NOVEL WEB Chapter 27.1
Stage 1-27. A Predetermined Future
Go to sleep as usual, wake up as usual, and the time will come.
There’s no room for nerves.
A match where the result is obvious is just a formality.
In the waiting room, it’s only me and Karen.
The student council president and the headmaster stopped by earlier but quickly left, saying, “Leave the post-duel cleanup to me.”
Alice and Mashiro, who came to encourage us, have already moved to the audience seats.
After that, Karen timidly showed up…
“Ouga, how are you feeling? Did you sleep well last night?”
“I should ask you the same thing.”
“Haha…”
Karen lets out a dry laugh.
“If you get dark circles, your pretty face will be ruined.”
“Eek, eeek…! Ahem. Y-yeah, I’ll redo my makeup later.”
…Well, I guess that’s understandable.
Thinking that today determines her future, it makes sense if she couldn’t sleep.
And the man she’s entrusted her future to has zero magical aptitude.
Anyone who could sleep soundly must have nerves of steel.
“Don’t worry. Have you ever seen me lose?”
“…No, never. I remember how you used to chase off all the bullies for me.”
“Right? Seems like people are betting on this. Why don’t you join in? Bet on me and you’ll make a profit.”
“Haha, maybe I will. I wouldn’t mind getting some of my money back.”
Karen shrugs her shoulders, a little more relaxed now.
Talking seems to have eased her tension a bit.
After the duel, Karen has an important role in comforting the fool who loses.
She won’t impress him if she’s got dark circles under her eyes.
Annoying as he is, I’ll do my part to make sure the plan succeeds.
Making small adjustments like this is my specialty.
“…Hey, Ouga.”
Her hand grips mine tightly.
With her face pressed against my back, I can’t see her expression, but the strength in her hand is unmistakable.
“…When did you start thinking about this, Ouga?”
Is she talking about the plan to reform the crown prince?
It’s hard to pinpoint when it all began, but…
“Maybe since I reunited with you.”
“Since then, huh… That makes me happy, since I felt the same.”
So Karen was also using me as a pawn to reform Alnia.
Otherwise, there’d be no reason for her to approach me.
Though it’s not exactly what I imagined, she’s happy to see the plan coming together.
“…I struggled with the decision yesterday. But I’ve made my choice. No matter what, I’ll do what I have to.”
“I don’t think you need to be that resolved about it…”
As the winner of the duel, I can just make Alnia listen to me…
“No, I can’t leave everything to you, Ouga. We have to walk this path together. I even consulted with the headmaster. He’s eager to help.”
The headmaster is invested in nurturing future talent.
He has influence, and he’ll be a reliable ally for Karen.
“I’ll do my best to stay by your side, Ouga. No matter how tough the path may be… I’ve decided not to run away anymore.”
For now, I’m relieved. Karen seems fully determined.
Good for you, Alnia.
Even after losing, it looks like you’ll still get plenty of support.
Now the reform route is secure.
All that’s left is for me to win, and we’ll get our happy ending.
“See you later.”
“Yeah, I’ll be back.”
We bump fists, silently wishing for each other’s success.
[Now, let the participants enter the arena! First, the oddball who enrolled despite having no magical aptitude—Ouga Vellet!]
Sounds like they’re implying I only got in through connections.
But I’ll let that slide for now.
They’ll soon realize otherwise.
Called by the announcer, I step into the battlefield where sunlight streams down.
“…Alright. Time to convince Father to approve my engagement to Ouga. Off to the headmaster’s office.”
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