Ariel and the others' preparations for leaving were just ending as we got downstairs.
The two attendants were putting a coat on Ariel.
When Ariel realized I was there she drew back her chin a bit.
"Rudeus-sama. Thank you very much for today."
After hearing their masters words, the three subordinates deeply bowed.
Just like a Japanese I was about to lower my head as well.
But, in this case wouldn't it be better not to lower my head.
"What is going on with Sylphy?"
"Now she's talking with Elinalise."
"Is that so...Nevertheless, for the Sylphy who was thought to have no more relatives to still have one sure is a surprise."
"Right. Really, the world is small."
It's Elinalise and Sylphy after all.
It's like the distance between heaven and earth.
Primarily concerning ideas of chastity.
"Then, it's just right. Rudeus-sama, could I take up a bit of your time?"
Ariel's words were ones with a hidden meaning.
For the time being I nodded.
"Then, over here."
While saying that Ariel crossed the room into the corridor.
And then moved from the corridor to the entrance way and just like that opened the door and went outside.
Naturally as it is, the other three went along with her as well.
Cliff and I followed along with that.
Outside the sun was setting and it was starting to get dark.
Ahead of the entrance way, on a road with snow piling up and few people, Ariel came to a stop.
And then turned around and said it.
"Rudeus-sama. I know this is rude, but..could I request a duel with Luke? Without magic, a match between swords."
"..."
That's a sudden suggestion.
Without replying I kept silent.
After looking at Luke, he was putting his hand on the sword at his waist with a composed face.
Somehow, it seems it's not something Ariel decided suddenly.
"For the time being, would it be alright for me to ask the reason?"
After asking, Ariel tenderly smiled.
"Just, a bit of playing around."
"Playing around is it."
However, what Luke took out was a real sword.
It was a double-edged sword, since it's playing around he's going to strike with the back of the sword, such reasons really can't pass.
"At least, can't I prepare some wooden swords? I don't hold a real sword."
"I don't mind if you prepare a weapon with magic."
"Without magic?"
"Something to that degree I don't mind."
For the time being, I create a stone sword with earth magic.
I created it somewhat sturdy, but that part makes it a bit heavy.
Just in case, I swing the sword every day so it's not as if I can't swing it.
However, even with this if it hits the wrong place you can die.
At least, it's not something good for hitting your opponent with for play.
"Please feel relieved. This is something Luke proposed. I don't mind if Rudeus-sama beats Luke down with all of his power."
Without magic, I'm at an ordinary person's level.
It isn't limited to just beating down Luke.
"Just for reference. Luke has learned up to Intermediate level with the Sword God style and Elementary level with the Water God style. The sword is a magic item endowed with magic power that will lightly cut through an iron shield. The shoes are the same as the ones Sylphy wears, they increase the users speed. This mantle maintains the temperature within, the gloves boost strength, underneath his uniform a specific type of clothing that is strong against blades is being worn."
"..That is amazing."
Isn't it great he's in full sturdy ikemen equipment...
In order to assemble all of the parts, even if I sold my reformed house it probably wouldn't be enough.
"Since it comes down to that, I wonder if there's the possibility that I'll be beaten down by Luke.."
"I can't say that possibility doesn't exist but... if you feel the danger of death, at that point it's fine if you use magic."
"I'll be praying that using it just before I don't get cut in half though."
However, I wonder why they're making this sort of proposal.
If either of us dies in this sort of place, we have nothing to gain from it, right.
"Before that, I'd like to hear the reason. Did I do something to bother you?"
"No. It's just playing around. Of course, it's fine for you to reject it as well."
"Whether I receive it or turn it down, if you don't properly explain the reason to me I'll be troubled. Even with this stone sword, if it hits the wrong spot a person can die you know?"
"Luke has already made his resolve for that as well."
I haven't made that resolve though.
Ariel's voice has some kind of tragic sound mixed in with it.
I wonder what will come out from this kind of match.
I don't know.
They won't give me an answer.
I wonder if there were ceremonies like this in Asura Kingdom.
Around Sauros then, I can somewhat see him saying if you want to take Eris as a wife, then you must first defeat me.
No, old man Sauros is already gone.
"Rudeus. I'm begging you. Accept it. If you're a man as well you understand right?"
Luke's words.
He came out if you're a man.
What cowardly words.
It seems I'm not a man if I don't know the reason.