Side: Yuki
"You were so cool out there, dear."
The person saying that as she hugs me is Seraria.
For some reason, she was wearing a blue jacket, posing as part of the camera crew... She really goes along with the weirdest things.
"Well, thanks. By the way, where's Amanda?"
"Let's see... I believe she's with Derieu. That girl studied under both Eris and Derieu, so I suppose she feels more comfortable over there."
"I see. I'll go check on her for a bit."
"Sigh, you're willing to go this far for someone else's love life, yet you're completely hopeless when it comes to your own."
"Shut up."
"Well, you're worth loving, so I don't mind. Oh, that fried chicken really is delicious. I think Weed would be happy to receive some chickens for breeding."
"Oh, you ate some too, Seraria?"
"Since he's such a nice gentleman, he might even give us a few chickens. But we'll deal with that another day. Amanda comes first right now. Go on."
"Right?"
"He's such a nice gentleman that I'm sure he'd part with some chickens for us. But well, we can discuss that another day. Checking on Amanda comes first right now. Have a safe trip."
"Yeah."
Saying goodbye to Seraria, I headed off.
Looks like she's handling the camera without any trouble. How should I put it—she really masters things in a flash when it's something she's actually interested in.
"Hmm? What is it, Yuki? Have you come to tackle me to the ground?"
"No. Why would you jump to that conclusion?"
Before I knew it, I had arrived at Derieu's location, but for some reason, her comment came completely out of left field.
"Good grief, after showing us a scene that gets a woman so turned on, and you give a response like that?"
"Well, it's Yuki, so it can't be helped. We should just attack him tonight."
"Indeed."
"No, no, no. More importantly, what happened to Amanda?"
"Hmm? If it's Amanda you're looking for, she's over there turning pale."
"Pale?"
Told that, I turned my gaze in the direction Derieu was looking, and there was Amanda, quite literally turning pale and trembling.
"What happened to her?"
I didn't see any physical injuries, so did something unpleasant happen?
"No, she was just watching the matches as usual. There's been no external threats, and Amanda isn't injured. Well, if you talk to her up close you'll understand."
Labyris says that as she stretches both arms toward me, asking to be carried.
I pick her up and put her on my shoulders as usual.
"Now then, let's go to Amanda."
"You're coming too?"
"Yes."
"What about you, Derieu?"
"Hm? I'm staying here. I'm holding a camera, after all."
"Got it. Thanks for the filming prep."
"Sure. Leave it to me. Take care of Amanda. I'm not good with that sort of thing."
...Still, Labyris's chest felt heavier again somehow.
Has she grown larger once more? The weight resting on my head feels different from before.
"That's right. I've been having Yuki massage them, so they've been growing properly."
"Didn't your growth stop?"
"Immortality only stops deterioration caused by aging. Whether your breasts become larger or smaller isn't really deterioration caused by aging. It's probably related to preparing the body to breastfeed children, so I suppose it's different."
"Ah, I see. So it's kind of like how your physical condition can change."
"Oh, shouldn't you be talking to Amanda?"
"Ah, right."
Right now, Amanda takes priority.
"...Uuugh..."
She's groaning.
What in the world is wrong with her?
"Um, Amanda-san."
"Huh? Ah. Yuki-san."
Since she reacted immediately when I called out, it doesn't seem like she's lost deep in thought or anything.
"Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"
"N-No. Um, I was watching the duel. It was amazing. Congratulations on your victory..."
"Thank you very much."
...Ah. She's probably starting to worry about Eoid.
"...I suspect that's the case. In a different sense, we went a bit too overboard with the dramatic presentation. I'm sure Amanda is anxious that Eoid might die or get hurt."
So Labyris thinks so too.
"Are you worried about Eoid?"
At any rate, nothing will start unless I bring it up. I lowered Labyris from my head and placed her on my lap.
"...Yes. Because compared to you and Taiki-san, Eoid isn't, well... amazing."
Yeah.
I understand that feeling all too well.
How many times have Taiki-kun and I thought the exact same thing since coming to this world? Receiving evaluations far beyond our actual worth, yet falling into situations where we had no choice but to push forward anyway.
"...I feel terrible saying this to you and Taiki-san after all the guidance you've given him, but Eoid is just an ordinary person."
"Ordinary... is he?"
Ordinary, huh? Can I scream out that I'm ordinary too?
"Yuki, give it up." The busty little shoujo sitting on my lap says it like it's obvious.
Labyris's tiny voice doesn't reach Amanda, who is still anxious, and the conversation continues.
"He's an ordinary person. I've watched Eoid for a long time, so I know. He simply admired magic wielders and entered this Academy. But because he's ordinary, he doesn't have talent..."
As Amanda says this, tears begin to spill from her eyes.
Wait, hold on a second! Where in that story was there any reason for Amanda to start crying!?
"...When I became a Dragon Knight, Eoid said he wanted to become stronger for my sake. And I was so happy about that. I got carried away. But now that I see how dangerous things really are, I don't think Eoid can fight like you or Taiki-san. What if Eoid... d-dies?"
Ah... She wasn't simply worried because our fighting made her realize how dangerous Eoid's match would be. She actually thought Eoid might die.
Well, having been together for so long, this kind of worry is only natural. For better or worse, she knows Eoid—knows that he's just an ordinary guy, just a normal person you could find anywhere.
Hmm, how can I reassure her? I have a strong feeling that whatever I say might backfire.
As I was mulling over my thoughts, Labyris my lap spoke up.
"So, Amanda, are you just going to cry because it seems like Eoid might die?"
"Eh?"
"I'm different. If Yuki were about to die, I would save him even at the cost of my own life. Eoid is ordinary? Yuki is the same. It's just that his position is a bit special compared to others. If he falls, he gets hurt, and his risk of dying is drastically higher than a normal person's because he works as a mercenary."
Amanda froze in shock at Labyris's sudden intrusion into the conversation, but oblivious to that, Labyris pressed on relentlessly.
"Haven't you gotten a bit mistaken since becoming a Dragon Knight, Amanda? Just because you became a Dragon Knight doesn't mean you won't die. In fact, Eris should have taught you that the danger has increased. And taking your feelings into account, Eris and Derieu have been teaching you various things. You must have heard, haven't you? Who Eoid is trying to become stronger for."
"T-That's..."
"Eoid decided to stand on this stage to show the fruits of that effort—to tell you himself that no matter what happens, he will stay by your side. Certainly, the thought of my beloved dying makes even me shudder. But Yuki doesn't stop. As he looks, he's an extremely strong person. In that case, I will simply live alongside Yuki. I won't just weep tears, watch his actions from afar, or push him away. I will stand by Yuki's side and live with him with all my heart."
"L-Labyris-chan?"
Amanda finally uttered Labyris's name, but it sounded as if she were trying to confirm Labyris's true identity. Well, it's only natural to react that way when a younger girl indirectly calls you a fool with cold, hard logic.
"Hey now..."
Saying that, I lightly tapped Labyris on the head.
"Kyan! Yuki, that's mean."
Even though it couldn't have hurt, Labyris held the spot where she was tapped and quieted down. For now, if I let Labyris's sharp tongue continue unchecked, Amanda might give up on being with Eoid altogether, so I had to stop her.
"I'm sorry. But I think Labyris is right."
"Eh?"
"Sure, imagining the person you love dying is frightening. But Eoid is already standing on that stage. Fortunately, the chances of him dying this time are extremely low. Now, if he were heading somewhere where death was practically guaranteed, then yes, you should tie him up and stop him—even if you had to break both his arms and legs."
"N-No, t-that far...?"
"Yes, it should be done—if it's known that he would leave behind a beloved wife and children."
"No. You should. If you know he's going to die and leave behind the wife and children he loves, you absolutely have to stop him."
"W-Wife!? C-Children!?"
"Yes. Eoid has trained desperately all the way up to today so that he can seize a future with you, Amanda-san, and that's why he's standing on that stage. So, what do you think he wants most right now? Tears of worry from the woman he loves?"
Having said that much, a look of understanding finally spread in Amanda's eyes.
Well, I can understand shedding tears out of worry, but what's needed in this place isn't worried tears.
...What is needed for battle has already been decided.
"EOIIIID!!"
Suddenly, Amanda rises from her seat and cries out in a beautiful, powerful voice that echoes through the dueling arena, which had been buzzing with excitement over the final match.
And upon hearing that voice, the people in the duel arena fell dead silent.
...Whoa. What level of voice is that to quiet down a crowd in a single shot? It wasn't just loud; it was because the tone of her voice was extraordinarily beautiful.
While I was thinking that, Amanda confirmed that Eoid had noticed her and was looking her way, then continued her words.
"Do your best!! Don't lose!! Because I believe in you!!"
Ah, I remember now.
This situation is a phenomenon that happens with people who have beautiful singing voices. No matter how boisterous a crowd is, I've seen them fall dead silent in a single instant a few times before—at concerts on Earth or on school festival stages when an extraordinarily talented person comes out.
Yes—it's the exact same voice, yet it's a voice that pierces through cleanly to anywhere. While it sounds normal during regular conversation, when backed by a strong intent to convey something, a "Diva Ability" activates.
...Hey, hey, that's an ability on a level that leaves being a Dragon Knight in the dust. And the person this effect works on most is the person being sung to. In this case, since it's a cheer, naturally...
"Got it!! Watch me, Amanda!! I'll do my best!!"
Damn it, can I start producing sugar from my mouth?
Sure, this is more or less what I was aiming for.
If we broadcast them openly declaring their love—or something close to it—in an official setting, I figured fewer idiots would try to interfere with the two of them.
But you know, I didn't want to get hit with it directly!
Oh man, feeling these waves of love is making my heart ache. It makes me feel like a small-minded, petty human for planning to tease them and turn them into a joke.
"Shall we do it too?"
"Please stop, I'll die."
I mean, I'll die mentally.
If it were only Labyrinth, maybe I'd survive, but obviously I'd have to do this with all my wives.
Having to confess my love ten times or more in front of a crowd would be torture.
I'd die.
Anyway, the audience was getting fired up over Amanda and Eoid's sudden exchange.
I guess everyone likes seeing a little love story, no matter where you go, huh?
『Now then, originally we planned to introduce him later, but seeing this, we have no choice but to introduce him first! Ranked 236th in the Academy, contestant Eoid!!』
'''WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!'''
Eoid was surprised by the cheer, but unlike his previous nerves, he stepped onto the stage with a dignified air.
Tch. Love sure is grand, huh?
"That's right. Love is grand. Or rather, why is your heart so bitter—or should I say childish?"
"I'm envious of other people's straightforward happiness because I can't tease them about it."
"...Hah. You're strangely twisted in that regard, aren't you?"
"No, this is a form of stylistic beauty."
"Yes, yes. Eoid's introduction is starting."
Saying that, Labyris cut me off.
Ah, my wives have really gotten used to handling me, huh?
『Now, everyone must have wondered: Why did someone with such a low rank enter this Duel Festival?』
As Ratz said that, the surroundings fell quiet as if in agreement.
『It is all for the sake of the lady who just cheered for him!! As many of you may already know, she is none other than the talked-about Amanda-san, who tamed a wyvern and was bestowed the title of Legendary Dragon Knight!! And how is she connected to contestant Eoid!?』
At Ratz's words, everyone held their breath.
Well, I didn't, though.
『The two are childhood friends! They have spent their entire lives together up until now. However, one day, a prank of fate suddenly arrived! Amanda became a legendary Dragon Knight... and contestant Eoid agonized over it. When she suddenly became famous and possessed the strength to match, even though he should have congratulated her, he couldn't bring himself to be genuinely happy...』
Ah—she's reading from that script.
Poor guy... My jealousy of the happy couple is gone.
The public execution begins.
Operation Name: "Let's convey the purpose of this duel to the audience and eliminate any way out!"
As you can hear, we're explaining the circumstances behind this duel to the audience and making it clear that this is essentially a stepping stone toward Eoid confessing his feelings.
That way, there'll be no way for him to back out. And if anyone tries to interfere with their relationship, it'll definitely become the subject of rumors.
『Eoid finally realized his true feelings. He didn't want to remain by Amanda's side merely as her childhood friend. He wanted to stand beside her as a man. So he made up his mind. He would become a man worthy of standing alongside her!! He begged my beloved husband and Taiki-san to teach him. To make him stronger. So that he could spend the rest of his life with her!!』
'''Hyuu-hyuu!!'''
Cheers spread throughout the arena.
The people in this city have probably been watching the comedy that is Eoid and Amanda's relationship for years.
So sincere congratulations rise from every corner.
"—You finally realized it, you lucky bastard—!!"
"—We were so anxious wondering when you two would start dating!!"
"—Eoid, you did great!!"
"—That's right, you don't need to care about Amanda being a Dragon Knight!! Amanda only has eyes for Eoid anyway!!"
Exactly.
We figured it out almost immediately after meeting them, so there's no way the townspeople and their academy friends hadn't noticed.
Then, taking over for Ratz, Eris held the microphone and announced:
『Now, those of you who are quick-witted may have already realized: This final match is the true purpose of this Duel Festival! ...Eoid!! Your opponent is extremely strong!! Even knowing all this, they are not someone who will go easy on you!! Or rather, you wouldn't want such a half-hearted duel anyway!! This place is the stage to prove your strength—to tell everyone that you are a man worthy of Amanda!! Show us what a real man you are!!』
Eris announced this in a clear, beautiful voice.
Just like during Amanda's moment, the surroundings fell silent.
From the outside, Eris looks quite gentle, after all.
However, as if finally understanding the purpose of this duel, the crowd's excitement gradually built up, and cheers erupted.
"—Eoid!! Show us what a man you are!!"
"—That's right! No matter how strong your opponent is, show off your love with Amanda!!"
"—Whether you win or lose, don't run away!! You're already standing up there proudly, so you have nothing to be ashamed of!!"
"—Yeah! Just give it everything you've got!!"
Yes, this is the true purpose of this Duel Festival.
Still, after going this far, who is going to be his opponent?
『Now then, as for the opponent standing in the way of Eoid and Amanda's romance...』
『In truth, all of you have already known who it is from the very beginning!』
Hm? What does that mean?
Are the academy's Single Digits really that famous?
No, I'd never even heard of Soel... I don't even know the names of the 1st and 2nd ranked students.
『Now then, please make your way to the stage! Contestant Eoid's opponent is this person!!』
At Ratz's declaration, someone jumped down onto the stage.
...What's with that dramatic entry!?
Then I recognize the figure and immediately understand.
『The strongest Grand Mage that Lancer Magic Academy boasts!! POPPURI LANCER!!』
'''WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!'''
Hey, hey!
I see... So the reason she trained with Ardes was because she intended to participate herself.
It makes sense. Having another student fight him would be far too cruel. No matter how you looked at it, the opponent would seem like the villain.
But if the Academy's Headmaster is the opponent, losing is perfectly understandable, while winning would leave absolutely nothing to complain about. And no one would think of her as a villain. She looks exactly like a teacher watching over her student's growth.
『Thank you for the introduction, I am Poppuri. However, as Ratz-san said, do not expect me to hold back. I understand your desire to be with Dragon Knight Amanda very well, as I have known for a long time how close you two have been as childhood friends. However, simply depending on your partner is meaningless!! A married couple is meant to support each other!! Eoid, show me everything you have learned from Yuki-dono and Taiki-dono!!』
Despite looking like a little girl, she has an undeniable presence that makes it impossible to think of her as one.
It's hard to believe she's the same person who was bawling her eyes out in front of Eris and me.
『YES!! I will come at you with everything I've got!!』
Ratz's torture session had taken some of the wind out of Eoid's sails, but Poppuri's words completely restored his fighting spirit.
Yep, losing is only natural. Here, the anxiety of "what if I lose" completely vanished. That meant all that was left was to give it his absolute all.
"Lara, give the signal to start."
Told so, Vice Headmaster Lara stood between the two and raised one hand.
"Exert your full strength until the end, and wield your magic!! That is the path to reaching the power to protect as many people as possible!!"
And then...
"With this, the duel between Poppuri Lancer and Eoid begins... Start!!"
His childhood friend called out her voice in prayer.
Yes—what is necessary for battle.
'The Goddess of Victory'.
That's the classic answer.
* * *
