My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 119

Time flew quickly, and the day of the Formal Duel arrived.

Our party teleported to Pretéum.

Immediately, we moved to the Duel Arena located on the outskirts of Pretéum. On the way, Tina and Phoenix expressed their desire to eat something tasty in Pretéum after a long time, so we had to stop by the market.

Thus, while stuffing our mouths with food, we arrived at the Duel Arena in front of our carriage.

A banner reading “First S-Class Duel!” was hung on the arena’s building, and in front of the arena, countless people were bustling about.

It was only natural for people’s interest to be piqued since this was the first duel between S-Class fighters. Moreover, such duels are often used for large-scale gambling.

“The carriage of Duke Aus is coming through! Please step aside!”

At the shout of the coachman, the citizens hurriedly cleared the way. The carriage slowly resumed its pace.

“It looks like there are a lot of people for the Formal Duel.”

I mumbled as I pulled back the curtain, taking in the crowd.

“Your duel was unofficial, so you might not have been aware. This duel between S-Class has been unprecedented since the S-Class emerged. Let alone between S-Class individuals; it’s only natural that many are interested.”

Tori, who was sitting across from me, responded. I sipped my lavender tea, purchased from the market, and grimaced at the taste.

“So, who does the exceptionally skilled Praus think will win? Soro became the youngest S-Class and is said to be strong enough to rival the Magic Guild Leader; do you think he stands a chance?”

“…I’ve set the conditions for a favorable outcome. It now depends on Urka.”

I remarked, looking over the heroes who were chattering loudly, catching a glimpse of Urka.

I had done all I could; now, I just needed to watch the results.

If things didn’t go well even after I had done this much, then Urka wouldn’t be a useful card for me.

When that time comes, I would just have to resign myself. If the first step went wrong, I just needed to make sure the second one went well.

The carriage came to a halt in front of the arena’s rear entrance.

The rear door of the arena was strictly controlled by knights for the convenience of the nobility and entry to private viewing areas.

While Tori paid the coachman, we disembarked from the carriage.

Only after enduring the meticulous inspection from the Royal Knight Order waiting at the back door could we enter the arena. Although I was concerned about the knights watching us as we entered, there was nothing we could do.

As we followed the guide down the path, a woman with her hand on her waist stood at a crossroads. Beside Soro stood a man with the same white hair, crossing his arms and giving us an annoyed look.

Since there was only one man next to Soro, it had to be Ter, Soro’s younger brother.

Ter was actually the kind of character who annoys his sister Soro while still looking out for her. This mindset started after they lost their parents at a young age, leading Ter to feel he had to take care of his immature sister.

Because of that, when Soro got involved in trouble, Ter would generally follow her around.

And this setup was practically implemented as Ter’s intrusion pattern in the game’s second phase of the Soro subjugation quest.

In this case, since it was a Formal Duel, Ter wouldn’t be intruding, but I thought it was best to be on guard regarding any potential scenarios.

“…Damn sister. Did it really have to escalate like this?”

“You were eventually going to have to establish your hierarchy at some point.”

Soro replied to Ter while loosening her wrist, and he sighed as if he had no choice.

“I’ll see you later, Urka. I’ll make you weep in front of so many people. That pathetic pride you have? I’ll stomp all over it. Get ready.”

Soro grinned, pointing at Urka behind me. She was ridiculously arrogant.

I would feel some satisfaction watching that expression crumble before Urka today.

“…But I think that pride is more likely to trample you, Soro.”

“You, I’ll make you human again. I’ll cut off those two dog ears on your head and that thin tail attached to your backside.”

“Go ahead if you think you can. I’ll burn that short hair of yours to cinders.”

It was already intense mind games between them.

They exchanged blows, but Urka emerged victorious in the mental battle.

“You think I’m a man…? You damn bitch…!”

“I’m not a dog, you idiot.”

Veins popped on Soro’s forehead. She hated being called masculine and couldn’t contain her fury as she tried to approach Urka. However, Ter quickly stepped in to stop her.

“Fighting is for the duel. We’ll see each other soon, everyone.”

Ter pulled Soro along with him. Even as she was being dragged by Ter, Soro didn’t take her eyes off Urka.

“I’ll make you useless, whether it’s an arm or a leg!”

She threw out a vicious threat until the end.

“Let go of me.”

Soro swatted Ter’s hand away and walked away nonchalantly. Ter raised his hands with a bitter smile. I seized the moment to speak to Ter.

“Ter.”

“…Do I know you?”

The white-haired man turned to look at me.

He had the immense fame of being S-Class, but he seldom acted in public and tended to leave no survivors for those who crossed his path.

Because of that, not many knew him well. Even if they did, it was likely just his white hair and name.

“…Don’t even think about getting involved.”

“Getting involved? What do you mean?”

“I’m just saying… just…”

‘There’s no real meaning to it.’

“I’m giving you a subtle warning.”

A warning is certainly not something to be taken lightly, is it?

Every time I spoke to someone strong, it ended up in a fight. Just cancel that!

“A warning? Did you just say that to me?”

Ter glared at me, his eyes widening, showing hostility. Look at that; he’s already furious.

“You seem quite confident since you know my name and dared to give me a warning. Or would you prefer to not just give me a warning but also fight me yourself?”

‘Aah, fighting? I was just trying to be casual about it. Haha.’

“You’re pretty full of yourself. That arrogance will one day come back to bite you in the ass.”

“Why don’t you try grabbing that ankle of yours right now? ‘Mid—”

Thwack!

Just as Ter reached his hand out toward me, someone suddenly whacked his head. The hand that was aimed at me ended up striking his head instead.

“Ow! That hurt, sister!”

“Today, I’m the main character. Don’t steal my spotlight with your pointless fighting.”

That was such an absurd reason. Upon hearing that, Ter’s face twisted in disgust. He didn’t seem pleased with the reason for the hit.

“Ugh. You’re such an annoying sister.”

“Hmph! Now hurry up. We need to show the Emperor our faces.”

“I got it! And what do you mean by ‘face’? Just say ‘face’!”

As I watched my sister walk ahead, Ter reluctantly replied and then whipped around to face me.

“I guess you’re lucky. Well, you’ll soon find yourself fighting me, so I’ll look forward to that.”

I wonder who’s the lucky one here.

If Ter had activated any skills, the heroes behind me would have reacted immediately.

And it makes sense since as soon as I’m mentioned, Tina and Iris haven’t taken their hands off their swords, and Maria has already finished casting her spells.

If a fight were to break out here, Ter would undoubtedly ‘be dead.’ Even if he was exceptional among the S-Class, he was still not fully developed and wasn’t on the heroes’ level.

“Well then, I’ll see you later, Praus.”

“You know me too.”

“Yes. How could I not? You’re my top priority for elimination.”

…Really? Wow, this is bad.

Being targeted by the White Light Corps means the Emperor is against me.

Suddenly, I felt worried about future repercussions.

I expected this kind of result when I pushed Seri, but hearing it directly felt like I had received a death sentence.

“Well then, I’ll be off. See you soon.”

After the white-haired siblings disappeared, the previously heightened tension melted away.

The guide, who had been watching from behind, quietly asked, “Can we continue?” and I simply nodded in response.

*

Since Urka was a contestant in this duel, he would rest in a separate waiting room for players and parted ways with us.

The others followed the guide into the spectators’ area. Thanks to Tori, we were seen as VIPs and granted a private space above where commoners sat.

This space was open at the front for viewing. Although those outside couldn’t see in, the inside was protected by a barrier to view the outside.

And standing there was a man with golden hair. He was dressed in clothes and a cape that looked like they cost a fortune just from the glance.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince?”

“…You’ve arrived.”

He turned and looked at us, and I was already irritated just by seeing his face. Did you put my Seri in that situation?!

“Yes, it feels like it’s been a long time since I last saw you. Have you been well during that time?”

Tori bowed his head and greeted him politely.

“Quit with the formalities. Even though we’re supposed to be Crown Prince and Duke, we’re in an ‘adversarial relationship,’ aren’t we?”

“…”

Tori swallowed hard and stayed silent with his head bowed.

Did he come here just to taunt us? What a Crown Prince with too much time on his hands.

“If that’s what you came to say, I already know, so don’t worry about it.”

Finally, I interrupted.

“What happened between me and Duke Aus is because of you. Just stay in your corner.”

“Is this really my fault? If His Royal Highness Crown Prince Chris had reconsidered the slavery system, would Duke Tori have pulled my side? I’m not saying to eliminate it, just to ease it a bit.”

I shook my head casually.

“But you firmly opposed it. Thus, to say that this is my fault doesn’t hold. It was just a matter of time before it happened.”

“You really aren’t holding back, huh? Seri, do you think so too? The fundamental cause of the rift between me and the nobility arose from you coveting the throne, didn’t you?”

Since coming to Pretéum, Seri had been quietly listening, but upon hearing her name, she took a deep breath, keeping her head down.

After a while, she lifted her head, revealing a sharp and cold gaze as if she had steeled herself, similar to the nobles’ meetings.

“What do you mean? The rift has existed for a long time now, hasn’t it? The fact that you couldn’t realize that is proof that Crown Prince Chris is ‘incompetent,’ isn’t it?”

“Seri, you little…!”

Chris clenched his fist at Seri’s taunt.

“If, as Praus says, if Brother Chris were to try to take the right path, I too would have sided with him. But Brother Chris never did anything of the sort. Instead, you sought to solidify your throne using me.”

“How ridiculous that the Crown Princess would be swayed by a mere commoner. It’s preposterous.”

“Pfft. Do you truly believe that we’re the ones being swayed?”

The low self-esteem image she showed at the Duke’s residence was merely an act as she was now toying with Chris. Thankfully, it didn’t seem like she was worried for her safety. It was good that she was recovering quickly.

“…Wearing such a casual outfit to such an occasion. If you were to become Emperor, the status of the royal family would plummet.”

Awkwardly pointing out, Seri chuckled. She inspected her outfit and smiled casually.

“What’s wrong with my attire? It’s pretty, isn’t it?”

Her outfit wasn’t a dress. She wore something neat yet not flashy, a sweater, and a long skirt.

“And today, I’m not the main character, am I? Not everyone can be the protagonist in every situation. That’s just greedy, Brother Chris.”

“You insolent girl….”

“Cut it out. So what brings you here?”

I interrupted the two’s conversation. If I didn’t intervene, it seemed like I wouldn’t hear the purpose of this visit, and they would just continue bickering.

“…This duel breaks the restrictions. Because of the demon tribe, duels between S-Class fighters have been strictly prohibited. You know that very well, right?”

“Indeed.”

“That’s why to watch this duel, His Majesty the Emperor will visit this arena.”

“And?”

“So, if by any chance you engage in any foul play or do anything that could cause issues, I’ll impose strict penalties. This isn’t just my say; it’s a command from His Majesty the Emperor.”

Foul play…

This could mean that ‘Urka can never defeat Soro. So if Urka wins, he must have done something underhanded.’

Quite simply, it meant that even if Urka honestly won, they could easily interpret it as if he had used deception to win.

In reality, the nobles, well aware of the White Light Corps’ achievements and the strength of the Soro-Ter siblings, tended to treat them as supreme beings almost reverently.

Given that tendency, it was entirely likely they would raise objections based on the result of the duel, so I needed to set that down at one point.

“We have no intention of playing dirty.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to suspect foul play just because Urka won?”

“…There’s a chance. He might somehow win, but it’s possible.”

What a nasty nuance.

“Well, we’ll talk after the duel is over. His Majesty the Emperor intended to meet Duke Aus and you, Seri, after the duel, so come to where the Emperor is after the duel.”

With those final words, he opened the door and left. I stared at the direction the Crown Prince walked until the door closed by itself.

“Praus, are you okay?”

“…No, not at all.”

“What shall we do?”

Tori and Seri wore worried expressions. The heroes and the two Spirit Kings remained silent, maintaining a serious atmosphere, waiting for my decision.

“Well, what can we do? We have no choice. Whether we win or lose, regardless of how they respond, we just need to hope Urka wins.”

I suppose I need to hand him something to ensure Urka can win.

“…I’ll quickly go meet Urka and return.”

“I’ll go with you, Teacher.”

“I’m going alone.”

Although I was grateful for Iris’s intention to come with me, it was better if I went alone.

“I’ll be back soon, so keep your positions.”

From now on, I planned to take advantage of Urka’s emotions.