Chapter 212 - A way out (2/2)
”From what I was told, this magical beast came near our city by itself and was apprehended without a fight! We even mounted a strong party to stop it before it could rampage in the city surroundings, only for it to casually walk past the guards and not put any resistance when we placed in it the cage! We had no way of knowing that it was a tamed beast of yours! Why did you leave it outside in the first place then?”
This sly, middleaged fox! Not only did he stated that it was MINE tamed Pengu, he even shamelessly and indirectly accused me of being the one at fault for letting it roam freely! But he also brought up and important point, what the hell was Pengu doing nearby the city?
”First thing first, it's not my tamed beast. We simply mutually benefited from coexisting to the point where this little guy risked his own life to save me! As such, if you dare to attempt to enslave it, you will have to go through me first!”
While I would prefer to not go against the entire might of the city, I knew that if I bring this kind of teary story to the sunlight, Jelier would have to face the wrath of his own citizens if he dared to insist on keeping Pengu for himself.
”Forget about this, I never had the intention to do so. For me, the bigger problem is, what can we do about all those people that gathered here, paid for the tickets to watch this fight and wagered their money on its outcome? How are you going to take responsibility for breaking the match like this?”
This guy… I have to give him that, he knows how to fight for the favour of masses. While my story could gain some sympathy for our situation, in the face of the unjust loss of money, it was obvious who would the crowd side with!
”Just find someone on the expanding senses level and make him duel with Eve.”
With those words, I didn't wait for Jelier's response but turned around to face the densest area of the tribunes and shouted.
”I'm willing to pay five hundred arena coins for an expanding senses expert to have a mock fight with my fiancee in place of this magical beast. The first one to get down to the stage will…”
Before I even managed to finish my sentence, there was a mulled crashing sound, announcing that someone couldn't imagine missing such a profitable situation! I guess five hundred arena coins was far more than enough to irk someone interest!
”While I can accept this substitute, how can you ensure that he will fight seriously? There is no benefit for him in… doing his best…”
As Jelier instantly tried to turn the situation around, he realised that he gave me a golden way out with his own words, almost cutting his own sentence short!
”That's a great idea! Sir over there, you have quick wits to enter the arena so decisively. As our dear City Mayor pointed out, there is no reason for you to fight with all your might, so let me fix that really quick! I hereby announce, that if this man managest to best my fiancee on the field, I will pay him another thousand arena coins on top of the previously mentioned participation prize!”
Reaching with my hand to my storage ring, I froze for a moment upon realising that I only had cards with thousand arena coins each! Sighing slightly, I pulled out one of them and threw it at the quick-witted cultivator.
”As to not let anyone claim that I won't honour my words, here is one thousand arena coins! I would like Sir to confirm my words!”