Another Stupid Isekai

– I have a document with me. A list of names of people who, let’s say, picked interest among the various organizations I’m representing here. They’ve picked up some quarrels with members of those organizations, which were supposed to be resolved with an official duel, here in the city, but all the submitted applications were declined – Benjamin began.

– I’m familiar with the list, but I’m still gonna request you to show me that document – Will responded.

– Of course – Beaulieu put his suitcase on the table, opened it, took a stack of documents from it, and from those documents he pulled on one, which he placed on the table, then pushed towards my friend.

He took it and scanned it with his eyes. His next move was to put it back, then slide towards me. I was practically laying on that chair, with my terms crossed, but this action forced me to change my position. I fixed the way I was sitting down, without making eye contact with Will. Since he presented me with the document it had to be something I should look at, so I did.

There was some writing at the top, but I ignored that part focusing on the list of names below. It included Leonel, Tihana, John, Carmelita, and, to my massive surprise, Celestine.

– Why not me? – I asked directly looking at Benjamin. – Are you afraid or something?

Luis Martinez snorted, but the smile quickly disappeared from his face. I’m not sure why.

– Despite how it looks, the list is based on the people who picked quarrels with various organizations in the city I’m representing, and that’s why those names are there. The fact that they often hunt together led to this, so your name not on the list is due to the fact that you didn’t engage in any conflicts with my employers – the lawyer explained to me.

– I could always pick a quarrel – I pointed out.

With the corner of my eye, I bought Will glaring at me. He tried to warn me without saying anything. It was obvious that he didn’t want things to get out of control, and getting me directly involved was exactly that.

– You should be careful what you are asking for. You might be the one of first people here, but it’s not like everybody else is sitting idly. People are getting stronger, so don’t be surprised if there are few around who can kick your ass – Aaden joined the conversation.

He was speaking with composure and had a very nice to listen, deep voice. A little bit too nice to be his real voice.

His words made me laugh.

– Just say you are scared. I understand – I told him, then pushed the page back to Will.

He took it.

– Let me remind everybody that we are here not to create any additional problems, but rather to resolve the current ones – my friend pointed out.

– I couldn’t agree more – Benjamin said. – Let’s keep our heads cool despite the disagreements, and pursue a way to resolve them. So, what is your proposition?

– Three people from this list are ready to fight. I believe we can resolve this issue through an official duel, just like it was proposed in the beginning through official applications – Will said.

– What about the two who don’t want to fight? Are the issues to remain unresolved? – Wolf asked.

– Carmelita doesn’t want to fight. My wife… None of us thought you had any problems with her, so she didn’t make any decision – I informed them.

My anger was slowly growing. I felt this urge to, despite Will’s approach to the situation, mop the floor with them. Especially that asshole Martinez. I wanted to lean over the table and slap him in the face, then see what happens.

The mere thought put a smile on my face.

– How are we to resolve the issues if those people don’t want to fight? – Wolf asked.

– I can fight instead of them. There is no problem with that – I informed him.

– Peter! – Will snapped. – Stop antagonizing.

For a moment he looked at me with intent, then switched to the people on the other side.

– Despite what you might think, we have plenty of options for how to resolve this. You can accept three, or there won’t be a fight at all – he told them.

– Was that a threat? – Benjamin asked.

– It was a warning – Will responded.

– I guess we should take a victory whenever we can. We can proceed with only three people from the list – Wulf said. – I hope, though, the rest can be resolved in the future.

Maybe it doesn’t sound like much, but to me, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I wanted the situation to be fixed with this, not dragged out any further.

– You know what? – I said. – I’m sure there are plenty of people around who have some issues with one another. Why won’t we make an open tournament with this, so hunters can let go of some steam?

– That’s not something we came here to discuss – Benjamin pointed out, and his facial expression changed.

The poker face disappeared.

I responded by sniffing the air loudly.

– Do I smell fear? Do I smell a bunch of cowards? Can you smell it too, Will? – I asked my friend.

Worked like a charm on the guys on the other side of the table.  They were ready to jump at me but somehow kept themself on the chairs.

My friend glared a time for a moment. In this short span of time, nobody talked.

– It actually doesn’t sound like a terrible idea – he said. – Yes. We should do it this way. Whoever wants to resolve their issues, will be able to.

– Fine – Wulf agreed. – Let’s discuss the details at a later date.

– No problem – Will agreed. – I’ll escort you to the exit.

The whole group stood up and headed towards the door. I was the last one among them. Without issue, not talking at all, we reached the exit. That’s where Will stopped, and I did too, while the rest of them headed deeper into the city.

We watched them without talking, observing every move.

To me it felt wrong, just allow them to leave. I was still angry.

– Good luck! – I shouted. – You might need it while fighting with my daughter. Otherwise, she will wipe the floor with you.

You know what? It worked like a charm.

Luis Martinez turned around, with anger painted all over his face. He charged with incredible speed, then leaped forward to punch me.