(EP-189.1) Own place #5
189 – Each in their own place #5
The trial by combat was beyond just a mere fight to determine guilt or innocence; it was a grand spectacle.
━Oh, it's right up front. Good thing I reserved early.
━How good do you think the fight will be?
In a world with limited entertainment, what could be more thrilling than combat where blood was shed?
Especially a grand match .
On the day of the match, those who had been queuing since dawn filed into the arena.
This usually quiet place, which served as the training ground for Ark students and a place to jog, was now erupting with crowds.
While the waiting room for the participants remained somewhat quiet, it didn't last long as more people entered.
"Hey, are you really okay?"
Elga, who had come to the waiting room as a guest, thoroughly examined every inch of my body. She even opened my mouth to check my teeth, and shone light into my eyes to check my focus.
"Looks like you're in good condition."
"Elga-nim, I think I'm getting more anxious from you…"
"What's wrong with that!? A girl is worrying about you-."
Elga grumbled, though the response came not from me but from Mirna Draco, who was fanning herself on the side.
"Lady Lioness, if you're so concerned, how about stepping up and fighting yourself?"
Elga turned her head with a snort. There was a reason why she couldn't participate as the champion.
Of course, Mirna, unaware of such details, took advantage of her hold and added one more jab.
"The renowned Lady Lioness is reluctant to fight. How peculiar? Have you finally realized the responsibilities of being a noble Lady~?"
"… Whatever. Keep it down. Theo can't relax with your racket."
"What do you mean? The noisy one is the spirited Lioness, no?"
Both Elga and Mirna were noisy.
However, the tension that had filled my heart seemed to ease a bit as I watched them bicker.
Dueling in front of so many people was a first for me. Given that I wasn't familiar with it in the first place, it was only natural for me to feel tense. ȑα₦Ổ𐌱Е𝘴
"So, where did Aira go on her own trial?"
Elga, who had been arguing for a while, glanced around trying to change the conversation. Because while it was true that today's protagonist was me, Theo Gospel, at the same time, it was also Aira's.
"Do you know where she went?"
Elga's question reminded me of the conversation I had with Aira earlier.
"Well, I'm not sure. She mentioned something to talk about with stage officials and event hosts. I don't know. She probably went to the VIP seats in the audience first."
"Now, you two should head over there as well."
The area for officials, including Elga, Mirna, and Aira, was a spacious and luxurious tent amidst the crowded stands.
Like the Emperors of ancient Rome watching gladiator matches, they would be observing the fight between me and the Hunter today. Originally, I was supposed to be one of the spectators.
"My friend, how are you? Feeling good? One's condition in the morning of the duel is the most important thing."
Someone approached me at that moment.
It was Kasim, adorned in silk with a jeweled turban on his head.
He discovered Mirna and Elga talking next to me, and shrugged, saying, "I hope I'm not interrupting a good time."
They exchanged simple introductions and greetings, adhering to the etiquette shared by royalty and nobility. A code that remained unchanged anywhere.
Elga spoke first, uttering Kasim's name.
"You helped with Theo's training, right? Honestly, how do you see this fight?"
"It's 3 to 7. Of course, my friend here is the 3, and the Hunter is 7. It's a battle between a well-trained archer and a fledgling battle mage."
My chances were higher than I thought.
I should be pleased with such odds— for a Half-Fairy fighting against the main character of the original story, 30% was actually quite good!
"Excuse me, Sir Theo Gospel. You may now proceed to the arena."
Following the staff's words, I slowly made my way out of the waiting room and towards the arena.
Elga and Mirna walked out together, but their eyes were not on the noisy stands or the dazzling sunlight in the sky. Instead, they were focused on the far opposite entrance.
"… Hey, are you really going to fight that freak?"
It seemed that Elga had spotted my opponent.
Like me, the man was coming out with the farewells of his colleagues. He had a towering height that made him look rigidly tall like a distant utility pole.
Black bandages were tightly wound around his entire body, fluttering in the wind like a cloak.
"…Even 2 to 8 is good enough. I've never heard of someone like that. Why is he so tall?"
Was this Elga's first encounter with the Hunter? The expected match record, initially rated as 3 to 7, was downgraded to 2 to 8.
"Sir Theo, should you wear armor or a helmet?"
Even Mirna, who seemed full of confidence in me, suggested that I wear some protective gear. The appearance of the Hunter must have been quite shocking.
"He's like a beast in human form. This won't be easy."
Everyone seemed anxious.
Despite being 10 meters away, I could feel the Hunter's piercing black eyes. He looked ready for a fight… Did… Did he actually forget his promise to abstain after fighting in moderation!?
"Then, everyone, to your seats."
Elga hesitated at my words, before patting me on the back, "Hey, don't get hurt too much." Then, she headed to the stands along with Mirna.
"Friend, it seems he's not the type to be swayed by tactics. To readily face such a person in battle… Your courage as a battle mage is better than mine."
"Focus on your opponent. And don't die."
That was not very helpful, not at all!