Chapter 9 - Duel to the Death with Knives

My thoughts raced as I pondered my next move in this world. Guiche, the target of my plan, was in my crosshairs, but I wasn't sure how to approach him. In the anime, they portrayed him as a foolish playboy, though redeemable. Could I use that image to my advantage?

I reviewed the options in my mind. Guiche seemed to be the easiest target to promote myself, but I could also consider other students if I scrutinized them more closely. However, Guiche had additional advantages: his utility in advancing the plot and his influence over some important people.

I thought about possible strategies. I could cause more misunderstandings and undermine Guiche's pride, prompting him to react as most nobles would. Hopefully, once I revealed my magic, I would be treated differently and might even learn more about the magic of this world.

Because yes, I already knew some magic. It was surprising how I could learn a spell in a single night. Was I a prodigy or was it the body I now inhabited? Although I didn't have cursed energy or Gojo Satoru's six eyes, I had his 17-year-old trained physique, which could be a slight advantage.

I snapped out of my thoughts when the morning ceremony ended, allowing the students to finally start their breakfast. I observed Guiche sitting near where Louise had positioned herself, and with his 'main girlfriend' in front of him, the situation seemed perfect to provoke a confrontation. Although, I knew it would provoke Louise's anger as a consequence.

I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for what I was about to do. I knew it would be embarrassing until the duel arrived, but I couldn't let Guiche get away with it. The attention of most of the hall was focused on me, being the only one standing at that moment.

Ignoring the insults and taunts directed at me, I approached Guiche and stood by his side, feigning a curious expression as I looked back and forth between him and the blonde he was "supposedly" dating.

"Do you need something, Zero's relative?" Guiche asks after a moment, realizing I wasn't going to leave so easily.

Taking my seat, I ignore the murmurs around the table commenting about me. "I was wondering, your name is Guiche, right? I've heard a lot about you," I say, trying to keep the conversation friendly despite the scrutinizing looks around me.

Guiche snorts, his eyes scanning the other students who are observing us with curiosity. "Oh? And what have you heard about me, commoner? I can't imagine a commoner like you being aware of the good things that concern nobles," he responds with a tone of superiority that I can barely tolerate.

I tilt my head to one side, playing with nervousness. "Really? I was really hoping those rumors about you dating a first and second year at the same time were true..." I say, dropping the insinuation subtly while trying to hide my growing anxiety. "I'm looking for guidance on how to attract women," I add timidly, trying to divert attention from the stares that are starting to pierce through me.

Guiche arches an eyebrow, his expression tense as he notices the glaring look his girlfriend Montmorency sends from the other side of the table. "Haha... It's all just a rumor, but that matter was cleared up yesterday," he asserts firmly after catching Montmorency's anger.

I nod slowly, watching Montmorency's reaction closely. "So, the rumors about you dating three first years, one second year, and one third year were wrong then?" I ask with a smile, exaggerating the details to emphasize the ridicule. I knew Montmorency would understand the reference and the gravity of the situation.

Heavy silence fell over the table as Montmorency visibly paled. Mocking laughter began to spread among the others present, adding pressure on her and Guiche. Remembering the torment she had faced the day before, I was not in the mood to tolerate malicious rumors that only served to hurt others.

"My Montmorency! Please, ignore this commoner! He must be as mentally deficient as Miss Valliere is with her magic!" Guiche exclaimed quickly, but before he could finish his sentence, he received a clean pie to the face thrown by Montmorency.

The blonde girl stood up with determination, drawing the attention of everyone present in the hallway with her firm voice. "Humph! Guiche de Gramont! It seems there are still things you will lie to me about!"

Guiche hurried to wipe the pie off his face and tried to catch up with Montmorency before she left, but his efforts were in vain. He could only look at her helplessly as she walked away from the hallway, leaving her final words hanging in the air.

"Montmorency, please! A flower should not be bothered. By the antics of a commoner!"

The room erupted in laughter, while Guiche, reddened with anger and embarrassment, turned towards me with fury. "Y-you!" he exclaimed, pulling out a white glove and throwing it at my face. I let it hit and fall to the ground, keeping my composure as silence returned to the room.

"I will teach you not to meddle in the affairs of a noble. I challenge you to a duel!" he proclaimed with evident anger on his face.

I nodded calmly, responding with some irony, "But Lord Guiche, I am impressed by the rumors about your affairs. I wish for you to teach me your ways!" My response only managed to anger the nobleman even more.

"I will not tolerate you continuing to defame my character! Meet me in Vestori Plaza to receive your punishment, commoner!" he exclaimed before storming off with determined steps.

A smile played on my lips at the success of my stratagem, but I tensed slightly as I noticed the attention of the other students focused on something behind me. I turned stiffly to face Louise, whose expression mirrored the fury of an enraged goddess. "F-familiar... Y-you...!" she stammered barely, barely containing her anger.