22　A promise with a friend.

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“Second-san, you are very strong.”

　At the final game.

　Just before it started, Maine began speaking.

“I guess. Sorry for hiding it. Are you angry? “

“Not at all!　I’m liking you more and more.”

　You’re a good person, Maine.

“Then, next time take me to the royal palace. I’d like to read the Fourth Form.”

　When I answered as so in a clear voice, Maine smiled happily.

“Of course. Uhmm, but, in exchange… be my f――”

“Participants, get ready… Begin! “

　The referee signaled the start of the game the moment Maine tried to say something.

　The final game has begun.

“……っ! “

　After having his conversation interrupted, Maine switched gears immediately and cast 《Wind Attribute・First Form》.

　Almost at the same time, I combined 《Soldier Archery》 and 《Water Attribute・First Form》, and got it ready to activate.

　Like that, we were about to exchange shots.

　As is, the conclusion is settled―― But that prediction was soon overturned.

“HAAA! “

　Maine immediately canceled his cast, and jumped directly into the magic I released.

　A large chuck of water hits Maine. About 30% of Maine’s HP was being shaved off, but in spite of that, he started casting while taking damage.

　This guy, he managed to do Forced Casting!

　Indeed, if you are attacked while casting, the spell will be interrupted, but if the cast is performed while you receive an attack, it would not be interrupted.

　Maine properly knew about that. As expected of the ‘Erudite Prince’, though I won’t say it.

　What’s more…… that magic is 《Wind Attribute・Third Form》. So, this guy had also learned it――!

“Tch.”

　I clicked my tongue, then I too cast 《Wind Attribute・Third Form》.

　My skill rank is higher than his. Therefore, my casting time is also shorter.

　……As a result, my Third Form and Prince Maine’s Third Form were activated at the same time, and cancelled each other simultaneously.

“Ah…”

　The simple difference in power was made clear. Maine staggered back and landed on his buttocks.

“It is my defeat.”

　He sadly laughed after saying that. A surrender declaration.

“Winner, Second! “

　The referee decision came soon.

　……This is not good. Can’t leave it like this.

“Hey, why are you laughing? “

　After thinking thus, I confronted Maine.

　I had to show it in my attitude.

　Before the game started, this guy was trying to say it. He’s gloomy and bashful, a person that makes you laugh. But he grasped his fist tightly with his cheeks blushed. He was serious.

　I can’t leave without showing him the answer.

　I have to properly point out the virtues of this guy who’s too soft to do something and let’s everything pass with a “It’s fine”.

　I came to think that he was of such forgiving mind.

“Eh… well, Second-san, you’re strong.”

“No. If your Third Form was grade 5 or higher, I might have lost. It was a dangerous sight. I unconsciously looked down on you. There’s no strength in that.”

“…But you are very strong, right?”

“That’s not it. Aren’t you bitter? You lost to an opponent that was looking down on you. Aren’t you frustrated?”

“No, not really, that is…”

“Don’t deceive yourself. If you’re not frustrated here, you’ll stay the same for the rest of your life.”

“…………”

　Maine turned silent.

　Suddenly, the sound of laughter and applause came closer.

“Incredible evaluation, Second-kun. It is as you say. My foolish brother lacks such spirit. I’ve always been telling him that.”

　I knew it. He came.

　With sharp eyes and long, golden hair dropping on his back, it was the First Prince Klaus.

　Just as Klaus looked at me, his mouth opened with a smile.

“I properly looked at your skills. You really have a good arm. I’ll make a special exception. Learn commanding under my tutelage.”

　Bustle……All the people around raised voices of surprise.

　To report directly to the First Prince Klaus would mean having secured an executive position in the First Knight Order. And then, with the crowning of King Klaus, a bright future is ensured.

　An incredible deal. Even me understands it.

　The fact that I was sought in the presence of this public serves as a formal invitation from the Leader of the First Knight Order Klaus, and is proof that Prince Klaus has publicly acknowledged my ability.

　But, on the contrary.

　Refusing this invitation is synonymous with declaring, in front of many people, that I’m turning First Prince Klaus into an enemy.

　――This gives little reason to refuse. Everyone thinks so.

　This is what Klaus was aiming for.

　An invitation that no normal person would be able to refuse.

　Yes, a normal person.

“Don’t want to.”

　I answered with just that single phrase.

“What did you say? “

　Klaus asked again.

“Do・not・want・to.”

　I repeated myself slowly this time.

　Maine looked over here with a black face.

　It’s okay. This was within my expectations. I knew that if it became a scenario where Klaus couldn’t beat you because of me, he would try to come and recruit me. After all, isn’t he at the top of the Knights?　Sorry to disappoint you, but the world’s number one isn’t that naive.

…………～“

　Klaus’ face turned red in anger. I wonder if the expression fuming in anger meant something like this.

　However, I’m not angry at all.

　We’re in the presence of the public.

　Getting angry just because your invitation was refused is not a royal-like attitude at all.

“……Is that right? “

　Klaus said with his face still red.

　Here’s the time to use the wild card I had prepared.

“I already made a promise with Maine before the game. To visit the Royal Palace with him.”

“――eh! “

　Maine’s eyes opened in surprise.

　Right. This declaration can be taken with the meaning of “I’m already under the umbrella of the Second Prince”.

　I certainly made that promise a few minutes ago. Even the referee who was nearby can prove it.

“……Is that so? “

　Klaus looked towards Maine and the referee, with a vein almost popping out from his forehead.

　Maine nodded.

　The referee also nodded his head strongly.

“……I see.”

　There was already an agreement between me and the Second Prince.

　He was trying to ‘invite to divide’, or in other words, similar to recruiting an employee working for another company. That was a violation of manners.

　Therefore, he had no choice but to back down. And the situation had now reversed.

“What a shame. Well, let us keep doing our best in the future.”

　Klaus’ red face became and even darker tone.

“Second-san…”

　Blushing slightly, Maine looked over here.

　This guy, seems like he already forgot the sermon I gave him.

“Well, let’s continue the sermon. That’s right, do you want to play with me until you no longer feel frustrated?”

“……Eh, EH!?　Please spare me!　You know I can’t win! “

“Are you dumb? That’s not what I meant. That’s why people keep calling you weak and feeble.”

“What a terrible thing to say… Second-san, you really like to recklessly pick on me, right? You’re almost like my brother.”

“Don’t pair me with the likes of him.”

“Eh…? “

“It’s because we’re friends, idiot.”

　Making a fist with my hand, I hit the top of Maine’s head.

　Although it was painful enough for tears to form at the edge of Maine eyes, he answered “Yes! “, with a smile.

　　＊　＊　＊

“Fuck!　That Maine…! “

　While cursing his brother’s name, Klaus went inside the school building and hurriedly headed towards the Headmaster’s office.

　That foolish little brother dared pull ahead of me. That was all it took to tear Klaus’ pride to shreds.

“Paula Memento!　Are you there!? “

“Please calm down, Your Highness Klaus.”

“Shut up!　Hand over all the information you have about that sickening person, Second, this very moment! “

　Paula, the headmaster of the Royal Magic Academy sighed at the angry First Prince, and then took out a bunch of papers out from a drawer in her desk.

“Hand it over! “

　Klaus aggressively ripped the papers from Paula’s hands and started to go through them on the spot.

“…Is this all!? “

　What was written in there was trivial information about how Second had spent his time in the school.

“He’s a person with a lot of mysteries. Also, about his island country Zipang, nothing has come up about that place.”

“F… FUUCK!! “

　Klaus slammed the papers on the floor and left the headmaster’s office.

“Good lord, I heard he was an easily upset person, but.”

　Paula was astounded as she gathered the papers scattered on the floor.

“…Still, Second-kun. I’ll have to look further into him.”

　The black rim around the glasses on her face masked her suspicious expression.

=====

Thank you for reading.

Next chapter is an Idle Talk.

 

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Cheat sheet

Stats details

＜Status Details＞

• HP　Hit Points
• MP　Magic Points
• SP　Stamina Points
• STR　Short range attack skill power, strength, physical power.
• DEX　Long range attack skill power, dexterity, hit rate.
• AGI　Quickness, avoidance rate.
• INT　Attack Magic skill power.
• LUK　Good luck, critical rate.
• VIT　Simple defense.
• MGR　Magic defense.

Types of combat skills

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

1. Pawn/Soldier (Fuhyou)
2. Lance(Kyousha)
3. Knight (Keima)
4. Silver General (Ginshou)
5. Gold General (Kinshou)
6. Bishop (Kakugyou)
7. Rook (Hisha)
8. Promoted Bishop/Dragon Horse(Ryuuma)
9. Promoted Rook/Dragon King (Ryuuou).

List of Swordsmanship skills

Swordsmanship

1. 《Soldier Swordsmanship》　                  Normal attack.
2. 《Lance Swordsmanship》　                    Piercing attack.
3. 《Knight Swordsmanship》　                   Precision attack.
4. 《Silver Swordsmanship》　                     Strong single-target attack.
5. 《Gold Swordsmanship》                           Small-range attack to all directions.
6. 《Bishop Swordsmanship》                       ???
7. 《Rook Swordsmanship》　                      ???
8. 《Dragon Horse Swordsmanship》　    ???
9. 《Dragon King Swordsmanship》　       ???

List of Archery skills

Archery

1. 《Soldier Archery》　                  Normal range attack.
2. 《Lance Archery》　                    Piercing range attack.
3. 《Knight Archery》　                   Precise sniping range attack.
4. 《Silver Archery》　                     Strong single-target range attack.
5. 《Gold Archery》                           Weaker range attack with added knockback.
6. 《Bishop Archery》                       Strong piercing range attack.
7. 《Rook Archery》　                      Very strong single-target range attack with scaling % damage.
8. 《Dragon Horse Archery》　    Powerful piercing range attack.
9. 《Dragon King Archery》　       Powerful on-impact range attack.

Types of Magic skills

They use the “Form” or “step” system of martial arts. From lower to higher.

1. First Form　      　      Regular attack
2. Second Form　      　 Extended range attack
3. Third Form　      　    Strong single target attack
4. Fourth Form　      　  Strong extended range attack
5. Fifth Form　      　      Extremely powerful extended range attack

• Their cast time becomes longer in this order First→Third→Second→Fourth→Fifth.

Ranking of the skills

From lower to higher, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade.

1. 16th class
2. 15th class
3. 14th class
4. 13th class
5. 12h class
6. 11th class
7. 10th class
8. 9th class
9. 8th class
10. 7th class
11. 6th class
12. 5th class
13. 4th class
14. 3rd class
15. 2nd class
16. 1st class
17. Grade 1
18. Grade 2
19. Grade 3
20. Grade 4
21. Grade 5
22. Grade 6
23. Grade 7
24. Grade 8
25. Grade 9
26. Title

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 ToC    

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