Hindu was standing before my room he was dressed in a well-made white suit of high quality it was so stylish that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was quite extravagant, however there was an annoyed look on his face. It was rude for someone like me who was merely a commoner to keep a noble waiting, however naturally it wasn't my fault as I had no idea, he would visit me himself and first thing in the morning no less.
After partying all night, it was amazing he could get up so early in the morning. I thought staring at him with admiration in my eyes for someone like me who couldn't get up early in the morning without an alarm clock, seeing someone who could get up so early was truly dazzling.
"Good morning, Sir Hindu... I hope your day is going well."
I said greeting Hindu with a polite smile on my face.
"Stop with the courteous attitude, I find it quite annoying."
He said with a sneer while crossing both his hands. My brow twitches hearing his remark however as to not let my thoughts show on my face, I loosen my expression a little.
"Our duel has been decided to take place later in the afternoon, we will be having a magic battle."
He informed. A duel between magic allows the participant to used magic of either first or second class or even third class depending on the spell, because those level magic are non-lethal. So, the chances of death are extremely low the referee are also there to keep watch over the duel to make sure both parties followed the rules, however a well-trained referee would naturally be there in case of an incident were the users magic goes out of control.
"I see a magic battle huh? I still don't have much experience in magic battle."
I said frowning a little. Well, it was better than a mock battle of swords I guess I have no experience in swordsmanship so it's better this way however I have little confidence in winning this mock battle it's not like it's a problem in losing but naturally I'd like to win if possible.
"Hmph... I think it would be best for you to give up now while you have the chance, I'm sure you wouldn't want to lose in front of the spectators."
He said showing a smirk on his face. It was obvious he was sure of his victory.
(Perhaps he has a secret weapon of some kind. Or maybe he was just that skilled in magic.)
I thought feeling uncomfortable by his smug face.
-Why are you so worried your magic power should be about 100 times his own.
(Hmm... is that so.)
I thought hearing Alya carefree voice resounded inside my head. Hearing how confident she sounded I had a little bit of hope however I can't be too optimistic.
"I'll do my best."
I said while showing a light smile. Hindu showed an annoyed face seeing my smile, but I ignored his reaction.
"Once this battle is over one of us will have Isabella's hand in marriage."
He said so while showing a look of determination.
"I honestly have no interest in marriage, you really have nothing to worry about."
I said showing a wry smile on my face. No matter how many times I say it he won't be convinced it seems. Why am I in a love rivalry over a girl I have no romantic feelings for I really didn't know. Hindu gave me a dubious look not convinced. Naturally marriage is something every noble has to think about however such thing are only trivial to me.
"There will be someone to escort you to the arena later. So don't go anywhere where they can't find you."
He said while turning on his heel after a few seconds his figure left my line of sight. I heaved an exhausted sigh. The wind gathers around in a vortex like manner before the figure of Alya was formed, her beauty truly looked divine it was a type of beauty no human could ever hope to replicate in their lifetime surely even the greatest painters would end their careers at that. Her naturally white skin was like fresh snow fall accompanied with her long green hair which fluttered down her back as she looks at me with her jade green eyes, she naturally stood beside me with a carefree smile on her face.
"So, you can appear outside now too."
I said surprise by her sudden appearance.
"Of course I can. The contract between us is now complete, so I can appear whenever I want."
She said while striking a pose with her hips out and her fingers showing the letter 2. She looked extremely cute however I didn't have the mental energy to say that out loud whether it was due to exhaustion or stress I didn't know.
"You really don't need to worry so much you know; I'm sure your match will go down in annual history."
She said confidently.
(Where is all that confidence coming from.)
I wondered internally.
"Haruto."
I heard a friendly voice coming in my direction. I immediately knew the owner of that voice it was Scarlett.
"Would it be okay if she sees you-"
I promptly turn towards Alya who was standing by myside a few seconds ago, however. Her figure was already gone it happened so fast that I hadn't notice when she disappeared.
(Is there a reason your hiding)
I ask confused.
-it's way too soon to let my presence be known by those in this castle, after all there are humans who would abuse the power of the spirits. That's why we only appear before those few who won't abuse our power.
Alya said in a serious voice. Completely different from her carefree tone.
"I see."
I muttered quietly. There will definitely be those who wish to do wrong with the spirits power considering how strong the spirits are naturally greedy people would want to get their hands on it. Humans are simple yet complex creatures especially when it's a noble or royalty I'm not confident in being able to out fox a noble or royalty they are the most cunning after all. They all had plenty of experience with dealing with all kinds of people naturally someone like me who was a simple high schooler wouldn't be able to compete against them.
(As a spirit art user, I'll have to protect the existences of spirits)
I thought with resolute.
"Haruto you're up early."
She said a bit surprise. Naturally if Hindu hadn't visited, I wouldn't have gotten out of bed. I made a wry smile from that realization.
"Well, it's good to get some fresh air in the morning, so it fine."
I muttered listlessly with a wry smile on my face.
"So is there something you want Princess Scarlett."
I ask tilting my head curiously. For her to visit me this early in the morning it must be something really important.
"Oh, I wanted to ask about the duel between you and Sir Hindu. Is this battle something you want? Or are you being forced into the duel?"
She asks showing a serious face. I made a troubled look seeing her expression. It wasn't that I was being forced into the duel I was reluctant at first however, it was something Sir Ayumu suggested himself, so I decided to go through with it. Hearing Ayumu words thinking that maybe I would be able to get him to trained me in magic.
"No, I'm not being forced into a duel you have nothing to worry about."
I said while showing wry smile.
"I see well if it is something you personally accepted then I won't say anything."
She said sighing a little. She then showed a smile which could easily charmed the hearts of any who witness it.
-What a kind girl she's definitely wife material.
I thought I heard such voice, but I decided to ignore it.
"Hindu is the oldest son of the duke of one of our neighbouring Kingdom, their family specialize in magic while their only second in their country their still really skilled in magic."
Scarlett explained with a serious face. I see their second in magic huh, no wondered he look so confident when he said will be having a magic battle. I guess my winning chance is now tossed out the window. I thought sighing.
-Don't worry like I said before you got this.
Alya's confident voice resounded inside my head. Why is she so confident really don't know.
"Are you really going to be, okay?"
Scarlett asks with a worried look.
"Don't worry I'll pull something off."
I said with an expression mix with doubt and determination.
-I'll be by your side the entire time so there is no need to worry.
(Would it be fair for the two of us to team up together?)
I ask internally.
-Of course, for the spirit art user their spirit partner is also a part of their power so it's fine.
She spoke cheerfully. I couldn't help but laugh internally from her attitude however I felt relief from hearing her tone.
"So that's it I can promise you not to worry."
I said showing a small smile to ease her worry.
"Okay."
She said while making a dubious look.
Time passes by in a blink of an eye it was now time for the start of the duel between us. A maid serving Hindu came by my door and escorted me towards the arena which was filled with high-ranking nobles. I widen my eyes at the large amount of people gathered by the seating area. I was now in the centre of the fighting area standing before Hindu who was making a smile full of confidence on his face.