Chapter 46

"Soft futons are really nice, aren't they?"

"Yeah, with a tent and a blanket, you can't really get rid of the fatigue."

We were having breakfast in the dormitory cafeteria. It's a buffet style, so what you eat for breakfast really depends on your preferences. While Kuna goes for meat, Anne sticks to vegetables, and I try to keep a balanced diet.

The Knight School allocates the first three days of the week to classes and the remaining four days for rest and exploration of the underground labyrinth, so we have classes today.

Yesterday, we had a lavish meal at a tavern and then dispersed soon after.

I told them to use the time for rest, but unlike Anne, who diligently completed her assignments after using magic stones in the labyrinth, Kuna always ended up exhausted and never finished her tasks, so I had to help her complete them.

"Are you both feeling okay? It was your first exploration, so there might be some invisible strain you need to be careful about."

For explorers, mental stress is also significant. Many people collapse due to this.

"I'm fine. I didn't push myself too hard."

"Well, Kuna should be fine, right?"

"What's with this casual treatment!?"

After all, she's the kind of person who survived for a month in an uninhabited snowy mountain when she was nine. A four-day exploration is nothing to her.

"How about you, Anne? You're not used to this, so I'm a bit worried."

"I'm fine. Compared to the journey from when my father was executed to coming to this town, this is nothing."

Anne gave a dry smile.

So, adversity makes people stronger, huh.

"Anne, eat this to cheer up!"

Kuna placed an orange she had saved for dessert on Anne's plate.

"It's more stressful for me when you worry so much."

Though she said that, Anne's expression softened into a gentle smile.

"Anyway, Soji, you look really pale."

"Come to think of it, your face is completely white."

"It's just a lack of magic. I used all my magic to purify the monster's magic stone last night and haven't fully recovered. I feel terrible, but it should be fine if I just rest."

After helping Kuna finish her assignment, I purified the magic stone and felt quite drained. The depletion of magic has even affected my physical abilities. It will take until tomorrow morning to fully recover.

◇

When we arrived at the classroom, it was noisier than usual.

"Did something happen?"

I asked one of the male students.

"Oh, Soji. Actually, there's a rumor that a transfer student is coming."

He replied with a cheerful voice. At the beginning of the school year, they kept their distance, but after the practical training in the underground labyrinth, they started asking me questions and even began to respect me.

"There seems to be a transfer student in the noble class."

Another student added information.

"A transfer student? To this Knight School?"

It's usually impossible.

This school doesn't allow any other method of admission besides the entrance exam. The Sealed City of Erin doesn't make exceptions for its prestige.

"How did they manage it?"

"According to the rumor, it was allowed because they transferred from another Knight School in a different Sealed City."

I see, so it's an exception because they passed the official exam for a Knight School. That makes sense.

"Thanks. Do you know who it is?"

When I asked, the male student glanced at Anne and then spoke in a trembling voice.

"The current sword instructor for the royal family, the eldest son of the Feilarte Duke, Clanel Feilarte."

Clanel, huh.

I met him in the game era. He seemed gentle at first glance but was actually straightforward and a good person.

Looking at Anne, she had a stiff expression and was gripping the magic sword Quval Besta hanging from her waist.

"I wonder why he's here."

As I muttered, I realized the futility of the question.

The only reason the heir of the royal sword instructor would come here is to claim the title of the strongest swordsman, the magic sword Quval Besta.

He's here to take Quval Besta from Anne.

I placed a hand on Anne's shoulder.

"Don't worry. That sword belongs to Anne. I won't let anyone take it from you. No matter what, I'll protect you."

Even if it comes to a royal decree, taking the symbol of the royal family, the magic sword, from the daughter of a criminal isn't out of the question.

No, that's unlikely. It's strange that Anne still has this sword in the first place. Probably, before her father was executed, he made a deal to leave the sword to Anne. That contract can't be easily broken.

"Thank you, Soji. But this is my problem."

"No, if you lose that sword, Anne will become weaker. That would weaken the party's combat strength. This is our problem too."

"That's right. Anne, you're too serious. Let's handle it together."

"Thank you, Soji, Kuna."

Anne's eyes welled up with tears.

Just then, the classroom door opened dramatically.

"Hello, everyone in the general class. I am Clanel Feilarte. From today, I will be studying with you. Please take care of me."

With his beautiful blue hair flowing, Clanel greeted everyone with a clear, pleasant voice. His well-built, slender body exuded a certain elegance even in a simple uniform. The female students looked at him with admiration.

Bathed in those gazes, he walked straight toward us with graceful steps.

"It's been a while, Anne, how have you been?"

Clanel greeted Anne with a smile and affection.

That's why it was so abnormal. A high noble like him showing affection to Anne, the daughter of the Duke of Oclaire, the greatest stain on the Kingdom of Coline, was impossible.

"Thank you for your concern, Duke Feilarte."

"Come on, don't be so formal. We competed with swords together, didn't we? You can be more casual."

Clanel laughed as if amused.

"I am not a noble 'now.' There is a difference in our positions."

"...I'm sad that you treat me like this, Anne. But I can't just be sad. I have to deliver this letter to you."

Clanel handed her a letter with the royal seal.

The tension rose. It was a genuine royal decree.

Anne opened the letter with trembling hands and read it aloud.

"...A reselection of the wielder of the divine sword Quval Besta will be held. Clanel Feilarte, the heir of the Duke of Feilarte, and Anne Oclaire, the daughter of the former Duke of Oclaire, will duel to determine the new wielder. The date is the seventh day of the Fire Month."

I was shocked. A duel for Quval Besta in two months? This is ridiculous. I opened my mouth to protest.

"This duel is absurd. Clanel, you're 18 this year. You've been in the Knight School for two years and have reached Rank 2. She's only 16 and has been here for less than a month. It's too unfair."

Indeed, no matter how you look at it, the odds are stacked against Anne.

I wanted them to wait until Anne graduates. At least, if I had six months, I could get her to Rank 2.

Reaching Rank 2 in two months is impossible unless you take dangerous risks.

"I agree, but it's a royal decree. I can't refuse, no matter how painful it is."

Clanel looked genuinely distressed. But to me, it seemed shallow. His tone and everything about him felt superficial.

"Anne, the duel will take place in the Coline Kingdom's arena. You'll be a spectacle. You'll face harsh jeers. ...I don't want to see you hurt. Please withdraw."

Clanel repeated his words of concern for Anne.

"You can avoid getting hurt by just giving up Quval Besta. There's no need to hesitate. Besides, since we've met like this, I can help you. Don't worry, I'll make you happy."

Clanel said this and gently embraced Anne.

"It must have been hard for you. But from now on, I'll protect you. So, don't be stubborn. How about it, I'll give you a new name. Forget Oclaire and just be Anne. I can do that for you. Yes, let's do that. I promise I won't make you suffer for the rest of your life."

Clanel's embrace tightened.

Clanel was getting more and more excited on his own. On the surface, it seemed he was thinking about Anne, but in reality, he was only thinking about himself.

"So, will you come with me... Anne?"

Clanel called her Anne instead of Anne Oclaire, probably to express his feelings.

Anne's body stiffened. Then, with a determined expression, she spoke.

"Disgusting. Can you let me go? And I never gave you permission to call me Anne. Only close friends can call me that."

"An-ne?"

The moment Clanel's grip loosened, Anne pushed him away and escaped the embrace.

"I appreciate your concern, but I refuse. Giving up Quval Besta and Oclaire... I'm not that person anymore. I'd rather die than live like that. I don't need your cheap sympathy."

Anne raised her voice.

"That's harsh. I said it for your sake."

I was irritated by his words.

"If you really care about her, you should withdraw."

If he truly considered Anne a friend, he should be able to do that.

"Who said a commoner can speak?"

"Excuse me, my lord."

I put on a playful expression, and Clanel gritted his teeth.

"Anyway, will you consider what I said, Anne?"

"I told you not to call me Anne."

"Anne, you should calm down. Do you really think you can beat me? I've investigated you. You haven't improved your rank since you enrolled. Your sword skills have been surpassed by me. Even if you try to improve, you don't have a sword master. You have no chance of beating me."

Clanel's voice grew harsh.

But Anne remained calm.

"You're right about the rank, but I need to correct you about the sword. I have the best sword master in the world."

"Best in the world? Where is such a person?"

"Right here. Soji is the best swordsman in the world. I believe in Soji's sword."

Clanel looked at me with a puzzled expression and then burst into laughter.

"Haha, stop joking. A scrawny commoner being the best swordsman in the world? That's ridiculous. Poor Anne, you're being deceived by this man. Hahaha."

Clanel laughed for a while and then looked at me directly.

He took off his white glove and threw it at my feet.

"Hey, commoner. You seem to be the cause of Anne's misunderstanding. I'll correct that first. Then, Anne will listen to me. Let's have a duel. I'll prove that you're just a fraud."

"Stay out of this, Soji."

"I'm a noble. You, a commoner, have no right to refuse my order. Besides, a coward who refuses a noble duel has no right to teach Anne swordsmanship."

I see, interesting. It's not a bad deal. I can create a slightly more favorable situation for Anne.

"I don't mind the duel, but it's a fight that benefits me in no way. It's impossible for a noble to pick a fight with a commoner and take no risks, right?"

"What do you want?"

"If I win, you must withdraw from the duel to determine the ownership of the magic sword."

"Even if I lose, which is impossible, I can't do that. As a knight, I can't run from a duel."

So, that's what you were trying to do to Anne.

"If that's the case, if I win, I'll take the sword you have at your waist. You're making Anne stake Quval Besta. You should have the same resolve, right?"

"You called me Anne just now!?"

"Soji is my master. It's natural."

"Even I can't do that, and you can!?"

"Then, what do you say? Do you lack the courage to stake your sword? If not, I won't accept the duel. After all, you're not worthy of being a knight. Just a coward. There's no honor in refusing, right?"

"What! If you stake your sword, I'll accept the duel. No takebacks!"

"Let's make a deal."

Clanel's sword is a famous one made of mithril. I was thinking of getting some mithril soon, so this is perfect.

Also, taking his sword will support Anne. The weight, balance, and size of a sword are unique. The better you get, the more these minor differences affect your performance.

If I take his sword, it will be difficult for Clanel to get a new one and get used to it before the duel with Anne.

"...Do you know the value of this sword? But fine. In return, if I win, make Anne withdraw from the duel."

"I can't do that. It's Anne's decision, not mine."

"Then, if you lose, swear never to involve yourself with Anne again!"

"Alright, I can do that. Let's make a deal."

"Let's have the duel under these conditions."

"Is tomorrow after class okay?"

That way, my magic will just barely recover in time. I can fight at full strength.

"Fine. Don't run away, commoner."

"Of course."

And so, my duel with Clanel was set.

◇

"Damn, damn, damn, that woman never does what I want."

In the carriage, Clanel was repeatedly slamming his fist on the side table, cursing.

He had taken a leave of absence from class due to poor health and was heading to the Feilarte family's villa in the Sealed City of Erin.

"After all, after all, me, me! I showed her mercy, and she still embarrassed me! She rejected my proposal! ? That commoner being the strongest swordsman in the world, she's just mocking me!"

Clanel's voice had almost turned into a shout.

"Calm down, young master."

The elderly butler tried to soothe Clanel.

"How can I calm down! That's just like Anne. A woman, and she beat me, a woman two years younger than me, in a royal tournament! Can you understand how I felt!?"

Indeed, Clanel deeply hated Anne.

At the age of twelve, a friendly match was held between the Feilarte and Oclaire families.

In the preliminary match, Clanel and Anne, who would represent their respective families, fought.

Clanel, at twelve, lost to Anne, who was ten. Clanel never forgot the audience's laughter, his father's disappointment, and his mother's lament.

"Just winning the duel isn't enough! Humiliating her in front of the crowd is fun, but it won't satisfy me if it's over in an instant. I'll make her my toy, my pet. I'll take everything from her, lock her up, and not let her see anyone but me. I won't feed her if she doesn't listen to me. Hehe, that arrogant Anne will kneel before me and do whatever I say."

That's why Clanel proposed to protect Anne.

But he didn't realize that deep down, his desire was rooted in admiration for Anne's beauty when she wielded a sword. The love he developed for Anne during that battle.

"Ah, it'll be fun. Once I defeat that commoner, Anne will surely come to her senses. Then, she'll listen to me, hahaha."

Clanel's laughter echoed as the carriage moved on.

There was one thing he didn't notice. He was being watched.

"Hmm, I thought it would be interesting, but maybe it's a disappointment. That kind of small fry won't be able to beat Soji. But maybe he'll hate him after losing. Then, he'll be an easier pawn to handle. Hmm, the boar was a failure. I verified the arbitrary refinement of abnormal individuals, but it wasn't even a proper trial. Maybe using him will create a more proper trial. I need to think about it."

With those words, the observer disappeared, leaving behind a bright emerald gaze.