihan Kan Hart stared at his distant rival. Ashu hadn’t even glanced his way, but if Sihan considered him a rival, that was that.
...Heard he was a maniac, though.
Up close, Ashu looked perfectly fine. Nothing like the rumors.
...Heir, huh.
Of course he wanted to be duke. He refused to sacrifice his life for the direct line just because he was collateral. Pledging blind loyalty for some “true cause”? Empty words.
But I don’t want the title alone.
His father had died young, blocking a monster invasion in Baldamir’s stead. He didn’t want that fate. That’s why he had to become duke.
Relentless training without rest. Whenever he wanted to quit, he’d grit his teeth, using his father’s death as a lesson.
I’ll win with skill.
Dirty tricks were for the insecure. Sihan had total confidence in his abilities.
“Young Master Sihan, it’s time to enter.”
“Yes.”
The knight beside him bowed. He’d formerly been Ashu Kan Hart’s escort, introduced by the duke a week ago.
“Please take care of me, Sir Knight.”
“The honor is mine.”
The knight bowed deeply. Sihan didn’t notice the murderous glint in his eyes aimed at Ashu.
“D-Disciple! It’s finally starting!!”
“...Don’t overdo it.”
“B-But...”
“Mask’s slipping.”
“Gah!”
I hastily adjusted it. Ashu looked at me pitifully.
“Anyway, stay sharp from now on. Even low-grade monsters are still monsters.”
“...Right.”
We could only chat like this at the start. Once deep in the forest, it’d be gestures over words. Monsters could strike anytime, anywhere.
...Grrr.
Speak of the devil—even tigers come when mentioned. A wolf the size of a Matiz stood before us, fangs bared as thick as my arm.
This is a monster...
First time seeing one for real. Sure, no boar that big back home, but this world had wolves like this.
“Eek...”
I ducked behind my disciple.
“You...”
“I-I can’t fight anyway!!”
“Hah.”
Ashu sighed and drew his sword. The monster dug its claws into the earth, muscles taut. Tension dried my mouth.
“Woof—!!”
The monster kicked off, charging Ashu with ferocious momentum. Saliva flew from its gaping maw, wide as a cave entrance.
Crunch—!
It snapped shut, tearing the air.
“?”
But nothing. No sweet human blood to savor. The monster whipped its head around in confusion. The kid was gone; some tasty-looking woman was waving instead.
“Uh, hi...?”
“Woof—!!”
“Kyaaah!!”
As it lunged to bite, jaws prying open—
“...?”
Its vision skewed. Eyes that should’ve aligned now stared different ways.
Splurt!!!
Blood fountained from the monster’s diagonally bisected body. It ended pathetically.
“Why didn’t you dodge?”
Ashu sheathed his sword. Staring at the corpse, I thought,
...He’s gotten stronger.
No idea why, but his movements were sharper.
Growth in this short time...?
No wonder Ideal raised him as the main villain. Maybe my worries about him losing were unfounded.
“What, spacing out? First time seeing a monster die?”
Uh, yeah, technically. But is he really ten?
So nonchalant. I’d expected it after he pulped those barbarians, but still. I’d been ready to help if it got dicey.
“D-Disciple...”
“What.”
“You know I love you a lot, right...?”
“Wh-What? What’s with the sudden weird talk? Say something stupid again and I’m going ahead alone.”
For the future, better not push my luck with Ashu.
“W-Wait up!”
He’d already strode ahead. I scurried after, stomping to catch up. He’d pocketed the monster core unnoticed; the body was already crumbling to dust.
Dazed, but the subjugation battle felt real now. As I caught up, fiddling with my sheath idly. Hopefully smooth sailing to victory.
His ears looked a bit red, though. Nah, just my imagination.