Editing Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 4 Chapter 4 (section)

===Part 3===
 
The upcoming contestants stood on the stage and confronted each other.
 
Akatsuki’s appearance made Listy El Da Sherfield frown.
 
“Where did you obtain such a weird and enccentric costume and weapon?”
 
“You’re talking about this? The clothes was when I was shopping, and bought from an antique shop. The boss said that this was the battle outfit of the ancient demon king, but it is only a replica and not the real thing. Since I am representing the demon race in this fight, I have to consider my outfit a bit right. As for the weapon, it came from my world.”
 
Akatsuki looked at the black great sword in his hands, while his face exposed a strange smile. This appearance made Listy sigh. It looked like Akatsuki was determined that they will have to have a showdown.
 
“——In short, a real demon king.”
 
Suddenly someone interrupted from the sidelines. Looking carefully, it was Alphonse. As the proposer of this duel, Alphonse naturally had to take up the role of the host. He grunted disapprovingly.
 
“If you were using the identity of the “Rogue Hero” to participate, perhaps you might have the support of the audience. Akatsuki-dono, but this time you miscalculated. Dressing up as the demon race to participate will only arouse resentment of the people.”
 
“Whether it is a miscalculation, you’ll know later.”
 
“I can’t wait to see……Queen Listy, can we begin?”
 
“……Yes, please.”
 
Facing Alphonse’s inquiry, Listy nodded. Looking at Alphonse, who forced her to this position, Listy thought: No matter who wins or loses in this duel, Disdia would obtain the largest benefits. Alphonse’s inner feelings naturally went without saying.
 
……If you think that the situation is completely under control, then you could be wrong.
 
Facing this duel, Listy and the others had never given up hope.
 
They had already devised a tactic, allowing the spectators to give an advantage to the disgraced.
 
Thus ——Alphonse, using a solemn tone, used the sound amplification magic to warn the arena.
 
“——Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby announce the duel between Queen Listy, General Zechs and Elite Executive Loutier and Akatsuki-dono is about to begin.”
 
A thunderous applause and cheers suddenly burst throughout the arena. After the cheers had subsided slightly, Alphonse began to explain the rules of the duel. No time limit, when one side loses their ability to fight or surrenders, then the duel is considered to have ended. Meanwhile, the organizers placed a special barrier, making the battle space limited to the battle stage and the air surrounding it. No matter how intense their offense and defense was, it would not affect the audience viewing from the sidelines.
 
In addition ——
 
“The battle space will turn any physical harm and automatically turn it into mental damage. This is a measure to ensure the safety of the participants, while at the same time allowing the two sides to fight without care, utilizing their true strength.”
 
Finally, he had to add one more sentence.
 
“——Also, this is a special reminder. Akatsuki-dono represents Galevain to negotiate with the Alliance, hoping that both sides will be able to reach a peace agreement. At the same time, if the agreement is threatened, he will not hesitate and join the demon race’s formation. In order to prove that Akatsuki-dono has the strength to control the signing, we have specially sent out our strongest battle strength, which is Queen Listy, General Zecha and the Elite Executive Loutier, to have a showdown with Akatsuki-dono. This is the origin of the duel. I have specially explained the<!-- word missing here (the what)? or something else wrong? --> and hope that you have all listened."
 
After hearing this, the crowd suddenly burst out with relentless accusations and insults.
 
“This is just simply a show to pave way for a peace agreement!”
 
“I don’t believe that you will actually fight for real!”
 
Queen Listy bit her lower lips tightly.
 
Although it was within their expectations, what they heard was still pretty harsh.
 
The criticism from the audience was inevitable. For those conservatives who did not wish to sign an agreement with the demon race, this duel should have never been held. But on the other hand, there are still many voices who are against war.
 
Both sides immediately insulted each other, and the arena suddenly plunged into chaos.
 
“——Quiet!”
 
Alphonse shouted through the sound amplification magic, and the audience fell into silence.
 
“Queen Listy and the others are under a formal invitation by Disdia and Aleclasta to become the contestants of this duel. Any remarks that belittle the duel or Queen Listy and the others will be treated as a rebellion.”
 
Alphonse strictly looked at Queen Listy’s eyes. She could not help but snort in her mind.
 
……He really knows how to talk.
 
On the surface, Alphonse was trying to defend Listy from injustice, but realistically it was a trap to legalize the duel and force Sherfield into a disadvantageous spot.
 
……Fine. Even if you treat me heartlessly, don’t blame me if I treat you unfairly.
 
Listy had made up her mind and decided to go through with their established plan. Thus, Listy winked at Zechs and Loutier.
 
Just when both of them nodded, Alphonse finally revealed his hidden fangs.
 
“It is undeniable that this duel is a battle between past comrades, so it is no wonder that everyone believes that this is just a show to pave way for the peace agreement. In fact, under the barrier which turns physical damage to mental damage, neither side needs to take it easy, and based on the nature of the duel itself, even if they do not have a final victor, Akatsuki-dono will also have proved his strength.”
 
The strategist, who was added to his strategy<!-- What does this mean? He "was added" to his own strategy? Sounds wrong. -->, laughed, and smiled happily.
 
“However, this way you will lose the people’s trust in this duel. Anyone doubting the result of the competition is not what we as country leaders wish to see. Since the result of the duel is an important reference to determine whether we have peace or not, we naturally hope that the results of this battle and the decision for the future are not based on child’s play. Thus, in the name of Disdia empire’s fourth prince Alphonse Tese Rubura Disdia<ref name="Alphonse"> アルフォソス　テセ　ルブラ　ディスディア (Alphonse’s full name)</ref> I hereby announce ——“
 
After a short pause ——
 
“——This duel will not have the option of a tie. No matter how much time it takes, the results of the duel will decide the fate of humanity.”
 
“P…Prince Alphonse ——!”
 
Queen Listy was shocked, but her voice was overshadowed by the cheers of the audience. Yes. Alphonse’s announcement had won the applause of every audience.
 
“Queen Listy, is there something wrong……?”
 
Alphonse removed the sound amplication magic. His face was wearing a proud smile. Seeing this, Listy could not help but tightly bite her lower lip.
 
For Listy who was forced into a desperate situation, the only way out was a tie. On one hand, Akatsuki, who was seeking peace, would have shown his strength, while Sherfield also would not have to end up taking responsibility for the results of either the war or the peace. More importantly, Listy and the others would not lose, so they could still continue their relationship with the other two countries. Although a tie might be ridiculed as a show, everyone in Alayzard knew the relationship between Akatsuki and them. As long as they began using their full powers and competed, even taking into account their former friendship, and battled, at least they would be understood by the audience. Even if it caused a strong rebound from the group who did not wish for peace, it would be better than becoming an enemy of all of the citizens. Although Listy did not mention this plan to Akatsuki, she believed that Akatsuki’s goal was the same.
 
……To think that the situation evolved into this……!
 
The audience’s emotions had already been ignited, the plan of a tie game was naturally aborted. Since they did not want to have a duel with a tie ending, they should have mentioned it when developing the rules, but Alphonse picked the beginning of the duel to announce it with sensitive timing. It also revealed an unsual message. When the three country alliance decided that Listy and the others would face Akatsuki, they should have predicted that every country’s audience could possibly think that this was just a show. Alphonse’s act was difficult to understand—Why? After noticing Alphonse’s goal, Listy could not help but bite her lips tightly and clench her fist.
 
……It can’t be wrong.
 
Alphonse deliberately left the path of a tie game; naturally, Listy would seize this only hope. After confirming that Listy fell for the bait, Alphonse took advantage of the duel that was about to begin and made a critical point about how there must be a conclusion, also finding a sound reason to block off their only path. All this action was to place Sherfield in a disadvantageous spot. In fact, this proved that Alphonse’s plan was quite successful. Listy did not have any time to prepare another plan.
 
After Alphonse took the advantage, he did not forget to add a comment that caught them off guard.
 
“Queen Listy, for Sherfield’s reputation, please do your best.”
 
Why?
 
“In case of a defeat, it is unlikely to shut everybody’s mouth.”
 
“……!”
 
Listy could not help but shiver.
 
Alphonse’s meaning could not be any clearer. If Listy and the others lost, even if they lost after using all their power, they could not escape the suspicion of fraud.
 
Once similar rumors have sprouted, it is bound to discredit Sherfield’s reputation. At that time, not only will they be isolated from the international community, the domestic opposition will also take the opportunity to seize power, causing the country to fall apart.
 
Akatsuki, who was standing on the demon race’s side, had no other options besides winning. After all, Akatsuki’s defeat would mean the demise of the demon race. However, Listy was also the same. Whether they win or lose, they could not avoid the criticism of the world. If they lose they could still obtain a reputation for trying to eliminate wars, but this option was blocked off by Alphonse. Strictly speaking, Listy and the others’s retreat had been completely sealed off.
 
……Looks like there is no other choice.
 
Thus Listy tried to motivate herself within her heart.
 
Besides winning, there was no other path to take.