Editing Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 2 (section)

===Part 2===

About ten minutes after they walked away from the scene.

They decided to gather in a bar a little near the academy site and to have a light talk.

Although access to bars was not allowed in school regulations, Alterize said that she would take responsibility.

Lux, Krulcifer and Alterize sat on a table for three people, and Lisha and Philphie sat on the table immediately nearby.

The latter two should originally have nothing to do with the matter, but they ended up coming along due to the course of events.

“First of all, well. It is good above all to see you in good health, Miss. Is what I would like to say, but––”

Alterize glancing at Lux and the others, began to talk so.

The Einvolk House, a noble House of the religious country Ymir and a prestigious family which produced Drag-Knights in large number.

It seemed that she, who served as a butler, was herself an excellent Drag-Knight, and one of the strongest people called Ex-class in the country Ymir.

“There is no need for unnecessary concern just because we are in front of my classmates.”

As Krulcifer curtly said so, Alterize leaked a sigh.

“Well then, straight to the point. Please be a little more careful. Your body belongs to the Einvolk House.”

“Then, being targeted by thieves is also the fate of a prestigious family, so it can’t be helped.”

“…………”

In a tone mixed with sarcasm, Krulcifer returned like so to Alterize’s words which were somewhat disagreeable.

Lisha, who saw it, muttered “What is it? Are they on bad terms?” at the table nearby.

(But certainly, I feel like it’s a little different from a normal master-servant relation…)

Lux who was watching it also had the same impression.

Be it good or bad, it felt like there was no reservation towards each other.

“There‘s not much time before the curfew of the girl’s dormitory, so it will help if you make it short. The reason for you coming here is obvious anyway.”

“It is because Miss is insincere like that that I had to come here.”

To Krulcifer’s words, the woman butler returned in a strong tone.

The butler Alterize with a strict character and the somewhat elusive Krulcifer didn’t seem to have that good of a relationship.

(Alterize-san’s business which Krulcifer-san says is… after all)

While listening to their exchange, Lux recalled the circumstances until now.

Krulcifer’s mission in which she must find a fiancé during attendance at the academy.

About how he was asked to become her lover in order to deceive the attendant of the Einvolk House.

“By the way––, who is that man?”

Alterize suddenly said as she turned her gaze to Lux.

“He’s my lover. It’s great, isn’t it?”

“……!?”

The moment Krulcifer replied so, the shoulders of Lisha who was sitting nearby twitchily shook and she looked at their table.

“Your lover? That boy is…?”

Alterize asked with a dubious face.

“Yes. He may not be that familiar to you, but he is a Prince of the Old Empire, Lux Acadia. He is my classmate who commutes to the Royal Military Academy as the only male student there. Is there any problem?”

“…………”

“There is a problem. Lux will from now on in various ways–– Mmm…!?”

“I-I will listen to you later, so please be quiet for now.”

Alterize suspiciously stared at Lisha, who interjected from the table nearby, and Lux who held her mouth so as to calm her. And after heaving a deep sigh, she muttered.

“I see, that’s really troublesome, the truth is––”

“Well, well–– I was looked down upon, too.”

“……!?”

To the man’s voice uttered suddenly, all the people present gasped in surprise.

The man wearing a red, gorgeous overcoat with treated golden embroidery was standing behind Alterize.

A tall and thin man who let his limbs peep out from under the overcoat.

Although with his golden hair and upright face, he seemed to be a handsome man of gentle manners at first glance, but his slightly hypocritical smile and sharp eyes let one feel a somewhat overbearing atmosphere.

A knight with a strong confidence –– or rather, clad in an armor of ego.

If it was someone seeing it for the first time, nine out ten people would have such an impression.

Having appeared before Lux and company was such a man.

“Lord Kreutzer!? Why are you here? I am sure that the dinner was scheduled for tomorrow, but––”

“Yes, it isn’t like I’ve forgotten. Alterize-dono.”

The man called so returned a smile to the surprised Alterize.

“I may not look like it, but I’m an annoying guy about fixed dates, you see. ––But yes, if I dare to speak about my shortcomings, I’m a little bit impatient. I want to see the girl who will become my wife in the future one step earlier.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>grin* Twisting the edges of his lips, he turned his face to Krulcifer.

As he let his look crawl from her head to her toes as if licking her all over, the man satisfactorily nodded.

“Ooh. She’s really a beauty as the rumors say. I may not look like it, but I’ve showed up several times to the social parties of the Capital, but–– I’ve never seen such a beautiful girl. Your bodily build is slightly modest<ref>I think here it refers to her flat chest, lol </ref>, but I look forward to your growth.”

“I am honored that you praise her.”

Replying so was Alterize.

“Alterize. Who is this person?”

As Krulcifer asked so with a cold expression,

“I see. It looks like you had not yet talked this through. Well then, I will give my name. My name is Barzeride Kreutzer.”

“……!?”

The moment when they heard the man’s words, tension ran through Lux and Lisha –– no, throughout the whole bar including the customers around.

“…Don’t tell me, one of the four Great Nobles!?”

“Why is the “Titleholder of the Kingdom” here––?”

As several people inside the bar realized his identity, they turned their gazes with low voices.

“You mean Kreutzer of that House?”

Alterize nodded at Krulcifer’s question.

“One of the four Great Noble Families with historical lineage which continues to this day since the Old Empire era. Particularly, it is a noble household which produces many knights and Drag-Knights from generation to generation. This gentleman is its heir.”

(If I remember correctly, the Kreutzer House is––)

Lux recalled after a little thought.

It was indeed a well-known noble House as a noble, but at the same time it was famous as the hawks of the Old Empire.

Regarding pedigree, influence and fortune, it was an outstanding House even in the New Kingdom.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0012.jpg|thumb]]

But, the whole family’s way of thinking virtually inherited the Old Empire’s ideas, and Lux had not heard that many good rumors about them from the past.

“An heir of the four Great Nobles…? Alterize, don’t tell me you––”

Krulcifer who heard this slightly knitted her brows.

“Yes. While very selfish, I went ahead with the talk to introduce Miss to Lord Kreutzer by the dinner that I had scheduled for tomorrow, and have you exchange an engagement there. But––”

“Why didn’t you inform me, the person concerned, of that?”

As Krulcifer asked in an amazed tone,

“It is because if I do not do at least this much, Miss will give a reason again and run away.”

Alterize calmly replied without being shy.

It looked like although the relation between the two girls was not good,  they knew each other’s personality very well.

In short, seeing through the action of Krulcifer of avoiding the engagement by giving a reason one way or another, Alterize seemed to have scheduled to bring the fiancé she personally chose.

Thanks to that,  it became quite a chaotic situation.

“I see. But, it’s really a shame. As you see, now I have a man I’m going out with. Isn’t it? Lux-kun.”

“Eh…? Ah, yes. Kind of––”

Lux became confused as the subject was brought forth by Krulcifer.

“Lux…? Ah, I see. That appearance–– so you’re a survivor of the Old Empire’s royalty. This is the first time we exchanged words directly like this, eh.”

Barzeride who was quiet until then approached Lux.

After staring at his face for a while, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Hmm… It’s a weak look hardly thinkable of someone from former royalty. As expected of a dog which was let to live by the New Kingdom’s amnesty. ––You’re really worthy to be called the Chore Prince.”

“…………”

A smile and tone containing contempt.

As Lux remained calm even when being shown such clear hostility,

“Alterize-dono. Is there really a need to postpone this engagement because of a man of this level?”

Barzeride added so as to incite him.

“Certainly, he is from the former royal family. In such a meaning, he may have a lot of influence in various places, but now he’s just an unsightly fallen Prince. He’s a man only living by receiving others’ leftovers. I judge that he isn’t a man worthy of the lineage of the  country Ymir’s prestigious family that you serve, the Einvolk family”

“Certainly, that is––”

The moment when Alterize was pressed and was about to consent,

“Haa. Even if you claim to be from the four Great Nobles, it’s only to this degree after all.”

A girl’s dignified voice suddenly cut off the conversation.

The voice was from Lisha sitting at the nearby table.

“To think that you can’t even see through the worth of the man before you. I’m really glad for having the number of rivals decrease, but could you refrain from such a rude tone? Lord Kreutzer.”

After talking with a proud smile, Lisha scowled at the two people at last.

Though he did not seem to be overwhelmed by it, Barzeride shot back a gaze.

“If I remember correctly, you’re––”

“First Princess of the New Kingdom, Lizsharte Atismata. Lux is the man who is going to become my partner. If you dare to insult him, then I will riposte.”

After Barzeride remained silent for several seconds to Lisha’s sharp words,

“…Kukuku. Hahahahaha!”

He suddenly burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

“What do we have here… so that’s it. It looks like the fallen Prince of the Old Empire is quite good at currying girls’ favors. However –– the era from here on will be one of battles(fighting). Powerful people who destroy the appearing Abysses and win against other countries in the fight for ruins are sought above all. And we, the royalty and titled nobility, must excel at the skill in operating Drag-Rides. The power as a Drag-Knight and strength as a leader are sought above all else.”

Prefacing so, Barzeride once again turned his face towards Lux.

“Unfortunately, I’m on an entirely different level from this man. It’s a waste of time. Alterize-dono, I would like you to arrange the engagement as soon as possible, even tomorrow would work.”

“Yes. ––Then tomorrow night as scheduled.”

When Alterize was going to settle so,

“Could you wait for a moment?”

Holding back Lisha who was about to complain again, Krulcifer said so.

“Hou. What’s the matter? Do you want to talk with me? My future wife.”

“From here on, power as a Drag-Knight and power as a leader are above all else. You said so, right?”

“Yes, the Einvolk House also thinks so. Therefore, Lord Kreutzer who is from the four Great Nobles and the “Titleholder of the New Kingdom” is suitable as a fiancé––”

“Is that really so?”

As she interrupted Alterize’s words, Krulcifer revealed a smile.

“What do you mean?”

“If it’s about skill as a Drag-Knight, my lover doesn’t lose, too. Because he is the “Weakest Undefeated” famous at the New Kingdom’s tournaments after all.”

“Fuhahahahaha!”

Barzeride who heard that burst into laughter once again.

“The “Weakest Undefeated”, huh. Now that you mention it, there was also such a shameful nickname, eh. But –– my future wife. Wise as you are, you understand, right? That a coward who only defends himself can’t gain anything.”

“But, in the tournament of the Capital, it isn’t like you also won against him, right?”

“What…?”

“And, could you please stop that way of calling me “my future wife”? You and I are still just strangers.”

“…………”

The expression of Barzeride who heard that suddenly changed into a dangerous one.

“Lord Kreutzer. Please excuse her rudeness––”

When Alterize was hurriedly going to intercede,

“I see. Isn’t the Einvolk House’s daughter quite a capable person. I like you more and more, Krulcifer.”

Distorting his mouth into an arc, Barzeride remained composed.

But, Lux knew.

That behind his expression, apparently calm at first glance, a quiet anger burned.

“Well then, let’s see. How about a match between me and that fallen Prince? A duel with Drag-Rides, that is.”

“––––”

At Barzeride’s words, tension ran within the store.

“L- Lord Kreutzer, that’s––”

When Alterize uttered so in surprise,

“Certainly, it looks like you didn’t inform her of the talk of engagement. It’s your fault for not having gotten her consent on this matter. However, there is no way she would consent if you forcibly concluded an engagement here, right? After showing my ability, the marriage would go smoothly.”

Sending a gaze at Krulcifer as if asking, Barzeride said.

His intention of wanting to make this stubborn, yet smart girl yield on this occasion was transparent and visible.

“To the fight this time, there will be no “draw”, but you don’t possibly intend to run away, do you, Fallen Prince?”

“…………”

Being provoked, Lux hesitated to speak.

Thinking about the future, he mustn’t stand out too much.

He understood that well.

But,

“––Understood. I’ll do it.”

After a slight hesitation, Lux nodded.

If he did not accept the duel here, the engagement between Krulcifer and Barzeride would’ve almost been decided.

He could not use <Bahamut>, but he had no choice but to do it.

“No, I cannot afford to cause Lord Kreutzer trouble…”

When Alterize could not consent and was about to interject as such,

“On this occasion, why don’t you also participate in the duel?”

Krulcifer suggested so calmly.

“…What do you mean?”

“It will not look good if I, the person concerned and you, the person in charge who approached with this matter are just spectators. We might as well make it a duel of two vs. two altogether; how is that?”

“W-What are you saying now!? Please stop with the joke! Do you think that Lord Kreutzer would ride on this––”

“It does not fit my nature to just be waiting for the result like a commodity.”

As Krulcifer said so without hesitation,

“Kukuku, I don’t mind.”
 
Barzeride readily consented with a fearless smile.

“Isn’t it good, Alterize-dono? A fight without grudge is the very purpose of the duel. Besides, I’m a pacifist, but there are often times when I want to go all out. After all in the tournament of the Capital, I instinctively hold back so that there are no injured.”

He extended his hand to the hilt of the sheathed Sword Device and swung it with a clank.

Probably, a Divine Drag-Ride was stored in the scabbard with a showy ornament.

“It’s regrettable for tomorrow’s dinner, but we’ll cancel it. Then, let’s say the night three days later. I’ll prepare the place for the duel. On the account of work, I’m staying at the Fort City for a while. Don’t run away.”

When only saying that, Barzeride let his luxurious overcoat flutter and left the bar.

“…………”

A flaccid atmosphere flowed before long and bustle returned to inside the bar.

“Phew…”

As Lux, whose strain loosened, sighed,

“You two, do you know what you have done?”

Alterize frowned with a tone so as to admonish them.

“Not only did you reject the engagement, but on top of that –– you also challenged a member of the four Great Nobles to a duel. You carried your joke too far. Lord Kreutzer possesses the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> and is skilled enough to be called “Titleholder of the New Kingdom” in the Capital, you know?”

Barzeride boasted of the record of last year’s third rank in the tournament of the Capital.

Lux who had similarly appeared in the tournament also knew that, but––

“If it’s a Divine Drag-Ride, I also have <Fafnir>. There is no need to be so afraid, right?”

Looking at Krulcifer who showed no signs of being perturbed, Alterize anxiously held down her head.

And after several seconds, she raised her face.

“I understand. However, that person’s ability as a Drag-Knight ––and his influence is something clear even in the New Kingdom now. And it looks like I have also spoiled you too much.”

“Spoiled me? You were just afraid of touching the tumor<ref>Just done a literal translation, so it may be an idiom. And if so, then I guess it’d be “you were afraid to touch upon/face the problem” </ref>, right? Same as the people in that House––”

“…………”

At Krulcifer’s smile which mixed sarcasm, Alterize tightened her expression.

As she quietly stood up from her seat, she put some money tickets on the table.

“I will leave it as it is for tonight. I will show no mercy in this fight with you two.”

Saying just that, the woman dressed as a butler left the bar.

(What on earth did she mean by “the people in that House”––?)

Lux wondered whether anything happened between the Einvolk House and Krulcifer in the past.

A strange silence flowed among Lux and the others.

“It’s almost the time of curfew. Let’s go back already for today.”

To Krulcifer’s words emitted before long, Lux and company decided to go back.