The Evil Noble Desires A Beautiful Demise - Could It Be That You're Stuck In A Loop? - Episode 19

[Flame Prince] Endens Sun Alblame.

This protagonist is divisive. I like him, but I understand why some people dislike him. Should we call him a growth-type protagonist? His initial personality is arrogant, believing that his power is absolute. He speaks from a position of superiority, thinking that those around him should follow his excellence.

However, Endens is strict with himself and never slacks off in his efforts. Blessed with talent and a favorable environment, he has stood out since childhood, achieving feats that could rival those of adults. That’s why he has become strict with others as well…

After leaving the empire, he experienced many setbacks and failures, gradually growing in the process. He interacted with other protagonists, came to understand the world, and learned to consider others.

A person who exudes the aura of a king, possessing a passionate heart and a sense of justice. Occasionally, they reveal dark emotions stemming from past failures, which some people find appealing.

Well, that’s all a story for another time…

“Please wait.”

“A saint, huh? Are you defying me?”

So, why is he called the “Prince of Controversy”?

In the early stages, I messed up a lot and was disliked for it, but that wasn’t all. No, the events during my academy days ended in a tragic way, so I was probably getting flamed there too.

“What authority do you have to say such things?”

“I’m just saying to know your place.”

The final blow came from the relationship with Tiarola. In the end, Tiarola didn’t become romantically involved with anyone, but the one considered most likely was Endens. They were from the same hometown, met early on at the academy, and often acted together afterward. Additionally, Endens was the character in the doujinshi’s Tiarola route. As a result, Endens’s anti-fans exploded in number, causing a scandal.

Therefore, [Prince of Controversy].

The red hair and fire attribute combined, and thus the nickname became established.

“Saint, I’ve heard the rumors about you. I have no objections to you being a special student. Why are you protecting this person?”

“Knowing your place is up to you.”

Oh? While I was lost in thought, it seems the atmosphere has become quite tense.

“What?”

Endens raised an eyebrow and glared at Tiarola. And rightly so. That sounded nothing but provocation.

Did Tiarola get angry because her friend was insulted? I’m glad she feels that way, but I’d like to settle this peacefully.

“……Tiarola, that…”

“Salifa is stronger than you!!!”

I couldn’t stop it…

This is already… the future flow from here…

“……Oh? Did that man over there say he is stronger than me?”

Ah, I’m so incredibly angry right now.

At this time, it’s only natural that Endens have no rivals their age and their pride is at its peak.

“Uh, well…”

“That’s why I’m telling you so!!”

It’s strange. Tiarola isn’t listening to what I’m saying at all. But since she’s angry for my sake, I can’t really say anything too strongly.

“Then, let’s confirm it.”

Endens turns to face us.

It has an expression as if suppressing a burning rage.

“I challenge you to a duel.”

“Permission to use the duel arena? Hah, what have you guys been doing since day one…?”

“……Yeah, that’s really true.”

What am I doing from day one?

I was supposed to get through without standing out.

“Well, it’s fine, but don’t overdo it, okay? Don’t make me go through extra trouble.”

Saying that, Garondo handed over the authentication key as if throwing it. It seemed he had no intention of moving.

“I heard that a teacher’s presence is required for a duel…”

“I’m busy, so ask someone else.”

“……Yeah”

“…Tch, fine, whatever. Umoa! You must have heard me. It’s a duel you might like. Be the referee.”

“Yes, yes! Leave it to me!”

The person who suddenly appeared was the woman who was in charge of the reception during the exam. Is her name Umoa?

“Hehehe, this looks interesting! A hint of turmoil right from the first day of school!? Come on, let’s hurry!”

You’re unusually high-energy today.

Well, since you took it on… I guess it’s fine. I’ll head to the dueling arena about Umoa.

Even so, a duel, huh?

It’s a system that also existed in the game. The range of studies at this academy is very broad, with many combat-related disciplines. There are duels to resolve disputes like this one, but I remember it being used more often for testing one’s skills or trying out magic. Well, since this academy encourages competition, cases like this are normally permitted.

“Alright, I’m going to open it now!”

We arrived at the dueling ground.

When I held up the authentication key and entered, it was a facility shaped like the Colosseum.

“Is the other person still not here?”

“I think they will be here soon.”

Endens is punctual.

It is impossible for them to be late.

“Oh, I see. Then, Ms. Salifa, please head to the waiting room over there. I’ll guide your opponent.”

“Thank you very much…”

Taking advantage of Umoa’s words, I head to the waiting room first.

After a while, Tiarola came to the waiting room.

“I’m so, so sorry, Salifa!!! I never thought it would come to this…”

Tiarola is apologizing profusely.

I wonder what’s wrong, you were just saying, “Please take care of it quickly!” earlier. Did some time pass and you calmed down?

“…You got angry because of me, right? I don’t mind.”

“Well, um, that’s true, but that’s not what I mean…”

Hmm? I wonder what’s going on.

“It’s time. Duelists, please enter the duel arena.”

Oh, so there’s an announcement like this.

It’s about time I head out.

“Um! Anyway, I’m cheering for you…!!”

“…Yeah, thank you.”

Receiving support from Tiarola, I leave the waiting room.

I have no intention of losing, but what should I do? Should I take Tiarola’s advice and defeat them quickly?

Thinking about such things, I stepped into the dueling arena.

“Oh!? It’s coming out!”

“Is that the top student this year? Are they strong?”

“He’s incredibly thin, isn’t he? This is definitely the prince’s win.”

“Wow, your face is beautiful.”

There were a lot of spectators.

Why!?

Entering the stage, albeit with confusion.

Facing me was an Endens wielding a long sword.

“Is this your doing?”

“…No, I didn’t do anything.”

“Yeah, I guess so. She wouldn’t want to expose her disgraceful self to the public eye. So, it must be that woman.”

At the end of Endens’s gaze, there was Umoa.

“Alright, alright, facing off against the famous Prince Endens among this year’s special scholarship students is the promising new student Salifa, who topped the general entrance exam and earned a special scholarship!! An unmissable battle begins from the very first day of school!!”

I was egging on the audience with something like a megaphone in one hand.

What is that person doing…?

It’s impossible to not stand out anymore.

“Hmph, noisy, but whatever. You will come to know my strength.”

Endens looks a bit cheerful.

Were you the type who enjoyed being the center of attention? No, what should we do about this? If we defeat him easily, won’t Endens suffer a deep wound in his heart? That said, I have no intention of losing…

“Now, both of you, please move to the center.”

Endens and I face each other and close the distance.

Whatever will be, will be…

“For the new students, we will explain the rules of the duel.”

The dueling arena is composed of magic and magical tools.

In this space, it seems that even if you sustain life-threatening injuries, they won’t be reflected in reality. Pain sensations are linked, but they can apparently be reduced through settings. It feels kind of like a game. …Oh wait, it is a game.

“There are several rules for determining the outcome, but which one do you want to use? There’s death judgment, surrender, effective hits, and so on.”

“Regardless, it’s a death sentence.”

“What about the pain sensation?”

“It should be fine with the same ratio as reality.”

“Oh, this is a real duel style! This is going to be exciting!!”

The venue erupted.

Endens doesn’t seem to be entirely displeased.

“Since the pain until the death judgment is made can also cause significant mental shock, please be prepared.”

I heard something unpleasant.

Indeed, if the pain is the same as in reality, there are likely people who would end up traumatized.

“What’s wrong, are you scared now?”

“……No, it’s not a problem.”

“Hmph, I wonder how long that composure will last?”

“Oh! It’s heating up nicely, isn’t it!?”

That’s enough, I just want you to start quickly.

Let’s finish this quickly and go home.

“Then! The duel begins…!!!”

“……〈Ice Coffin〉”

Endens was trapped in my ice.

Without being able to do anything, just like that.

And then, the death verdict is issued.

“……Huh? Ah, um, the winner is Salifa.”

Leaving the now silent duel arena.

I won the duel.

……What on earth is this?