Chapter 22

"Second, you were really strong, huh."

It was the final match.

Just before it started, Main said something like that to me.

"Yeah, I guess. Sorry for hiding it. Did you despise me?"

"Of course not! I like you even more now."

You're a good guy, Main.

"Then take me to the palace next time. I want to read the Fourth Form."

When I said this in a clear voice, Main smiled happily and replied.

"Of course! But, in return... me and, me and, to--"

"Both sides, take your stance... Begin!"

Just as Main was about to say something, the referee gave the command.

The final match began.

"......!"

Main immediately switched from the conversation and began chanting the First Form of Wind Attribute.

I almost simultaneously combined Infantry Archery and the First Form of Water Attribute, completing my preparation.

Then, we shot at each other.

I thought the match would be decided quickly, but my prediction was overturned immediately after.

"Hey!"

Main immediately canceled the chant and dove into the magic I had released.

A large mass of water hit Main, reducing his HP by about 30%, but he didn't care and started chanting while taking damage.

This guy forced out the chanting time!

Indeed, if you take damage during chanting, it will be interrupted, but if you chant while taking damage, it won't be interrupted.

Main knew this characteristic. He truly is the "Trivia Prince."

Moreover... this is the Third Form of Wind Attribute. Did he remember it--!

"Damn."

I spat and began chanting the Third Form of Wind Attribute.

My skill rank is higher, so my chanting time is shorter.

...As a result, Main's Third Form and my Third Form activated simultaneously and canceled each other out.

"Ah...!"

The difference in simple power showed. Main stumbled backward and fell on his butt.

"I lost."

He said this with a sad smile, declaring his surrender.

"Winner, Second!"

The referee made the decision.

...This won't do. This is no good.

"Hey, why are you smiling?"

After inwardly mocking myself, I confronted Main.

I needed to show it with my attitude.

Before the match, this guy was trying to say something. Something awkward and embarrassing, something he would laugh and brush off, but he was clenching his fists, blushing, and dead serious.

I had to answer him.

I couldn't let his weakness slide anymore, which I had been overlooking with a "Well, it's fine."

That's what it means to trust each other, I thought.

"Uh... because Second is so strong."

"No. If your Third Form was above fifth rank, I might have lost. It was a close call. I unconsciously looked down on you. There's no strength in that."

"...But, you're really strong, aren't you?"

"No. Aren't you not angry? You lost to someone who looked down on you. Aren't you not angry?"

"Well, not really, it's just--"

"Don't lie to yourself. If you're not angry here, you'll stay like this forever."

"......"

Main fell silent.

Suddenly, the sound of clapping approached.

"Excellent point, Second. You're right. My foolish brother lacks that spirit. I've been telling him that all along."

Of course. He appeared.

It was the handsome man with sharp eyes and long golden hair tied back, Prince Claus.

Claus looked at me and, with a confident smile, said:

"I've seen your skills. They are truly remarkable. I will grant you a special permission. Come under my command and learn leadership."

The crowd around us gasped in surprise.

Being directly under Prince Claus means a guaranteed position in the First Knight Corps. If Claus becomes the new king, it promises even greater success.

This is a big deal. I understand that.

By recruiting me in public, this is an official invitation from the First Knight Corps, and the ultimate proof that Prince Claus publicly recognizes my abilities.

However, on the other hand.

Refusing this invitation is the same as declaring to everyone that you are making Prince Claus your enemy.

--No one can refuse. Everyone thinks that.

Claus was aiming for this.

An invitation that a normal person can't refuse.

Yes, a normal person.

"I don't want to."

With just one word, I replied.

"What did you say?"

Claus asked again.

"I don't want to."

I repeated slowly.

Main was looking at me with a stunned face.

It's okay. I had anticipated this. I knew he would try to recruit you once I prevented him from bullying you. After all, he's the top of the knight corps. The world's best isn't that easy to fool twice.

"......"

Claus's face turned red with anger. This is exactly what "hair standing on end" means.

But, he mustn't lose his composure.

This is in public.

Losing his cool just because his invitation was refused is not the mark of a king.

"...Is that so?"

Claus said with a red face.

Here, I play my trump card.

"Before the match, I made a promise with Main. To visit the palace next time."

"---!"

Main's eyes widened.

Yes. The meaning of these words in this context is, "I am already under the command of the Second Prince."

We had indeed made a promise just a few minutes ago. The referee nearby can vouch for it.

"...Is that so?"

Claus, with a vein popping on his forehead, looked at Main and the referee.

Main nodded.

The referee also bowed deeply.

"...I see."

There was already a contract between the Second Prince and me.

Interfering with that and recruiting me would be considered poaching in public. That's a breach of etiquette.

He had no choice but to back down. The situation had reversed.

"Very disappointing. Continue to improve, then."

Claus left with a dark red face.

"Second..."

Main looked up at me with a flushed face.

This guy has completely forgotten the lecture from before.

"Well, let's continue the lecture. How about we have a match until you feel regret?"

"...Eh, what!? Please, spare me! There's no way I can win!"

"Idiot, that's exactly what's wrong with you. That's why you're called a weak and foolish brother."

"That's so harsh... Second, you're really strict with me. It's like you're my older brother."

"Don't compare me to him."

"Uh...?"

"It's because we're friends, you idiot."

I gave Main a light punch on the head.

It must have hurt, but with tears in the corners of his eyes, Main smiled the widest smile since we met and said, "Yes!" and nodded.

* * *

"Damn it! Main...!"

Claus entered the school building, spitting out his brother's name with disgust as he headed to the principal's office.

Being outdone by his foolish brother. Just that alone tore Claus's pride to shreds.

"Pola Memento! Are you here!?"

"Calm down, Prince Claus."

"Shut up! Hand over all the information on that creepy Second guy now!"

Pola, the principal of the Royal Magic School, sighed at the raging First Prince and took out a bundle of documents from her desk drawer.

"Give it here!"

Claus snatched the documents from Pola's hand and read them on the spot.

"...Is this all!?"

The information was just trivial details about how Second spent his time at school.

"He's a somewhat mysterious person. There's nothing clear about the island country of Jipang where he comes from."

"Damn it, ahhh!!"

Claus threw the documents on the floor and left the principal's office.

"Tsk, I heard he has a short temper."

Pola sighed as she gathered the scattered documents.

"...However, Second. We need to investigate him thoroughly."

Her black-rimmed glasses, hanging over her lowered face, glinted suspiciously.

Thank you for reading.

Next time, it's a bonus interlude.