Chapter 10

"Alright... Following the tavern duel rules, I will officiate the duel between Celia Bardonic and Luigis!"

As Richard the old man declared, the onlookers immediately started to clamor. Some slammed their ceramic mugs on the table, urging for the duel to start. Others ordered more drinks, finding it a good excuse for more snacks. Still, others began to place bets on who would win. The scenes varied, but one thing was certain: everyone was enjoying the spectacle irresponsibly.

As for you, Richard, what exactly are you doing? It's clear you're managing the betting.

"Hey, Luigis. I'll pick up your bones, so at least last a few rounds, will you?"

It became clear that there was no longer any point in expecting anything from this ruthless old man. No, it was clear from the start. A deep sigh escaped me involuntarily.

The two knives that returned to my waist jiggled, perhaps from the rough handling against the beast. If I were to clash with them, they might break at the hilt.

I glanced at Celia Bardonic, who had been named as my opponent.

Ah, I see. She's smiling broadly. But it's not a smile of joy. It's the smile of someone plotting something. I've seen that look a few times during our journey to save the world.

This is strange. Why, how did it come to this? I didn't do anything wrong, did I?

*

I entered the tavern and took my seat as Celia Bardonic, with a smile, gestured. The table was a step higher than the others and cost more than usual. I've never sat there, but for her, a knight, it's not particularly expensive.

"Well... It seems the large beast was successfully defeated. I should congratulate you, I suppose."

"Yes. I submitted the report and the beast's magic core as proof to the knight order. They were in a panic, saying the Bardonic daughter had accomplished a great feat."

The magic core. The essence of the beast. Some say it is the beast itself. There is no better proof of killing a beast. It is a condensed form of magic, used in magic in the future.

Celia Bardonic tossed it aside, spitting it out with a sneer. She must have her reasons, but I can't fathom them.

The beginning was surprisingly peaceful. It was like an extension of small talk, and in a way, it was a bit scary to think that in the future, I had such a mundane conversation with her.

But the atmosphere changed when the second glass of wine was brought.

"So, why did you leave that place?"

"Why? I would just be in the way. Besides, you always say I'm in the way..."

I stopped myself. No, it wasn't her who kept saying I was in the way. It was future Celia Bardonic. At least, the Celia Bardonic in front of me now isn't the one who treated me rudely. Even if they are the same person.

Celia Bardonic raised an eyebrow in surprise and spoke.

"You, you say strange things sometimes, like in the forest. I told you to stay put, but you disobeyed. Even though I am a knight, albeit a fallen one, you defied my orders."

The situation was getting worse. I was starting to understand what she was getting at.

But why? I still don't understand.

"... In this country, if you disobey a higher-ranking person, you receive punishment. Are you saying I should accept that?"

I lowered my gaze, trying to gauge her feelings as I said this.

Indeed, such a custom is still in place. So, if Celia Bardonic wanted to punish me, it would be easy. At most, it would be a few days of hard labor. But was she really that angry about me disobeying her? I don't think the Celia Bardonic I know would be so petty.

"Of course, I could do that. But that would be too petty. Besides, I didn't come here for that. I just came to confirm something."

Ah, right, she said, as if remembering.

"Your name? What is it?"

"... Luigis. Just Luigis. It's a dirty name, I know."

"I see. Then, Luigis, I have many questions for you. But there is one important one: Why did you help me?"

She was referring to when I jumped at the large beast.

Why? When asked this way, it's difficult to answer. I acted on impulse, a momentary emotion. But that wouldn't satisfy her. It's more important to give her a reason that would make her nod and let me leave quickly.

After all, the gazes of the surrounding customers were painful. If it became known that I was talking to a woman, especially a knight, in such a place, who knows what trouble I might face later.

So, at that moment, I lightly responded.

"Well, if there's a beautiful lady, it's only natural for a man to help, isn't it?"

There was a moment of silence between us. Then, Celia Bardonic, with her beautiful face, smiled wonderfully and said,

"I see, that's an insult."

"Huh... What? Why?"

"Master! Prepare for the duel! This man just insulted me. I will settle this through a duel!"

Her clear, resonant voice swept through the tavern.

The men, fueled by alcohol, reacted as if they were in a fever. They immediately cleared the tables to make space and started ordering more drinks.

Why? What was an insult? I was complimenting her.

"I told you, I am a knight. To speak to me as if I were a weak woman is an insult."

My cheek twitched. I can't stand the upper class for this reason.

They play word games every day. And that aggressive smile on her well-composed face. I know what that face means. When Celia Bardonic shows this expression, it means,

"If you win, I will forgive this incident. But if I win,"

She will be unreasonably cruel to me.

"You will be my servant. I will use you without mercy."

Now I understand. This woman was determined to make this happen, no matter how I answered.