The Incompetent Bratty Prince is out (3/4 chapters)
The (Second) Protagonist Challenges Me to a Duel
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“Fuaaah…” (Harold)
A week had passed since returning to the royal capital, and I let out a yawn during class.
It seems like my fatigue still hasn’t gone away. No matter how much I sleep lately, I still get sleepy…
“Fufu… If you’d like, shall I lend you my lap again?” (Alexandra)
“No, no, we can’t do that during class.” (Harold)
Ever since she gave me a lap pillow on the way back in the carriage, Xandra has taken every opportunity to offer it to me. Well, of course, I wouldn’t mind that at all, but still, we need to pick the right time and place, right?
“Oh? Perhaps Your Highness Harold would prefer my chest over the young lady’s lap?” (Monica)
“Ah, I see… So, Monica, it seems you have a death wish today.” (Alexandra)
Xandra’s crimson eyes gleamed, and the corners of her mouth lifted.
Honestly, Monica never learns, huh? If she keeps this up, she might seriously get killed by Xandra one day… By the way, Laila is staying behind at the dormitory to keep watch… or rather, to guard someone.
Thanks to Owen’s intervention, I was given full authority over McLaren’s punishment. So, I had a prison cell built in the dormitory basement and put him to work crafting that magical device. Of course, to prevent him from escaping with Teleportation Magic, his legs have been pinned to the floor with stakes. If we just locked him up in a normal cell, he’d easily break out.
“That’s it for today’s lesson.” (Teacher)
Oh, nice! Class is finally over for the day.
“Xandra, Monica, let’s head back.” (Harold)
“Yes!” (Alexandra/Monica)
We stood up and were about to leave the classroom when—
“Harold!” (Raphael)
The person who called out to me was Raphael.
But… huh? Is he kind of mad?
“What’s the matter?” (Harold)
“…I need to talk to you for a bit.” (Raphael)
“Uh… okay?” (Harold)
I asked Xandra and Monica to go on ahead to the dormitory and followed Raphael, still clueless, to the student council room.
“I heard about it. You helped Owen and stopped the Magic Tower Master’s conspiracy, didn’t you?” (Raphael)
“Ahh…” (Harold)
With that single sentence, I understood what this was about.
Helping my rival in the royal succession race was like handing him an advantage. That’s what’s got him upset.
“And more than that, you even took Liliana with you on that inspection of the tower! What were you thinking, putting her in danger like that?! And without me there, no less!” (Raphael)
Ah… Never mind. He’s just mad because he was left out of something involving Liliana.
“I-I’m sorry…” (Harold)
Faced with Raphael’s furious outburst, I bowed my head in apology.
I know from experience that trying to explain myself would only add fuel to the fire. It’s better to go into apology-bot mode and wait it out.
“Hah… Listen, I’m calling this a favor you owe me. If I ever need help on an inspection, you’ll come along and help me out, got it? And of course, Liliana, too.” (Raphael)
“Aha…ha…” (Harold)
Oh boy. The second prince’s possessive streak is getting worse. At this rate, he might end up like one of those obsessive psychos from a women’s romance novel…
“Right, well… if you’ll excuse me.” (Harold)
After countless apologies, I finally escaped the student council room.
And then—
“Aniki…” (Owen)
Waiting for me with a serious expression was Owen.
Huh? Did he feel bad for me after hearing about Raphael’s tantrum? Nah… that’s not like him.
“What’s up? You came all this way just for me?” (Harold)
“…” (Owen)
Owen bit his lip and lowered his head without a word. He looked so distressed that I leaned closer to check on him.
“…Aniki! Please! Fight me!” (Owen)
“Huh…?” (Harold)
Wait—what? He suddenly wants a duel? Is this one of those challenges, like what Wilfred did when he picked a fight with me, the classic pushover character? No… This feels different. I can tell just by looking into his eyes.
“Okay. Let’s do it.” (Harold)
“! Thanks, Aniki!” (Owen)
When I nodded, Owen’s face lit up with relief.
But I still don’t get it. Through the events we just went through, I’ve come to understand Owen a bit better. Yeah, he’s rude and reckless, but he’s also straightforward, admits his mistakes, and, unlike Wilfred, he’s not a total scumbag. So why does he want to fight me all of a sudden?
“So, how are we doing this? I don’t mind starting right away.” (Harold)
“Right now works. Marion’s already reserved the training grounds for us.” (Owen)
“Got it.” (Harold)
We walked side-by-side toward the training grounds.
“By the way… from the way you talk, sounds like you’re getting along with Marion?” (Harold)
“…We’ll talk about that after the fight.” (Owen)
Huh. Sounds like there’s some kind of story there. I have a feeling it’s related to this duel, too.
“Cas?” (Harold)
“Haru, be careful. I smell monsters near the training grounds.” (Casparleague)
“…I see.” (Harold)
Cas, who had hopped onto my shoulder in his kitten form without me noticing, whispered softly in my ear.
Hmm… It’s hard to imagine Owen would set a trap. That leaves Marion… or maybe someone else entirely. Well—
“Don’t worry. I’ve got you with me, Cas.” (Harold)
“Hehe… That’s right! I’ll protect you!” (Casparleague)
Cas rubbed her cheek against mine, giggling, and I smiled back.
And so, we reached the training grounds.
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