117 Chapter 117: Choosing Swords (2/2)

The old patriarch even had a box of people sitting on either side of him, giving them the appearance of nobles at court with their king. Even though the servants were the ones leading them to their seats, I was sure that the men and women closest to Stuart were most likely high-ranking executives or leaders of other corporations and great families.

I glanced around and caught sight of Alicia and Adrian seated further back, around the corner of the room. For some reason, Cecilia had opted to join them instead of sitting next to her father. I guess she found the whole display ridiculous as well, and wanted no part of it.

I didn't blame her. I would feel embarrassed at this middle school second year syndrome if I were in her shoes.

Taking a deep breath, I swung my sword to prepare myself, and perhaps ease my nerves. In contrast, Franklin looked completely relaxed.

”Lord Stuart,” he began while leisurely leaning against his side of the arena. ”I would like to state my request, if that is fine with you.”

”Hmm?” Stuart raised an eyebrow.

”You said you'll grant us any request if we win,” Franklin reminded the older man. The patriarch nodded.

”Indeed I did, but only if you win. The outcome has yet to be decided, and the two of you have yet to fight.”

”I apologize for my impatience, but I hope you don't mind if I have everyone serve as witnesses to my request. And also, to ensure that I am not asking the impossible.” Franklin smiled. I suddenly understood what he was trying to do. If Stuart agreed to his request here and now, there was no way he could take back his word if Franklin won. Not after he made a promise in front of so many people. The cunning bastard's grin grew. ”Plus it will also serve as a huge motivation for me to win the fight.”

Stuart regarded the young man for a moment, and then nodded.

”Very well,” he conceded. ”Name your request.”

”If I win, I would like you to name me successor to the Stuart Corporation, and grant me 55% of the company shares.”

Shocked gasps echoed throughout the huge room as the guests and party-goers murmured at the bold request. This wasn't just a simple wish for monetary rewards. Franklin was seeking to cement his status and wealth as soon as possible and monopolize the Stuart Corporation under his rule. Perhaps he even meant to subordinate the Stuart Clan under his Franklin Clan or merge the two great families. The political implications if this went through would be immense and world-changing.

”If I win, of course.” Franklin quickly qualified, raising his voice to be heard over the outraged whispers and diatribes from the spectators. ”If this request is unreasonable, then I do not mind changing it. I understand that I am asking for a lot.”

Stuart considered his words for a few moments, and then finally nodded in consent.

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”I don't see why not,” he said carefully. ”When you marry Cecilia, you will inherit the Stuart Corporation and become its future president anyway. I do not see any harm in giving you a monopoly over the company shares. It will just be sooner rather than later.” He smiled. ”But that is assuming you do win, of course.”

”Yes, I understand.”

Even as he said that, Franklin's eyes sparkled confidently and arrogantly. He had no doubt that he was going to win this match. He was already anticipating his prize and making plans for his future reign over the Stuart clan, their wealth and holdings.

”What about you, Tomoyuki?” Stuart turned to me. ”Since Shawn has named his prize, it is only fair that we hear out your request as well.”

”Huh? Uh…um…”

Caught off guard, I stammered for a moment until my mind finally kicked itself into gear. Taking a deep breath, I shook my head and blurted out.

”I am sorry, but I do not believe that I have any requests at the moment. Perhaps if I win, I will think of a request then. It is meaningless to make a request when I haven't achieved any victory yet. I would prefer to focus on the battle instead.”

”Ha ha! Well said!” Stuart chuckled. ”Then I'll eagerly await your answer after the duel!”

”Don't worry,” Franklin assured me confidently in a low voice. ”You don't need to trouble yourself with thinking of what sort of request you should make. It won't matter eventually because I'll definitely win this match.”

”Gee, thanks,” I retorted sarcastically. ”I hope your words are sweet, because I'll make sure you'll be eating them. Off the floor.”

”What…”

I ignored him and swung my sword, my mana rippling across the blade. As fragile as it was, it would have to do. I had trained with wooden swords in my dad's dojo. Surely a sword made of metal shouldn't be that bad…

”Well, then.” Stuart's deep voice boomed across the room, cutting Franklin's curses and swearing off. ”If there aren't any further problems, then allow us to begin!”

He glanced at the both of us, and I nodded.

”I am ready.”

”I am keen to start as well,” Franklin said at the same time.

”Very good! Let the match commence!”

The president of Stuart Corporation signaled to one of his servants, a tall, dark man in a tuxedo who was standing next to a bell. The butler nodded, picked up a gong and smashed it into the bell with a thunderous clang.

The match had finally begun.