Chapter 20 - Volume 3 (2/2)

「They’re really not horrible people」

「But, that’s how you think because you’ve been going in and out of the royal palace since you were a child… ah geez, there’s not really much time left, I’ll be going then」

「Alright. Give me a shout if something happens」

With our exchange, Shade started poking fun.

「Ah- ah- you know, this is what I mean. I think Sir Knight’s side of being a worrywart has long since become abnormal, don’t you agree? In the midst of the matches that have the tight security of the attending royals, are you actually saying that something could happen?」

As Shade picked a quarrel, Wolf gave a wry smile. Shade sometimes intentionally calls Wolf a 『knight』to make fun of him.

「Well then, my dark Lord Knight. Make sure to smite my evil little brother down, okay? And Shade, just be careful so that you don’t have any injuries. If even a cut grazed your face, the other person will be resented by your devotees, you know」

I deliberately cracked a joke, then left the room.

Like that, the battle commenced. The battle card of the last friendly match, was quite reasonably decided to be the favorite to win, Wolf, vs the rival candidate, Shade. (1)

In that circumstance, I quietly stood up from my seat.

…although I said “quietly”, en route, 「where will you be heading?」and「just a bit more, and the most important match will begin」were dropped while I profusely troubled everyone about.

「It’s a shame, but because I was asked for help by the teacher, I have to leave my seat for a bit. If it’s alright with you, please tell me how the match goes afterwards」, having informed them with a face showing admirable disposition, the ladies gave a look of great sympathy and with the caring words of「I understand 」 and「thanks for your hard work」, they sent me off.

The ladies, which were my peers and juniors, were fundamentally raised to be quite mild-mannered. Distrusting a person’s words was something they didn’t do… Their future is a little worrying. Though it would be good if they could be blessed with an honest spouse.

During the time I was moving, I winded up attracting a bit of attention, however, once Wolf and Shade came into sight, the spectators’ gazes narrowed to one point in the stadium.

Moving while avoiding the public eyes, I came closer to the freshmen’s seats.

The whistling sound announcing the start of the match, echoed high in the blue sky.

And then, almost at the same time, Shade fired magic as a distraction. This very aspect of materializing flower petals was a playfulness so like Shade. Unfazed, Wolf subsequently showed how to magnificently cancel Shade’s attack.

Although the match started with them messing around a little, the offense and defense after that were almost like scattering fireworks.

As Wolf ventured forward, he moved at lightning speed. Shade leapt backwards in order to evade. Wolf did not run after him. In the next moment, Shade broke into his opponent’s side and came advancing. Once again, Wolf elegantly warded him off, gaining distance.

Whereas Shade dished out countless troublesome attacks, Wolf moved at critical moments. If it dragged on, Wolf would likely be declared the winner in the match’s development, but if one lost his focus even for a moment, either one could lose all the same.

Sometimes, there was a visiting silence while the pair glared at each other – a moment of equilibrium.

The audience watched with bated breaths.

Among them, was a young lady with hair of gold.

She watched the battle with her vivid emerald green eyes sparkling.

Flushing with excitement, her cheeks were rose-colored. Her small lips pink.

Although she wore a comparatively modest dress with a white and sky-blue theme, there was no way to conceal her loveliness.

This was no doubt, the game’s opening. It was a spectacle taken from thatscene.

(1) (sports)

TL notes:Brought to you by the generous Hime Takamura, who was kind enough to share the wonderful pictures for volume 2. I must say, because of her generosity, this chapter got uploaded earlier. I’m totally hyped up from the spoilers I saw…

Of course, special thanks to midoriha who is always there to help proofread everything. Unfortunately, my JP editor is caught up in RL issues, so this chapter will have to make do unedited until she comes back. I got Este to help me edit some of the chapters I have right now, so thanks for him!

I’ll try to upload more chapters this month as I promised. But not too fast… else I won’t have any spare chapters to pass as buffers when I’m burnt out… OTL

Fighting~!!!