Chapter 120: Opening

"Then I’m not going to participate," Silvia said, swirling the red wine in her glass. "Our benefactor has to stay with me, too. In close combat, I doubt he could even beat me."

"Delaford can’t participate, or even attend. It would cause a commotion," Daniel said, glancing at the goblin. After spending so many days with them, he had naturally figured out Delaford’s race. "Andre is the perfect person to fill that spot."

"But I don’t know how to do anything!" Andre choked on his drink and sputtered. "I don’t have Silvia’s natural charisma or Sera’s courage. I’ll just end up embarrassing everyone..."

"No, no, no, you won’t be an embarrassment. In fact, you have to go," Hendrix said, looking at the young villager. "You’ll tell them about your experiences. Why you followed Ron, what life is like in Delusional Land... you have to be the one to describe it all to them in your own words."

"You’ll be the one thing that can set both factions’ minds at ease!"

What testimony could be more convincing about the strength, morality, and alignment of Ron’s group than the firsthand account of a commoner living under their protection?

"Who exactly are the opponents in this gladiatorial match?" Aive asked. "Individuals or a team? Beasts or humanoids?"

"We need to confirm the rules so we can decide who to send."

"Ah, about that. This is something I wanted to get your opinion on," Hendrix said, rubbing his hands together. "I made some inquiries at the arena in Rose City and with some people on the black market. The goblin army’s movements have stirred up a lot of monsters, so their recent hauls have been quite impressive."

"The creatures not yet scheduled for a match include a few Ogres, one Scorpion-tailed Lion, and one Shark Lizard Beast. I didn’t think any of the other monsters were impressive enough to make an impact, so I didn’t consider them."

"Alternatively, you could challenge the champions and aces from a few of the fighting pits, but I doubt that kind of match would be enough to change their minds."

"We’ve already killed a Scorpion-tailed Lion," Sera said. "Besides, that thing can fly. Are you sure you can keep it contained?"

"Monsters used in the arena usually have their ability to fly neutralized for safety," Constance said. "So they can prevent it from harming innocent people."

"Well, that’s even less interesting. What about the Ogres? What’s the deal with them?"

"Three Ogres, a three-on-three match," Hendrix said, taking out a notepad with the suggestions he’d collected. "Some of the council members believe that if you can defeat enemies that are three meters tall and weigh nearly half a ton in a fight without Casters, then you have enough strength to survive in Delusional Land."

"Bullshit," Aive rolled her eyes. "As if we need them to judge whether we can survive."

"I get it. That’s acceptable," Sera said after a moment’s thought. "So, what about the Shark Lizard Beast?"

"Three against one. The Shark Lizard Beast fell into one of their traps and was seriously injured. Even so, they paid a heavy price to capture it alive, and there’s always a risk it could escape," Hendrix said. "I suggest you pick the Ogres. Don’t you think the Shark Lizard Beast might be a little too vicious?"

Known as "Land Sharks," Shark Lizard Beasts live only to fill their bellies. They are short-tempered and greedy, fearing no creature and caring nothing for disadvantages in numbers or strength. They attack without hesitation, becoming the apex predator wherever they dwell. For Rose City to have actually captured such a creature, the price paid must have been far greater than just "heavy."

"Let me confirm, is the Shark Lizard Beast still injured?"

Hendrix seemed to misunderstand the barbarian’s question. "Yes, but even so, it’s—"

"Let’s go with the Ogres, then," Sera said, leaning back in her chair. "A Shark Lizard Beast in an arena has already lost its natural advantages. If it’s injured on top of that, there’s no point."

’So she was complaining it was too easy?’ Only then did Hendrix understand what Sera meant.

"Then it’ll be me, Sera, and Victoria. Three-on-three," Aive nodded. "Ron, you and the others will be in charge of winning them over."

"Aive, is this... is this really all right?" Daniel asked, looking worriedly at his daughter after Hendrix had left. "Those are Ogres, and the rules say Victoria can’t use Divine Magic."

"Don’t worry, Uncle Daniel," Sera said, clapping Daniel on the back so hard the councilman’s vision momentarily went black. "We promise we’ll bring your daughter back in one piece!"

"I should be the one saying that," Aive said with a purse of her lips. "You’re the one who’s most likely to get into danger, aren’t you?"

"Your safety is the most important thing. Rules can be broken for that," Ron instructed Victoria. "If you can’t win, use Magic immediately, understand? Silvia and I will be in the stands to support you."

’My companions’ safety is the absolute priority. Isn’t one of the reasons we went after Carolina because our own safety was threatened?’

"Don’t worry. I will definitely keep them safe." Victoria was, as always, the most dependable one. After she gave her word, Ron felt a wave of relief wash over him.

Over the next few days, Ron and his group were busy preparing for any problems that might arise on the day of the banquet and the duel. To ensure Aive and the others would be safe, Ron even enchanted several small trinkets—in an emergency, they should prove to be life-savers.

On the day of the event, Ron and his group arrived at Hendrix’s mansion, well-rested and prepared. There, they saw Old Feibo and his two sons, as well as Fernando and his family. Carlos had slept with Fernando’s fiancée, and Old Feibo had recently testified on Hendrix’s behalf. With old grudges and new conflicts piled on top, the animosity was thick enough to cut with a knife when the two families laid eyes on each other.

If not for the need to show Hendrix a measure of respect, the two families would have come to blows right then and there.

"The tension is palpable," Liya commented. She was dressed splendidly for the occasion, and her inherent High Elf grace and elegance had been attracting the gazes of numerous guests from the start. Unfortunately for them, she didn’t spare anyone else a second glance; even when speaking to her own daughter, the only reflection in her eyes was that of Daniel. "They’re not actually going to fight, are they?"

"They’re prominent figures in Rose City, after all," Aive said with a glance in their direction. "I’m less worried about that and more worried they’ll try to make things difficult for Ron’s group later."

Although Fernando’s family still hadn’t figured out who the thief was, if the Feibo family sided with Ron, there was a good chance Fernando’s family would oppose them out of spite.

"You don’t need to worry about that, Aive," Daniel said, adjusting his collar. "I’ve learned a thing or two from my time on the council. The final resolution is decided by a vote count, not unanimous approval. You don’t need to please everyone; you just need to win over the moderates."

"After all, those who are on your side will support you no matter what, and those who aren’t will oppose you regardless. Isn’t that right?"