Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 396: Before the Duel
The day after the mayor’s son attempted his secret nighttime visit, Tauro and his companions went to the hill outside Wasan.
The duel was scheduled for noon.
When Tauro arrived slightly early, the mayor’s son was already waiting with approximately ten followers.
“Right on time. I’m surprised you didn’t run away. I’ve never heard of a team called Black-Gold Wings, but I admire your courage.”
The young man radiated confidence.
That’s supposed to be my line.
Tauro was amazed that his opponent still looked down on him so completely.
Tauro was a D-plus adventurer who had already demonstrated ability worthy of entering the C-rank band. Even a brief inquiry at the guild would have revealed that much, but the mayor’s son apparently believed the small boy was merely a figurehead leader protected by stronger companions.
Formal duels sometimes allowed a champion to fight in a participant’s place. The mayor’s son, however, didn’t personally hold a title and lacked the standing to appoint one.
Zion had volunteered to act as Tauro’s champion, but he refused because she wasn’t trained in swordsmanship.
Besides, I accepted this challenge myself. I have no intention of passing it to someone else.
In that single respect, Tauro could almost respect the mayor’s son for appearing in person.
The young man already held a dueling sword and seemed eager to begin.
“I prepared several child-sized swords for you.”
One of his followers tossed a selection of short swords onto the ground before Tauro.
Every blade had been deliberately blunted.
The duel wasn’t intended to be a fight to the death. It was a formal contest used to settle a claim—in this case, the young man’s absurd assertion of innocence and Tauro’s demand that Sita’s wishes be respected.
Even a blunted sword remained a heavy piece of iron. A strike could bruise, break bones, or kill if it landed badly. Witnesses, a physician, and healing potions had therefore been prepared.
Tauro selected one of the short dueling swords and tested its balance.
He examined each weapon with [True Eye] and found no hidden defect. The mayor’s son genuinely believed he could win through skill alone.
The opponent’s own sword was another matter.
[True Eye] revealed that it carried a concealed [Weight Reduction] enchantment.
So that’s the source of his confidence. He intends to cheat after all.
Tauro decided to ignore the advantage. If the young man believed a lighter sword could bridge the difference between them, he was underestimating Tauro even more severely than expected.
The witnesses Tauro had requested then arrived: Alimar and the members of Zenyu’s escort.
The village chief hurried toward the mayor’s son.
“Please reconsider! The wedding is tomorrow. What will happen if you’re injured?”
“I won’t be injured,” the young man replied. “I brought a physician and expensive healing potions just in case. But if your little guard gets hurt, we have no obligation to treat him.”
His followers laughed.
“Th-that’s…”
Alimar was worried about Tauro, who had saved his life and was still responsible for protecting the bridal procession. If either duelist suffered a serious injury, the consequences would become the village chief’s problem.
His attempts at persuasion failed.
“I’ll teach you what happens when you defy the Mage Baron household that governs Wasan!” the young man boasted.
You were caught attempting to enter Sita’s room at night. Why are you pretending that’s no longer the issue?
“Before we begin, we should review the terms,” Tauro said. “The duel can’t proceed until both of us sign the pledge.”
The written agreement was presented.
The mayor’s son claimed that he was innocent of attempting the nighttime visit. If he won, Tauro would be required to acknowledge that claim.
Tauro’s condition stated that, because the groom had demonstrated such behavior before marriage, Sita’s own wishes regarding whether the wedding proceeded must be respected if Tauro won.
The young man saw no danger in the condition. Although Sita could theoretically cancel the marriage, he was convinced that the woman he loved must naturally return his feelings.
Is he simply blinded by love, or is he an idiot? Either way, Sita has my sympathy.
“Once you sign, you can’t run away,” the mayor’s son warned. “I won’t go easy on you. Once the duel begins, I’ll keep attacking until the officiant stops me.”
Tauro ignored the threat and signed immediately.
After the witnesses verified both signatures, the pledge was shown to the assembled spectators.
A thin man dressed like a priest stepped forward to officiate.
“The duel will now begin. Its outcome is sacred and mustn’t be tarnished. Both participants, step forward.”
Tauro and the mayor’s son silently obeyed.
“One final confirmation. Once the match is decided—even by surrender—the result is binding. Neither side may dispute it afterward. Is reconciliation still possible?”
“No!” both duelists answered.
“Then begin!”
At the officiant’s declaration, the duel commenced.