Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 41: After the Duel
I, Julian, was filled with a sense of shame.
Right now, I’m lying on the ground and bowing my head to the princess. It feels more like I’m lying down in apology than just kneeling.
“I’m sorry, princess. Despite you choosing the place for me, I ended up losing…”
My pants and underwear were burned, leaving my backside exposed in a heart shape. I’m covering it with my jacket, but just the fabric brushing against it brings a stinging pain.
This pain is proof of my defeat.
Leonhart, who won against me, had already disappeared with Celia while I was burning.
That guy must be doing something terrible to Celia. I can’t forgive him!
“It’s a pity this time, Julian.”
The princess said sympathetically.
Please stop. I’m just a loser.
But I couldn’t push her away, so I accepted it.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a duel, and it’s even more baffling than I heard…”
Saying that, the princess looked thoughtful. Her expression was so beautiful that it made me pause.
Wait, no, no! She’s a princess! Her status is different from mine!
“Leonhart said that water evaporates… But that’s impossible. The elemental interactions are absolute. Fire cannot defeat water. That should be the natural order… There must be some trick involved.”
“But I don’t understand the trick. We conducted the duel in this ground, which we confirmed to have no traps beforehand. Even so, it looked as if Leonhart had truly made Julian’s magic evaporate… Could it be that Leonhart really—”
“That’s impossible! Engelbrecht, you’re overestimating the enemy!”
“…I’m sorry, Your Highness Anneliése.”
“What did Julian see from the direct confrontation?”
“Yes, I would also like to hear Julian’s opinion.”
The princess and Engelbrecht looked down at me…
“I’m sorry… I don’t understand what happened either. It really felt like my magic disappeared…”
Leonhart. He just stood there. Yet, no matter how many spells I cast or what type of magic I used, none of it reached him.
This is the first time I’ve experienced something like this. Since I can use all types of magic, I understand. Leonhart’s magic is abnormal. It’s not magic!
Not magic…?
Then, what is it?
What is Leonhart doing?
“Even Julian couldn’t see through Leonhart’s trick…”
The princess had a troubled expression.
“I’m sorry…”
“No, it’s not your fault, Julian.”
The princess took my hand and enveloped it with both of hers.
“The real issue is Leonhart, who enslaves a young girl. You did the right thing. Your intentions are just.”
“Just…”
“Although you were unfortunately defeated this time, I’m sure Lady Undine will grant you her blessings.”
Ignoring the pain in my backside, I stood up.
After being told this, there’s no way I can stay down!
“Princess, I’ll definitely take down Leonhart and free Celia!”
“That’s the spirit. Also, please call me Anne.”
“Is it alright? I’m just a commoner…”
“It’s fine. You are someone chosen to wield all elements. Use that power to save that poor slave.”
“Yes! Thank you, Anne.”
◇
I, Engelbrecht, was deeply moved by Princess Anneliése’s generosity.
To think that even a commoner is allowed to use a nickname… Aristocratic names are supposed to be noble, and royal names are even more esteemed.
Truly, this person should be the next queen!
She is putting so much effort into saving a mere slave girl. With someone like her, she will surely create the ideal country.
But what I don’t understand is Leonhart.
He should have realized by now that Princess Anneliése is supporting us because of today’s events. To cling to that slave girl despite risking royal displeasure—could he be so dull? As a fellow noble, it’s embarrassing.
We can’t afford to struggle here if Princess Anneliése is to become the next queen. Maybe we should use our power to push through?
“Princess Anneliése, about that slave—couldn’t we use your influence to make Leonhart surrender her? If we address him directly, even someone as dull as Leonhart should understand that angering the royalty is unacceptable, right?”
However, Princess Anneliése looked troubled.
“I considered that, but the slave is Leonhart’s property. Even if she is a servant’s possession, it would be inappropriate to demand it…”
“I see…”
So it would be seen as an inappropriate act from the princess… Troubling.
“Therefore, let’s win her through the duel. Right now, I’m asking our classmates if they’ve discovered anything about Leonhart’s trick. Based on that information, we’ll devise our next strategy.”