Chapter 125: 125

“Why do you want a duel again?”

There rarely have been people who pick fights like this, but I have experienced it.

There have been times when people have stood in front of me with a burning sense of justice.

In such a case, the only way to deal with is to try and clear up the misunderstanding while avoiding them.

I’m not so far gone that I’m going to hit someone who is not at fault.

“It’s because you’re strong, ‘Rising Carp of the Boy’s Day Festival’”

“…Wow, it’s that kind of case.”

What a bad character.

My notoriety, to put it another way, is like a bounty.

It was my fault that I went on a rampage, but apparently, the name ‘Rising Carp’ has a certain value in itself.

Apparently, it’s the pinnacle for the city’s delinquents.

Apparently, I’m an annoying lone wolf that’s an eyesore.

A thorn in their side that they can’t get rid of no matter what.

In other words, whoever brings me to my knees in some way will be given a certain amount of honor.

Often, when I get into a fight with someone with such a short-term desire for self-aggrandizement, the results are clearly divided into two types.

There are those who are afraid of me and stay away from me, and those who persistently follow me around to the point of being scary.

I don’t like being beaten up in silence either.

I try negotiating the lowest possible price for the fights that are sold to me.

In other words, I’ve avoided fights that I could have avoided.

I’ve used every word I can think of to explain in detail that I don’t want violence, and in the end we end up fighting.

And I’ve usually won.

If it’s just one person, then it’s fair and square.

If it’s more than one, I run around and take them down one at a time.

If I can’t escape, I use the things around me as weapons.

When I win, 80% of the time, they turn tail and run away. Some of them will try to get revenge later in a different way, but after a few times, the fear of losing is imprinted on them, and they naturally stop getting involved.

At any rate, I am aware that I am also a hot-blooded person. When I fight, I don’t hold back.

It’s the other 20% that’s the problem.

They are the annoying battle junkies who believe themselves to be the strongest.

The Prince Atol in front of me is probably the latter type.

I can tell by his body and attitude.

This prince is used to fighting, and he probably has never lost.

“Well, let me tell you something. I refuse.”

Of course.

I can’t even be bothered with fights in the city, but if I get into a fight with a classmate on campus, it’s going to be a big problem.

Worst case scenario, I could be expelled.

I may look like this, but it’s not just me anymore.

Jaja, Nana, and Aoi.

I’d have to earn money for Rouge, too.

Quitting school and getting a job now might be a short-term solution, but it’s out of the question.

If I don’t properly graduate school and get a good job, I’ll be worried about our future!

So, quitting high school or being forced to quit high school is not an option.

Well, the main reason is because mom would be sad and Aoi, dad and Shouhei would be angry.

I did think about it at one point.

To quit high school and get a job.

Well, how should I put it?

That’s a last resort.

It’s not the best option for those of us whose parents understand the importance of raising a child and are even supporting us.

There should still be time to think about it.

For the time being, I’m going to get a part-time job.

I’ll have to find my own way while relieving my father’s burden.

“You have no right to refuse, you lowly commoner.”

“No, no, no, I firmly refuse. I don’t have anything against the prince, and I don’t like to hit people.”

Yeah, I think it’s better to use honorifics.

I’m not sure how I feel about using honorifics with my classmates.

“Uh, Dailan-san. No, Prince? Why are we dueling?”

“What the hell are you talking about, you left hair part?”

Makio and Gasara backed me up from behind.

But Gasara.

But Gasara, stop with that, I’m going to laugh.

“Your question is reasonable. If you don’t mind, I’d like to explain on behalf of His Highness, if that’s all right. You see, this imbecile was born lacking in the ability to explain things to others.”

“His Highness is so bad at talking, you’re like a grandpa sometimes! Like, ‘Do that thing because that thing is that thing!’ Like that!”

The two girls behind the Prince were saying whatever they wanted.

“Shut up! I can talk just fine myself! It’s just that Big Brother told me to keep my mouth shut as much as possible in Japan!”

“His Highness, the First Prince Gatol knows exactly what’s going on with His Highness Atul. When he opens his mouth, he only says unnecessary things. It’s a pity. It is unacceptable for a leader of the people to be so incompetent.”

“Your brother, His Highness Setol, speaks so well for someone so small!”

“Shut up! Setol’s the one who’s abnormal! His black-heartedness is nothing short of abnormal!”

Wow, it’s like a comedy sketch.

The two girls, his vassals, pointed out one after another, as Prince Atol shouted with his face turning red.

I don’t know why, but I don’t hate that prince.

“Um, Inteira-san? Oh, that one is also Inteira-san. Is it okay if I call you Kayone-san?”

“Yes, you can just call me Kayone. I was a mere maidservant until I married into the royal family. Utai and I are cousins. If you call her Uta-chan, she will answer in a cute way.”

“Yes! I’m Uta-chan!”

Like I said, you’re so annoying!

What is that girl, some kind of demonic ultrasonic weapon?

“Well, then, Kayone. Can you explain it to me now? Well, I don’t want to accept a duel, but…”

I kind of pitied him to refuse him so strongly.

If they have a problem, I’ll properly ask about it and say no later.

Yes, a peaceful resolution.

“Okay. Then, Uta-chan? Shhh, now, okay?”

“Shhh!”

That’s not quiet at all.

“Well, first of all, I have to tell you about us. As Kusaka-sama mentioned earlier, we are exchange students from a country called Dailan, located in the south of the sphere continent, facing the sea.”

“Dailan. I’m sorry, I don’t remember hearing that. I’m sorry I didn’t study enough.”

“I’ve never heard of it either. I know most of the famous demon countries, like Francion.”

I’m glad that I’m not the only one who doesn’t know.

If Makio, an honor student, doesn’t know about it, then most people don’t know about it.

Ah, but Mikuma would probably know.

She has a lot of knowledge about magic, demons, and other things that are related to fantasy.

“I heard about it, it’s a small country that’s famous among some magic tool collectors for its magic-enchanting technology. I’m pretty sure they have a near monopoly on enchantments of water-based magic, right?”

Hey, don’t call it a small country. That’s rude.

“Ara, you’re very knowledgeable, aren’t you, Riot-sama? That’s right, our country doesn’t have any outstanding exports, but instead, we make our living by providing unrivalled magic enchantments to other countries. Although we are a small country, our profits are enormous, so we can be said to be a relatively wealthy country among the many demon nations. We also have some rare ores that can only be extracted in our country, and that is enough to run the country.”

He knows it well, this furball.

Wow, he looks so smug.

Now that you mention it, wasn’t this guy a magic tool collector?

I’m sure that’s an expression where he’s delighted to know that the knowledge he gained as an extension of his hobby came in handy.

What an irritating expression. I’ll give him a forced brushing later.

“As a small country, if Dailan were to sit on its laurels and neglect its technological prowess, it would be quickly overtaken by other countries and fall into decline. His Majesty King Garmreld, was concerned about this, and five years ago, he implemented an exchange program for students from other countries in our country. The family motto of the Dailan royal family is ‘Set an example for the people.’ As we said, we sent His Royal Highnesses to other countries ahead of the ordinary people. We have sent six princes, not including the First, Second, and Fourth Princes, who hold important positions in the country, to study in advanced and technological countries.”

“No, no, the royal family is studying abroad. Isn’t it something more important? It can’t just be that casual.”

Because it seems that even Makio didn’t know that this demon boy was royalty.

After all even now his mouth was open and looked bewildered.

“Well, I knew they were some kind of important people, but not like a prince.”

As if he realized the meaning of my gaze, Makio shook his head and answered.

“Yes, of course. We are treated as VIPs in this country. Even now, our country’s SP is standing by around this high school, and we are very grateful for the splendid house you have prepared for us. Even this empty-brained His Highness has been taking notice, and all of us vassals are unable to repay the favor of the Japanese nation.”

“Oh, by the way. Your Japanese is very good.”

I’m pretty sure this school only has spheres in the cafeteria, gym and audiovisual room.

I’ve heard of a demon language on TV, but I think it was quite difficult and fast.

“Ah, many of our generation in our country can speak the language of this country, you know? We are the biggest supporter of this country since the world clash, and as an island nation, water magic tools are in high demand and favored. Japanese is a required subject in our secondary schools.”

Hoh.

I didn’t know that.

I’ve heard that this country’s language is difficult for foreigners to learn.

Well, I’ve heard that language learning is much more efficient than before, now that the sphere is widely available.

Then, I guess it makes sense.

“Let’s get back to the story, shall we? In order not to interfere in the lives of the students more than necessary, we have only one guard on campus, the attendant Utai. Our house of Inteira has been entrusted with all sorts of royal entourage since ancient times, so Utai’s fighting ability is reliable. I’m a maidservant because I couldn’t find much in the way of training, but when the time comes, I’m more than capable of dealing with ordinary people.”

“… Even though I told you I didn’t need it.”

Prince Atol, who was sulking beside Kayone, muttered.

“… Please wait a moment.”

When Kayone heard that, she turned her head to Prince Atol without breaking her smile.

“You’ve been in this country for over a year now, and you still weren’t convinced?”

“… I told my brother that Iris-baachan alone was enough.”

“Iris-sama has long since retired. Do you not think you are relying too much on someone who is already over eighty years old?”

“… Even if it wasn’t Iris-baachan, the castle would have had plenty of extra maids.”

“Since the seniors are unable to remonstrate with His Highness’ selfishness, His Highness, your elder brother appointed me.”

“Why is it that you, who has not yet graduated from maid school, entrusted to take care of me? That’s incomprehensible. Weren’t there plenty of other maids? I am an incompetent prince!”

“You’re belittling yourself like that again. Please grow up, Your Highness. I’ve always told you that. I’ve always told you that no matter what is said, you should conduct yourself with dignity as a member of the royal family. If you are so offended by the slightest comment from me or Utai, what will you do in the future when you enter the diplomatic arena?”

“Ha ha! Diplomacy! Did you say diplomacy, Kayo? There’s no way I could get such an important job! That’s why Father sent me to study here in the middle of nowhere! Brother Tetol and Setol are studying in Tokyo, and I’m the only one here! No matter how foolish I am, how could I not notice?”

“No, Your Highness! His Majesty has chosen a suitable place for His Highness to study! When are you going to realize the King’s feelings?”

“I’ve noticed! I’ve never wanted the throne, not even when he went to the trouble of putting me last in line for succession in front of the people! Since then, father has never shown himself to me! So be it! After all, I’m so inadequate that it’s hard to believe we share the same blood!”

“You’re doing that again…”

Eh.

What is this?

“Hey, you haven’t finished explaining why you’re going to duel me, have you?”

“Oh, it’s not over.”

Makio replied with a wry smile.

“It seems that it’s difficult for the prince too.”

Gasara crossed his arms and sat down on the bench.

“Oh, yeah!”

“Uwah!”

“Hiii!”

“Puhh!”

You scared me!

Before I knew it, Utai was standing between me and Gasara, who was sitting down.

The sudden loud voice caused Makio to fall over.

Gasara is a beastman and has good hearing, so now his eyes are rolled back and he’s foaming at the mouth.

“Oops, did I speak too loudly again? I’m sorry. It’s just a habit.”

“Gasara? Hey, Gasaraio-kun?”

I shook the twitching fluffy furball.

It’s no good, there’s no response.

“Ha!”

Oh, he’s awake.

“Are we under attack?”

“Calm down.”

There’s no enemy.

“Ahaha, sorry. Are you okay with this?”

“U-un.”

“But that’s still quite loud.”

Makio, who was still in a daze, nodded, and I quipped.

“Kayo-san, you know, really likes His Highness, you know?”

“Really?”

After all that crap you’ve been saying?

“When it was announced that His Highness was going to study in this country, the Inteira family used on their connections to get on his good side. His Highness the Seventh Prince Tetor had originally planned to appoint Kayo-san, right? I also went with the flow and came along. In the future, Kayo-san and I will both be responsible for conceiving His Highness’s child and strengthening the ties between Inteira and the royal family. Kayo-san’s mother said that the reason why she came with me was to prevent His Highness from learning to play with women in this country. She doesn’t think anyone around her knows about it, though.”

“Hah?”

Well, then, what is it?

“No, let me tell you something! Whenever you have free time, you train your muscles like a fool! What does a demon have to do with muscle training? Why don’t you train in magic, magic!”

“You’re denying me the only hobby I’ve ever had! Setol has a job offer at the Ministry of Magic anyway! What does it matter if I’m inferior and have to train now anyways!”

“There is such a thing as ambition!”

What they’re having over there is a lovers’ quarrel.

“Hey, lunch break’s already over.”

Gasaraio showed me the watch on his wrist.

Seriously, class already?

Where did the time go?