Chapter 36

---

Today is May 3rd.

In other words, it's the day of the duel.

The duel will take place after school, but I can feel Bakabon is on edge from the morning.

Me? I'm just operating as usual.

I don't know what kind of despicable strategy Bakabon will use, but I'm determined to crush all of his attacks.

After all, Father said, "Crush him completely," and I want to instill a fear in his soul that he can never win against me, no matter what he does.

He's just a kid?

I don't care!

Being a kid only excuses cute pranks; I have no mercy for those who abuse their power and don't consider others' inconvenience!

I want to think this is a stepping stone for a peaceful future... but is that even possible?

Sigh.

In the morning, I only had one hour of monster studies, and in the afternoon, there were two hours of practical combat training, focusing on basic combat movements and party coordination.

Mr. Bloom said we will eventually fight real monsters, so we need to practice these basic movements and coordination until then.

Next, we have the item studies class, where we learn about the various types of materials used in items.

Initially, the class is mostly theoretical, but it becomes more practical once we start making items.

Needless to say, the materials vary greatly and are countless.

I have the Eye of Insight, so I can tell not only the material but also its strength and effects. However, ordinary people have to study and gain knowledge to determine the material from their knowledge and experience.

...It's truly the realm of craftsmen and scholars.

Then, after school begins.

The students rush to the Second Arena.

The Second Arena can hold 1,000 people, so it can accommodate all the students.

Incidentally, many teachers are also occupying the audience seats.

I can see that the Student Council, led by Onee-sama Krishnas, is guiding the students and teachers who have become spectators, and there are even vendors selling juice and light snacks!

Does the Discipline Committee allow this?!

Turns out, the vendors are the Discipline Committee members!

I later learned that being a vendor is the exclusive right of the Discipline Committee.

They maintain discipline by not allowing other clans to intervene...

The revenue goes to the clan's activity funds, and apparently, other clans try to pressure them, but the Student Council gives them a cut, so the exclusive right is allowed...

That's what I heard from Onee-sama Krishnas! It's a secret!

"Ladies and gentlemen, today you will witness the duel between first-year student Christoph von Brütschels and first-year student Werner von Brennan!

The commentary is by me, Linda Setz, the Student Council's Public Relations Officer, and the analysis is provided by Onee-sama Krishnas von Brütschels, the Student Council President and Christoph's sister!"

What is Onee-sama Krishnas doing?

There's even commentary!

And what are those cheers for Onee-sama Krishnas?!

I understand she's beautiful and has many male fans, but why so many female fans? "Onee-sama~" What is this?!

"This duel was proposed by Werner, the fourth son of the Brennan Marquess family, to Christoph, the second son of the Brütschels Margrave family. Werner boasts that he will crush Christoph completely!

On the other hand, Christoph, a frail young noble who was bedridden until he was 11, is a genius who has achieved the academic and magical prowess to enter this Royal Magic Academy in just two years. According to Onee-sama Krishnas, he has a weak personality due to his frail health and does not like fighting, and he was troubled by Werner's forced duel proposal!"

Haha, this commentary is definitely set up by Onee-sama Krishnas... She's determined to crush Bakabon.

If I win by a landslide, won't there be boos?

...Am I also being cornered?

"Christoph, don't mind what the commentary says. Just win by a landslide!"

Karla is cheering for me to win without getting hurt, but her motivation is...

"Christoph will be fine."

Perron seems to genuinely believe I will win by a landslide.

"You're the head of the Brütschel Trading Company, so you can't lose!"

Thanks for the incomprehensible cheer, Clara.

"...Good luck."

Yeah, I'll do my best not to get hurt, Pritz.

"Now, it's time for the participants to enter. Oh, the first to enter is Werner. He's wearing a deep blue mantle that looks very expensive. Please welcome him with applause!"

The applause is outweighed by the boos.

Bakabon has become the complete villain.

Onee-sama Krishnas is terrifying!

"Next, Christoph enters! His jet-black mantle and beautiful, silky blonde hair stand out! Please witness the brave stance of this handsome young man who has mustered the courage to face the duel, breaking away from his frail past!"

Senpai Linda, please stop, I'm losing SP from embarrassment!

Bakabon's expression has gone beyond a wry smile to one of intense anger.

"You country noble, how dare you mock me! I won't forgive you!"

Hey, there's some added hatred towards me?

That commentary has nothing to do with me!

...But it might be orchestrated by Onee-sama Krishnas...

And, it's better not to say such things out loud; that's why you're considered a fool.

Since Onee-sama Krishnas is provoking Bakabon for me, I'll let it be.

Even if Bakabon calms down, he can't beat me, but it's easier to deal with him when he's angry.