Chapter 126
「Stop there! The winner of the first battle of the Magic Tournament’s finals is Dran from Galois Magic Academy!」
Shortly after Haruto activated his Judgment Ring, Merle announced the end of the competition and the battle between Haruto and I came to a close. Aldeath and Chrono Maze, who had brought down Balhouse and Kirishana, lamented to me with regret.
『I thought this would just be an observational study, but it ended up being a good match. You have my thanks, Dran. Well, to be honest, I wanted to spar with Haruto using our spears a little more. Nuahaha!』
As Aldeath chortled heartily, I smiled back at him. This god of war had no clue how to put on facades, which could be problematic at times, though he was mostly in a good mood.
「I’m really glad you held back. If you could keep your powers in check a little more, I would have nothing left to say, but I know that’s too much to ask.」
『Oh, as expected of you, Dran. You know me well since we’re old acquaintances.』
Since Aldeath seemed rather content, it was unlikely that he would raise complaints in the future. On the other hand, Chrono Maze seemed a little, no, extremely apologetic as she shrunk back.
First of all, she must be troubled over the double restrictions I put in place before the battle started. There was truly no need for her to be so depressed. It was not as if she was Vaje anyway.
「Why are you so unsettled? I know that you were really enthusiastic and want to do all you can for me. You might’ve gone a little too far, but it ended well. Don’t blame yourself too much.」
In fact, it had not just been “a little” too much. However, expressing my honest thoughts would just offer Chrono Maze even more fodder to blame herself. I chose my words carefully and spoke to the depressed goddess of time instead.
『I am well aware that you are very generous with your words to me. You have also been exceedingly kind, forgiving me for allowing a human bestowed with sacred weapons to point his blade at you and for the trouble I’m causing you now. How can a meager existence like me ever hope to repay you…』
「Please don’t think of me so grandly. I would be pleased if you could care less for me and relax your servile attitude toward me, though that seems to be a tall order for you.」
『There is no doubt that I bear infinite respect for you, who are stronger and greater than any god sitting in the heavens. However, if that is what you wish, I will humbly accede to your request.』
Fumu… Nothing changed in the end, I thought. Aldeath seemed to share my thoughts as he met my eyes with his spear in hand and shrugged deftly.
『Seems like you’ve got to focus on the long run with this. Dran, you possess the heart of the primordial dragon. Hence, you’re at the peak of this world, regardless of whether you wish to or not. No matter how those who worship you behave, your insistence to stop them from doing so sure displays your magnanimity as someone at the top. Though, you’re really not suited to be a ruler. Keois, Mairahl, your brothers, and I recognize this. In a sense, this is a form of misfortune for you.』
「I’m just really bad with such treatment, so it can’t be helped. Well, Aldeath, Chrono Maze, I asked you to lend a hand in exchange for spectating the tournament, but you’ve really been a great help. Let me express my gratitude. Thank you.」
『Hold your horses. I already told you, we’re the ones who should thank you. On the contrary, I hope you can count on us more for such things. Nuahahaha.』
『Your wishes are my wishes. Lord Dragon, I am glad to be of service to you regardless of the time and place. Your words of thanks are my greatest honor.』
After the two finished speaking, they left the golems and returned to their former spots. Only then did I revert the empty golems to their bare materials and returned to the arena.
Haruto, who had been defeated by my single blow, picked up Balhouse and Kirishana from where they had fallen onto the ground and sheathed them. With a cheerful and nonchalant voice, he spoke to me.
「Well, so be it. I thought we could’ve fought seriously for a while longer, but your strength is beyond my expectations. Bal and Kirishana also felt that they could push on until the end, but our attempt to increase numbers backfired.」
Just like Haruto, I sheathed my long sword and looked at him. His face was a mixture of cheeriness and regret at being unable to fight at full force. It was a short battle, but our clashing of blades was indubitable. This young man with eyes of gold and silver seemed to have a fine disposition that Aldeath would be fond of.
「It’s no easy feat to summon golems, and I guess I went a little too far with raising a ruckus.」
Naturally, I was not speaking about the exhaustion of my magic since I had summoned gods, but there was no need to go into the details. I had summoned Aldeath and Chrono Maze simply to make up the numbers and dispel any possibility of Aldeath complaining to me. Moreover, this was also an effort to help polish Haruto’s skills. In addition to all these considerations, I also wanted to have some fun. Thinking about it now, summoning gods for my personal amusement seemed a little too much.
That being said, it was unlikely that I would summon Aldeath again if I were in similar battle situations in the future. Haruto and his swords seemed to have caught Aldeath’s attention, so the Valkeries would possibly be instructed to interfere in some way. Though, this was not anything disadvantageous to Haruto.
「I’ll just take this as getting to know about your skills, though you aren’t the only astounding one from Galois this year. Everyone else seems pretty impressive. It sure is a terrible year for the other Magic Academies.」
A bitter smile spread on Haruto’s face as he spoke, leaving me at a loss about how to respond. Regardless, I stood beside him and bowed silently to the spectator stands where the prince was before replying.
「Next year, Christina, Phenia, and I will not be participating, so it’ll be much better.」
「Aren’t you just a second year? Ah… Are you skipping grades like Eksu and graduating early?」
「Yeah. I’m only studying for a year. After that, I’m planning to look for a job.」
「In that case, you’ll be coveted by many after you raised such a fuss in the Magic Tournament. You’ll have your pick of employment. Well, will you come to Linnes?」
「I’m glad for the invitation, but I don’t want to leave my hometown if possible. By the way, will you serve the Marquis of Linnes or will you marry into a lady’s family?」
After hearing my pointed questions, Haruto’s gaze seemed to falter in surprise at my ability to see through him. After all, we had only been acquainted for a very short time. The Marquis of Linnes would be succeeded by his son, Beldo. Hence, Haruto would either marry Beldo’s younger sister and gain peerage or simply marry into the family.
We exchanged a few words about our future before we parted ways. When I returned to the holding area, the atmosphere seemed completely changed.
The spectators were riled up by the intense battle between Haruto and me. They applauded and cheered enthusiastically, Haruto and his companions seemed rather down as they waited for the next match with us.
If I claimed that it wasn’t my fault, loads of people would certainly criticize me. However, the contestants from Galois Magic Academy were all outstanding in their own ways. No one would protest the claim that this would be the largest difference in combat abilities between the champion and the first runner-up, as well as the gathering of the strongest fighters in the history of the Magic Tournament.
As the Ziel Magic Academy contestants were slowly overwhelmed by the feeling of certain defeat, their matches with the remaning four contestants of Galois Magic Academy proceeded.
Fumu, how do I put this… Ziel Magic Academy seems like they’ll end up in a pretty pitiful state, but I do pray that this will become important sparks for their growth. That being said, who in the world am I supposed to pray to?
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