I was sold to a dangerous place in order to repay my parents’ debt, and I ended up being bought by a vampire young lady. I became the feed for the beautiful maid.

Before the Finals

The final match of the duel game was decided, and the contestants were me and Yuto.

Yuto, who garnered attention from those around him by showcasing his hidden abilities, and me, who fought conservatively but rather unremarkably, had vastly different reputations.

It can’t be helped that I’m inconspicuous.

After all, I can’t use flashy magic like that.

If we were to bet, the odds would definitely be heavily in my favor. Combined with being disliked by most guys, it seems I’ve reached quite a height of unpopularity.

Well, for now, let’s focus on the break time before the finals.

But, that being said, I’m just going to have a drink.

By the way, it’s homemade by Sakura, refreshing in taste with a touch of sourness to quench the body’s thirst.

“Thanks, it was delicious.”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

After visiting and reporting to Lilith, she has been accompanying me like my manager. She diligently wipes off my sweat with a towel and hands me drinks like this. As a professional maid, she is very efficient.

Well, it’s to be expected that there’s tremendous jealousy from those around… especially from the guys.

However, I’m used to it by now, so I don’t pay it much mind.

“These people really have no discerning-eye. Isaya-kun is using such an advanced fighting style to manipulate the opponent’s movements…”

“Well, it’s a fact that I’m not that flashy. Sakura is the one who notices things well.”

“I wish I had noticed it myself, but embarrassingly, I didn’t understand it until I was taught by Isuka Shoujou-san, who was watching next to me.”

“Oh, Hakuma, huh? It’s rare for him to explain things voluntarily.”

Hakuma once tagged along with me during junior high for a while, when I was working part-time. That’s when I first saw him as a Unicorn and, in turn, I taught him about my fighting style and stance. 

But he generally doesn’t talk much, even when asked questions.

So, when I heard that he had explained things to Sakura voluntarily, I was surprised.

Perhaps sensing my curiosity, Sakura, with a somewhat embarrassed smile, scratched her cheek with her index finger.

“Um… every time it looked like an attack from the opponent was about to hit Isaya-kun, I was so nervous that I couldn’t bear it.”

“I-I see…”

Suppressing the slight curiosity I felt, I responded with a wry smile, feeling guilty for worrying her.

As I felt the somewhat restless atmosphere, Sakura coughed and changed the subject.

“More than that, it’s about Bravehart-sama. I thought it was all talk, but I never expected him to defeat the opponent with a single blow like that.”

“It’s like a casual event to him. It seems like he defeated a soldier equivalent to an A-rank adventurer.”

“Equivalent to an A-rank adventurer… in that case, it’s not even a discussion when it comes to students.”

“Yeah, no doubt.”

I could only agree with her calm analysis.

Among the students, there are no Earthlings doing dangerous adventurer work like me. 

Regarding the inhabitants of the other world, it might be a different story, but in a place like Earth with limited combat opportunities, any kind of ability would be underutilized. 

So, I only had the skills I learned from practicing karate.

There was a clear difference in power between me and Yuuto, who had received first-class education.

“But in the end, Isaya-kun will win.”

“Haha, I’m glad Sakura thinks so.”

“I heard from Shoujou-san that you’re not good at one-on-one battles, though. Are you not stressed about it?”

“Well, I’m handling that quite well.”

I replied to Sakura’s question, assuring her that there was no need to worry.

But just as I was about to explain the basis for my confidence…

“Ikkun, you’re not good at fighting with others, huh?”

“Lilith?”

Suddenly, Lilith appeared behind me and asked in a concerned tone.

“Are you okay now?”

“Yeah, I rested properly, so I’m fine.”

When Sakura asked about her condition, Lilith smiled and showed a peace sign. Her complexion looked better than before, so she must have recovered enough to move.

“So, Ikkun, Saku-chan mentioned it, but are you really okay?”

“Yeah. I may not be good at it, but I can handle it when necessary. I won’t hesitate or back down right before an attack, at least.”

“But because of Lilith…”

“Lilith.”

“!”

Lilith, who seemed dissatisfied despite my reassurances, was about to utter self-punishing words. I interrupted her and called her name, making her startle and turn her face towards me.

Even though I was involuntarily dragged into a fight I didn’t need to be in, it was Yuuto’s doing. There was absolutely no blame on Lilith’s part. However, even if I conveyed this with words, the lingering unease in her heart wouldn’t dissipate. So, there was only one thing I could say.

“I was fed up with Yuuto from the beginning. So, I’m actually grateful for this opportunity.”

“Ikkun…”

Even if I said it somewhat jokingly, it didn’t completely dispel Lilith’s doubts. But if it could alleviate even a bit of her self-blame, it was worth it.

I got up from my seat and put on my armor. Then, I said to Lilith, who looked anxious.

“Well then, I’ll be off.”

==========

『It’s finally here! The finals of the Duel Game! The meteoric rise of Class 2-A’s Yuuto Braveheart continues! Facing off against him is the absolute evasion specialist from Class 2-C, Isaya Tsujizono! They’re both locked in a fierce staredown!』

I casually tuned out the high-energy commentary and turned my gaze towards Yuuto, who stood in front of me. He still maintained his composed demeanor.

 “Today, you shall face judgment for your sins here. Are you prepared, Tsujizono Isaya?”

“Of course not. Dueling with a hero like you is the last thing I want to do.”

“Tsujizono Isaya. You dared to threaten the two great beauties, Hizuki and Lilith, into heeding your commands. Engaging in acts so disgraceful and utterly shameful for any human being . To taint your hands with such a grave offense…is an utterly inexcusable misdeed that shall never be pardoned!!”

 “Umm…”

His actions, believing himself to be righteous and beyond reproach, were, in a way, borderline narcissism. It wasn’t easy to tolerate being on the receiving end.

Having such baseless charges enumerated one after another could easily make one’s cheeks twitch with irritation. Is this how people living in their own world often are?

“Don’t joke around! If Ikkun had the courage to do all that, he would have lost his virginity ages ago!”

“L-Lilith, please don’t say such embarrassing things loudly. Even if it’s true, it’s not fair to Isaya-kun!”

 Amid the cheers, I hear the voices of Lilith and Sakura.

 Unfortunately, their attempt at supporting me only adds to the onslaught.

 Ironically, their efforts to protect me seemed to deal more damage than any of the insults being hurled at me in this situation.

Even though the duel hadn’t even started yet, my mental state was already crumbling apart.

But the hero, with an unyielding and resolute voice, continues.

“I can understand being attracted to them. However, having one-sided feelings doesn’t justify using them as commodities!”

 “I’m the one being treated like a commodity here. Did you even ask the two of them for confirmation?”

“Besides, I’ve already received counsel from the boys in your class that you’d likely be forced to manipulate them into defending you. Even if that wasn’t the case, I can’t bring myself to extract information forcefully, causing them  harm. Transparent lies like that are useless.”

“That’s precisely why I’m insisting that you listen to the accounts of the parties directly involved…!”

Why is it that you believe others’ words more than mine or what Sakura and Lilith are saying? If you’re going to doubt what I’m saying, you might as well doubt the lies those guys from the class filled you with, driven by spite.

At this point, I’m just left flabbergasted, and a sigh escapes me involuntarily.

Maybe my reaction rubbed him the wrong way, because the hero’s face clearly contorted in displeasure.

 “What’s with that confidence?You haven’t forgotten the promise that you won’t get close to them again if you lose, have you? Or could it be that you’re actually planning to defeat me, the hero?”

 “No, that promise was something you decided on your own, and I have no recollection of ever agreeing to it…”

“It’s pretty pathetic to make excuses just because you can’t win.”

“Argh! This is hopeless. If we continue talking like this, I’m going to lose my sanity!!”

 Oh, for crying out loud!

Ugh, say this, and they say that! Can’t take it anymore!!

Even though we’re uttering the same language, it’s as if the conversation just can’t connect.

Right as I hear the sound of my patience being stretched to its limit, I give up on the conversation while raking my hand through my hair.

Seeing me raise my wooden sword, Yuuto chuckled and also prepared his wooden sword.

『Are you ready? Now, the Duel Game finals, start!! 』