Published: September 6, 2025
“The day has finally come, hasn’t it?”
On the day of the ditter, when I headed to the arena designated by Dunkelfelger, Rufen greeted me with a sweaty smile that somehow looked refreshing at first glance. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the fact that treasure-hunting ditters could be held at the noble academy.
“Well, I never thought a bride-getting ditter would be held at the noble academy, though.”
By the way, this bride-getting ditter was apparently something that occasionally happened in Dunkelfelger. When the man proposed and was opposed by the bride’s parents, a ditter would be held among relatives to win the bride. The groom’s side simply gave up if they lost, with nothing at stake, so they were surprised that Ehrenfest added a condition for victory this time. Since Ehrenfest has no such custom, they couldn’t bear to engage in a ditter with nothing to gain.
…Though getting persistent Dunkelfelger men to give up might indeed be important.
Rufen said with a smile, “We do hope Lady Rosemine will make sure to visit Dunkelfelger,” but before I could respond, Hilsure looked down at me with a clearly exasperated expression.
As a referee for Ehrenfest, Hilsure was supposed to officiate from above the spectator stands. Rufen was to fly around inside the arena on his mount to judge the match. As a dormitory supervisor, Hilsure couldn’t refuse and had been dragged away from his lab during a time when his research was heating up before the territory competition, so his mood was understandably sour.
“Lady Rosemine, I believe I requested you not to disturb my research. What is the meaning of this?”
“I was forced into a situation where I couldn’t refuse when Dunkelfelger applied. Please direct any complaints to Dunkelfelger.”
“I have already lodged complaints.”
Though he understood the situation, he simply couldn’t let it go without a word. Wilfried and I both apologized in unison.
“My research environment has only just become suitable. If we lose to Ehrenfest now, I will be in trouble.”
This was probably Hilsure’s way of showing support. I could only respond, “I will do my best.”
Looking around the spectator stands, I saw that the students of both Dunkelfelger and Ehrenfest had come out in full force to cheer. I noticed several Dunkelfelger students in the stands carrying large magic tools. Although I wasn’t wearing a helmet, I was clad in full armor like the knight apprentices, so I asked Hannelore, who was also armored head to toe.
“Um, Lady Hannelore, why do people in the stands have magic tools? Aren’t spectators prohibited from participating?”
“Those were given by Aub, who wanted to watch the battle unfold. They are magic tools for recording the ditter and do not interfere with the fight, so please don’t worry.”
Apparently, Aub had insisted on entering the noble academy to watch the bride-getting ditter, causing some trouble for Rufen. Using these magic tools was how they managed to tolerate it.
“By allowing such magic tools, does that mean Aub Dunkelfelger is enthusiastic about this match where Lady Hannelore’s marriage is at stake?”
I had hoped Aub might stop the ditter after Restiraut’s runaway, but Hannelore looked downcast.
“They said it would be disgraceful to withdraw a match once decided. Win at all costs, they said.”
“It would have been very helpful if they had withdrawn…”
Neither of the parties involved in this wager wanted such a contest, but some things just don’t go as one wishes.
“Well then, let’s go.”
With Rufen leading, the knight apprentices mounted their steeds and descended into the arena. After waving goodbye to Hannelore, I climbed onto my mount, which carried a box filled with magic tools and healing potions.
“Brother, sister, please do your best.”
Encouraged by Charlotte’s support, I glanced around at the lower-grade knight apprentices surrounding her. Since all the senior guard knights were participating in the ditter, I was anxious about Charlotte’s safety. I called out to Theodore, who was standing near her.