Hindu was standing before my room. He was dressed in a well-made white suit of high quality. It was so stylish that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was quite extravagant. There was an annoyed look on his face. It was rude for someone like me, who was merely a commoner, to keep a noble waiting; however, naturally, it wasn't my fault, as I had no idea he would visit me himself and first thing in the morning, no less.
After partying all night, it was amazing he could get up so early in the morning. I thought, staring at him with admiration in my eyes, for someone like me who couldn't get up early in the morning without an alarm clock, seeing someone who could get up so early was truly dazzling.
"Good morning, Sir Hindu... I hope your day is going well."
I said a greeting to a Hindu with a polite smile on my face.
"Stop with the courteous attitude, I find it quite annoying."
He said with a sneer while crossing both his hands. My brow twitches hearing his remark; however, to not let my thoughts show on my face, I loosen my expression a little.
"Our duel has been decided to take place later in the afternoon; we will be having a magic battle."
He informed. A duel between magic allows the participant to use magic of either first, second, or even third class, depending on the spell, because that level of magic is non-lethal. So, the chances of death are extremely low. The referees are also there to keep watch over the duel to make sure both parties follow the rules; however, a well-trained referee would naturally be there in case of an incident where the user's magic goes out of control.
"I see a magic battle, huh? I still don't have much experience in magic battles."
I said, frowning a little. Well, it was better than a mock battle of swords. I guess I have no experience in swordsmanship, so it's better this way. However, I have little confidence in winning this mock battle; it's not like it's a problem in losing, but naturally, I'd like to win if possible.
"Hmph... I think it would be best for you to give up now while you have the chance. I'm sure you wouldn't want to lose in front of the spectators."
He said, showing a smirk on his face. It was obvious he was sure of his victory.
(Perhaps he has a secret weapon of some kind. Or maybe he was just that skilled in magic.)
I thought feeling uncomfortable with his smug face.
-Why are you so worried that your magic power should be about 100 times his own?
(Hmm... is that so?)
I thought hearing Alya's carefree voice resounded inside my head. Hearing how confident she sounded, I had a little bit of hope; however, I can't be too optimistic.
"I'll do my best."
I said while showing a light smile. Hindu showed an annoyed face seeing my smile, but I ignored his reaction.
"Once this battle is over, one of us will have Isabella's hand in marriage."
He said so while showing a look of determination.
"I honestly have no interest in marriage; you really have nothing to worry about."
I said, showing a wry smile on my face. No matter how many times I say it, he won't be convinced, it seems. Why am I in a love rivalry over a girl I have no romantic feelings for? I really didn't know. Hindu gave me a dubious look, not convinced. Naturally, marriage is something every noble has to think about; however, such things are only trivial to me.
"There will be someone to escort you to the arena later. So don't go anywhere where they can't find you."
He said, while turning on his heel after a few seconds, his figure left my line of sight. I heaved an exhausted sigh. The wind gathered around in a vortex like manner before the figure of Alya was formed, her beauty truly looked divine it was a type of beauty no human could ever hope to replicate in their lifetime surely even the greatest painters would end their careers at that. Her naturally white skin was like fresh snowfall, accompanied by her long green hair, which fluttered down her back as she looked at me with her jade green eyes. She naturally stood beside me with a carefree smile on her face.
"So, you can appear outside now, too."
I was surprised by her sudden appearance.
"Of course I can. The contract between us is now complete, so I can appear whenever I want."
She said while striking a pose with her hips out and her fingers showing the letter 2. She looked extremely cute; however, I didn't have the mental energy to say that out loud, whether it was due to exhaustion or stress, I didn't know.
"You really don't need to worry so much, you know; I'm sure your match will go down in annual history."
She said confidently.
(Where is all that confidence coming from?)
I wondered internally.
"Haruto."
I heard a friendly voice coming in my direction. I immediately knew the owner of that voice was Scarlett.
"Would it be okay if she sees you-"
I promptly turn towards Alya, who was standing by my side a few seconds ago, however. Her figure was already gone; it happened so fast that I hadn't noticed when she disappeared.
(Is there a reason you're hiding?)
I asked, confused.
-It's way too soon to let my presence be known by those in this castle, after all, some humans would abuse the power of the spirits. That's why we only appear before those few who won't abuse our power.
Alya said in a serious voice. Completely different from her carefree tone.
"I see."
I muttered quietly. There will definitely be those who wish to do wrong with the spirit's power, considering how strong the spirits are; naturally, greedy people would want to get their hands on it. Humans are simple yet complex creatures, especially when it's a noble or royalty. I'm not confident in being able to outfox a noble or royalty; they are the most cunning after all. They all had plenty of experience with dealing with all kinds of people naturally; someone like me, who was a simple high schooler, wouldn't be able to compete against them.
(As a spirit art user, I'll have to protect the existence of spirits)
I thought with resoluteness.
"Haruto, you're up early."
She said, a bit surprised. Naturally, if Hindu hadn't visited, I wouldn't have gotten out of bed. I made a wry smile from that realisation.
"Well, it's good to get some fresh air in the morning, so it's fine."
I muttered listlessly with a wry smile on my face.
"So, is there something you want, Princess Scarlett?"
I asked, tilting my head curiously. For her to visit me this early in the morning, it must be something really important.
"Oh, I wanted to ask about the duel between you and Sir Hindu. Is this battle something you want? Or are you being forced into the duel?"
She asks, showing a serious face. I made a troubled look seeing her expression. It wasn't that I was being forced into the duel; I was reluctant at first; however, it was something Sir Ayumu suggested, so I decided to go through with it. Hearing Ayumu's words thinking that maybe I would be able to get him to train me in magic.
"No, I'm not being forced into a duel. You have nothing to worry about."
I said while showing a wry smile.
"I see well if it is something you personally accepted, then I won't say anything."
She said, sighing a little. She then showed a smile which could easily charm the hearts of anyone who witnessed it.
-What a kind girl, she's definitely wife material.
I thought I heard such a voice, but I decided to ignore it.
"Hindu is the oldest son of the duke of one of our neighbouring Kingdoms, their family specialize in magic, while their second son in their country their still really skilled in magic."
Scarlett explained with a serious face. I see they're second in magic, huh, no wonder he looks so confident when he said will be having a magic battle. I guess my winning chance is now tossed out the window. I thought, sighing.
-Don't worry, as I said before, you got this.
Alya's confident voice resounded inside my head. Why is she so confident really don't know.
"Are you really going to be okay?"
Scarlett asked with a worried look.
"Don't worry, I'll pull something off."
I said with an expression mixed with doubt and determination.
-I'll be by your side the entire time, so there is no need to worry.
(Would it be fair for the two of us to team up together?)
I ask internally.
-Of course, for the spirit art user, their spirit partner is also a part of their power, so it's fine.
She spoke cheerfully. I couldn't help but laugh internally at her attitude; however, I felt relieved by her tone.
"So that's it, I can promise you not to worry."
I said, showing a small smile to ease her worry.
"Okay."
She said while making a dubious look.
Time passed by in a blink of an eye, it was now time for the start of the duel between us. A maid serving Hindu came by my door and escorted me towards the arena, which was filled with high-ranking nobles. I widen my eyes at the large number of people gathered in the seating area. I was now in the centre of the fighting area, standing before Hindu, who was making a smile full of confidence on his face.