23 Challenge accepted

"Once again I said, I challenge you to the Duel of Honor!" Roman uses a threatening and imposing tone, he tries to be menacing as possible to scares Ilia.

However, little did he know, his menacing self has little effect on Ilia.

In Ilia's eyes, that blond boy looks like a child who holds a gun going on a tantrum. He can take down the boy in seconds but he does feel troubled to handle the boy's gun. Yes, that gun was the backing - which is his family's wealth and influence - that the boy has.

He's a former terrorist, he able to perform hand-to-hand combat, and he is skilled in using guns. However, that skills of him have little power in front of those conglomerates' wealth and influence.

Solo killing like a long, black-haired former hitman in a suit?

He didn't have guns or connections to underground organizations to back him up.

He is just a poor student with memories of his past life.

"Don't disturb us, Roman. And apologize to Ilia before you go!" Jeanne yelled at Roman while glaring at him with killing intent.

Roman snorted disdainfully. His lips parted to say, "oh… what is this? You say you didn't want to talk to me but, at a moment I insult that trash, you open your mouth. And you, trash mummy, did you intend to keep hiding behind your girlfriend's influence? That's pathetic! Are you truly a man? If yes, accept my duel invitation right this instant!"

That bold boy's statement struck Ilia's heart like a bolt of lighting.

Spontaneously, Ilia looked at Jeanne's back. Memories of when he became a bashful teenager, his unwillingness to face the troubles that come after the girl, and his pathetic self being protected by the girl flood his mind like a great disaster.

He was a man with tens of years of experience!

Why he can't shape his mind and heart up!?

Why he didn't act like an adult!?

He was indeed shocked that Jeanne accept him as her boyfriend. Yesterday's incident was indeed like famous, female celebrities picking a random, ordinary guy to be her husband. He does get the surprise and the pressure but, shouldn't he compose himself!?

Now, he got a challenge from a boy. What will he do? Of course, he will accept it.

He will not use the girl as a shelter that gives him protection again, he will use himself as a shelter to give the girl protection.

He will brave the dangers that come to them as a proper man.

He will protect the lovely young girl in front of him.

Ilia move his legs to stand in front of Jeanne. He looked at Roman's eyes and say, "alright, I accept your challenge."

A wide, pleased smile creeps into Roman's face. "Great! At least, you have the guts to face me. Don't cry when you lose, okay."

"That was a childish line but, when we will do this-" Ilia paused. He couldn't help to close his mouth because suddenly, Jeanne pulled his left shoulder, making him almost fall.

"Ignore him, Ilia," she said in a forceful tone.

"No, I can't." Ilia shakes his head. He removes the girl's hand gently. "I was your boyfriend but as he says, I'm not worthy to deserve you. So, with this duel, I will let everyone know that I'm worthy."

"You don't have to prove anything. I choose you because of who you're and that's more than enough reason for me."

"It's an honor that you accept me as who I am. However, not everyone fond of that ideas. I need to do this, to make them shut up, and not to disturb our relationship."

"...okay," Jeanne said weakly. "This chat started to give me goosebumps so do what you want but do it tomorrow. We had a plan for today."

The girl then turns around to glare at Roman. "You heard me! You will have that stupid duel tomorrow and be sure to prepare it good. Now, excuse us!"

Without missing the beat, Jeanne turns around and walks away while dragging Ilia again. She didn't give Roman to say something or to stop her. In seconds, the girl was already far away while Roman was still stuck in his place.

A few minutes later, Ilia and Jeanne arrived at the school's gate.

The girl stopped her steps and Ilia was confused by it. Seeing the girl seemed didn't want to move, he asked, "where will we go?"

Jeanne turn around, looked at Ilia with her red-blood eyes, but a moment later turn her face away. With blushed cheeks and In whispers, she says, "I don't know."

"You didn't have a plan for our date?"

"Ugh! Don't make me say it for the second time. It's embarrassing." The girl punches Ilia's left arm weakly. "I indeed invite you to date but that was on an assumption that we will choose the places we want to visit together. If I already have a plan, Maiya and Mr. Alton will be waiting for us in here."

"Okay then." Ilia scratch his right cheek. "Do you have a longing to visit certain places?"

"You want to hear my opinion?" Jeanne asks in disbelief.

"Huh? Why not? Wouldn't we have a date together? Of course, I will hear your opinion. We will decide our plans together. I will not force you to accept my selfishness."

"...you won't ignore my opinion?" Jeanne asked. She brings her face so close to Ilia's face to make sure that the boy didn't lie to her.

Ilia push the girl away gently. He looked at the girl's eyes when he said, "if we can visit the place together, why not?"

"Hmm…" Jeanne makes a thinking expression as she tabs her lips with her right index finger. "I do have three places in mind but unfortunately, we can't visit those places today. So, it's up to you, to where will we go."

"It's up to me? Seriously?" Ilia pointed at himself.

"Serious, serious." Jeanne nodded. "So, tell me the place!"

"...Game Center?" Ilia replied and asked with fear.

That was a reply because the girl demanded. It was a question because he wanted to know if the girl agreed to it. It's a form of fear because... He's scared. The wealthy girl would scorn his plan because it was cheap! He was terrified by that possibility.

But unexpectedly, the girl laughed.

"Hahaha... You pick Game Center as a dating place!? Seriously? That's extremely hilarious." Jeanne wiped away the tears at the end of her eyes.

"... I'm sorry and if you don't like it, we can go somewhere else. I'll make sure we visit a place according to your preferences."

Jeanne shook her head. "No, you don't have to change it. We'll go according to your plan. Let's go!"