Chapter 15

In this "City of Swords," all sword fights held here are subjects of betting.

In large-scale tournaments or matches with good cards, it is said that enormous sums of money are wagered.

"It seems that, as a match between the old and new top guilds, the betting amount is quite substantial."

In the waiting room before the match, Lilia told me this with a tense expression. The prize money for winning is apparently proportional to the betting amount.

However, even that is far from enough to repay the debt.

"The popularity is one-sided, and our odds, 'Dragon Fang,' are over twenty to one... That's why, if we win this, we can clear the debt in one go...!"

It seems that participants can also bet on themselves, and Lilia has bet a considerable amount on 'Dragon Fang.' If they lose, the guild will be ruined. This is their last big bet.

"Wow, you're really admirable. A daughter trying so hard to protect her father's guild. It's blinding. Truly blinding."

A voice came from the entrance. When I turned to look, there was a man who looked like a mantis. He was tall and lanky, with unkempt hair like a vagrant. He had a mocking smile, but his eyes shone sharply like those of a wild beast.

"! Georg...!"

"Still, I heard that you even included an 'Unemployed' member. Even to make up the numbers, that's a bit too much, isn't it?"

He glanced at me for a moment.

"Lilia, do you know him?"

"...Not just know, he's the guild leader of Black Blade..."

Hmm.

I thought he wasn't an ordinary person, but this man is the leader of the city's largest guild.

Lilia glared sharply at him.

"Oh, oh, there's no need to look at me with such hostile eyes. After all, thanks to me, you've been given your last chance. Of course, I think you understand that a guild that has fallen this far would never have the chance to fight against my guild."

Even if they are called the old and new top guilds, the gap between them is clear. I had been wondering how they managed to arrange the match, but it seems this man had a hand in it.

"I don't want to see a former rival guild disappear, so I really want to do something for you."

Of course, it's not out of kindness. Even I, meeting him for the first time, can tell from the smile plastered on his face. He's the type who enjoys tormenting the weak.

"Of course, whether you can repay the debt or not is up to you. But don't worry. If you end up as a debt-ridden slave, I'll buy you."

"..."

Bathed in the man's sticky gaze, Lilia covered her body with her arms.

"I absolutely refuse...!"

"Hehehe..."

After a nasty laugh, the man turned and left.

"Whatever, I don't want you to take unnecessary risks. It would be a shame if you lost an arm like someone else did."

He left with those words. Lilia watched him go with a resentful look.

"What a pretentious...! You should be the happiest that my father's arm ended up like that, thanks to you...!"

* * *

"Then, let's begin today's main event, the guild battle between 'Black Blade' and 'Dragon Fang'!"

The crowd erupted.

Amid the many spectators, we stepped onto the field. A square stage was set up, and the match would take place there.

"Hey, look! There are only three members from Dragon Fang!"

"Really! I heard they were in decline, but I didn't expect they could only field that many!"

The audience buzzed at the sight of our three members.

On the other hand, Black Blade appeared with the maximum number of ten members.

"Wow! It looks like they have four A-rank swordsmen!"

"The other six are all B-rank swordsmen!"

"Sure, the 'Absolute Swordsman' Georg isn't here, but this lineup is still too strong for most guilds!"

Lilia's cheek twitched beside me.

"To send out four A-rank swordsmen...!"

We don't have any A-rank swordsmen, so she must have been hoping they would underestimate us and send fewer members.

"That's the type of person who enjoys tormenting a rabbit. But I'm grateful to fight strong opponents."

"You're lucky, aren't you! If you lose, you can just quit right away!"

"Hmm, that's true, but so what?"

I used to belong to the same guild as my mother, but that's all the connection I have. I can't empathize with her just because she asks me to.

"By the way, is Rina okay?"

"Don't call me by my first name so casually!"

When I spoke to the silent girl from my hometown, she shouted at me.

"Why are you angry?"

"Shut up! I'm not angry!"

It seems she's still upset about losing to me. Lilia pleaded with her.

"Rina... please... I understand that losing to Alair is frustrating, but please focus on the match now..."

"I know! I'm not upset or anything!?"

"Then, let's begin the first match! From 'Black Blade,' the 'Swordsman' Gio! And from 'Dragon Fang,' ...what? ...The 'Unemployed' Alair!"