I was stuck up with this lot of 5 boys and 2 girls.
I don't think it will do me any good befriending them under these circumstances.
I skipped the formalities and jumped right into it.
"So, what do you know about that slave?"
Everyone was confused and looked at each other. I noted it and rephrased my question.
"What do you know about the guy who challenged me?"
"Agh, Sakio!"
So his name is Sakio.
"The name's Sakio Utakami."
"What's the story? Why the undying loyalty?"
"He actually was madly in love with Harumi-senpai and challenged her boyfriend, the student council president, for her."
"He lost? "
"Precisely."
"Why is he a slave? Hasn't he given up on her?"
I heard a sigh.
"You're really a fool, aren't you?"
"I never denied that."
"Wager!"
"Wager?"
"Yes. Both the parties have to put a wager on something the opposite party demands."
"Let me guess, he put his freedom on the line for her?"
"Nope."
"Then?"
"Remember the girl who put in the clause for your match? Her name is Katanari Michiru."
"I remember her. What does she have to do with this?"
"Sakio and Michiru were childhood friends."
"Were?"
Now it makes sense.
" Yes. Sakio didn't have anything precious to place it as a wager. So what do you think he did?"
I hope I'm wrong about this. I didn't like this thought.
"He put her as his wager?"
"Yes. If he lost, she would belong to the President."
Fuck.
"She wasn't aware of this at that time, and it was too late to refuse after the deed was done."
"After the loss, she should have been the president's toy. But Harumi-senpai intervened and asked her whether she had given her consent to him."
Harumi did that?
"She replied with a resounding 'No.' Harumi then declared that since he clearly violated the code of conduct, he was her slave henceforth."
"So, from what you've told me, we can even put a wager on people?"
"Why do you think she agreed upon your condition without hesitation?"
I gave it a hard thought and came up with a convincing answer, according to me that is.
"Redemption?"
" Correct. She wants to get back at him. And after the stunts you have pulled, you are the perfect guy. Because either way, irrespective of your result in the battle, you'll end up with her. That's more than enough for her."
Let's think about it. Sakio loves Yuki-nee and he placed Michiru as a trophy he was ready to lose. But Michiru clearly was shocked and hurt. Later they both separated from each other. But clearly, she's unhappy as Sakio's enjoying himself.
And then, I show up, kiss her and even Yukine went to the extent of taming her slave, a.k.a, Sakio. A guy like me who had a soft spot in the queen's heart, that fact urged Sakio to challenge me. And since I felt it was not fair for the trade I had to put, I asked for a date with the girl that stood out the most, Michiru.
Sakio was against it. And this clearly was an opportunity that was irresistible, to Michiru. She added in the clause of making me her slave or being my girlfriend on the outcome. But irrespective of what the outcome is, the clear winner is Michiru, 'cause I'll be sure to end up with her.
"Huh! Now I'm interested in this petty fight."
"You're radiating with confidence."
"What can I say? The plot's gotten interesting."
"I hope you can say that after the fight."
"Is he the only slave?"
"No!"
"Who are the other ones? Any clues?"
"For the fight, everyone from Class-A who'll be present as the lumberjacks...."
"Just to be sure, Lumberjacks are the guys who surround the ring and make sure the opposition doesn't escape, as shown in wrestling?"
"Yes, but here they can act however they wish once you're thrown out of the ring. Though the brutality level is low, still it's pretty risky."
"Anything else I have to know."
"Even though they're nobles, they won't hesitate to use dirty tactics. So beware of everything around you there."
"Wasn't expecting anything good."
"Also, be careful. Don't trust anyone."
What was her intention from that line?
Alright, let's head back for the next class.
"Ok. See you later."
"What about you?"
"I want some alone time."
"Alright. Don't run away. "
"I wouldn't. When there's a beautiful maiden waiting for me."
"Whatever."
Everyone left.
Finally.
I was sitting there for a few minutes listening to my walkman.
I decided to check on something and went towards the gymnasium from the long route, in which the pathway couldn't be seen from this building.
I could sense the presence of something behind me.
I looked around closely and went ahead.
I was right.
I returned to the classroom on time and everyone's eyes were focused on me.
Class resumed.
I didn't bother about the class as I was reading a light novel, which was under my desk, with my head resting on my hand.
I just took a peek around the room and noticed something about the blonde kid.
It can't be.
He noticed me.
He smiled and turned towards the window.
Mind your own business.
That's what it meant.
He noticed me looking at the whole class.
Classes were done for the day.
Time for me to go.
"Nifuji-kun! Have a moment?"
"Yeah"
It was the prince.
We were at the corner of the room near the window.
"Naofumi-kun! Let's go."
"I'll be there in a moment."
He resumed the conversation.
"So you've noticed."
"Can't say I haven't!"
"I was certain you'd deny it."
"So, will you rat me out?"
"Obviously not. Where's the fun in that!"
"What do you want?"
"A piece of advice. Be careful. "
That's the third time today.
"And?"
"Don't act hastily."
"Wasn't planning to"
"Alright let's go!"
"Yep! Let's go, Fujiko-kun. No, no, Sakarato-kun? Ehm..."
"Sebastian Nakato."
"Sebastian?"
This guy was superior even in the name department.
"Alright! Saint Sebastian, let's go."
"Saint?"
"Don't care about the small details. Let's get moving."
"Wait! I didn't say I'd go....."
Time for the showdown.