Declaration of War
The sensational news that the son of the Gallard Company had recklessly challenged the son of the Mertzalo family to a duel spread throughout the academy in no time.
Incidentally, I had already heard various details about this dueling system from Student Council President Tricia.
Each party makes a vow, and the loser must abide by the winner’s oath.
Once accepted, it becomes a magical contract that cannot be nullified.
Apparently, duels only occur a few times a year, but for a first-year student to challenge an upperclassman was an unprecedented event in the academy’s history.
“What a daring plan you’ve come up with.”
After classes that day, I was summoned to the Student Council room by President Tricia.
I brought Connie and Lucina with me, but as soon as we arrived, she greeted me with a tone of exasperation.
“I simply issued a declaration of war in accordance with the academy’s rules.”
“Young master Lake, you want Claire to attend the academy, right?”
“That’s right. She’s a genius when it comes to handling magic herbs... It would be a waste to leave her as she is.”
“Hmph...”
Oh?
Connie?
Why did you suddenly get in a bad mood?
“… Well, whatever. You gave me a ring, after all.”
Just when I was wondering what was wrong, she mumbled something and then suddenly became cheerful.
Teenage girls are truly beyond my comprehension.
For now, I should get back to the main topic.
“I thought you would agree with me, President Tricia?”
“Yes. It would indeed be a shame for such a talented student to be buried in obscurity... However, do you really think he’ll accept the condition that, if you win, his sister will be freed?”
“I don’t think that will be a problem.”
For Walton, that’s the one outcome he wants to avoid the most.
However, this duel is also an opportunity for him.
After all, I’m probably the only person in this academy who has known Claire since childhood and has a chance of influencing her.
From his perspective, I must seem like the only real threat capable of ending his reign.
That’s precisely why Walton has made his own vow for this duel:
“If I win, you will be forbidden from ever speaking to or making any contact with my sister again.”
“If you’re that confident, then surely you have a plan for victory?”
“Of course. Allow me to explain my path to victory.”
“Please do.”
I proceeded to outline my battle plan to the president.
Of course, I left out any details regarding my magic gun.
In fact, I had no intention of using my magic gun in this fight.
It was overkill against Walton, and I wasn’t ready to reveal it publicly yet.
Besides, mass production of magic bullets was still not in place.
Not that it mattered—I didn’t feel like I would lose to him even if I only used swordsmanship.
I also had some magic tools I wanted to test in actual combat.
I might bring those along as well.
While keeping crucial details vague, I finished explaining my strategy to the President.
“I understand the general plan. With such thorough preparation, your chances of winning will be significantly higher.”
Despite saying that, her expression remained serious.
Noticing my gaze, she explained the reason.
“Even if all his past achievements were due to Claire, it’s obvious that he will use the magic herbs she cultivated in the duel. Be careful not to underestimate him.”
I see.
Walton himself isn’t a threat, but the magic herbs Claire raised are troublesome.
Some magic herbs can be infused with mana to produce elemental effects like fire or wind.
Cultivating them is said to be extremely difficult, but if it’s Claire, she can definitely do it.
Otherwise, that fool wouldn’t be able to act so high and mighty just because of his lineage.
Claire’s magic herbs are competent enough to compensate for his incompetence.
“It’s okay! Master Lake will definitely win!”
“I agree.”
“Thank you, both of you. I’ll make sure to win.”
I declared confidently.
But as the President said, I couldn’t afford to be careless.
Three days remained until the duel.
Until then, I would refine my plan further while working on my magic tools.
What do you think about this chapter?
