Lord of Disease (JP-GL) 248

248: A World of Fools

In the carriage on the way back, Liz asked me, “…So, what’s the plan?”

“I’ll think about it.”

“…So, no plan.”

Liz, who was getting used to this, sighed dramatically.

I decided to ignore her.

“I wish everything could be settled with an arm-wrestling match.”

“That would be a foolish world, where brute force is the only answer.” She had a point.

But it was strange that the word ‘arm-wrestling’ was understood, even in a world without sumo. Perhaps it was translated as something similar.

In the Listrea Demon Kingdom, the resolution of disputes through duels, at least at a civil level, was permitted by law.

Of course, it required the consent of both parties and a neutral witness. But with the consent of both parties… it was a rather bloody law, one that even allowed for death. Though, in reality, a duel with real swords or high-powered offensive magic was rare, and it was common for the parties to accept the judgment of the witness.

It was a very troubling law, one that I sometimes thought should be abolished, and at other times thought was a good way to maintain peace.

Incidentally, proxies were also permitted, so if the opponent was a swordsman, I was thinking of entrusting the matter to Harken, and if they were a mage, to Rebecca or Samarkand. If the intention was to kill, then Liz was the only choice.

And if the goal was to break their will to fight, then, since he was a fellow supreme commander, I might ask Bridget again, or Lathus, or Eldritch-san, or Listrea-sama.

…Lital-sama… maybe… maybe not.

…But this was not a problem that could be solved with a duel.

“For now, let’s just wait and see.”

“I suppose so.”

“If we do something, it’ll be a decoy operation. And I’ll be the decoy, of course.”

“…If you want to get it over with quickly, then yes.” Liz nodded, though with a sullen expression.

“I’d like to talk to him once, at least…”

“If he doesn’t take the bait, then that’s fine. …If he does… well, then we’ll just have to show him the fear of death, as His Majesty said.”

Liz said, as if it were nothing. Then, her eyes narrowed.

“…But there are cases like Master’s… so…”

“Huh? Like me?”

“There was someone who remained perfectly calm, even with an assassin’s knife at her throat.”

Liz turned away, her nose in the air. Perhaps her assassin’s pride had been wounded.

But…

“That was probably because you were too cute, Liz. No doubt about it.”

“Huh?”

Liz turned back to me, as if to say, What did you just say?

“…Master, if I may ask…”

“Yes.”

“When a cute girl holds a knife to your throat… which one do you focus on?”

“A foolish question.”

“That’s right.” Liz’s face was filled with relief.

“The cute girl.”

“…Our master is… truly insane.” Liz’s expression was one of utter exasperation.

“It depends on the situation, of course. But in your case, we had met the day before, and there was no particular reason for me to be killed. And even if there was a reason I couldn’t think of, to threaten someone before you kill them is a waste of time.”

“That’s true. …But normally, if a blade is pressed against your neck, you’d be a little more scared, instinctively.”

“But you’re cute, Liz, so it can’t be helped.” It was a fond memory. Though I had a feeling it was a little beautified, and that the suspension bridge effect might have been at play. But to be stared at with emotionless eyes by a cute girl I was looking forward to seeing again, with a cold blade pressed against my neck… it had been a literally… chilling… experience.

My reason told me that it might have been fear, but it couldn’t be helped, because Liz was so scarily cute.

“Master, why do you like cute girls so much?”

“Why do I need a reason to like something as natural as cute girls?”

A difference of opinion, I suppose. Liz fell silent.

“Want to arm-wrestle later?”

“There’s no reason for me to lose, is there?”

Her eyes were narrowed. I, on the other hand, declared with a serious expression.

“It’s an excuse to hold your hand, so it’s fine.”

“…Our master is truly an idiot.”

Liz, even her dramatic sigh, was cute.