BXBX NOVEL Chapter 22: A promise with a friend
Chapter 22: A promise with a friend
“Second-san, you are very strong.”
At the final game.
Just before it started, Maine began speaking.
“I guess. Sorry for hiding it. Are you angry? “
“Not at all! I’m liking you more and more.”
You’re a good person, Maine.
“Then, next time take me to the royal palace. I’d like to read the Fourth Form.”
When I answered as so in a clear voice, Maine smiled happily.
“Of course. Uhmm, but, in exchange… be my f――”
“Participants, get ready… Begin! “
The referee signaled the start of the game the moment Maine tried to say something.
The final game has begun.
“……っ! “
After having his conversation interrupted, Maine switched gears immediately and cast 《Wind Attribute?First Form》.
Almost at the same time, I combined 《Soldier Archery》 and 《Water Attribute?First Form》, and got it ready to activate.
Like that, we were about to exchange shots.
As is, the conclusion is settled―― But that prediction was soon overturned.
“HAAA! “
Maine immediately canceled his cast, and jumped directly into the magic I released.
A large chuck of water hits Maine. About 30% of Maine’s HP was being shaved off, but in spite of that, he started casting while taking damage.
This guy, he managed to do Forced Casting!
Indeed, if you are attacked while casting, the spell will be interrupted, but if the cast is performed while you receive an attack, it would not be interrupted.
Maine properly knew about that. As expected of the ‘Erudite Prince’, though I won’t say it.
What’s more…… that magic is 《Wind Attribute?Third Form》. So, this guy had also learned it――!
“Tch.”
I clicked my tongue, then I too cast 《Wind Attribute?Third Form》.
My skill rank is higher than his. Therefore, my casting time is also shorter.
……As a result, my Third Form and Prince Maine’s Third Form were activated at the same time, and cancelled each other simultaneously.
“Ah…”
The simple difference in power was made clear. Maine staggered back and landed on his buttocks.
“It is my defeat.”
He sadly laughed after saying that. A surrender declaration.
“Winner, Second! “
The referee decision came soon.
……This is not good. Can’t leave it like this.
“Hey, why are you laughing? “
After thinking thus, I confronted Maine.
I had to show it in my attitude.
Before the game started, this guy was trying to say it. He’s gloomy and bashful, a person that makes you laugh. But he grasped his fist tightly with his cheeks blushed. He was serious.
I can’t leave without showing him the answer.
I have to properly point out the virtues of this guy who’s too soft to do something and let’s everything pass with a “It’s fine”.
I came to think that he was of such forgiving mind.
“Eh… well, Second-san, you’re strong.”
“No. If your Third Form was grade 5 or higher, I might have lost. It was a dangerous sight. I unconsciously looked down on you. There’s no strength in that.”
“…But you are very strong, right?”
“That’s not it. Aren’t you bitter? You lost to an opponent that was looking down on you. Aren’t you frustrated?”
“No, not really, that is…”
“Don’t deceive yourself. If you’re not frustrated here, you’ll stay the same for the rest of your life.”
“…………”
Maine turned silent.
Suddenly, the sound of laughter and applause came closer.
“Incredible evaluation, Second-kun. It is as you say. My foolish brother lacks such spirit. I’ve always been telling him that.”
I knew it. He came.
With sharp eyes and long, golden hair dropping on his back, it was the First Prince Klaus.
Just as Klaus looked at me, his mouth opened with a smile.
“I properly looked at your skills. You really have a good arm. I’ll make a special exception. Learn commanding under my tutelage.”
Bustle……All the people around raised voices of surprise.
To report directly to the First Prince Klaus would mean having secured an executive position in the First Knight Order. And then, with the crowning of King Klaus, a bright future is ensured.
An incredible deal. Even me understands it.
The fact that I was sought in the presence of this public serves as a formal invitation from the Leader of the First Knight Order Klaus, and is proof that Prince Klaus has publicly acknowledged my ability.
But, on the contrary.
Refusing this invitation is synonymous with declaring, in front of many people, that I’m turning First Prince Klaus into an enemy.
――This gives little reason to refuse. Everyone thinks so.
This is what Klaus was aiming for.
An invitation that no normal person would be able to refuse.
Yes, a normal person.
“Don’t want to.”
I answered with just that single phrase.
“What did you say? “
Klaus asked again.
“Do?not?want?to.”
I repeated myself slowly this time.
Maine looked over here with a black face.
It’s okay. This was within my expectations. I knew that if it became a scenario where Klaus couldn’t beat you because of me, he would try to come and recruit me. After all, isn’t he at the top of the Knights? Sorry to disappoint you, but the world’s number one isn’t that naive.
…………～“
Klaus’ face turned red in anger. I wonder if the expression fuming in anger meant something like this.
However, I’m not angry at all.
We’re in the presence of the public.
Getting angry just because your invitation was refused is not a royal-like attitude at all.
“……Is that right? “
Klaus said with his face still red.
Here’s the time to use the wild card I had prepared.
“I already made a promise with Maine before the game. To visit the Royal Palace with him.”
“――eh! “
Maine’s eyes opened in surprise.
Right. This declaration can be taken with the meaning of “I’m already under the umbrella of the Second Prince”.
I certainly made that promise a few minutes ago. Even the referee who was nearby can prove it.
“……Is that so? “
Klaus looked towards Maine and the referee, with a vein almost popping out from his forehead.
Maine nodded.
The referee also nodded his head strongly.
“……I see.”
There was already an agreement between me and the Second Prince.
He was trying to ‘invite to divide’, or in other words, similar to recruiting an employee working for another company. That was a violation of manners.
Therefore, he had no choice but to back down. And the situation had now reversed.
“What a shame. Well, let us keep doing our best in the future.”
Klaus’ red face became and even darker tone.
“Second-san…”
Blushing slightly, Maine looked over here.
This guy, seems like he already forgot the sermon I gave him.
“Well, let’s continue the sermon. That’s right, do you want to play with me until you no longer feel frustrated?”
“……Eh, EH!? Please spare me! You know I can’t win! “
“Are you dumb? That’s not what I meant. That’s why people keep calling you weak and feeble.”
“What a terrible thing to say… Second-san, you really like to recklessly pick on me, right? You’re almost like my brother.”
“Don’t pair me with the likes of him.”
“Eh…? “
“It’s because we’re friends, idiot.”
Making a fist with my hand, I hit the top of Maine’s head.
Although it was painful enough for tears to form at the edge of Maine eyes, he answered “Yes! “, with a smile.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Fuck! That Maine…! “
While cursing his brother’s name, Klaus went inside the school building and hurriedly headed towards the Headmaster’s office.
That foolish little brother dared pull ahead of me. That was all it took to tear Klaus’ pride to shreds.
“Paula Memento! Are you there!? “
“Please calm down, Your Highness Klaus.”
“Shut up! Hand over all the information you have about that sickening person, Second, this very moment! “
Paula, the headmaster of the Royal Magic Academy sighed at the angry First Prince, and then took out a bunch of papers out from a drawer in her desk.
“Hand it over! “
Klaus aggressively ripped the papers from Paula’s hands and started to go through them on the spot.
“…Is this all!? “
What was written in there was trivial information about how Second had spent his time in the school.
“He’s a person with a lot of mysteries. Also, about his island country Zipang, nothing has come up about that place.”
“F… FUUCK!! “
Klaus slammed the papers on the floor and left the headmaster’s office.
“Good lord, I heard he was an easily upset person, but.”
Paula was astounded as she gathered the papers scattered on the floor.
“…Still, Second-kun. I’ll have to look further into him.”
The black rim around the glasses on her face masked her suspicious expression.