Chapter 35 (1/2)

Chapter 35:　Match

When everyone finished their preparation, we left the simple village. Since I didn’t think we would be able to have a good rest in the dungeon, yesterday could be said to be lucky. everyone ‘s willpower had substantially increased.

It seems that aside from us, there are also several other parties that left the village. Since its going to be troublesome if we got into a fight over the monsters, we head in towards the different direction from them. Diabell tried to take care of me on our way, but Claire stops her every time, so she’s showing a bit of an unsatisfied face right now.

Being the popular guy sure is hard~, but right now is not the time for me to say such thing. I want to avoid the situation where the mood of the party worsen because of me. Amyl and Lelena shows no intentions of b.u.t.ting in, showing that it’s not of their concern.

“Calm down, both of you. Since you’re companions from the same party, please get along well.”

“But master, I think it’s normal for me to be the one taking care of master.”

“However Claire, as I am my lord’s attendant don’t you think it’s natural for me to attend to him?”

“I am still master’s first slave!”

I give up. This will get us nowhere. Since Claire had contracted as my slave before Diabell, I think of saying “leave it to you senpai”, but I don’t think that’s gonna work. Since I can’t order Diabell yet without the contract, she will just insist that they should decide by who’s stronger.

“Understood. Then let’s have a match!”

Claire-san? Why are you suddenly acting like a kid? You’re not supposed to be that aggressive.

“Is that okay, Claire? Although there’s some difference in level, do you think you have more combat experience than me?”

Don’t get provoked either, you. Both of them ignores me while preparing for their battle. Although they’re fighting because of me, I feel like they don’t even care about me right now. It seems impossible to stop this now. Can’t be helped, since it’s going to be difficult exploring the dungeon while leaving behind unpleasant feelings, I will decide the rules here.

“Understood. Then I will decide the rules. The rules are aside from the short sword as the main weapon, you are only allowed to use you own body as a support. Magic and bow are prohibited. And stop before dealing the killing blows. Also, there will be no complain whatsoever after the results of this match. If you didn’t follow this rule, I won’t take either of you. Both of you fine with this?”

There doesn’t seem to be any objections as both of them nods. We pause the dungeon exploration for a bit, not to mention Amyl and Elena are already in ‘watching-the-show’ mode. They even had tea and snacks prepared. By the way, Shallie is quietly sitting on top of Lelena’s lap.

I took a distance and stood between those two as the referee and the healing staff, so I should be near when there’s a chance anything bad happens. The two people prepared their dagger as they glared at each other. The tension rises, as I give the signal to start.

“Begin!”