Chapter 67

Kurando snorted at the half-expected conclusion.

"First, let me apologize. I'm sorry that the duel I accepted ended in such a result. I truly regret it."

The branch manager bent his large body parallel to the table and bowed his head.

"Your apology means little to me. ...At least give me an explanation of the circumstances."

Kurando's anger had already turned cold and sunk to the bottom of his heart.

While he did feel a burning anger, he knew that getting involved would only bring trouble. It was better to keep his distance. He decided to think of it as similar to dealing with a hero.

Moreover, since the two elders had sided with Fanfu, if he had insisted on the rights of the victor at that moment, it would have led to a battle between the two elders and Kurando, and he would have probably been defeated easily.

There was also the option of informing the Kingdom of Rattana about Fanfu, but doing so would only cause the two elders to stir up more trouble, making the situation worse and ultimately resulting in a loss for Kurando. Mainly, the possibility of his existence being exposed to someone would increase dramatically.

The branch manager raised his head and, seemingly unaffected by Kurando's rude manner of speaking, began to speak.

"First, as you might already know, dueling itself is not actively considered a crime in this country. However, it is not necessarily encouraged. The law only states that the custom of dueling is not illegal.

After the Magic Revolution, as countries transitioned to democracies, duels, which were once the domain of nobles and the three types of old adventurers, spread to the general public, leading to frequent duels and many deaths. Indeed, too many deaths.

Concerned about this, the government now encourages duels that do not result in death, as a last resort.

As a result, duels that risk life and death have become much less common, and the number of deaths has decreased, making duels seem outdated."

"Is interfering with a duel not a legal offense?"

The branch manager answered with a bitter expression.

"Yes, as I mentioned earlier, it is not a duel court. While it is an extremely dishonorable act, there is no official legal penalty.

If the interference is particularly egregious and violates the custom, it can be reported to the government and punished, but in this case, the interference did not overturn the outcome of the duel, and the opponent is a girl who has not yet reached adulthood. Considering the government's encouragement of non-lethal duels, even if reported, it would likely result in only a warning and effectively be ignored."

This was a period of confusion after the transition from monarchy to democracy, where the class barriers were gradually breaking down, and culture and customs were in a state of chaos.

Kurando understood the circumstances but was still displeased, showing a sullen face.

Seeing this, the branch manager intensified his tone and continued.

"However, while duels among citizens have become outdated and are declining, it is different for the three types of old adventurers, especially hunters. While they do not view duels as sacred as nobles do, they see them as significant agreements and contracts.

For example, if a hunter is commissioned to risk their life to hunt a monster but the reward is revoked, the hunter cannot continue. In the worst case, they might even kill the client. Even if they don't kill them, they would never accept a commission from them again.

Like chivalry, it may not always be ideal, but interfering with a duel is never praised. Even if it involves a girl, the hunter who interfered would be looked down upon by other hunters and isolated, unable to form temporary parties.

The association has also suspended Fanfu's hunter status. We will take all possible measures to ensure that the circumstances and outcome of the duel are not distorted. We will lodge a strong protest with the 'Moon Goddess's Attendant.' However, that is all we can do.

The association does not have the authority to impose further penalties. Duels, unless conducted under special circumstances, are treated as private disputes. The presence of association staff as witnesses is a matter of goodwill and serves as a testament to the duel. Otherwise, no one would act as a witness for a duel.

Sir Joseph is a top-tier explorer and mercenary but not a hunter, and Lady Agatha, in a way, considers it part of her job. The relationship between the association and the 'Moon Goddess's Attendant' makes it difficult to impose penalties.

Even the Kingdom of Rattana can do little. The kingdom's laws prohibiting revenge and retaliation for duels do not apply outside the kingdom, and they have no time to deal with a single hunter and a bird-person girl. Of course, if Fanfu returns to Rattana, she will be purged."

" Suspension? Isn't it a mistake to expel her?"

"…Lady Agatha said that the girl would lose her means of making a living when she starts anew."

Kurando nodded in understanding.

"I have a question. How much do you know about the situation between me and Fanfu?"

In response to Kurando's question, the branch manager gave a brief answer.

It was not the story that Naver had risked his life to create but rather the facts that Kurando and Yobi had claimed.

"---Well, in public, the revenge and duel that occurred during the coronation parade are treated as a minor incident. It is said that a bride from a fallen noble family risked her life to expose the truth and avenge her child, and her husband, caught between his wife's apology and his prestigious family, fought and was defeated by a notorious northerner.

The real family of Fanfu, the Luwan family, was also purged, but it was mixed in with the purge of nobles who opposed the transition to democracy."

Kurando looked at the branch manager with a puzzled expression, to which the branch manager laughed and said,

"Is Bailey Goodman doing well?"

Kurando immediately recalled the name.

There were few people in the Kingdom of Rattana whose names he could remember properly.

"Yes, he's doing well. He hit one of our hunting beasts."

"The registration of hunting beasts in Rattana allows them to enter the city, but the review is strict. Well, Ilnique was probably unexpected. I would have liked to see his face at that moment.

I've formed a party with him before. Even if I hadn't, since it was a duel that occurred at the association, the branch in Rattana was asked about the circumstances. Since you hadn't shown up for nearly ten days, there was plenty of time to investigate."

Kurando sighed, finding the situation troublesome.

"Then, the association—"

---Knock knock

Kurando's words were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Sir Joseph Buster has arrived."

The branch manager looked at Kurando at the sound.

Kurando, with a sullen face, nodded.

"Come in."

The door opened, and a small, white-haired old man, Joseph Buster, entered the branch manager's office.

Although he was described as small, he was of average height compared to the generally large white people. However, his back was slightly bent, making him appear small to Kurando.

He held a curved cane, but it did not seem to indicate any weakness in his legs.

"I'm sorry for the sudden visit. I heard that Mr. Kuro was at the association and rushed over. Please forgive my rudeness."

The branch manager offered Joseph a seat next to him.

Kurando, showing no effort to hide his irritation, sat with a sullen face.

Joseph bowed his head.

"I'm sorry."

To Kurando, the apology was meaningless.

Moreover, the prospect of having to deal with this man, Joseph, was troublesome, so he had nothing to say.

Joseph continued to bow his head.

Kurando's reaction was as if Joseph were not there.

The branch manager, trying to mediate, resisted the urge to hold his head in his hands.

"Sir Joseph is saying this, so please try to bear with it."

"Do you know the circumstances?"

Joseph raised his head in response to Kurando's question.

"I know. I understand that it is a grudge that should not be held."

"…Then, do as you please. Think of