Chapter 60: The Second Battle Fiesta Part 3

Raz-chan, Luca-kun!

Raz and Luca were in the same group. They went back to the audience seats together. Folia looked so excited and greeted them with sparkle in her eyes.

Ruben: Luca, you fall for her trap?

Its not like I was careless or anything Luca replied with a sigh. I hate to admit it, but it was a crushing defeat. I dont think I can win at all.

The other members stared at Luca with a puzzled look on their faces. They didnt expect that he would praise Raz like that because they knew he didnt think the commoner should be allowed in the aristocratic school. Luca pretended to ignore them and watched the ongoing match.

Ruben muttered to himself, I didnt expect those words from Luca.

Meanwhile, Carna smiled happily to Raz. Raz, youre so great! The smile from a goddess made Raz bashful, but she honestly felt that she hadnt done anything great at all.

Folia: Raz-chan. You didnt bring a practice sword because you wanted to fight using speed?

Raz: Yes. You snooze, you lose. One shot, one kill. Doesnt it sound cool?

Raz gave Folia an embarrassed smile.

Why are you so determined to win this year? Adis asked her in a calm voice. His eyes looked serious as if he wanted to find out her thoughts.

Raz was astounded when she realized his meaning. He has keen perception. Although she felt annoyed, she was also impressed with Adis reaction.

So far, other than her, only Carna, Ruben and Adis knew about the otome game. Carna and Ruben were always in their own world. On the other hand, Adis was very cautious about Raz. Raz could see that he thought of her as his rival. Although she was always careful about her actions, she couldnt avoid drawing attention in this tournament.

Raz: Its just that Ive found a special technique.

Adis: Hmm.

Well, its not like I can tell them that I want to hinder a prediction by the Clairvoyant Miko. Raz was quite confident that the miko in Magenda was another reincarnator. Looking at how they purposely trying to predict an event inside the academy, this Clairvoyant Miko must be a reincarnator who knows about the otome game. Based on this, the intruder who appeared last year was very likely an assassin from Magenda too.

Special technique?! So cool! I want to have a match with you too! Ian said to Raz excitedly.

She smiled at him as he looked at her with puppy eyes. Maybe well meet on stage later if we[1] dont lose any match.

The members were amazed by her words. They wondered if she meant to say if I dont lose or if you dont lose. But actually, they could tell the answer by looking closely at Raz. Her eyes looked competitive and confident. It showed that she was not going to lose in this tournament.

Youve inspired me. Ill look forward to it. Ian was full with fighting spirit after hearing the provocative words from Raz. And he wasnt the only one inspired by her remarks. Adis, Claude, and those who doubt Razs ability were quietly looking for an opportunity to have a match with her.

* * *

Commentator A: Wow! In Stage D, another match ended seconds after it started! The 2nd Year student, Raz Granoli is unstoppable!!

Commentator B: What makes her so powerful is that no one can stop her even if they know her tactic.

Cheers echoed in the arena. The enthusiasm of Battle Fiesta was at its peak.

Raz: Im finally in the top 16.

There were only 16 players left out of all students in the whole school. Raz won each round with the same tactic. No one could manage to attack her.

I cannot show a sloppy match to my superior or subordinate. I must stay vigilant.

Raz glanced at the audience seats and found them. Unintentionally, she relaxed her serious look for a brief moment. She returned her gaze, left the stage and returned to the audience seats.

Bonalt: Did Leader look at us just now?

Ducard: You noticed that too? I was thinking about the same thing.

At that time, Julius voice could be heard through their earpiece. Kyaa! As expected from my Raz! My angel! Did you see what she did just now! Just because her opponent was a girl, she didnt attack with lariat but carried her in a princess carry instead! I want to be carried in a princess carry too!! Did you two see that?!

Bonalt: Yes, I saw that. Please refrain from using the transceiver if its not related to the mission.

Ducard: Relax. Dont be too strict, Captain. Major Julia was using our private line.

While Raz was focusing on the tournament, Bonalt and Ducard were assigned to help with security task. They went to see Raz on the first day they entered the academy. She was very surprised. But they had to refrain from further contact because they could never know who might be watching them. They were very happy because Raz always found them wherever they were.

Julius was in the command room overlooking the arena, while Bonalt and Ducard were paired together and mixed in the audience seats in plain clothes.

Julius: I knew it. I knew you wont missed it. And did you hear her words at the end of the match? She said; do you still want to continue, princess?! When did she learn to say such a cheesy line?!

Both Bonalt and Ducard frowned as they listened to the noise coming from their earpieces. Both of them could lipread too, so they knew about it already.

Bonalt: If Leader is a man, she would cause trouble in this tournament

Julius: What are you saying, Captain? She already caused trouble even when shes a girl.

Youre right Bonalt and Ducard assented.

Julius: Its so great that you two could watch her big moment live at the arena.

Ducard: Big moment

What is it? What are you trying to say? Julius asked when she noticed Ducard mumbling his words. Bonalt, who was sitting next to him, also watched him with a puzzled look on his face.

Ducard: Leader isnt showing her full power. If only these people could know how great she actually is.

Looking at his sulky face, Bonalt gave a dry laugh.

Bonalt: I know you like Leader very much.

Ducard: Of course. I mean, Im annoyed when she made us do troublesome mission, but I never hate her. Shes only doing her job.

Julius sighed when she listened to their conversation. Im so jealous. I wish Im in Razs team too. By the way, you two dont have to standby during lunch break, right? Can one of you come to my place? Ive made bento for Raz.

Bonalt: Youre not going to give it to her yourself?

Julius: Im on standby during lunch break. You should go have meal with her at least once. Ive made extra food for the two of you too. Ive already got permission from the top level. Just make sure to disguise yourself later.

Bonalt and Ducard looked at each other and thanked Julius.

* * *

Raz-san! Your next opponent is me!

When Raz went to the audience seats, Ian, who had finished his match earlier, walked up to her. Her next opponent was Ian Masse Durhua.

The cast of otome game that still remained in the tournament were Ruben, Ian, Adis, and Claude. Unfortunately, Folia had lost in her second match while Carna had lost to a seed player from the 3rd Year.

Ian: I wont let you win easily.

Raz: Im looking forward to it.

To be honest, she was also bored to win each match using the same tactic.

I dont think you can win against her speed at magic activation Luca said with a dubious look on his face.

Dont worry. I have a plan, Ian said confidently.

Announcement: We will take a short break for lunch. Top 16 players, please standby 10 minutes before your match. I repeat-

When the members heard the announcement, they looked at each other.

Raz-chan. Lets eat together. Folia spoke up to avoid the awkward silence. She was worried about Raz. In Carna and Razs previous life, this situation was like an elementary school kid attending their sports day alone without any guardian accompanying them.

Julia-san said she will come to bring me bento. I feel bad to trouble her, she must be busy

Since the Battle Fiesta last year, Julius always brought her bento whenever she came to the academy as auxiliary security personal. If she was busy, then Raz would join Folia but she felt bad to disturb the new couple.

Thank you, but Im fine. My friend is coming later, Raz smiled to Folia and turned down her offer.

Folia looked relieved after hearing her answer. Alright. See you later.

Raz: Un.

The members left one after another to join their family. There were only Raz and Adis left.

I think Welrian and Vanessa are still at the VIP seats. Why is he still here? Raz watched Adis with a puzzled look on her face.

Adis: What is it?

Raz: Nothing. I think your parents are at the VIP seats. Why are you still here?

Adis breathed out a sigh. Raz wondered what had she done to make him reacted that way.

Adis: Do you know that youre indifferent about yourself? I was planning to go actually, but now I changed my mind. I want to see your friend first.

Raz: Huh?

Adis: When a commoner like you attracted attention, the high-ranking official will chase after you if they see youre alone.

Raz: Oh

Raz felt disappointed with herself for not noticing that earlier. She finally realized that Adis had been accompanying her while waiting for Julius.

Why didnt I notice that Ive troubled the Prime Ministers son?

Raz felt bad for disturbing their family time while Welrian was waiting nearby.

Raz: Im sorry for troubling you. Im fine. You can go to your family.

Adis: Im not doing this for you to apologize. I really hope that you would stop saying youre fine that easily.

Normally their conversation was full of sarcasm. But today, Raz felt she was a bit wrong too. She was about to apologize again but managed to swallow the words. Instead, she said, Thank you. Itd be helpful if you can stay with me It was rare for her to thank him and she noticed he was catching a glance at her.

Hes right. It would be troublesome if I stay here alone. Thankfully hes here

But when she thought of how the Grim Reaper would react if he found out about this, she wondered if she should be thankful or be scared She felt so complicated.

Adis: The one that is coming today is the same as last one?

Raz assumed he was referring to Julius. She nodded to him. Julia-san is busy but always make time to visit me. Shes good at cooking. I really wish she can be my wife.

Adis widened his eyes. The one that you proposed to; it was that person?

Raz: You noticed? Thats right. Shes my sweetheart that I couldnt manage to get engaged with. Its embarrassing, so please keep this a secret from Carna-sama and Folia.

Adis tried to recall this person called Julia that he had seen before. In all seriousness, that person looked more feminine than Raz but the body was masculine. He couldnt imagine what would happen if she really got engaged with that person. He jokingly said, Dont tell me youre still thinking of getting engaged?

Raz: Hmm. I think we should wait and see the situation first.

Her serious answer made Adis speechless. She seemed to be still considering the broken engagement plan.

Raz-san! Didnt you decide to cancel that plan?!

Raz was surprised by the sudden voice that came from behind her. She turned and saw Bonalt holding huge paper bag using both hands. Ducard stood behind him. She noticed their presence suddenly appeared, so she knew they must had come using teleportation.

Ducard: Someone is going to be sacrificed again

Bonalt: Dont jinx me, Harul.

Ducard looked completely unbothered as Bonalt stared at him. He said to Raz, This is from your precious friend-not-wife

Ducard noticed Adis and whispered to Bonalt, Cross. I think hes wary about us. What should we do?

Adis was on guard as he looked at the two strangers. He always activated his wind magic and sensitive to other presence. He could keenly feel the unique aura peculiar to military personnel. He put on a stiff expression like being in a social occasion and asked Raz, Your friends?

Raz immediately nodded her head after seeing he looked so serious. Yes. You dont have to be on guard. Im closed to them ever since we worked together before. Both of you, why are you here?

Bonalt: We want to have lunch together with you.

Raz: Oh. Is it okay? Youre not forcing yourself?

Raz was worried that they were busy with security duty and she thought it would only trouble them to have lunch with superior. Both of them smiled at her and said they were fine.

Bonalt: These are prepared by Julia-san.

When she finally realized what they meant, she broke into a grin. For me? Oh, what should I do? How can I thank her? Both of you, thank you for coming. Im glad that youre here.

Adis was fascinated by her elated reaction. She looked like she was about to cry. Bonalt and Ducard smiled gently as they knew that she cared about her comrades as if they were her family.

Ducard: Just now, Cross hastily went back to the town and bought the limited edition tart that you wanted to eat.

Raz: Really?!

Bonalt: Yes. I hope you can continue to do your best for the matches in the evening.

Raz: I will!

Seeing Razs innocent and unguarded smile in front of her friends, Adis felt an unfamiliar and undefinable emotion.

Adis: Okay then. Ill leave first.

Raz: Thank you. Let me show my gratitude next time.

Adis: Just a small matter, you dont have to thank me.

He got up from his chair. He didnt know why but he felt he wanted to leave as soon as possible. He greeted the two men and walked away hurriedly.

After that, Adis joined his family. But while he was having lunch, he still felt nervous about something.

At this time, he had noticed that the voices of the men who came to see Raz sounded familiar but decided to ignore it. He didnt know that he would regret it later.

[1] Subject and indirect object are usually omitted in Japanese sentences, especially dialogues. The actual dialogue is: Will meet on stage if dont lose the match. No subject, no indirect object.

T/L Note: )Ive released a new novel Murder at The Rainy Mansion ~The Never Ending 100 Tales~