If I win, let's get married

"Sorry, I didn't mean to tease you. Here. Wipe your tears with this."

"...thank you."

Laetitia accepted his handkerchief and wiped her tears sullenly. While she didn't want to think about this, she had to say this guy was a perfect fit for Claudia. His evil-like and teasing attitude was similar to Claudia's, making her sigh helplessly.

'But what kind of softener did he use?'

The scent of his handkerchief was so calming and relaxing, but she could ask this matter later since, right now, their time was limited, and she had many things to say to him.

As she had something to discuss, they went to a distant table, leaving Kirin, Julis, and Flora.

The three believed in him, but they didn't believe that Laetitia wouldn't be tempted by him, yet they knew that they were about to talk about something serious, so they didn't bother him. However, even if they had made up their minds, they were still curious and looked at them from time to time.

"...is it okay to talk here?"

After all, what Laetitia was going to say was something akin to a secret.

"It's okay. If someone sees our record together, then they might think that I am cheating on you or something since my image isn't that good."

Still, he had asked Aisha to erase all the records of what had happened here and change it with the fake one.

"..." Laetitia.

"However, if you don't want to leave a record and don't want to be misunderstood as my girlfriend, I know a place that won't leave a record. Do you want to talk there?"

"I-It's okay. I-I don't mind."

"You don't mind being seen as my girlfriend?"

"No, it's fine to talk here!" Laetitia fumed, staring at him, thinking that this guy was really a big scoundrel. "I want to talk about Claudia."

"Yes." He sipped his coffee. "Please talk."

"...why are you so calm?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't act stupid! You must know how dangerous her situation is, right? She has provoked an IEF! Even if Ginga can't act openly because of the other IEFs, without a doubt, she is going to be targeted, especially when you are about to become the champion."

Yes, the Phoenix Festa had progressed so much, and before long, it was the semi-finals.

His next opponents were AR-D and RM-C, or Ardy and Rimcy, who were the puppets created by Ernesta and Camilla. Those two puppets had caused a sensation in the Festa since they were so powerful. No one was their opponent, and soon, they would be his opponent.

Meanwhile, on the opposite, there was a fight between Amagiri and Saya against Hufeng and Cecil.

Still, he could tell that Amagiri would win, especially when this guy's seal had been broken, and he was also the protagonist.

Meanwhile, Priscilla and Irene lost against Ardy and Rimcy to compete in the semi-final. Even if the two had become stronger, especially when Irene had mastered Gravisheath, it was still a long way for them to defeat the two puppets of the Arlequint Academy.

While Priscilla mastered Gravisheath, Ardy, and Rimcy mastered the Amagiri Style.

It was obvious which one was better, right?

Moreover, those puppets also had various weapons such as barriers, hammers that could destroy everything and a computer-like accuracy of long-range weapon mastery. When those things were combined with the martial arts of the protagonist, they became monsters.

This was also probably the reason why the IEF didn't do anything and quietly waited until the semi-final since, instead of making a rash choice, they waited until the right moment.

As for what they were planning to do, even now, Tamazuki didn't know, but for one thing, he knew that Laetitia was worried about Claudia. Yet, it surprised him that this girl didn't have a doubt that he would become the champion.

He wondered where her confidence in him came from.

Still facing him, who was silent, Laetitia frowned and asked, "Do you know what is her wish?"

"No."

"...no?"

"I never asked."

"Why?" She was confused.

"Because no matter what her wish is, I believe I can protect her."

"....."

She wasn't sure whether this guy was an idiot or really believed in his strength. She was helpless as she somehow understood why Claudia wanted to be with him.

"...do you know Claudia has two wishes?"

"Two?"

"I don't know the other wish, but I know what is one of her wishes." Laetitia stared at him. "If you don't know, then let me tell you. Her wish—Claudia's wish—was to dedicate herself fully to her destined partner." She suddenly became agitated as she looked at him. "I can tell that person is you, so if you can't protect her, then I will curse you! I won't forgive you no matter what! So, protect her!"

Claudia might be her rival and someone that Laetitia wished to beat, but no matter what, Claudia was someone important to her. She didn't want something to happen to Claudia, but unlike him, she was hopeless, and she knew that she couldn't do anything.

Yet, Tamazuki was different.

She believed that he could protect Claudia, so she hoped he would do that.

Still, while she was breathing hard and excited, he answered her calmly. "Even if you don't tell me, I will do that."

Still, he sighed helplessly inwardly, thinking Claudia's wish was so cute. For a woman who was full of conspiracy and evil minds, her wish was to dedicate her life to her destined partner.

If he wasn't here, then without a doubt, that person was Amagiri, but he was here, so that person was him.

By now, he wondered whether he should curse Pan-Dora for making Claudia become crazy or be grateful for it as it made her helplessly fall for him.

"So... if you... if you know something, then please let me know since I want to protect Claudia too."

"Claudia will be happy to hear this."

"...please don't let her know." Laetitia thought that this guy was as hateful as ever.

"But you don't need to get involved. I am sure that this is also Claudia's wish, and just leave this matter to me." He then stood up and rubbed Laetitia's head, messing with her hairstyle and causing her to get mad at him. "I am glad Claudia has you as a friend." He didn't wait for her response and walked away. "Julis, Kirin, Flora, come on. You don't need to hide to eavesdrop anymore."

"....." 3x

When the four of them left, Laetitia huffed angrily as she tidied up her hair and stared at his back helplessly.

"Please..."

Then, once again, the cafe became quiet and returned to its previous peace.

Nevertheless, the next day, it was time for Tamazuki and Julis to face Ardy and Rimcy, the puppets created by Ernesta and Camilla. Without a doubt, this battle would determine everything, and not a single person would miss this match, including the executives of the IEFs, who should be busy managing the business.

Still, before the battle, they met each other, and as expected, Ernesta had always been Ernesta.

"If I win, marry me."

"..." 3x

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