Side: Amanda
...What is that idiot thinking?
I had spent the entire day troubled by my childhood friend's outrageous behavior.
His outrageous behavior was nothing unusual, but this time it wasn't because he had pushed some girl down or peeked into the women's changing room.
A little while ago, some foolish noble who was unhappy about my excellent performance had picked a fight with me, and that idiot Eoid had stepped in and turned it into a duel.
Back then, well, I could understand it... Because I knew Eoid was working hard for my sake.
He had won the duel, too, and was gradually proving himself capable of shedding the stigma of being a "failure" through his own efforts.
...But this time, I had no idea what the point of the duel was.
Why is he standing alongside Yuki-san—the husband of my masters—to fight in a duel!?
What's more, after finishing up our business in Rhodei and coming back, while we were lying down in the same room, Eoid's participation in the duel had somehow been decided out of nowhere.
I didn't understand it at all. Even Eoid himself seemed strangely motivated.
If the opponent were someone on his level, it would still be fine... Lately he's been getting stronger from all the various lessons he's been receiving from Yuki-san and Taiki-san, just like me, so if this were a test of skill I could understand.
But this time, his opponent wasn't even remotely within his league. The opponent was Ranked 13th, and the fight would be against a team assembled by that 13th-ranked student.
That's right—Rank 13 of the Magic Academy.
In the magic department of this magic academy, there exist numbers assigned to what are called "Rankers," and placing within those rankings is proof of being the academy's top students. While these rankings fluctuate daily through duels, the rankers in the top 30 are considered virtually immovable.
Incidentally, I'm Ranked 34th, and rumors were whispering that I might break into the rankers—which was precisely what that noble couldn't stand when he picked a fight with me... Well, he was far below me, and I didn't think Eoid would lose to him, so I let Eoid handle it.
But this time, the match-up is way too bad.
His opponent was a Ranker, and not just any Ranker. He was a High Ranker, like Samantha.
Well, Samantha is 10th so she's called "Number 10" separately, but anyone ranked within the top 15 was considered a High Ranker, and they were incredibly strong.
If Eoid had been seriously training for six months or so, maybe he could have done something... But there was no way he could deal with someone like that after less than a week of training... Unlike me, he doesn't even have a wyvern following him.
"...Why is he so motivated when I'm this anxious?"
In the end, I wasn't actually worried about whether Eoid would win or lose the duel.
Well, I understand perfectly well that this duel is something he got dragged into by Yuki-san and the others, and that it's part of his training. After all, the other side is mainly targeting Yuki-san and the others more than Eoid.
Eoid is basically an extra; since his rank is at the bottom, even if he loses, it won't be a net negative—if anything, he might even get a positive evaluation just for having fought a High Ranker.
Normally, it's impossible for a High Ranker and a low-ranked student to fight—there's no merit for either side.
A high-ranking Ranker was expected to win, while losing would cause their ranking to plummet, and winning barely gave them any points. They had come to the academy to pursue mastery of magic in the first place, so fighting someone far below them was already contrary to their purpose.
Low-ranked students don't want to go out of their way to challenge a fight they have no chance of winning either; they prefer fights suited to their level. There was always the thought that they might win by some miracle, but that was all.
So, Eoid's duel is actually something to be happy about. It might become a stage where Eoid gets properly recognized.
"Ughhh... I'm being so selfish..."
Clutching my pillow, I rolled over onto the bed.
That's right. This was a good opportunity for Eoid.
And yet, I was trying to criticize him simply because I was worried.
"Dragon Knight, huh..."
I quietly muttered the problem I was harboring.
Dragon Knight—a legendary knight said to have existed on this continent long ago, riding and commanding dragons.
It was a famous story, one I had heard about in fairytales.
While attending the academy, one of the teachers had even jokingly said, "Perhaps that young knight has talent as a tamer?"
As I grew a little older and started thinking about things more realistically, that talk actually made sense... but still...
"Who would've thought I'd actually become a Dragon Knight!?"
That's right.
Before I knew it, I had become a Dragon Knight.
I still didn't really understand why, but the wyvern had simply chosen to follow me... Was it because of that huge black wolf?
Well, the reason doesn't matter... Because of that, the Headmaster immediately granted me the title of Dragon Knight.
At first, I was thrilled. But after being subjected to all those strange looks from everyone around me, I gradually began to understand the situation I had been placed in.
Then, when I went to Rhodei with Yuki-san and the others, Eris-shishou made me realize just how precarious my position was... Because of my position, even the people around me could end up being dragged into misfortune.
And if things continued like this, it might become difficult for me to spend the rest of my life with Eoid...
"Owwghhh!! No, I don't want that! We've been together all this time!"
Unthinkable.
There's no woman other than me who would ever think of marrying such a perverted, clumsy guy.
We were childhood friends and always together. That was only natural. I thought it would surely stay that way forever. That's why, to push my feelings through, I asked Eris-shishou and Derieu-shishou to mentor me so I could gain power.
"Geez... Eoid, you idiot..."
He was getting carried away with the duel without even knowing how I felt.
...No, I understand I'm being completely unreasonable. And yet, I can't help feeling this way...
If I hadn't attended the academy, would things have avoided turning out like this? Falling in love normally, getting married normally, having children normally...
"E-Ehehe... M-Maybe two girls and one boy would be nice?"
"—Oh? What are you daydreaming about?"
"—What's the harm? We make family plans with our beloved husbands too, don't we?"
"—That's true. But I won't be havin' another child for a while, y'know? I really didn't think child-rearing would be this much work."
"—Ara? I feel like I could give birth to another one right away, though."
"—Y'know, you're unusually tough in strange places, Eris..."
"—Am I? But Derieu, if Yuki-san asked you for another one, could you really refuse?"
"—No chance. I'd happily bear another child."
......Hmm?
I feel like I just heard other people's voices.
"Waaaaaaa—!? M-Masters!? When did you two get here!?"
I glanced toward the door and saw my masters, Eris-shishou and Derieu-shishou, standing there.
Flustered, I tried to push myself up, but my body shrieked from the strain of training.
"Higii!?"
W-What kind of sound am I making...?
But it hurt... Every part of my body hurt!
"Just as I thought. I figured we went a bit too far with the training when we got carried away."
"Derieu, you need to learn some restraint. Her natural abilities are completely different from yours."
"Well, sorry, sorry. Amanda's passion, motivation, and feelings came through better than I expected, y'know? Got me all fired up too. Well, since she managed to keep up, she must've had the talent for it."
"That's true. The fact that you're only making that sound after undergoing that training is quite impressive."
The masters were chatting casually like that, but for what purpose did they come to my house?
Ah, maybe because they'd given me the day off yesterday and didn't come today, they came to check on me?
Ugh, it's pathetic, but my body won't move.
"U-Um, I'm very sorry, but since I'm in this state, training today seems impossible too..."
It was extremely rude to keep taking days off after asking for training myself, but my body wouldn't move, so there was nothing I could do...
"Hm? No no—we already know about your body condition. So..."
"Okay. Hold still."
When Derieu-shishou looked at Eris-shishou, Eris-shishou stepped forward and placed her hand over me.
A faint light began to glow.
"Fumufumu. It's severe, but it's just muscle soreness... Your mana reserves are also depleted from overtraining, so your natural healing ability is down. My training is probably one of the causes as well."
"You need to hold back too, Eris."
"You're right. I'm sorry, Amanda."
"Eh? No, it's just because I couldn't keep up..."
While I answered like that, Eris-shishou's hand glowed again.
Hmm? Something feels extremely good?
The pleasant sensation spread through my body whenever she moved her hand.
"Faaaah..."
Another strange sound escaped me.
W-What is this pleasure?!
"Umu, seems like it's workin'."
"Indeed. Bear with it for just a little longer, okay?"
"Y-Yeshh..."
...My consciousness is fading.
T-This is bad!! It feels so good I'm getting sleepy!!
My masters had gone out of their way to come here, and falling asleep in front of them would be ridiculous.
I-I have to stay awake!!
"And now, I'll replenish the mana you've lost."
Something was entering my body!?
S-So good!?
"Fnyahhhhhhh..."
"...And done. How do you feel, Amanda?"
"Fueh?"
I understood that Eris-shishou had done something to me, but I'd been too busy fighting the overwhelming pleasure to respond properly.
"Amanda, Eris used healing magic on you. You should be able to move now, shouldn't you?"
"Huh? Oh, wait a moment."
Prompted by Derieu-shishou, I slowly tried to sit up.
...The pain was gone? ...I could move without any trouble.
"...Oh. Right. Eris-shishou can use healing magic too."
Now that I think about it, I remembered her using it after the duel with the Headmaster.
...I realized all over again, just now, that she really can use all attributes.
"...Hmm, hup! Yes, no problem at all. Thank you very much!"
I moved my body lightly, but there were no particular issues.
As expected, a mage who surpassed the Headmaster was on another level.
"U-Um, by the way, why did you come to my house? Did you come to heal me?"
"Healing Amanda was part of it, but we also had other business. If you're feeling better, do you mind if we talk for a bit?"
"Ah, yes. Please wait a moment. I'll fetch some tea."
"Thanks. Oh, and take this to your mother. It's a cake that Vice Headmistress Lara likes. We made extra, so serve it with the tea."
"Cake? This white thing?"
Looking at the cake(?) placed in a beautiful box, it was wrapped in something white.
When people say cake, it usually means a brown, slightly soft bread-like thing... but this was beautifully decorated in white.
"Yeah. It's a type of cake that hasn't made its way here yet. Try it with your tea."
"Yes. It's delicious, so let your mother have some too. It doesn't keep for very long, so don't hesitate to eat it."
And so, while preparing the tea, I handed the cake to my mother, then returned to the room and eat some myself—
"Mmmhh!??? It's delicious!? It's so sweet!? It's extremely sweet!!"
It was unbelievably sweet.
D-Delicious... It was unbelievably delicious!!
"Umu. Still delicious as ever."
"Yes. It really is."
"W-Where can I buy this!? Wait, you said you made it, didn't you!? How do you make it!?"
"Now, now. Calm down."
"I understand how you feel, but we can't get all the ingredients here. The most important thing is sugar."
"S-Sugar!? T-This contains sugar!?"
"Of course. There's nearly a hundred grams in it. Let's see... that's more than ten spoonfuls."
"S-Such an expensive ingredient...! I can't possibly get that much! This cake must be incredibly expensive, right!?"
"Well, we eat it normally where we come from."
"Yeah."
"Where is that amazing city!?"
"A bit far, I'd say."
"Very far. But Amanda is an acquaintance of ours, so we can at least deliver cake for you."
"Really!?"
Yatta!
I'd made the right choice calling these people my masters!
"Now then, we've had our little break. Shall we get to the main subject?"
"Ah, right. You had business with me, right?"
"Yes. Have you heard about Eoid's duel?"
Hearing that, my frustration resurfaced.
Even though I knew I was being selfish, I couldn't help complaining to my masters.
"Yes, I've heard about it. Geez, that Eoid, even though I'm going through so much trouble..."
"Figures. Well, it's tough when the man you fancy ignores you."
"Fufu. You don't need to worry. Eoid intends to fight this duel for your sake, Amanda."
"Eh? How does that benefit me?"
It made no sense.
Why would Eoid having a duel be for my sake?
When I asked that, the two put on serious expressions, confirmed that nobody was around, and spoke in hushed voices.
"...Well, keep this strictly to yourself. Especially from Eoid—it's an absolute secret, got it?"
"Indeed, if you mess up, Eoid might chicken out."
"Eh? No, Eoid has been a coward since way back..."
"...Then all the more reason not to tell him this."
"...Yes. It has the potential to affect Amanda's entire life."
"W-What do you mean?"
"Amanda, why did you ask us to teach you?"
"...That's because I want to continue my current life. I want to stay together with Eoid."
Yes, the reason I'm working hard right now is that I want to stay with Eoid just like before.
Suddenly gaining an unfitting power like "Dragon Knight," I got dragged into a senseless power struggle... At this rate, I would end up separated from Eoid, who I've been with all this time.
I didn't want that... That's why I'd relied on the two people who knew how to prevent that from happening.
"That's right. 'To stay with the person you love'. But you're not the only one."
"Huh?"
For a moment, I couldn't comprehend it.
Not just me... Who was she talking about?
But it clicked immediately.
Then I realized.
"Eoid too?"
"Indeed. Eoid is also desperately undergoing Yuki and Taiki's training to protect Amanda—to become a man worthy of you."
"And this duel. He's hidden behind Yuki-san and Taiki-san, but this is Eoid's duel. It's to tell you, Amanda, that he's become a man worthy of you."
"T-To think he did that for me... how was I supposed to... know...?"
Even as I said that, tears spilled from my eyes.
Even though he's such a coward...
"That's right. Men are clumsy creatures. But Eoid made up his mind like that. So, why don't you go watch tomorrow?"
"Yes!"
When I answered, both of them nodded with gentle expressions, and Eris-shishou pulled out a small box, handing it to me.
"What's this?"
"I played a little trick and brought it from Eoid's place. It seems to be a present for you, Amanda, so there's no issue with you opening it."
"It's okay for me to open it, right?"
"Yes."
Inside was a woven friendship bracelet themed after my favorite flower.
But it wasn't just any ordinary bracelet. Even to an amateur like me, I could tell it possessed exceptionally exquisite craftsmanship.
"Wow... It's beautiful and cute. Where did Eoid even get something like this...?"
"Filia made it."
"What!? Filia-chan made this!?"
"Isn't it amazing? It's custom-made. That girl has extraordinary talent when it comes to things like this."
"That's incredible... Aslin-chan and Filia-chan both have such amazing talents. Labyris-chan and Sheila-chan are already more reliable than me, too... But why give this to me?"
"It's simple. Eoid intends to give it to you as a present and confess to you if he wins."
"Eh?! T-Then, receiving this now is..."
"Well, we thought it might be a bit bad, but we dared to bring it. On the off chance he loses and doesn't confess, Filia's handmade work would go to waste."
"Both of your feelings are already set. All that's left is wanting a push on the back. If he wins safely, Eoid confesses; if he loses, you wrap him up yourself. Since you joyfully accepted that bracelet, you won't let him make excuses, right?"
"Ugh..."
I-I couldn't help it!!
It made me so happy knowing that Eoid had made such a wonderful gift for me!!
"Umu. Tomorrow, once the duel is over, you can just go straight to making babies."
"That's right~ Was it two girls and one boy? With that number, if you don't work hard right away, you'll be too overwhelmed by daily life to make them, you know?"
"W-What are you two saying!?"
"Now, now, this is advice from experienced mothers. You won't lose anything by listening."
"Yes. I am also a mother of one. Overall, a mother of six."
"E-Eh!? You mean with Yuki-san?"
"Of course."
"Anyone other than him is unthinkable. Now, about baby-making, I really think being on top is best."
"You shouldn't listen to Eris too seriously. Beneath that composed face, she's quite a pervert."
"Ehh!?"
"What are you saying? Becoming lewd toward one's beloved husband is only natural, isn't it?"
"Riding him even when Yuki faints—you go too far."
"F-Faints!?"
"Don't worry. Yuki-san stays hard even after he passes out, which means he's happily responding to my body. Yep, let's do our best today too. Since it's my turn. I'm looking forward to it."
"Hard!?"
"Sigh... I just hope Yuki-san is still in good enough shape to fight tomorrow."
"D-Do you do it that much!?"
"Yes. That's what loving each other means."
After that, I became completely absorbed in listening to Derieu-shishou and Eris-shishou talk about their intimate experiences.
...I'll try it tomorrow night.
* * *
Side: Yuki
"...!?"
A chill ran through my entire body.
"What's wrong, Yuki-san?"
"I suddenly have a really bad feeling..."
"Seriously!? Please don't tell me another weird event is about to happen..."
"I already gave the ones Filia made to both Eoid and Amanda, and we're keeping an eye on the other three opponents, so there shouldn't be any problems... What other kind of event do you think could happen?"
"Hmm. We've already set everything up, so either way, Eoid and Amanda are going to end up together, and with us around, the other three won't be a problem either... Maybe an interruption event?"
"Ah—an intrusion, huh. That seems plausible. Let's strengthen surveillance in that area."
"Right. It would be a disaster if someone interfered this time, so we should secure everything properly."
Following my bad feeling, I began making preparations.
—But I was mistaken.
That night, while looking at Eris, I realized what my bad feeling had actually been about.
