Chapter 202 - Request for a duel

After uttering these words, a calmness engulfed the coliseum. Countless gazes turned in my direction at this crucial moment, ranging from expressions of surprise, disapproval, support, to even amusement. I turned slowly to observe the girls' reactions.

I realized that I might have caught the girls off guard, as I hadn't shared anything with them beforehand about my feelings towards Leona. Ana, as usual, showed little interest, busy with her meal. Upon noticing my gaze, Fujiwara smiled and waved at me. On the other hand, Saemi and Aoi displayed more complex expressions but didn't show anger on their faces.

Internally deciding that after resolving this entire situation, I would reward the girls in the way each desired, keeping this thought in mind, I directed my gaze back to the king of Anima. His eyes, with vertical pupils like those of a beast, scrutinized me meticulously, while his imposing stature, coupled with the crown he wore, made it clear that he was the supreme leader of Anima.

Under the piercing gaze of the king, I experienced the feeling of being prey observed by its predator. Even considering that I might have a chance using magic, I was certain I would lose in a physical strength contest. Moreover, Demi-humans had notable magic resistance. This made me ponder if, looking at it from this perspective, the king was practically immune to magic. He truly revealed himself as a formidable opponent for any mage.

"One moment, please, my king"

While silence hung over the coliseum, a voice broke the atmosphere, capturing the attention of everyone present. The place was quiet enough to easily identify the voice's origin.

"You can't be serious about this, right? Marrying Princess Leona to anyone, especially a human. That's unforgivable!"

Darian, visibly irritated, voiced his objection, drawing the king's gaze. In the face of this situation, a smile formed on both my face and Grid's. After all, it was exactly this kind of reaction we expected.

(From now on, Darian, you are in our hands)

While contemplating this idea with a smile on my face, I turned my gaze to Grid. When our eyes met, we both nodded to each other. Next, Grid stood up, attracting everyone's attention.

"Grid? Do you have something to say?"

This was the first time I heard Leona's father's voice. It was somewhat hoarse, with a touch of authority. Overall, it was an imposing and authoritative voice, befitting his status as the supreme leader of Anima.

"If you permit me to express this not as a prince, but as a brother... I believe we should consult Leona. The coliseum rules are clear, so, to preserve the honor of both warriors, I suggest a fight to determine who will win Leona's hand"

Listening to Grid's words, the king closed his eyes for a few seconds, plunging the coliseum into complete silence. Somehow, it seemed like the most appropriate decision for this moment. As this feeling enveloped the place, the king opened his eyes again, directing his gaze to Leona.

Not a single word was spoken, but it was evident that he was making it clear that Leona should choose what would happen next. Perhaps realizing this, Leona appeared visibly confused about what to do next. Her look was one of total confusion. Although Darian clearly had the intention to interfere, even he knew he wouldn't have a voice in the decision that had already been made.

Therefore, his gaze turned to Leona, and I must say I didn't like the way he was staring at her at all. Leona looked at Darian for a few seconds before returning her gaze to me. When our eyes met, I put a small smile on my face. Seeing this, Leona blinked a few times before smiling. Right after that, she turned to the king and nodded.

"Very well, we will follow Leona's wish and initiate a duel between Darian and Makoto, in exchange for Princess Leona's hand"

After that, it was settled that Darian and I would fight for Leona's hand. Darian asked for some time to prepare. Although my opinion was requested, I didn't mind. Anyway, while waiting for Darian, I also took the opportunity to find the girls and tell them everything that had happened to lead us to this moment.

"So... in short, you met by chance and ended up interested in each other?"

Fujiwara asked, watching me with a smile, while Saemi and Aoi, on the contrary, didn't show anger or anything. In fact, their looks seemed to reflect the same expression a mother would have when wondering what to do with her child.

"Moreover, to think that the girl I met at the orphanage was actually Leona... strange coincidences really can happen in the most unexpected places" 

Fujiwara continued, being honest. She seemed more surprised by this fact than by the idea of me wanting to marry Leona. Sometimes, I wonder if this girl's priorities aren't a bit strange, but well, who am I to judge, right?.

"I honestly am not surprised at all... if we count Sylvia, then there will be two more additions" 

Saemi's words at the end were like a whisper, but even so, I could grasp the essence of what she was trying to say. However, I was sincerely confused by her words. Why did she mention Sylvia? I couldn't remember any moment when Sylvia might have shown any romantic feelings towards me.

"So, you're not against it?"

Hearing my question, Saemi, Aoi, and Fujiwara exchanged glances and then released a smile. Soon after, they all turned to me, and Aoi's voice echoed.

"I personally don't mind. As I'm older than you, it never crossed my mind that we could really be a couple. So, I'm just happy to be able to be with you... besides, even adding one more, you'll love us all equally, right?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Saemi and Fujiwara just nodded in agreement. This made me realize again that I couldn't win over Aoi when it comes to these matters, as she was probably the person who knew me the most.