Published: March 21, 2026
"Well, I was going to explain, but we still haven't had that match I mentioned earlier, have we?"
"Huh, now? No way we'd do that without an explanation given the situation."
I couldn't help but blurt it out, and the king nodded thoughtfully.
"I will explain. But that comes after I settle the matter of Amelia... There are things I'm curious about. If you win, I'll entrust Amelia to you. But if I win, you'll leave Amelia here."
At her father's cold tone, Amelia flinched. I narrowed my eyes.
"So, who's the opponent? From the way you said it, it's not you, right?"
"Of course it's Kirika. Kirika is a gold-rank adventurer in the Adventurer Guild. One of only a few top-rank adventurers in this world."
Enough for an opponent, I suppose? the king said, and I smiled.
Fine by me.
"The match will start in five minutes. We'll wait at the square from before. If you chicken out and don't come, we'll leave Amelia here — you can be the one to deliver that message."
The king suited the villain role perfectly. Watching him stride out with Kirika, I thought so. Leaving the five-minute window was to prevent me from preparing. Them leaving first was so they could prepare. Choosing the earlier square was because they knew it well.
They're definitely coming to win.
"You'll be fine, Akira will win," Amelia said, trying to encourage me.
"Yeah, Amelia—"
Her pep talk made me suddenly want to say something.
"I like you, but do you like me, Amelia?"
"Ah... Akira, what's gotten into you?"
Amelia tilted her head in confusion. Her face, ears, and neck were bright red, so she wasn't failing to understand the question.
I stared into her eyes. She pressed a hand to her chest and writhed a little. You okay?
"Well, if I don't say it now, things are probably going to get busy later."
I had no intention of losing. Still, I wanted to say it now.
After a moment, Amelia finally lifted her face.
"I—I like you too!"
"Thanks, that cheers me up."
I said it plainly, not embarrassed. I already knew Amelia liked me. I'm no heroine from some otome game, nor an oblivious protagonist. I ruffled her head; she blushed even more. What a cute thing.
Feeling ready, I laid my weapons on the long table.
"A few hidden weapons, a rope I picked up in the labyrinth, 'night blade god', some small Demon Stones for throwing, plus combining shadow magic and presence concealment... figure out how to win with that. Well, it'll work out."
I put everything back, and met Amelia's still-red face.
"Amelia, it's fine if I end her quickly, right?"
She understood who I meant without me saying it.
"Yeah... thank you."
"For what?"
"For fighting for me."
She smiled softly. Because she was usually so stoic, this rare smile was dazzling. Amelia was cuter and kinder than most heroines rolling around anywhere. Standing next to a low facial-appeal guy like me made her shine even more.
"You're welcome."
I forced my gaze away from sparkling Amelia, and we headed to the square.
"Shall I praise you for not running away?"
"No, I'd rather win and have Amelia praise me."
On the square stood a square platform about fifty meters per side that hadn't been there earlier, surrounded by a crowd of elves. The platform was probably made by an earth mage. It was a proper spectacle.
Well, a duel sponsored by the king doesn't happen often. I ushered Amelia to the king's side and climbed the platform alone.
"So you finally admitted you're in love with your sister?"
"No, I've known for a long time. I confessed earlier, so I have no regrets."
"...I see. Your sister is truly loved, then. Father should stop being stubborn and dote on her too."
Kirika laughed lightly as she said this and drew the slim sword at her waist. It was as thin as a rapier, barely still a sword.
I drew the 'night blade god' and flipped the blade to its dull side. Kirika's eyes narrowed when she saw that.
"You don't intend to kill? How naive. I intend to kill."
"That's fine. I have no intention of killing you. If you died, Amelia would be sad."
"Please don't bring me out in an official duel."
"Sorry. But whatever you say, I won't point the blade at you."