Chapter 7: A Private Execution Under the Name of a Match│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com
“I’ve been expecting you.”
Donato was waiting for me in front of the classroom when I returned from the infirmary.
“…Oh, come to think of it, that’s right. So, what were you hoping to discuss?”
I ask, trying to sound casual.
I hope this enrages him to the point of doing something stupid.
“Of course! You’re the one who slandered me!”
“Heh…”
I made the motion of picking holes in my ears with my pinky finger, as if to provoke Donato, who was yelling at me.
Then…
“Ivan, as a son of a nobleman, you should have the decency to listen to what others have to say.”
For some reason, the Crown Prince and his cronies emerged from the room to chastise me.
If you’re going to talk about the son of a nobleman, I’d like you to discipline this fool.
“…And when did I slander you? Rather, I objected to your unsuitable behavior as “the son of a nobleman.” What is the nobility’s standard of decency if you call this a slander?”
I said to Donato, as if I were mocking the Crown Prince who had just reprimanded me.
Well, I know for a fact that the Crown Prince, Donato, and his cronies are too inept to notice such a thing.
“Hmm… This is a parallel line of reasoning—then how about we do it the aristocratic way and make our decision by crossing swords?”
“Oh! That is a fantastic idea, Your Highness!”
Donato is overjoyed at the Crown Prince’s blunder.
For Christ’s sake… Although I understand his insanity in breaking off an engagement at a graduation party and his hideous behavior after being trapped in the labyrinth, it turns out he has already lost his common sense.
Normally, one of his cronies, a future candidate for his retinue, would have objected, but if they adore the Crown Prince, there’s nothing we can do about it.
Regardless, this is a good thing.
“I understand. It’s fine with me.”
“You said it, Ivan—we’re now going to—”
“Oh, before that. I’m going to ask the teacher for an elective first, so wait a bit.”
I inform the Crown Prince, who is about to leave with Donato and his cronies.
I’ll have to report Nadia’s class before she changes her mind.
“You! I’ve had it with your behavior, not just toward me but also toward your highness! I’m going to kick your guts in!”
Donato was saying something, but I ignored him and went into the classroom to tell the teacher about Nadia and my elective class.
Now she should be able to learn the summoning art and be active.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting. So, let’s get started.”
“H-Huh…”
Donato and I picked up our wooden swords and faced each other as we marched to the academy’s training ground.
“We’ll now have a match between Donato and Ivan—whatever the outcome, neither side, as nobles, may hold grudges, Okay?”
“Oh!”
Donato responded angrily to the Crown Prince, who was in charge of the match.
But the Crown Prince’s tone of voice… He must have known from the start that I wouldn’t be able to beat Donato, so he deliberately set up the game this way—this is his personality.
“Ivan, what do you say?”
“…Yes.”
The Crown Prince pressed me to respond, which I did reluctantly.
Whatever happened to me now was done with my permission. I would not be able to speak about this after the match.
To tell you the truth, I’m not very good at sword fighting.
That is why, for the past seven years, I have been training in magic and only basic physical strength, so that I can fight in my dreams.
So, if it comes down to pure swordsmanship, I’m not going to be able to beat Donato.
If it were only about swordsmanship, that is.
“Then you both take a stand.”
Donato is in the upper stance, and I have my sword in the middle stance.
And…
“Begin!”
“Woooooooooooooo!”
Donato charged at me with all his might.
Donato’s swordsmanship is, in fact, among the best in the academy. His swordsmanship ability far outweighs mine.
So…
—Boom!
“Guh…?!”
I simply took this man’s sword and rolled to the ground.
“Hahaha! Where has your confidence gone?!”
Donato laughs as he looks down at me crawling on the ground.
Oh… That’s right.
Isn’t this Donato the type of guy who enjoys using violence against those who are weaker than him?
“Hello, hello?! What’s the problem?!”
“Guh!”
Donato raises the corner of his mouth and casually slams the wooden sword at me, who is lying on the ground.
There was no longer any swordplay or matches.
And the crown prince and his cronies did nothing to stop Donato’s antics, instead smirking as if they were watching an amusing spectacle.
They’re all scum, truly.
And then…
“Donato, I think it’s time. This is the end of the game.”
“Haa… Haa… what’s with you being so quiet?”
Donato kept hammering until his breath became trapped in his throat.
“You can’t blame Donato for this; it’s the fight you agreed to.”
“…”
The Crown Prince left the training ground with Donato and his cronies after looking at me, who did not move or respond.
At that time.
“Ahhh… Aaahhh!”
I heard a woman’s voice trembling, as if in despair.
‘Sigh’, I messed up…
If I had known this was going to happen, I would have put on a show.
“Ivan, Ivan!”
Nadia rushes to my side, her face creased with tears, and pulls me up into her arms.
“It’s… It’s my Because of me… I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”
Ugh… As expected, I’m feeling a lot of guilt.
So…
“I’ll be fine, Nadia.”
“Huh!? Ivan?!”
I sit up and open my eyes as if nothing is wrong.
“In fact, I’d cast a body-enhancing spell, so that guy’s attack didn’t work—furthermore, he completely missed my vital spots—though my uniform is in shambles.”
Nadia slumps as she realizes I cheated.
“I’m glad… I’m so glad…”
Nadia clenched up my ripped uniform and muttered over and over, shedding more tears.
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