Volume 6 Chapter 39 Iron That's Heated Too Much Becomes Brittle
The outfit looks pretty normal, but there are beast ears on the head. This must be one of the guards led by Rouza. When they come closer, they give a slight bow.
"Excuse me, Black Blade. I have a message from my master."
"Where's Rouza?"
"It would be strange to talk casually with someone he's about to fight, so I came as a substitute."
When the guard turns to face us, we can see Rouza and the others across the hall. When our eyes meet from a distance, he gives a small wave. This proves that what this man is saying is true.
"...So, what's the message?"
"I've been asked to explain this chaotic situation."
"Wow..."
I can't help but look up at the sky. I feel both that this was expected and that it's really annoying how they send someone at just the right moment. Karan (the guild staff) and Kyunei are wide-eyed, but Aina is staring intently at the guard. She probably figured it out just like Gram did.
"Some of you may have guessed, but we are the ones who spread the information about this duel in the city. The reason is..."
"To increase the number of spectators and reduce the chances of unnecessary interference, right?"
"...So you noticed. Rouza-sama thought you would be able to read his intentions."
As Aina speaks, we all look shocked, while the guard nods in response.
To repeat, Rouza is in danger from assassins sent by his brothers from Sanmoto, his hometown. We were caught in the attack.
"In quiet places, wrongdoers often take the chance to follow their targets. So, we invite people in to create a natural sense of awareness."
"Since they tend to cause trouble at night and are many in number, it's likely they are hiding nearby right now."
Karan's insight is accurate. It's difficult to see them being careful around others.
"However, any deterrent is better than none. Our ability to blend into crowds is unmatched. If we hint at our presence, it will be hard for them to act."
'Instead of gathering forces for a full attack, they seem to be revealing their guards' locations to deter the other party while they are scattered and hiding.'
Gram's telepathic explanation helped clarify the guard' strategy. Even though they are a group, the guards are individually stronger than the attackers.
"But what if someone gets past the guard (you)?"
"Rouza-sama's strongest hidden blade is always nearby. As long as that person is with him, the attackers cannot reach our master.
The strongest secret weapon? There's no need to ask who it is.
"I understand why mercenaries are being gathered, but there's no need to stir things up even more."
As I pointed to the area where betting was increasing, the guard spoke awkwardly.
"...To convey Rouza-sama's words exactly──' Wouldn't that add an interesting twist?'"
So, that crazy scene over there is purely Rouza's hobby. Karan was pressing his hand to his forehead, trying to ease his headache. I kind of understood how he felt.
"That's all the message I received from Rouza-sama."
"I see. Thank you."
It was definitely better to hear it than not, but I couldn't bring myself to feel grateful to the guard. I said thanks, but it came out a bit half-hearted, so I hope that's forgiven.
"...Though you didn't say it out loud, Rouza-sama was looking forward to fighting you today."
The guard, who was supposed to leave after delivering the order, unexpectedly said this.
"That person is a true gambler. The bigger the stakes and the tougher the challenge, the more fired up he get. I've never seen such intensity since I joined the guard."
"From my side, well, it's quite a hassle."
"Is that so? From my perspective, I feel that you have just as much passion as Rouza-sama right now... No, that's unnecessary to say. I apologize."
"Well then," the guard bowed and finally returned to Rouza.
When it comes to passion, that guard was right.
If I lose this duel, Mikage will leave my side. Just thinking about it makes my heart feel like it's on fire.
'Partner. It's good to get fired up, but remember, iron that's heated too much becomes brittle.'
I knew that without being told. My chest and head were hot, but my fingertips felt cold. Ever since I got into the carriage before coming to this mock battlefield, it had been like this. I was clearly aware that my nerves were tangled up.
"Yukina-sama."
Mikage, who had been silent until now, calls my name.
She had been wearing a gloomy expression for a while, but now that feeling is gone. When she returned to the inn 2 days ago, it seemed like something had changed for her.
"I really feel bad for you. I took on this challenge without asking you."
"It's not your fault, Yukina-sama. This is just fate. If you trace it back, it's also because I didn't refuse at that moment."
I wonder how it would have turned out. Even if Mikage had firmly rejected Rouza's offer, I doubt he would have backed down. Either way, we had no choice but to settle things with this duel.
"I accept the outcome of this duel. However, no matter what happens, my soul will always belong to you. Please never forget that."
Even while saying something that could sound tragic, there was no trace of worry or despair on Mikage's face. Instead, her usual──no, even more than usual──intense and strong light shone in her eyes.
"...You seem okay now."
Naturally, those words slipped out with a smile.
"I'm sorry for worrying you. But my doubts have cleared up now."
As she placed her hand on my cheek and pulled me closer, I instinctively pressed my lips against Mikage's.
"My beloved lord. I wish for your victory──no, I am certain of it."
As we parted, Mikage, slightly blushing, whispered to me from a close distance.
"Once this is over, I want to feel Yukina-sama's warmth again."
"──Hahaha, you're starting to understand how to tease me."
I think I'm pretty simple-minded.
Already, the cold in my fingertips has disappeared, and instead, warmth is rushing through every part of my body.
The energy that was spinning in circles is now roaring and revving up.
It seems like I've found a reason to win no matter what.
It wasn't out of necessity.
I truly decided from the bottom of my heart that I want to win.
'Haha! That's my partner for you! Alright! I'm getting pumped up too!'
Feeling Gram's loud laughter, I looked at Aina and Kyunei, and both of them were smiling as if there was nothing to worry about.
"Well then, shall we go?"
"Yeah!!"
Turning my back on my precious companions, I started to walk.
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