(Harold’s pov)
【”It’s not bad for a holiday house, even though it’s a little too small.”】
【”I know right? The price is pretty good too, but still, I’m not sure about this location.”】
What they needed was a spacious place, far away from the public eye, where they could fight without restraints. And this place fit those conditions.
【”If you want to buy a property, do it when I’m not here.”】
【”Right. Itsuki, where should we fight?”】
【”Let’s go around to the back.”】
And so, Itsuki brought Francis and Harold along to a horse riding place which was enclosed by wooden fences. Horse riding was certainly an aristocratic hobby, and even the Stokes’ mansion had a stable, but there, people still had to actually go outside of the mansion’s premises to gallop.
Right now, the horse riding place was completely empty. But that was only natural because, no matter how well managed the place was, it was missing the most important part of horse riding; the horses.
【”If it’s here, we’ll sure be able to fight to our heart’s contents.”】
【”Still, it would be troublesome if this turns into a rampage. “】
【”No need for such worries. I won’t draw out my sword.”】
【”What does that mean?”】
【”Do i have to spell it out for you? There is no need for a sword against the likes of you, bastard.”】
【”……I’ll make you immediately take back those words.”】
【”Go ahead, try your luck. If you can actually make me draw out my sword, it’s your win.”】
【”This will be the last confirmation. Harold Stokes and Francis J. Arkwright, you shall now have a duel. And I, Itsuki Sumeragi, will serve as the witness. The duel shall end either if Harold uses his weapon, if one you gives up, or if I judge that the battle cannot go on. Are there any objections?”】
【”【”There are none.”】”】
【”Then, may the duel, for a marriage to Erica Sumeragi, beg-“】
【”Wait.”】
【”What’s wrong?”】
【”Are you seriously asking me what’s freaking wrong? How is getting married to Erica related to this duel?”】
【”It’s fine. If you want to marry Erica, all you have to do is win.”】
【”Idiot. That’s not what I’m freaking worried about.”】
【”Besides, you’re already engaged to Erica, and if you lose, Franck will likely constantly try to seduce her anyway, right? So isn’t it pretty much the same as the initial wager?”】
【”It’s completely different. Especially since your intention is-“】
【”-Ah, hold on a second, please. I don’t really get what’s going on but…. In short, if I win, I’ll be able to make Erica my wife?”】
【”Yeah, but I’m pretty sure that’s not gonna be possible for you, Franck.”】
【”I feel even more motivated all of a sudden. Let’s get real serious here!”】
(The Brave mode right from the start? The hell?!)
(Could it be that there is no need to fill a gauge here? Is it some kind “you can use it if your feelings are strong enough” thing? Are you freaking kidding me?! Or rather, more important than that….)
Translator’s note: This one was complicated, I hope you guys still get what happened. It relies very much on the fact that you’ve read other novels, manga and the like. As for the experience points system, it might be weird for you but it’s pretty similar to the one in Persona, and in many other JRPGs.
I’d also like to thank the new patrons, Ranga Q and Kat, and the old patrons as well, of course, thank you very much for your support!
