The day after I met Chris again.
　It was lunchtime at the school, and for some reason, Elysia was staring at me.

"Do you like older men?

　I tilted my head at Elysia's abrupt remark.
　But I immediately understood her intentions.

"......, are you talking about yesterday?

Yes, I am. That woman who came to the school gate, she was very beautiful, wasn't she?

　As Elysia and I talked, Gran and Mize, who were standing nearby, looked at us with curiosity.
　I let out an involuntary sigh. It seems I've been completely misunderstood.

"That's my former boss.

"Boss?　I mean, ...... the janitorial service that you worked for before you came to the school?

Yeah. So it's not like we have a special relationship. I just came by yesterday to see how I was doing at the school.

...... Hmm. I'm not sure what to say.

　It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life.
　For a moment, I thought she was jealous of me, but this is more of a suspicion. Apparently, I was still 'suspicious' to Elysia.

Did something happen yesterday?

I'm curious too.

　Gran and Mize ask me about the topic I mentioned earlier.
　If I explain honestly, it'll be the same thing again.
　As I was thinking about how to cover it up...

"Hey, you.

　Someone called out to me from behind.
　When I turned around, there was Zeke, a hero. There are two of his cronies around him.

"Zeke......

　Elysia glared at Zeke in alarm. Of course. The incident of the day before yesterday, when Zeke tried to raise his hand against the citizens of King's Landing, was still fresh in her mind.

I believe you said you were Twite.

"...... Yeah. What do you want?

I challenge you to a duel.

　At Zeke's words, the classroom fell silent.
　A duel. I know what that word means. Originally, it was a measure to settle disputes between nobles, a promise that the parties would fight one against another for their pride. However, as time went on, the tendency to settle disputes by force became stronger, and the number of nobles who proposed duels has been decreasing recently.

　Zeke's definition of a duel is, in essence, a "formal fight.
　In other words, I'm being politely challenged to a fight. "I'm sorry, but will you let me fight with you one on one? And.

You seem surprised, but this is not uncommon. Several times a year, students at Builders Academy fight each other in duels. And most of the time it's because a commoner has challenged a noble. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

...... I don't remember ever challenging a nobleman.

"You're so naive. --Don't tell me you've forgotten what happened two days ago!

　Zeke barks.
　I knew that was the case, I sighed inwardly.

You're a commoner and you disrespected me, the legitimate son of House Falsion!　You're a commoner and a legitimate son of House Falcyon, and if you do anything like that in my territory, you'll be beheaded immediately!　If you do that in my territory, you will be beheaded immediately!

　Elysia, who couldn't bear to see that argument, spoke up.

"Zeke. Do you remember the rules of the Builders Academy?　While you're a student at this school, the status system doesn't work. Commoners, nobles, and even royalty are all on equal footing as long as they are students at the Builders Academy.

"That's enough!　If you underestimate me because I'm a hero, you'll get carried away too!

　Zeke struck at Elysia.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll do fine.

"Hey, hey, hey, the duel hasn't even started yet.

Let go, commoner.

"Yeah, I'll let go. --I'll let you go. - Next time, don't just grab me.

　The first corner of my eye is looking at Zeke.
　It's a good idea to take a look at your own eyes to make sure you're still looking at the same thing.

I'm not sure if you've seen this before. I'm only here for that man, Toate.

　Zeke then looked at me.
　With the attention of my classmates on me, I thought. The day before yesterday was not our fault by any stretch of the imagination. However, if we let Zeke's outburst go on unchecked, it might someday spread to the other students involved. So I bowed my head.



"I apologize if I offended you. So can you forgive me for that?

No. You will be humiliated in public.

　Zeke and his cronies smiled down at him.

"...... is in bad taste.

"It's not bad taste. This is an example. It's not a hobby. Once in a while you have to hit the nail on the head.

　His cronies agreed with Zeke, saying, "Yes, that's right.
　I had reached the end of my patience.
　I'm good at suppressing my anger, but when it comes to Zeke, I'm more disgusted.
　I've never had such a childish person pick a fight with me before.
　With a sigh, I tell him.

You have your reasons, but in the end you just want to get even. There is no justification for this duel. What you're looking for is just a petty fight.

　I imply that I have no intention of responding to such triviality.
　Then Zeke's face turned red and he shouted.

Shut up!　You have disgraced me!　This is my rightful revenge!

　Zeke's shout drew a crowd of students from the hallway.
　The first person to react to that statement was not me, but Elysia.

...... revenge, right?

　Elysia's demeanor changed drastically.
　I'm not sure if you'll be able to find the right one for you.

To Eight. I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results. ......

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm not going to defend Zeke.

I'm not trying to defend Zeke, but the nobleman who thinks he's been disgraced is persistent. ...... If you refuse to go along with this, you might end up in trouble.

　I see. That's a good point.
　It's better that they chose to duel. .......

"All right. I'll accept the duel.

　I reluctantly nodded my head, and Zeke smiled good-humoredly, as if he was already convinced of victory.