Dueling basically the fancy way of saying let us fight it out however instead of being an unseen brawl behind a building it is a public event with spectators watching you fight to the death. Unlike the outside duels, the duels conducted in the academy are controlled as to not harm the students and is made to end fights and testing one's strength against a similar opponent.
That being said it made no sense for the student in front of me to be acting this way not including the fact that personal duels are prohibited in the first month of the academy for first years.
' He should be aware of that fact so why...
Wait... That bastard '
Normally asking for a duel with a first year in the beginning of the semester would have been outright rejected but that changes when it comes to me who not only still has his title but is also the head of his family
' He isn't asking for an academy duel but a noble one '
A nobles' duel is an ancient law written since the dawn of the empire were the two participants duel representing the name of their households with the agreement of the high council, it is mostly done to settle feuds over land or long-lasting wars.
The student in front of me bears no title under the law of the academy however a commoner can still be sent as a stand in and messenger of the noble family in a nobles' duel that is directed toward a bearer of a noble title and the current head of the family.
' Long story short it is a loophole where the outside noble family could instigate a duel due to my special privilege '
As my thought process reached that far my face turned solemn as I stared at the second-year student. Short golden hair and amber eyes with a lean body fit for swordsmanship he was slightly shorter than me but kept his nose high as if that would make a difference.
As the silence stretched long after his declaration the room started buzzing with murmurs filled with confusion mostly from the lower nobility and the commoners who have not yet grasped the situation.
However, all of those who had understood what is happening where either wearing a rigid expression or one full of excitement. This time I couldn't simply forfeit or decline, a nobles' duel signifies the entire households name doing so would forever damage our image.
' The fact that I forfeited the practical duels must be the reason for such a blatant attempt '
The previous time I forfeited I had the excuse of attending my estates needs and while it may have damaged my reputation at the time it was shoved under the rug because of the circumstances, of course many would also assume that it was just an excuse causing this situation.
' Which is true but even then, this is too much
They wish that I decline so that they could pull down my family's name while increasing their own '
Just the thought of it brought a deep scowl to my face making the second year in front of me flinch.
" I will give you one chance turn around and leave if not then announce your name "
Hearing my words the young man widened his eyes before a mocking smile spread on his face perhaps taking my words as bluff.
" My name is Garfield Dover, and I am here as a representative of the Dover Earl family with the right to discuss and modify this upcoming duel "
As his words registered a surge of anger came upon me as I recognised the family, it was one of the prominent trade families their territory having been a trade route that connects the capital to the sea having one of the largest markets in the empire before the black market was relocated to the arcane estate
The Arcane Family and the Dover Family are neighbouring territories by having me decline the duel they wish to destroy my image in the public circles so that the business's that left them to relocate at the arcane estate will return.
' The black market won't change however the sudden disappearance of a large portion of the normal market will cause problems '
" State the terms "
" What?? "
" You can't declare a noble's duel without reason and stakes put on the line not to forget that we need the permission of the high court and an observer to see the match "
Explaining this I could see that he was surprised that I was willing to go on with this duel but having seemingly already came prepared he took out a stack of papers from the inside pocket of his jacket.
" Long ago part of our land was taken by the Arcane this here is official documents agreeing for the enactment of the duel to take back what is ours only waiting for your signature, as for the observer Lord Merlin himself would be asked to do so "
Taking the documents, the lands where a blatant excuse but as I read it over going over the terms and stakes added, I couldn't help but widen my eyes.
' Too much but at the same time fair '
The risks stated that if the arcane family was to lose this match that we will give up the land previously taken with ten percent of the agricultural land however if it was the Dover family that lost then they would give up twenty percent of their agricultural land.
They are dangling such a deal as bait so that I would agree, from the beginning they have acted upon the premise that I was nothing but a foolish lord who struck gold by accident.
' I have to teach them a lesson so that no one would ever think of doing such an act again '
" Fine however I wish to add two more terms "
" Hm... yes, what is it? " Garfield said eyes narrowing
" Both participants can't forfeit before the fight, and the duel will only end when the other either passes out or dies "
As I stated my terms Garfield's face changed multiple times before returning back to his previous mockery
" Pfft... Fine if you want it this way then I am more than obliged to agree "
With those words settled between us I walked past him as we headed towards the headmaster's office leaving the frozen class behind, entering we stopped in front of the secretary explaining the situation and watched as her face grew paler by the second.
The meeting with Merlin was not pleasant especially for Garfield who looked like he was about to shit himself however even merlin was not above the law written by the first emperor as such in the end he had to agree.
With us agreeing to have the duel after two hours Garfield stood up running away as fast as he can leaving me alone with Merlin.
" Haah.... I apologise even though I said nothing would happen here I am having let such a thing occur. What will you do despite his attitude student Garfield is a C rank "
Watching Merlin full of guilt, I decided it was best to brief for what is to come
" Well, you don't need to apologize with everything considered this is actually quite fortunate "
" What are you saying? "
Merlin inquired his tone of voice growing weary
" Lord Merlin I also have the right to have a representative fight instead of me and I just so happen to have a portal connecting to my estate "
" You don't mean... "
" I won't kill him however I will tell you from now, Garfield Dover will be tortured in front of the entire academy, and I hope that you can keep yourself from interfering, after all he agreed to my terms did he not "
" You..."
" He can no longer forfeit nor is there any other way for another representative to appear.
There is no need for me to dirty myself with such lowborn blood instead my butler will take care of it all including the cleaning after, I believe that is generous enough "
For a second Merlin stayed silent before nodding his head seemingly resigned to what is to come
" They were the ones who wished for this and so they shall bear the consequences as well "
With his words echoing around the office, I stood up and left the room thinking of all the ways I could make Garfield scream.