Chapter 248.1. Preparations For The Duel

In a room within the Ulhara Company’s laboratory, the sound of metal being shaved off resonated with a clattering noise. 
Various tools were haphazardly scattered around the room, and on the table, half-finished magical devices were placed alongside half-eaten sandwiches. Blueprints were affixed to the walls.
That place depicts an atmosphere of chaos and untidiness typical of a lazy researcher’s workspace. 
Completing the scene, a girl with disheveled hair and wearing a lab coat over her head like a bird’s nest, complete with goggles, would be the perfect addition.
While the exact definition of perfection remained unclear, it somehow felt perfect. 
Mii-chan, who had mistakenly written the meaning of perfection in her dictionary, believed so. There’s just something nice about a girl in a lab coat. 
It would have been even better if she didn’t give Mii-chan that condescending look.
“Oh~? Are you stupid or something?”
Sitting in a , the girl in the lab coat with messy hair and goggles on her head questioned Mi-chan reproachfully. 
This girl was none other than a genius magical scientist, a former Nidhogg executive, Sutr. She’s now going by the name Lug Dowell.
She turned her fiercely confident gaze toward Mii-chan and snorted.
“We’re going to duel on float boards. Why would you even do something like that? It’s annoying. A regular duel would be just fine.”
“To practice and train with Lug-chan?”
Responding to Lug’s condescension, Mii-chan smiled kindly. Indeed, this seemed like the pattern of training with friends.
“Using float boards is a clever idea. Alright, I, the genius Lug-chan, will make them, especially for you.”
With a glance, Lug picked up the half-finished float board from the desk.
Perhaps she didn’t want to subject the innocent girl to harsh training. I can understand her sentiment. But don’t worry. I can use healing magic, so even if you end up in pieces, I can revive you within ten minutes.
“I can heal myself even if I get torn apart!”
Oops, I accidentally voiced my thoughts. But in games, I can pulverize my opponents, and in practice matches, they don’t die. So, it’s okay, right?
“All right then. Lug-chan is going to give her all!”
Rolling up her sleeves, Lug began assembling the float board. Despite her teasing, she was a kind girl who would work hard for others.
I could sense an intense determination emanating from her, almost like a sense of determination mixed with killing intent. It’s reassuring.
“Good grief… What an exasperating exchange.”
“It’s a heartfelt exchange!”
A girl wearing a pointed hat and a black robe, Ninny, interjected with a wry smile. She crossed her arms, emphasizing her heavily armored appearance. 
“Heartfelt, huh… Well, fine. I, the genius mage Ambrose Nini, shall bestow upon you the Ambrose family’s original [Flight] magic.”
Ninny, who always traveled on a broom, excelled in flight magic. She was skilled in transportation-based magic as evidenced by her ability to use [Mirror Walk].
“I’m counting on you! Since this is an unrestricted match, the regulations are top-notch.”
Choosing float boards for the duel against Elizabeth was quite the decision. Moreover, she had selected rules similar to those of a martial arts tournament that circled Lake Biwa and included the Mist Dungeon.
“Do you know about Menou Marquisate and propose this match because of that?”
“Is there something called Menou Marquisate?”
As Ninny looked at her with a bewildered expression, it was Lug, not Mii-chan, who released her grip on the float board and inquired with a puzzled look.
“Menou Marquisate specializes in float board races! Even I know about it. How could you not?”
“Lug-chan is a genius who doesn’t care about worldly matters. My brilliant mind is focused entirely on magical devices.”
Lug’s unfriendly demeanor prompted Ninny to give her a stern glare, she’s staring disdainfully with a bitter expression.
“You talk big, but aren’t you just an ordinary technician when it comes to making float boards? Lug, right? Unlike genius me, I’ve never even heard your name.”
“Oh~? My name is going to become famous from now on! In a few years, everyone will know Lug-chan’s name!”
“Ah, sure, sure. I hear those hopeful dream words a lot.”
Shrugging her shoulders, Ninny laughed mockingly. Lug turned red with anger, her face flush with fury.
“Grrr! What an infuriating busty brat you are! Those breast bags are probably just filled with mana to deceive!”
“Squee! You’re the one with the infuriating flat chest! Weren’t you born from a tongue?”
The two leaned their foreheads against each other, baring their canine teeth as they glared. These two seem to get along well. Maybe their personalities overlap.
Observing them with a smile, Mii-chan found the scene heartwarming, but a weighty voice interjected.
“While I didn’t come here to play around, did I? I had a reason to propose this duel, didn’t I?”
“Yeah. Of course, since it’s a float board race that Menou Marquisate excels at, I thought there was no reason to refuse.”
Turning around, I answered the elderly mage sitting in the chair. He’s clad in his usual worn-out coat and hat. He’s Grandpa Odin, the one-eyed old magician, spoke.
He had been reading a thick grimoire, clearly getting frustrated with the trio who were doing nothing but playing around.
Well, Lug and Ninny had just met a little while ago. Playfully teasing each other is one way to build camaraderie.
“What did you wager? Did you choose something interesting?”
“If Elizabeth wins, she’s asked for Takano County’ to make a new faction. She mentioned that I need to interfere even with the Emperor’s factions and show her intention to oppose him.”
“That would certainly make things interesting.”
“Opposing the Emperor would trouble Yamiyo-chan and the others. So I won’t do it. As for my conditions, if I win, that’s a secret. I’ll tell you if I win.”
Placing her index finger against her lips, Mii-chan cutely shushed, then grinned. Grandpa merely shrugged without pressing further.