NOVEL WEB Chapter 27.2
Stage 1-27. A Predetermined Future
The arena was buzzing with excitement.
Normally, a crowd this large wouldn’t gather, but today’s match featured two highly anticipated competitors.
On one side was Crown Prince Arnia, with the natural talent to attend the Magic Academy and a future throne waiting for him.
On the other was Ouga-sama, born into the Vellet family and rumored to embody ‘justice’ in his actions.
It seemed some students saw this as a chance to make a profit, as widespread betting was taking place.
This was likely only possible because Rishburg Magic Academy was mostly attended by nobles’ sons and daughters.
Seeing that the teachers weren’t stopping it, it was probably a common occurrence.
“Look, Alice! I bet all my money on Ouga-kun!”
The ticket in Riche-dono’s hand showed a sum that would be no small amount for a commoner.
It seemed she had even gambled her living expenses. From the outside, she might look like a reckless gambler.
But for those who know Ouga-sama, it was a natural decision.
I’m not fond of such behavior, so I didn’t join in, but for her, it’s one of the few chances to earn a lot of money.
There’s no need to dampen her spirits with a warning.
“I’m happy for you, Riche-dono.”
“Yes! I plan to use the winnings to buy clothes for a date with Ouga-kun! I don’t really have any nice clothes…”
She could easily ask Ouga-sama to buy her some, but instead, she tries to handle it on her own.
This earnestness must be what Ouga-sama finds endearing about her.
He’s lucky to have her in his circle. Compared to the Crown Prince’s entourage, there’s no comparison in quality.
“Then, let’s invite Ouga-sama to go shopping in town. It’s the royal capital after all, and there are plenty of shops with great selections.”
“Yes! I’ll make sure to find out what Ouga-kun likes!”
“Hehe, maybe the day will come when I call you Mashiro-sama.”
“S-stop it, Alice! Don’t tease me!”
Watching Riche-dono get flustered was quite amusing, but then the crowd’s excitement surged all at once.
It seemed Ouga-sama and the Crown Prince had entered.
The prince’s attitude suggested he was quite confident.
Obviously, he cannot properly assess people. It must be the bloodline of that king.
Rotten trees bear rotten fruit.
“This is the kind of match where the result is already clear.”
There’s no doubt that Ouga-sama will win.
It might even end so quickly that the audience is left in stunned silence.
“Obviously, Ouga-kun will win, but Alice, what kind of match are you expecting?”
Riche-dono was leaning forward, eager to see what kind of magical duel would unfold.
She might be expecting an intricate battle, but unfortunately, it won’t be anything like what she imagines.
“…Yesterday, I already knew the Crown Prince was weaker than expected, even before I pointed it out.”
There’s no way someone as skilled as Ouga-sama could have misjudged his opponent.
“Riche-dono, you know what kind of training I’ve been giving Ouga-sama, don’t you?”
“Um… to defeat a mage without using magic…”
“Exactly. And taking that into account, Ouga-sama has declared that he will go all out.”
He actually said he would crush him, but the meaning remains the same.
If Ouga displays his true strength here, any challengers foolish enough to confront him in the future will disappear.
“So that means…”
“Yes. The match will be over in an instant, without even him using his [Secret Technique].”