Konbini Ossan Volume 6 Chapter 26 — The True Conclusion

With the duel’s result declared by the Marquis, Mimori released her barrier.

Then the Marquis approached me.

“How was it, Otogi-dono? Your thoughts after fighting the hero.”

“Yes. He was a formidable opponent.”

This must be the victor’s interview. A performance, a public gesture. And for my own purpose — to make my intentions unmistakably clear — I spoke so everyone could hear.

“I absolutely had to win. There was no alternative. So I used everything available to me and fought with all I had. It was a duel, a match, not a death battle.

…

My only goal was to force the Hero-dono to say ‘I yield’ under those conditions. And by preparing for that one condition alone, I barely managed to reach it.”

My voice, amplified by magic, echoed across the training grounds. The audience erupted into murmurs of shock and admiration.

In truth, I was not nearly as battered as I appeared.

My injuries were from self-inflicted explosions; with healing magic, they would vanish immediately.

My stamina and mana were still plentiful.

(E/N: After all, there must be a an enormous power gap between S and SS rank…)

Meanwhile, Kanehama had consumed far more energy — the defensive light barrier, the pain from his hand, and the constant strain of repelling thousands of dark-matter flechettes with magic.

He looked unharmed, but he was hardly unscathed.

But he was the kingdom’s Hero. It was best for everyone if this outcome looked like a technical defeat due to the duel’s rules.

So I didn’t elaborate.

“Now,” the marquis turned toward Kanehama, “I ask the Hero-dono next. How do you interpret this outcome?”

“Well, I lost.” He laughed. “But it was a perfectly structured win. According to the duel’s rules, my options were trapped. If I’d used enough magic to break free, I’d have shattered Saori’s barrier and endangered everyone.

…

Using a teleport tool? Impossible — they’re rare and shouldn’t be wasted on a duel. Otogi-san used the circumstances themselves to cut off all my moves. It was his strategy, through and through.”

He clearly understood exactly why I fought the way I did — and he played along, reinforcing the narrative.

Then Marquis Roosevelt stepped forward again, voice booming theatrically:

“Now then, Otogi-dono. You have won. Therefore, your objection to Arisa-dono’s engagement has been validated by the Hero-dono and the Saint-dono.

…

Under these circumstances, I cannot proceed with the engagement. I find it extremely regrettable — profoundly regrettable! — but if the Hero and Saint say so, then truly, it cannot be helped!”

He was hamming it up. The overt theatricality made it clear to everyone that there was no ill will between us.

“So then, Otogi-dono,” he asked with a grin, “what do you intend to do now?”

I thought only for a moment.

“Exactly what I planned from the start — I’m going to steal away the one I love!”

The moment I declared it, I dashed toward Arisa, who had been watching beside Mimori.

“I love you, Arisa!”

She ran toward me in return.

“I love you too, Yuuichi!”

We reached each other, grasped hands, then fell into a tight embrace. I lifted her up in a princess carry and spun with her, careful not to hurt her.

“So, what now?” Arisa grinned up at me, overflowing with happiness.

“Let’s run away. I’m technically a kidnapper now.”

As I spoke, I leapt high into the air, carrying her with me.

We vaulted over the training ground wall, leaving the duel arena behind in an instant.

Shouts of confusion and surprise erupted behind us, but I didn’t stop.

“Hahaha! I’m so happy right now! Like, this is stupidly fun!”

“I’m glad. I just wanted to see that face of yours.”

Her cheeks flushed bright red.

“Ugh, you can’t just say stuff like that! It’s embarrassing!”

“But it’s true.”

Still carrying her, I sprinted through the city.

A man in torn-up formalwear, covered in soot and blood.

A bride in a dazzling dress.

People turned to stare — every single one of them. The absurdity of the sight only made us laugh harder.

“So hey, Yuuichi. How far are you planning to run?”

“Who knows? As far as we want. If you’re with me, that’s enough.”

“Gah—! Stop with the cheesy lines!”

She thumped my chest in flustered protest.

“But… I agree. If I’m with you, I can go anywhere.”

“Then let’s go. As far as we can.”

And with that, I pushed my legs harder.

Accelerating.

Running straight out of the royal capital with Arisa in my arms.

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E/N:

I'm not crying, you're all crying, goddamnit! Go crazy, you Bakappuru (Idiot Couples)!

Stay tuned! (3/3 chapters)

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