T/N: The size of this chapter is around 1.6x of normal one, so we have splitted it into 2 parts.
…
I borrowed some people from the palace to send a message to our next destination before leaving the palace with Lily in the carriage.
“Umm… Welner-sama…”
While I was admiring the scenery while thinking, Lily called me. She had a pretty nervous voice, so I decided to take the initiative instead to soothe her nerves.
“Thank you…”
“Yes?”
“…For choosing me. I think I would have cried if you chose anyone else other than me in that kind of situation.”
“I… I won’t do something like that!”
To my joke, Lily denied pretty fiercely. Maybe I worded it wrong? But it was true I felt happy that she chose me.
“B..But, a duel…”
“Right, that. Isn’t it kinda strange that someone’s innocence can be proven by a duel?”
I guess trial by combat existed because this world put strength above anything else, or was it just my prejudice? In my previous life, the trial of duel existed because it was believed that God would protect the innocent, thus the innocent one would win. To throw every troublesome thing to God, how very human-like.
However, unlike in manga, where a character would just throw a glove to their opponent and then in the next page the two would be dueling, the actual trial by combat was pretty complicated.
First, there was the venue preparation, then there was a need to write a formal agreement regarding the date of duel along with the weapons and the equipment allowed and all other conditions. This agreement would be presented to the judge.
On the day of the duel, both sides would make a declaration that they would recognize the winner’s side of the argument. There would also be a declaration that any knight who intervenes with the duel would have their hands chopped off. Well, if the one who intervened was an apprentice knight though, their head would fly, literally.
Originally, as a representative of Lily in the duel, I should have been busy with the duel preparation, but the Grand Duke said he would take care of them for me. I guess since this world allowed stuff like proxy trials, having someone to take care of the procedure on your behalf was allowed too. Especially since that person was the Grand Duke. I mean, no one would dare to doubt the credibility of a Grand Duke.
Still, it wasn’t like I didn’t understand the Grand Duke’s other intention for helping me.
“But Lily, you know, I’m not exactly a brave and cool guy. I’m more of a coward.”
“Pardon..?”
“That’s why we will stop by a place first before returning to the mansion.”
Lily tilted her head in confusion. This time my role was to misdirect attention. It was good that I didn’t have to be deeply involved with what was going on behind the scenes. Now then, how should I do my role… Argh, my stomach was hurting again.
***
“My, it’s you, Viscount-sama.”
“Sorry for troubling you again, Bierstedt.”
Our destination was the Commerce Guild. It was dangerous to leave Lily alone in the carriage, so I brought her with me. But Mr. Berstedt, could you please stop staring at me like that just because I’ve brought a woman with me!? Maybe because Mr. Bierstedt somehow understood my complaint or maybe it was something else, his expression suddenly turned serious.
“I have heard the story from the messenger you have sent, but is it truly alright to tell me that?”
“It’s fine. The news will be released to the public soon anyway, since things worth watching like trial by combat are pretty rare.”
“I see.”
Since I told him about the trial before the official announcement, he was discreetly asking for my intention. If it was like this, he should have understood what I was going to request.
“Talking about the trial, I have a request. Can you prepare me a set of armor and a shield that looks really flashy and powerful?”
Like the Date Masamune’s crescent moon helmet, or the flashy decoration in the helmet of the medieval knight, both of them were actually not made for combat but for showing off.
“Pardon? I thought you do not like flashy things.”
“You’re right. I still don’t like them.”
“….Ah, I see.”
It seemed like Mr. Bierstedt understood my intention. It was Lily who still looked confused. Mr. Bierstedt asked me with his eyes if he could give Lily an explanation and I nodded. For Mr. Bierstedt, it was best if I won, so he wouldn’t say unnecessary things.
I let Mr. Bierstedt talk to Lily while I was browsing the helmet catalog given by the shopkeeper.
“Miss, have you heard about Viscount-sama’s reputation?”
“Hm…you mean…”
I really didn’t care about my reputation, so there was no need to hesitate like that, Lily.
“You know, about me being a debt-ridden Viscount who uses money for my extravagance.”
“B..But that’s…”
“It’s fine.”
Since it looked like the conversation was going to stir off the topic, I gave Mr. Bierstedt a signal to continue.
“People often just believe what they want to believe. If Viscount-sama, who is known for seeking extravagance to the point he fell into a debt, were to show up in a duel using an extravagant armor…people would further believe that the rumor about Viscount-sama is true.”
Well, I was the one who asked for the rumor to be spread, though. If the rumor didn’t reach my opponent, then it was fine. I would incur no loss if my strategy of showing extravagance failed.
“The opponent might underestimate Viscount-sama as a weakling who only cares about his appearance.”
“Ah, I see.”
It seemed like Lily understood. This kind of strategy was often very effective against people of this world and even if it failed, it wouldn’t have any consequence on me.
As for the spear, even though it was a normal looking spear, the spear that Mazell gave me was actually strong enough to withstand a battle against a demon general. Although it wasn’t some kind of magic weapon, there were probably only a few spears that have the same quality as that spear in the entire capital. It was a spear that might kill a normal person with one blow if I wasn’t careful, so there was no need for me to buy another spear.
I closed the catalog with a snap.
“I’ll be counting on you.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you for your patronage.”
After saying that, I left the guild with Lily. Well, I would probably be pretty busy today.
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