CCM 048 – Yo, Stop With the Tittle-Tattle

[Please wait a moment.]

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Leon and his group are about to leave the village until princess Reimira puts a momentary halt on them.

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[I see no benefit or so for us in accepting your proposed duel. I demand a befitting compensation for this.]

[Compensation, is it…]

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Rei then puts a hand to her hips as she stares down to the standstill Leon and replies with the word “Obviously.”.

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[First, I want Arios to receive enough remuneration to last for a year. Further — I want to receive an assurance that I will be allowed to stay outside the royal castle for a longer period of time.]

[Eh…?]

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But it was Dudley who replied in such a dumbfounded tone. 

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[Re-Reimira-sama? Does that mean you are going to further spend your time with… Arios..?]

[That is what I intend to do but what of it?]

[But, as your rightful escort Reimira-sama–]

[Hm? What did you say? Could you please repeat your words one more time? I’ve only heard some rubbish and can’t pick up even a single thing.]

[…No… I did not say anything…]

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Reimira says her piece standing firm of her stance.

Dudley, however, appears to be dissatisfied but said no further regarding the matter. He must have been really scared of Reimira since earlier.

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[Your royal highness Reimira-sama.]

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It was then when Leon chose to speak with a troubled look on his face.

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[I can guarantee the part where remuneration for at least a year to be provided but — for the latter, I am in no position to accept such…]

[Oh, it’s no good then?]

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As Leon cut his word from there, I decided to add fuel to the fire Reimira had started.

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[Then I guess we have to reconsider whether to accept such a duel.]

[ah..!]

[So…]

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Reimira then looks at me in shock as I whisper words that she can only hear.

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((Well, I can’t just allow myself to be at the receiving end of their whims all the time.))

((Fufu… You’re making me too happy, Arios <3))

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Leon’s expression then looked like he had taken a bitter pill to swallow but after a few seconds, he provided his response with as if in surrender.

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[…I understand. I will talk to his highness Leifa upon my return.]

[Sure. I’ll leave it to you then.]

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After leaving those words, Leon and Dudley finally took their leave.

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★

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That being settled, the day of the duel is set a week away from now.

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The location is at the Battle Arena in the royal capital.

In front of the eyes of thousands of people, me and Dudley will engage in a deadly showdown.

To be the person who I want to be, to finally cut all my loose ties with my family —  I can’t afford to lose this battle.

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[There should be no problems since it’s Arios-san we’re talking about.]

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Those reassuring words came from the A rank adventurer Kaya.

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[This has been in my mind from the moment we met. You, Arios-san, is the embodiment of what a true sword saint should be and… the person we need to face the times that lie ahead. That’s why don’t be afraid to embrace it. I will be supporting you all the way.]

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The hands that are clasping mine feel delicately warm.

After being abandoned by my family, I can’t help but think that it’s ironic how the warmth of people around me instead increased.

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[Thank you. I will be facing off with the sword saint’s successor so I really can’t afford to put my guard down.]

[Fufu, so be it. <3]

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Kaya then flashes me a big smile.

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[So…. Uhm, after the duel, even just for a bit… is it alright if… we can go out somewhere? Just the two of us…]

[Hm…? I don’t mind that though…]

[Hold on, Kaya! We’re in the middle of a turmoil and you dare to talk about such things!?]

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Reimira Li Arceus, or so I would like again to introduce, my childhood friend Rei, butts in the middle of our conversation.

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[When the fight ends, he will date me first and foremost! Kaya, you’re a big NO!]

[But why! In the first place, you are of royal blood so just stay obedient and be still at the back!]

[Ugh, it’s fine! It doesn’t matter! Nothing else will matter!]

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Then starts a tittle tattle between the two, Rei and Kaya.

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Sparks are flying all over the place though.

Not that I really understand where they are coming from.

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[Haha. Must be hard being popular, eh?]

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The guild master Arturo then spoke those words to me with a bitter smile on his face.

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[Oh, Arios. Whenever I look at you… I just can’t help but remember the first sword saint.]

[The first sword saint…?]

[Umu. It didn’t matter how overwhelming his talent was, not even a hint of avarice could be found on him no matter how strong he did become… Which is precisely just how you are.]

[Haha. That’s… a bit of a stretch, I guess.]

[Tsk tsk, here you go getting all humble again.]

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Arturo then laughs as he rhythmically taps my shoulder.

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[Whenever you find yourself with problems or troubles, don’t hesitate to come and find me. You are — after all, an important resident of our Rastal village.]

[Arturo-san… Thank you.]

[For me as well… I would like to say my thanks once again.]

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Then, it’s Maeri who talks to me this time.

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[Arios-san is a very special and irreplaceable person in my heart. If you were not there to be by my side back then, I…]

[Maeri….]

[It may be presumptuous of me as a maid but… Please allow me to show my gratitude. When the fight is over then, maybe the two of us could…]

[Maeri, stop right there! How could you steal a march on your own!!!]

[Eeeh!!?]

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Rei then storms off between us and it’s gotten rowdy once again.

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[Oh really, how boisterous it is…]

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Arturo mutters as he looks in our direction with a faint smile on his face.

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1. I hope all of us have an Arturo in our lives. Actually, sometimes we don’t really need someone to solve problems but it’s enough as long as someone is always there to listen. If you don’t have one, you guys can always shoot me an e-mail. Cheers!
2. I took a short break so I am planning to release 5 chapters this week. This should be 1/5. Happy weekend!

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