Unbelievable, utterly unbelievable, we have a dinner at the city's council president, and what happens? Alexius and Kardenon get embroiled in some kind of stupid contest. It angers me so much, but I guess that what annoyed me the most was the fact that they wanted to do it without me. Things can't go on like this. If I just keep being excluded from things, then the end result is that it will be normal for me not to get involved in the fighting. Eventually, I will just be another damsel to be protected. I won't let that happen. I am not helpless and won't be a burden. I might kind of feel bad for the old gnome that is going against us, but I guess he will have to face three opponents.

It felt like the city had burst into a great festival. I don't understand, what is so incredible about an old retired university professor having a bout against three people? According to what I was told, it's not like anyone getting hurt was even probable... What is so exciting about this whole thing? It felt like the capital during festivals. As we were guided through the city to the more famous sightseeing places, I could clearly hear excited voices every now and then.

“Did you hear? Massen Garesade will return to the arena! A last fight before he leaves on a journey. And I hear it's against three people that saved the president's daughter from the Broken wheel! Talk about exciting!”

I did hear some of the stories that gnome told during the diner, but really, is he that impressive? Especially against three people. It's not like any of us are pushovers when it comes to fighting. Suddenly curious, I decided to ask Milina, who was accompanying us.

“So, it seems that people are really excited because your teacher is going to fight us at the end of the month. What do you think about it?”

Her eyes lit up, I guess she must really have wanted to talk about it, huh.

“Well of course! He was almost legendary. In the thirty or so fights he participated in, he never lost and only twice ever came close to it. I know that some people dislike it because they think it's boring if someone always dominates, but the raw skill of it is so enthralling. I fact, his initial fame that got him a good position in the university and as a tutor came from his skill in the arena. Even if he is also extremely knowledgeable in other fields, there are very few people in Toragan who could be considered to be his equal in the understanding of magic and even in the rest of the Nemiria region, I don't think there is anyone that is clearly superior to him.”

That sure sounds like exaggeration, but I could see from her intense eyes that she believed every single word of what she said. I guess he must be somewhat impressive then? Nobody acquires such a reputation without merit.

“So, what do the people think about our chances?”

I guess, surely, even if it is three against one, if he is that incredible then people must be giving an equal chance at victory and defeat. Milina shook her head, clearly dissatisfied with the answer she was about to give me.

“Uh, embarrassingly enough, most betting houses are putting out 7 to 1 odds.”

Huh? 7 to 1? I can't help but feel that there has to be something wrong with that number.

“Surely that is an exaggeration...”

Her response was immediate, though not what I expected.

“Right? Even if it is Massen Garesade... Alexius and Kardenon were able to beat a camp full of Broken Wheel cultists, and with you added on top... I'd give you guys 5 to 1 odds or maybe even 4.5 odds against.”

Wait... Are we actually the ones at a disadvantage here? That can't be right, can it? No, there is no way...

“Hmm, I see.”

Aren't we being underestimated a bit here? That can't be right. It is three against one... How can that be right? We beat the dungeon and... No. Listing what we have done won't simply bring us victory. I feel quite irritated. I don't like being underestimated. Much later that day, I decide to call a meeting of the three of us at the council president's house before we go to sleep.

“Hmm, what is this about a combat meeting I hear? We don't fight against Massen for two weeks still... I really want to wake up early tomorrow to discuss my magic-armor-construct with him. He is actually appreciative of its genius, not like those ignoramuses back home...”

I can't believe my ears. Did he really say that he is talking with our opponent about his armor, probably or biggest trump card in this whole thing?

“You're talking with him about you armor? What? Do you actually want to win this thing or not?”

The two of them were surprised by my attitude.

“Hey, I will talk about it with anyone that is able to appreciate it. So what if we are having a little friendly competition later on?”

Alexius put on his best pacifying smile.

“Yeah, it's just a little friendly competition, it's not like we have to win. Besides, it is three against one, if we do it right, it shouldn't be that hard to beat him.”

They are not taking it seriously. Unbelievable! Is Alexius' main objective to try and irritate me as much as possible? Because he is doing that quite well. We are being ridiculed, people think that we barely have a chance and here they are with this attitude!

“Do you have any idea what are the odds that people are putting against us?” The two of them looked at me slightly confused. “7 to 1! People think we barely have any chance at winning this and yet here are the two of you, nonchalantly thinking that this will just be some friendly competition or something. Don't you feel humiliated as men? It's three against one!”

I think that I might have made them somewhat understand the situation, because Kardenon jumped up from his chair.

“Oh, so people are betting on this are they? Then I guess I really should take this more seriously.”

Yes, please, do!

“So, what do you suggest? You think we should train together or something?”

That wouldn't be a bad idea.

“Well, they are putting 7 to 1 odds against us, so we probably have way more bridge than what we can get in two weeks worth of practice. I guess a pretty harsh training is in order.”

Alexius nodded at that. Wait. They are not even angry with us being considered weaker? Instead they are now talking about training and... Did I just do something that I will regret?