“Masayoshi-oniichan, it’s about time, nya!”

“Uuuuh… Thank you.”

When I opened my eyes, the entire Verdant Cats Party was there. Right, the duel that would decide the fate of the nation was about to begin. …Even though I had been completely exhausted, I somehow managed to sleep so soundly.

Thanks to resting in the carriage while being guarded, my condition was at its peak. Moreover, with the cheat-like magical artifacts—necklaces and rings—crafted by the Great Mage, my previously empty magic power had already been fully restored.

“If they’re traveling from Luxeria to the Basil Plains, they’ll have to pass through this road. Given the time, if we wait here a little longer, the carriage carrying the king and the duel representative will surely pass by.”

“Yes! Lilith-san, everyone, you’ve done so much for me. Thank you very much!”

“We’re the ones who’ve been helped so many times. This is the least we can do.”

“Yeah, and we finally managed to pay back the money we owed Masayoshi-nii for the dragon elixir.”

They had mentioned it before, but I finally received the money for the elixir made from a dragon’s liver, which had been used to save the feudal lord—Lilith-san and the others' benefactor. Apparently, they had saved up enough from their last job.

“We still owe you for all the times you helped us, but at least this puts us on somewhat equal footing, don’t you think?”

“I’ve always considered us equals.”

“…I see. Until now, since we owed you money, I held back a little with you, Masayoshi. But once this whole ordeal is over, I won’t hold back anymore!”

“Indeed, I won’t hold back either!”

“Yeah, same here!”

“Nya!”

Huh? Lilith-san was holding back with me?

“Well, that’s not important right now. Just go and beat the hell out of that so-called successor of the Great Mage!”

“Masayoshi-sama, please be careful!”

“Onii-chan will be fine, nya!”

“Masayoshi-nii’s got this in the bag!”

“Alright, I’m off!”

First, I need to meet up with Sara-san and get recognized as this nation’s representative. Time to show them the results of my training!

“I am the true successor of the Great Mage! I have come to fight as this country’s representative in the duel against the Kingdom of Bardon!”

Since there was a high chance I wouldn’t even be acknowledged as an opponent if I were just an ordinary person, I bluffed, claiming to be the true successor of the Great Mage. Not that it was entirely a bluff. In situations like this, impact is key.

In an instant, heavily armored infantry and well-disciplined cavalry surrounded me, the apparent intruder. As expected of the elite unit guarding the king, their movements and decision-making were swift.

“The country’s representative? That position has already been decided—it is none other than our knight commander, Lord Pazia! And what’s this nonsense about being the true successor of the Great Mage? Don’t spout such foolishness!”

The man who stepped forward was on horseback, dressed slightly more distinguished than the others. He was probably the captain of this unit.

Well, it’s true that suddenly appearing on the day of the duel and demanding to replace the representative sounds absurd and untrustworthy.

But I can’t back down. Sara-san’s life is on the line. As long as this Pazia guy isn’t stronger than me, I won’t budge an inch.

“I understand that what I’m saying sounds outrageous. I apologize, but could I speak with His Majesty or Lord Pazia?”

“…If you leave now, you’ll avoid unnecessary injuries.”

Yeah, I figured they wouldn’t just let me meet the king or the duel representative so easily. Either way, I need to demonstrate my power a little, so this actually works in my favor.

…Wait, what’s this? Sara-san just stepped out of a luxurious carriage, pleading with someone in particularly ornate armor. Darga-san and Gina-san aren’t around—looks like she left them behind.

…I see. Using my Eavesdrop skill, I confirm that she’s telling them I’m an acquaintance and asking them to stop the knights from attacking me.

She recognized me just from my voice? Well, I did remove all unnecessary gear, including the voice changer attached to my black mask, and equipped only what was necessary. This is what you’d call full battle mode.

Now then, this is a tough situation. First, I need to show my strength without seriously injuring the knights here. Then, I have to defeat this country’s representative, Pazia, in a one-on-one fight. And after that, I’ll have to fight the supposed successor of the Great Mage in the main event, meaning I need to conserve both my magic and stamina. …It’s a pretty tough challenge, but I have no choice!

Intimidation Skill, on!

“Guh!?”

“What the!?”

“Y-You bastard!?”

Under the pressure of my Intimidation Skill, the knights instantly shift into combat stance. As expected of the elite royal guard, even under a Great Mage’s intimidation, most of them haven’t lost their fighting spirit.

Intimidation Skill, off!

Thud