Chapter 76
Chapter 76
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 76
Chapter Title: Rightful Place
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The duel grew more and more intense.
I’d taken a punch to the face and a fist to the gut, but instead of pain, a strange worry took precedence.
My face is probably a mess. Will it be okay?
Ceria will still love me even like this, right?
I burned with wishful thinking as I looked at Largo.
It went without saying, but his condition was far worse than mine.
His body was riddled with holes, bleeding profusely.
Bloodshot eyes.
He truly looked like a demon.
It wasn't what I intended.
He charged at me as if to die, so I had no choice.
His breathing was ragged, and he was pouring with cold sweat.
It was obvious he had reached his limit, yet he refused to fall.
No, he did fall, but he got right back up every time.
At one point, I was about to ask if he was dead and nearly got hit for it.
“…”
What a tenacious bastard.
After struggling this much, isn't it time to give up?
I’ve already had my fun.
Though it was less of a spar and more of a bloody duel to the death.
Sparring like a real man like this once in a while wasn't so bad.
But there’s a limit to everything!
We've been at this for over an hour now.
Even if my mana recovered quickly, this was bound to be exhausting.
“Come on. I still have… strength left!”
“…”
He was in a state where even speaking was a struggle.
Just looking at his trembling legs, it was clear his stamina was completely drained.
He was holding on with sheer willpower alone.
Rather than feeling impressed, I just found it grotesque.
It wasn't that he refused to admit defeat.
It seemed he simply wanted to do his best until the very end.
I hesitated to attack and considered other options.
I wasn't keen on tormenting a guy who was already half-dead.
It would be different if he went down in one hit.
But since he kept getting back up, it was quite awkward for me.
No, wait a minute…
Do I really need to subdue him with force?
At this point, maybe I can resolve this with words?
The carrot and the stick.
I've shown him my strength, so now it's time to try coaxing him.
Largo has a strong sense of pride.
If I gently stroke that ego, things should work out.
We're not mortal enemies, so there's no need to fight to the death, right?
If I crush him any further here, he'll just burn with fighting spirit and declare, 'I'll challenge you again next time!'
I calmly analyzed his psychology.
It was difficult since he was more like a wild beast than a human, but I soon painted a plausible picture.
“The duel is already over.”
“Don't be ridiculous… Not until one of us falls!”
“I'll be honest. This experience has made me realize a lot.”
“—??”
“I think I understand how you feel.”
A true battle between two men.
A friendship blooming from an exchange of fiery passion...
Of course, there was nothing of the sort, but I continued speaking with that sort of nuance.
He showed a look of surprise.
Then he narrowed his eyes and spoke with a suspicious voice.
“You enjoyed it too?”
I did, up to the halfway point. After that, I was bored to death!
Instead of revealing my true thoughts, I nodded in agreement.
“Yeah. It was fun.”
“—!!”
At that one phrase, he trembled as if he'd found salvation.
He was overcome with emotion, as if all his efforts hadn't been in vain.
To be acknowledged by me.
To have his beliefs understood.
He wore a satisfied expression, as if that were enough.
It was good that his fighting spirit had vanished, but his gaze was the problem.
I didn't think so, but you're one of my kind after all?
How about we manly men get along from now on?
There was a hint of wanting to be friends in his expression.
Is this right? I feel like I poked the wrong bear.
Should I change my mind and just crush him now?
Just as I was seriously contemplating it, Largo snatched away the opportunity.
“Thank you. For giving me the best fight…”
After mustering his last ounce of strength to mutter those words.
He collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut.
It seemed the release of tension had caused him to lose consciousness.
“…”
Even then, he managed to give a thumbs-up with his right hand.
I never knew he had that much grit. This is driving me crazy!
Anyway.
With this, I had cleanly dealt with Largo.
He had undoubtedly surrendered, both in body and spirit.
Having defeated a powerful foe, it was okay to indulge in a moment of self-admiration.
I raised my sword high.
As I struck a victor's pose, cheers erupted from all around.
“Jace won, just as I thought!”
“He'll be a Hero candidate again now, right?”
“He's finally back where he belongs. He's amazing.”
“Jace! You're the best! Keep that momentum and become the Hero!”
What was with this overwhelming support?
In many ways, I felt a surge of emotion.
A considerable amount of time had passed since I possessed this body.
After overcoming many hurdles, my first goal was finally achieved.
The real challenge would start now, but...
Just getting this far made me proud of myself.
If I could just fend off the challenges from a few other Hero candidates, I'd be safe for a while...
In that moment, an intensely powerful malice washed over me.
I calmly turned my gaze in a certain direction.
Cedric Venice.
He was glaring at me with wide eyes, as if he wanted to devour me.
So he managed to make it up here.
I'll deal with you myself soon enough!
He seemed to be sending a warning with that look.
But my heart was calmer than ever.
More like, what was bound to happen has happened.
It was something I'd have to face eventually.
It might be different if it were Aruru or Esterize.
But Cedric was on a downward trend, so he was manageable.
Well, that's not to say I could underestimate him.
If we fought right now, I would almost certainly lose.
By my calculations, I needed at least another half-month.
Until then, I'd just ignore him no matter how much he provoked me.
He's the one who's desperate, not me, right?
Mentally exhausting the opponent is also a form of strategy.
In the first place, the interval between my duels was too short.
I'd taught the graduate a lesson and then fought Largo, so I should schedule my next match with plenty of time.
Still, I couldn't just stand there.
I returned Cedric's glare with one of my own.
You're next. Just you wait!
I tried a provocative bluff with that kind of feeling.
He shot back an even more intense glare before whirling around.
A malice filled with venom.
No matter how I looked at it, he was off his rocker.
Is it really happening? I think I see signs of his corruption.
While it left a bad taste in my mouth, I wasn't overly concerned.
Even if Chloe's ridiculous dream came true, I would handle it just fine.
***
Ceria, Aruru, Esterize, Ilensia, Luciel...
The girls gathered in one place and began to praise me.
“It truly… feels like a dream!”
“On a joyous day like today, we must have a party!”
“You're just using that as an excuse to eat a ton, aren't you?”
The princess's sudden attack.
Our little cutie reacted as if to say, 'Why are you being like this all of a sudden?'
“Huh? What's wrong with that?”
“You should chip in this time.”
“But I'm the head of my household! I'm trying to feed my younger siblings…”
“That might work on others, but not on me.”
“—??”
“I have my reasons, but you don't need to know.”
She let out a deep sigh, as if the ground might collapse.
Aruru might be tightening her belt, but she couldn't compare to the princess.
She was working herself to the bone to raise funds for her kingdom's reconstruction.
Her situation was truly pitiful, having to be responsible for so many subjects.
Anyway, seeing her, our little cutie seemed to feel something.
She approached with a repentant look.
“Hmm, I think Esterize is right. It must have been a burden paying for my food all this time…”
The fox beastkin cautiously observed the mood.
Perhaps out of guilt, her tail and ears drooped.
There's no need for that now, though?
I once felt a sense of crisis over that issue, but now I was quite well-off.
I'd received war funds and become a Hero candidate again.
Even if I ran out of money, I could just ask for more.
Would I ever let my pet starve?
Once you decide to raise one, you should care for it with all your heart.
In the first place, we had a sort of contractual relationship.
When we first met, Aruru's proposal was this:
In exchange for her help, I had to cover her food expenses.
“You're strong enough now that you don't need my protection. I don't like being indebted one-sidedly.”
Ah, so that's how the calculation works.
She wasn't wrong, but I liked things the way they were.
Aruru's value was worth more than a mountain of gold.
Just using her for healing purposes was enough to earn her keep.
Our little cutie.
So, what's your conclusion?
Whatever it is, I'll respect her decision.
“So I'll repay you with my body!”
“—!!”
A magical phrase that invites misunderstanding.
The girls around us either screamed or groaned.
Well, I was used to Aruru's words and actions, so it didn't faze me.
It just meant she'd wag her tail for me.
As if to prove it, she pressed herself right against me and rubbed her face all over me.
Nothing's changed, has it?
I was hoping for a more passionate display of affection...
“Nngh, that's for later… It's embarrassing in front of everyone…”
“…”
How could anyone resist the fox beastkin's charm?
Seeing her display her charms to the fullest.
It seemed to make the other girls resolve to do something as well.
Don't tell me they're going to be as forward as Aruru?
I was in no position to be happy about it, but on the other hand, I felt strangely excited.
Anyway.
By unanimous decision, the celebration party began.
Eating, drinking, and chatting merrily.
Just as the atmosphere was getting lively, an uninvited guest arrived.
“Looks like you're having fun. Mind if I join?”
“…”
Erich Greaten.
A Hero candidate and a member of the imperial family, who had been reasonably close with the original Jace.
He'd been quiet for a while, but now he was subtly making his presence known.
Well, there was no need to be particularly wary of him.
He was one of those who viewed me favorably.
He could also be a link to the imperial family...
However, the girls' reactions were cold.
What's with him? We're having fun on our own, you know? Get lost!
They clearly saw him as an unwelcome guest.
Was it because he hadn't expected it?
Erich was flustered and muttered weakly.
“H-Hey, wait… even I'd be hurt by this situation…”
Despite that, their cold stares remained.
He was being completely ignored, despite being royalty.
Who could he blame? His usual conduct was the problem.
He had a habit of confessing to girls at every opportunity, which made him unpopular.
Aruru had already suffered greatly at his hands.
Currently, Esterize was the one dealing with him.
Well, it wouldn't be long before Luciel brought down the hammer of justice.
“Since you're here, have a seat.”
I readily showed him some mercy.
He's in his prime, so he must want to hang out with girls.
Today is a happy day. It's okay to be a little generous.
“You're the only one! This is why I can't help but like you!”
“…”
Did I make a mistake by letting him stay?
He was acting so wild it was becoming a burden.
Well, it's still within acceptable limits.
Compared to the other male students, he's a gentleman.
The rest are all just looking for a chance to challenge me.
By the way, what does he want?
He couldn't have just shown up without a reason.
It was right to assume he had some purpose.
“Esterize. You remember what I said last time, right?”
“—??”
“You've had plenty of time to think. It's about time you answered my sincere feelings.”
“—!!”
The princess went berserk.
She lost her reason at Erich's sudden move.
She looked ready to draw her sword and start a sword dance, as if to say 'to hell with royal dignity'.
“Give up. I said, give up!”
“But I'm already saving up the money…”
“…”
She wavered for a moment at his words.
She had once mentioned a sum equivalent to the empire's annual budget.
It was completely unrealistic, but it showed just how desperately she wanted a huge sum of money...
For a moment, the girl's gaze briefly landed on me.
She seemed to recall my offer to help and steeled her resolve.
“It's fine now. Find someone else.”
Her tone wasn't sharp, but it was incredibly firm.
At the clear rejection, Erich was quiet for a while.
Had he already given up?
He had every reason to be frustrated, but he was soon staring intently at Luciel.
It's not the first or second time.
As always, he just needs to change his target.
With that mindset, he searched for his next prey.
His positive way of thinking was almost admirable.
Still, he'd better be on his toes this time.
Well, since the princess was freed, I didn't really care.
As the party was ending, Erich cautiously approached me.
“Actually, there's something I need to tell you…”
“—??”
He hesitated as if he were about to confess.
Wait, was I the target? This is a problem!
“Hmm, is it too soon? I'll let you know when things are more certain. Anyway, today was fun.”
“…”
He added that I didn't need to worry about it for now.
I stared blankly at his retreating back.
A sudden sense of unease...
It felt like a sudden event related to the imperial family was about to unfold.