Chapter 55 – ５５ – A Discussion Destined to End in Conflict

Debut Match Arc

“Hello, Mr. Midorikawa, Ms. Minasono, Ms. Amaishi, Ms. Gold Cane.”

We were on our way back to the Inui Dormitory from the shopping mall when we ran into Ms. Morikuni.

That in itself was fine; although we were in different dorms, we were classmates, and we had crossed paths on the street a few times before.

However, it seemed that Ms. Morikuni had a specific purpose for waiting for us today. The proof was that she had called out our names.

“Hello, Ms. Morikuni. Do you need something from us?”

Moreover, unlike usual, I felt a certain tension in the air. Because of that, I stepped in front of Suzu and the others to answer, ensuring that if anything happened, I would be the first one affected.

Now, I wondered what was going on.

“My business is with Mr. Midorikawa. However, since this is a matter that also involves Ms. Minasono and the others, I would appreciate it if you could listen together.”

“I see. Suzu?”

“Yeah, we’re okay, Naru.”

“Right. Then, Ms. Morikuni, shall we head to the Inui Dormitory cafeteria? It’s the closest place where we can talk in peace.”

“I understand. Thank you for having me.”

For now, it seemed we could have a rational discussion.

We headed toward the Inui Dormitory cafeteria. Meanwhile, Suzu, Ichi, and Marie seemed to have already guessed what this was about; they were discussing something in voices too low for me to hear—or perhaps using the call function on their smartphones.

Given that Suzu and the others were doing this, and considering Ms. Morikuni’s previous attitude, which suggested she wasn’t fond of things like harems… this was probably that kind of story.

Regardless, we arrived at the cafeteria, lined up glasses of water for everyone, and took our seats.

The people around us… had they already sensed the change in atmosphere? They had entered “watch from a distance” mode.

Well, whatever. Let’s start the conversation.

“Then, I shall be blunt. The Morikuni Family is moving to arrange a marriage between myself and Mr. Midorikawa. Furthermore, they intend to use the upcoming debut match; if you win, they plan to force me into marriage regardless of my own will.”

“…”

I felt as though a massive bomb had been dropped on me the moment she opened her mouth.

No, I mean, there are so many things here that need addressing.

“Wait, my will is being ignored? And the existence of Suzu and the others is also being ignored? Plus, it’s not that I marry her if she wins, but if I win? Isn’t this all incredibly strange?”

“Those are perfectly reasonable questions. However, your words just confirmed it. The proposal from my family has not yet reached you personally, Mr. Midorikawa.”

“Well, obviously. If it had reached me, I would have already protested. Also, Suzu—just to confirm, have you heard anything about this?”

“I haven’t. But I suspect that someone of significant status within the Morikuni Family will come to deliver the news directly around tomorrow. Given the nature of the request, they wouldn’t be able to make a case without showing that level of sincerity.”

Ms. Morikuni nodded at Suzu’s words.

I see. The academy’s security is tight, and outsiders need proper procedures to visit. That’s why the Morikuni representative would arrive tomorrow at the earliest. And before that happened, Ms. Morikuni was moving to lay the groundwork to prevent this arrangement from coming to fruition.

“As you have likely guessed, I myself am opposed to a marriage with Mr. Midorikawa. Furthermore, I do not wish to drag Mr. Midorikawa into the problems of the Morikuni Family. Therefore, what I have to say is simple: please reject the offer from the Morikuni Family. If you do just that, this problem will be solved.”

“Reject it, huh. I would have done that even without being told… but I’ll listen to the rest for now. There’s no need for any pulling of punches in the debut match, right?”

“Of course. A Duel is a sacred thing. I have absolutely no intention of permitting fraud, such as deciding the outcome in advance. Besides, I have no intention of losing to you.”

“That’s my line.”

So, for now, there were no issues regarding the Duel itself.

The fact that she brought this up despite having no intention of losing… was it because she hated this arrangement that much, or was she considering a slim possibility of defeat?

Either way, what I needed to do was reject the request from the Morikuni Family and face the Duel with Ms. Morikuni seriously.

Yeah, it’s a simple story.

“Ms. Morikuni.”

“Yes, Ms. Minasono?”

At that moment, Suzu cut in.

Simultaneously, Ichi and Marie pulled my chair back, naturally switching the person she was addressing.

Apparently, it was now Suzu’s turn.

“Do you really think Naru can completely turn down a request from the Morikuni Family?”

“…To be honest, I do not know.”

“Eh, I’m fully intending to refuse… mmpf!“

“Naru, please be quiet for a bit.”

Wait, why did Suzu suddenly decide that I couldn’t turn it down?!

And why did Ms. Morikuni respond that she didn’t know?!

Do I really look like someone with such a weak will?!

I tried to protest to the two of them, but Ichi and Marie covered my mouth.

Well, I couldn’t exactly force my way out, so I had no choice but to stay quiet and watch how things unfolded.

“Well, that’s true. If the Morikuni Family is serious about marrying Naru and Ms. Morikuni, they’ll probably bring out everything they can. Considering the aftermath, they probably won’t resort to illegal means, but money, vested interests, connections with sponsors… they’ll likely offer those. And since the information that he’s currently looking for a Device just got out today… hmm, the timing is bad.”

“Indeed. In particular, connections with influential companies specializing in Device creation are something an ordinary Duelist would crave desperately, and the Morikuni Family can provide those connections. As for other things, whether it be money or goods, I believe they can provide almost anything.”

The Morikuni Family providing the things I want, huh.

But still…

Ah, their grip loosened. I can talk now.

“No, even if I gained various things, if it means Ms. Morikuni and I have to marry when I win the Duel, the trade-off isn’t balanced.”

“Hm. Are you saying I am not suitable as a wife?”

“No, there’s nothing wrong with Ms. Morikuni’s own charm, but…”

“Naru?”

“Calm down, Suzu. It’s like this: if someone who can’t get along with Suzu and the others comes close to me, it’s obvious that it will result in an unpleasant situation for everyone.”

Both Ms. Morikuni and Suzu looked visibly displeased by my words, but I felt it was better to be clear about this. My intuition told me so.

“The relationship between me and Suzu and the others is as you can see; I will not distance myself from them. But that is because Suzu and the others get along. If someone were to cause a fatal conflict over me… no, even if I’m not involved, if they cause a fatal conflict, I will distance myself from both parties involved and never intend to approach them again, nor will I allow them to approach me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to protect the remaining people. This is the minimum responsibility I must fulfill while enjoying my current situation.”

“…”

“And if I were to accept the Morikuni Family’s request and win, it would undoubtedly leave a fatal rift behind. Ms. Morikuni doesn’t seem to think very highly of me, regardless of how she feels about Suzu and the others. It would absolutely end badly. Since I know this, I can declare that even if the Morikuni Family makes a formal request, I will absolutely not accept it.”

“I… see.”

“Naru…”

Yes. Thinking rationally, logically, and long-term, there is no way I would accept a request from the Morikuni Family. I can say that with certainty.

Because I stated it with such confidence, Ms. Morikuni murmured as if relieved, and Suzu’s eyes welled up with emotion.

“But you know, Naru. It might not be that simple.”

“Eh?”

Suzu’s expression immediately turned serious.

“I mean, if Naru is going to refuse with such a serious, honest, and resolute attitude, the possibility that they’ll use that method has actually increased. There are still a few days until the debut match, after all.”

“Eh? What?”

“Surely… no, but to go that far…”

Suzu seemed to have a certain method in mind. I had no idea what it was.

However, Ms. Morikuni seemed to realize it, and her face turned pale.

“Naru. If you resolutely refuse, I believe the Morikuni Family will frame this as a request from the State… in other words, a request with compulsory force.”

“Wha—WHAT!?”

The next moment, my voice echoed throughout the cafeteria.