"In accordance with the rules of tavern dueling at ......, Mistress Karia Vardnick. Miss Kalia Vardnick and Miss Lugis will fight each other!

　At the same time as old Richard's declaration, the onlookers immediately started to make noise. The onlookers immediately start to make noise. Those who ordered more sake for a better snack. Others start betting money on who will win. The scene varies, but it's clear that everyone is irresponsibly amused.

　I mean, old Richard, what the hell are you doing? You're obviously in charge of the betting.

"Oh, Lugis. I'll pick up your bones. Let me have at least a pint.

　It became clear to me that there was nothing more I could expect from this old scoundrel. No, there was no mistaking the fact that I already knew. A deep sigh escaped my lips.

　The two knives that were returned to his waist wobbled as if they had been handled roughly by a hexenbiest. If they were to strike each other, they would break at the root.

　He glanced over at Kalia Vadnick, his designated opponent for the duel.

　Oh, I see. That's a big smile on her face. And it's not a smile with a hint of glee. It's a smile of guile. I've seen that look a few times on the road to salvation.

　Strange. Why? Why did this happen? I didn't do anything wrong, did I?

　I'm not doing anything wrong.

　I walked into the tavern and sat down at the urging of a smiling Kalia Vadnick. We were seated one level above the other tables. A higher table than usual. I've never sat at one, but I'm sure it's not too expensive for a knightly lady.

"Well, ......, I guess I should congratulate you on successfully defeating the big one.

Yeah. I submitted the report and his magic core to the Order as proof of defeat. They were in a panic, saying that Birdnick's daughter had done well.

　Hexenbiest. The thing that controls hexenbiests. Some say it's a hexenbiest itself. There's no better proof of killing a hexenbiest than this. It's an object that condenses magical power and was used in the future for magical operations.

　Kalia Vadnick spat scornfully at him for throwing it away. She may have had her own thoughts, but it was impossible to tell how deep they went.

　The beginning was surprisingly calm. It was like an extension of small talk, and I wonder if I would have ever had such an ordinary exchange with her in the future. In a way, it was a scary peace.

　But that changed when the second glass of wine was brought.

"So. Why did you leave?

"Why? I'm not supposed to be there. Besides, you're always in the way. ......

　Then shut up. No, no. She's not the one who's been telling me I'm in the way. It's the future Kalia Vadnick. At least the girl in front of me now isn't the one who's been talking down to me. Even if it is the same person.

　Kalia Vadnick raises her eyebrows quizzically and opens her mouth.

"You're just as cryptic sometimes as you were in the forest. I told you to watch. But you disobeyed. You disobeyed the words of a knight of my rank, albeit a fallen one.

　It's getting worse. I was slowly beginning to understand what this woman was trying to say.

　But why? I'm not sure why.

"...... In this country, if you disobey your superiors, you will be punished. Do you want me to accept that?

　He said, lowering his gaze as if to inquire about his feelings.

　Indeed, such a law is alive and well, though it is more like a custom. So if Kalia Vadnick wanted me to take the punishment, it would be easy. A few days of hard labor, at most. But was he really that upset that I broke my word? Somewhat doubtful. I don't think Kalia Vadnick was the kind of person I knew who'd be bothered by such details.

Of course you can. But that's too narrow. And I didn't come here for that. I just came to find out.

　Oh, yes, she said, as if remembering.

"What's your name?



"...... rougis. It's just Rougis. It's a muddy name.

Right. Then Rougis. I have a lot of questions for you. But there's only one that matters. Why did you save me?

　I assume you mean jumping on that big hexenbiest.

　Why? That's a difficult question to answer. The reason she jumped out there was like an impulsive, fleeting emotion. But that's not going to convince her very much. It's more important to give her a reason to nod her head and get out of here quickly.

　At any rate, the stares of the surrounding guests have been painful for a while now. If it became public knowledge that I was talking to a woman, a knightly woman, in a place like this, there was no telling what kind of trouble I might get into later.

　That's why I responded with a light-hearted response.

"Well, if there's a beautiful young lady, it's in a man's nature to help her, isn't it?

　There was silence between us for a beat. There was a pause of silence between them, and then Kalia Vadnick, with a wonderfully beautiful smile on her neat face, said.

"Well, that's an insult.

"What ......?

"Master!　Prepare for a duel!　This man has just insulted me. This man has just insulted me, and I will settle this in a duel!

　Her clear, passing voice caressed the tavern.

　The drunken men seemed to be seized by the sound of her voice and the word "duel. They immediately pulled down a table to make room and began asking for more drinks.

　Why? What's with the insults? I gave you a compliment.

I told you. I'm a knight. I'm a knight. How dare you speak to me as if I were a weak woman.

　My cheeks twitch. This is why I have such a hard time with the upper class.

　They do things like scoop up each other's words every day. And then there's the aggressive smile that sticks to their well-rounded faces. I know what that face means. When this Kalia Vadnick has this look on her face. It means.

"If you win, I'll forgive you for this. But if I win, then...

　That's when he gets unreasonably mean to me.

"You're my servant. I'll work you mercilessly.

　Now I get it. She was going to do the same thing no matter how I answered, I'm sure.