Chapter 29 Apple of Your Eye

Two carriages are already waiting for us when we walk out the entrance. Astrid and Sól having called it in advance in preparation to go out over the week-end.

Guess I'll sit wherever Leila-

With a click of a designer heel onto the coach, it was as if some sort of coliseum fight was signaled to begin.

Sigyn and Margot shoves everyone out of the way... Including me.

Normally, each side of the carriage only fits two people. However, the two squish each other so violently that they manage to jam themselves on either ends of Leila…

Everyone else takes a step back at this.

Giving a knowing look to one another, we all huddle into a circle.

“There isn't enough time for a duel…” Hel mutters quietly so only we can hear.

Eh!? What in Twice! Don't pick something impossible for Humans to compete against Kindred in!

The other two girls express this same sentiment aloud.

Véronique self-assuredly steps forward, “Then I suppose that’s our only option.”

Vali’s hand shoots towards his face, he holds it while chuckling maniacally. “Hehehe…! Do you truly think you all will be able to survive that sort of match?” The atmosphere in the air suddenly grows heavy.

Astrid visibly gulps, “T-This is a game that could go to anyone…!”

“Even if you threaten us, we won’t step down.” Véronique holds out her arm protectively in front of Astrid. “Don’t underestimate us nobles just because we’re Humans!”

“Hmph, very well. I applaud your courage.” Hel’s garnet eyes narrows, his stature is menacing even though he stands shorter than all of us.

You all… Aren't you guys supposed to be Margot's and Sigyn’s friends? Why are you getting so worked up. Someone just go sit with them.

“Enough with the talking. Put your hands where your mouths are.” Nott stands up and lifts his fist.

Sól blankly looks at us all. A-Amazing, to not even bat an eyelash under this pressure…!

“Stone!”

“Parchment!”

“Knife!”

All of us throw down our hands. All of us except Sól who looks between us with an expressionless panic.

“Sól’s out!”

“W-What just…”

…I really overestimated the First Kindred Prince, didn’t I?

Eh!? He’s looking directly at me…! Did he read my mind?

Oh… Although his facial expressions are as impassive as always, I can somehow tell what he’s trying to communicate…

Explain what just happened and somehow save me from this cruel fate!

I narrate in my head with his frozen tone, though I take a few liberties with the word choice.

My condolences, Sól. But you’ve lost fair and square.

P-Please don’t give me that pleading look while Hel’s pushing you into the carriage… I evade his eyes with a pang of guilt.

We all continue this battle of the wits repeatedly until Vali throws out parchment while the rest of us throw out knife.

“Impossible-!”

“Fufu, and just who was it that dared looked down upon us Human nobility?” Covering her mouth with her fingers daintily, Astrid directs a coy and mocking look towards Vali.

“Ugh-!”

Once again, aren't you two supposed to be Margot's lackeys? Just how much do you not want to sit with your own leader? Well, I shouldn’t be talking since I also don’t want to get caught up in that insane maiden’s battlefield.