War...

Even in my original world, there are still conflict zones, but Japan has remained peaceful, so it doesn’t really hit home for me.

However, when I think about war in a world with this level of civilization, I can only imagine the worst. Would thousands, even tens of thousands of people fight, and the defeated nation become slaves to the victor, having everything taken from them?

"No, we managed to avoid an all-out frontal clash between our armies. To minimize damage to both nations, each country selects a single representative to fight, and the country of the victorious representative is declared the winner.

The losing nation merely becomes a vassal state of the victorious one, but the lives and freedoms of its people will not be taken away. Citizens, merchants, and adventurers will be able to continue living as they always have."

"I see! That’s a relief. When I heard it was a war, I thought the soldiers of both nations would all be killing each other!"

Darga led me to the usual room, and after a long time, I reunited with Sara. Behind her were Darga and Gina as well.

When I first heard that a war was breaking out with the neighboring country, I was worried about what would happen, but if it’s just a duel between representatives, the damage shouldn’t be too severe. In a world where magic exists, large-scale battles could turn out even more tragic than the wars of my original world.

"In the past, full-scale wars involving entire nations were common, but the sacrifices to both sides were simply too great. Lately, it has become more common to resolve disputes through duels between representatives."

"I see. That method does seem preferable."

Ideally, there wouldn’t be conflicts between nations in the first place, but I suppose that’s impossible in any world.

"By the way, which nation is likely to win?"

"...Our country's victory is hopeless."

"Hopeless...?"

...It seemed that Sara’s nation had no chance of winning.

"We haven’t decided on our representative yet, but the problem lies with Bartom’s representative..."

"Is he that strong?"

"The official representative will be announced on the day of the duel, but it appears that Bartom has successfully allied with the one known as the Successor to the Great Mage, who has been the talk of the region."

"The Successor to the Great Mage..."

That reminded me of what Boris, the adventurer I once explored a dungeon with, mentioned at the tavern. He was rumored to possess power comparable to that of a Great Mage.

"Yes. It is said that he has slain a dragon, wields immense magic, and even defeated one of the great calamities. The last claim may be exaggerated, but the first two have already been confirmed.

There is no one in our nation with such power. At present, our kingdom's knight captain is expected to be our representative, but to be frank, victory will be extremely difficult."

"B-But, even if we lose, it’s still okay, right?"

"...Yes, Masayoshi-sama has nothing to worry about. However, the royal capital may become a bit chaotic until the duel between representatives is concluded, so I would recommend evacuating to another town."

"I see, understood."

"Um, Masayoshi-sama..."

"Gina!"

"Y-Yes! My apologies!"

"W-What’s wrong, Sara!?"

Just as Gina was about to say something, Sara stopped her.

"No, it’s nothing. Since we have the chance, let’s enjoy the souvenirs Masayoshi-sama brought us!"

"Ah, yes. I found some delicious-looking donuts for sale, so I bought them. Please help yourselves."

After researching online, I found out that, although the area was near the sea, donuts from a certain shop were a famous souvenir. There were also dried fish for sale, but knowing that Sara and the others preferred sweets, I went with donuts instead.

"Thank you very much. Masayoshi-sama, please join us."

"Sure."

After that, we all enjoyed the sweets I brought, along with the pastries prepared by Fara, who was in charge of this mansion's kitchen.

"Well then, Masayoshi-sama, thank you for the souvenirs."

"No, I should be thanking you. The pastries Fara made were delicious. It looks like he’s close to recreating the cake I brought."

"Yes, I believe Fara will be able to replicate the cake you brought us soon. Masayoshi-sama, we truly appreciate everything you do for us."

"Not at all, I always enjoy my time here. Well then, I’ll be off."

"Masayoshi-sama, take care!"

"You too, Sara."

After parting with Sara, I left her mansion.

"...Sara-sama, are you sure about this? If it’s Masayoshi-sama, he might be able to defeat that so-called Successor to the Great Mage."

"Gina, that topic is closed. The duel only ends when one party is incapacitated or dead. No matter how strong Masayoshi-sama is, there is no guarantee he would win. And as long as his life would be in danger, we must never involve him in our affairs."

"But if things continue like this, the lives of the royal family, including you, will be..."

"Jii, this is our duty as royalty. If our lives alone can protect the people of this nation, then that is a cause for great joy."

"...Princess."

"My brothers would have preferred an all-out war rather than this, but I am truly grateful that Father chose this path. More importantly, I dismissed you both yesterday, so why are you still here in this mansion?"

"...I am your guard, Sara-sama. I will stay by your side until the very end."

"That goes for me as well. Besides, dismissing us at the last moment serves little purpose."

"...Sigh. I doubt even the guards will be punished for this, but on the day of the duel, you absolutely must not come with me."