Fouquet the Crumbling Earth didn't steal the 'Staff of Destruction' because she knew how to use it, but rather because Saito's identity as "Gandálfr" had been exposed.
So, Fouquet planned to utilize Gandálfr's ability to help her learn how to use the Staff of Destruction, even going as far as deliberately revealing her location to lure Louise and the others into pursuing her.
However, Saito's "Gandálfr" runes should have only been recognized by Professor Colbert, who hadn't even had the chance to report it to Osmond yet. So why did Fouquet act so quickly?
Of course, these details didn't matter much right now. What was important was that Wood had just arrived in this world and wasn't yet fully aware of his current strength.
Now that a somewhat formidable opponent had appeared, Wood didn't mind using them to test his abilities.
Not only could he gauge his current level in this world, but he could also test the power of this "God's Heart"—Lífþrasir.
Wood's current body was no longer the well-honed one from the world of pirates, so his combat power was undoubtedly diminished compared to before.
However, due to the shared memory, Wood still had all the knowledge of martial arts and swordsmanship from the pirate world etched into his soul.
While the power of certain moves would be reduced due to his current physique, he could still perform them without issue.
"You've got a big mouth, commoner! Even if you're Princess Henrietta's familiar, you're still just a commoner. According to the laws of the Kingdom of Tristain, your recent behavior constitutes a challenge to a noble. Even if I strike you down, Princess Henrietta won't be able to punish me."
This world is modeled after a medieval society, with a strict hierarchy. By the kingdom's laws, Wood's recent remarks could indeed be seen as disrespectful to a noble.
"Sir Guiche, Wood is a familiar I summoned from another world. He might not fully understand the customs of this world yet, so I hope you'll forgive his rudeness."
Princess Henrietta was the princess of the kingdom, but even she couldn't arbitrarily change the laws.
A commoner disrespecting a noble could legally be punished by the noble. Even in a duel, the conditions would be vastly unequal. If a noble accidentally killed a commoner, they would only have to pay some compensation.
However, if a commoner injured a noble, it would be more than just a matter of paying some money.
While disputes between students at the Magic Academy could be settled through fair duels, Henrietta didn't believe that Wood or Saito could be a match for Guiche.
After summoning Wood, Henrietta had naturally inquired about his basic abilities. According to Wood himself, he couldn't use magic.
Guiche, though still a student, was the son of the kingdom's marshal and had magical abilities that surpassed the average student.
Not wanting Wood to be hurt, Henrietta hoped Guiche would overlook Wood's impudence.
"What's this? Is the noble gentleman who keeps talking about commoner familiars too afraid to accept our challenge?"
Princess Henrietta had just intervened to seek forgiveness for her familiar, and Guiche had been inclined to let the matter drop.
But to Henrietta and Guiche's surprise, Wood didn't seem interested in accepting her goodwill. Instead, he continued to provocatively taunt Guiche.
Wood was here tonight to show off, after all, and it wouldn't be any fun if a fight didn't break out.
Moreover, if he didn't show some strength, how could he hope to pursue Fouquet? If he returned to the palace with Henrietta, he'd just end up as a benchwarmer.
"In that case, I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of Princess Henrietta, so you can understand the difference between a commoner and a noble. Don't worry, even if you lose, I won't do anything to you. After all, you are Princess Henrietta's familiar, and I will show that much respect."
"Did you hear? Guiche is going to duel with the princess's commoner familiar!"
"I've heard! That commoner familiar is too arrogant, claiming that we nobles aren't anything special."
The duel between Wood and Guiche could no longer be avoided, and because of the commotion earlier at the Magic Academy, word of the duel quickly spread throughout the school.
By the time they reached the academy's training grounds, a large crowd had already gathered to watch the duel, and Guiche, seeing the growing audience, began striking various poses he thought were dashing.
Guiche didn't take the challenge from two commoner familiars seriously at all.
With so many girls watching tonight, and even Princess Henrietta paying attention, Guiche was convinced that this was his night to shine.
"Headmaster Osmond, is it really okay to let them go through with this?"
On a high platform overlooking the scene, Henrietta watched Wood and Saito with a worried expression.
"If there's any real danger, Professor Colbert, who is acting as the referee, will intervene. Besides, this duel will help us see whether Guiche and the others have the strength to pursue Fouquet. Or is it that Princess Henrietta doesn't have confidence in her familiar?"
Colbert had already informed Osmond about Louise's familiar being Gandálfr. The headmaster was curious about the legendary God's Left Hand.
With Saito as "God's Left Hand" and Wood coming from the same place, and given his earlier confidence, Osmond suspected Wood was no ordinary character, which was why he allowed the duel to proceed.
"Are you two planning to take turns, or will you come at me together? Even if it's two against one, I have no problem with that."
At Wood's insistence, the duel was expanded to include not just him and Guiche, but also Saito, Tabitha, and Kirche, turning it into a team battle. Wood and Saito represented the commoner side, while Guiche and his friends represented the nobles.
The duel would continue until everyone on one side was either defeated or surrendered, at which point the other side would be declared the winner.
Guiche insisted on being the first to fight, as he didn't want to miss the chance to show off. If Kirche or Tabitha went first, he might not get the spotlight.
"Don't say I didn't give you a chance to show off. Look at that idiot. In novels and anime, guys like him usually don't make it past the first episode. He's just a disposable character. He should be easy to handle, so I'll generously let you take him. I'll take care of the tricky girls."
Hearing Wood's words, Saito was speechless. This duel had nothing to do with him in the first place.
Besides, no matter how you looked at it, Kirche and Tabitha, a formidable woman and a powerful girl, seemed much tougher to deal with than Guiche...
Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 200+ at patreon.com/Betek.