Chapter 211.2. Debutante Ball

-Masatoshi’s POV-
“Oh, that’s easy. If they win, it will be great publicity for  Wartan magic armor. It’s a groundbreaking magical armor that was recently announced. They’re afraid of losing market share of Dog’s Puppy Trading Company.”
“I see. If we lose to the girl. People will question Dog’s Puppy magic armor’s performance. For Menou Marquisate that’s a real problem. The nobles are also watching. So I guess I have to give it my all, right?”
“Menou Marquisate is part of the faction led by Duke Kanna. And it seems that Ulhara Company will issue stocks soon for business expansion. By chance, I obtained the new stock subscription rights earlier.”
“I see… I understand.”
His father’s request to manipulate the outcome without feeling any guilt leaves Masatoshi dumbfounded. 
The conversation seems to be settled.
Where did the concept of fair play go?
Even in the original story, there were duels where the opponents would take the heroines hostage or use forbidden magic during the fight. 
But Masatoshi never resorted to such despicable tactics. 
If this so-called Wartan performs well here, it will boost sales and raise the stock value of the U’hara Company.
This is the world of politics.
“The princess will tackle you with a blush, and you should quickly embrace her. Then, you fall out of the ring together and lose. It will emphasize the bond between you two, and your reputation won’t get too damaged.”
“So, the outcome is already decided… But I understand!”
I’m embracing Sena-san and falling out of the ring together. 
Isn’t that amazing? 
Moreover, it’s about emphasizing the bond between us! 
The bond between us!
Masatoshi chuckles with a grin and starts removing his magical armor. 
If I’ll hug her, the armor will only get in the way.
“You idiot! You can’t go without wearing the magic armor. Put it back on.”
“What if I wear a lighter armored suit…? Can I at least take off the gauntlets?”
I curse and hits the floor in frustration. He should have told me earlier. What a waste!
They say that the outcome of a battle is decided even before it begins.
It’s cunning and malicious. What’s even more remarkable is that no one feels any guilt.
They don’t ponder if it’s acceptable to win through such methods by taking hostages or being bribed with a stack of bills.
Even when the villain in a novel says, “Kukuku, he’s already been bought with new stock subscription rights.”, there’s no tension.
Is it okay to proceed like this?
Since he can embrace Seina-san, Masatoshi quickly decides it’s for the best.
And so, the match begins.
In the training arena of the Imperial Castle, it will be a standard battle this time.
There is a square ring with a side length of 100 meters in the center, paved with cobblestones. Falling outside of the ring results in a loss.
They start from opposite ends of the ring. 
Like a coliseum, there are spectator seats with a protective barrier on the outside.
The floor has decent strength thanks to the magic stones. 
“If the energy of the magic barrier drops below 30%, it will result in a loss. Extremely dangerous magic is prohibited.”
Nodding in response to the referee’s words through the loudspeaker, We scatter left and right, with Menou Robin being the center. 
Menou Robin wears a custom magical armor called Daiawolf, which is designed with the image of a wolf and has two swords hanging from the waist. 
Takano Chuya holds a staff in his hand, wearing the robe-type magical armor called Sylph 22.
As for me, I have the custom magical armor called Salamander 22. It’s a bright red armor, and I equip a one-handed sword.
“You guys! Let’s win this with ease! Show some confidence, okay? I’m counting on you, and this is not a joke, alright?”
Perhaps influenced by the words of Marquis Menou, the handsome one tensed up and wore a desperate expression.
“Leave it to me, the genius magician!”
With squeaks and squeals, the little piggy alien barks.
Noticing the overlapping lines, they make an annoyed face and nod while spraying antiperspirant on their body, even Masatoshi.
“…What are you doing?”
“It’s risky if I smell of sweat. I had the servant buy it for me in a hurry.”
After all, I’ll hug Sena-san. Uhuhu. I wonder if I can purge the magic armor before the battle.
“But it’s still before the battle… If you apply too much antiperspirant, it’ll end up smelling worse.”
“For real? Can I take a quick shower?”
Oh no, I didn’t know. I’ll forfeit the match for a moment.
“Damn… It smells like match-fixing… Aguni!”
Menou Robin gnashes his teeth in frustration.
It seems like I’ve been caught buying off. 
Well, it’s only natural since I’m from the Emperor faction of Aguni Dukedom. 
Since I’ve been exposed, I don’t have to feel guilty.
“…Well, whatever. The opponent is just a child, and I have this! I’ll defeat them all by myself!”
Menou Robin swiftly draws the two swords hanging from his waist.
He has a sword of fire and the sword of lightning. Menou Robin, a dual-wielding swordsman, was overwhelmed by the number of undead in the original work, but his strength was considerable.
“Well then, I’ll also give it my all.”
With a wide grin and both hands outstretched, Masatoshi approaches the match with eager anticipation.