Here’s one . . . What if there was some kind of unspoken rule about who would win that was decided from the start? We hadn’t really had to deal with any interference so far, since we had a pretty powerful bunch backing us. But you never knew what kind of obstacles might show up during the middle of a match. Like . . . what if some kind of ceremonial-level support magic was cast on Nadia during the fight? It wasn’t unthinkable.

“Let’s not take any chances today. Let’s finish this . . . and let’s make it quick!”

“Agreed!”

“I’ll do my beeest!”

We dashed out into the arena, which was surrounded by hordes of nobility, who had come in search of stimulation. They burst out into a roar of cheers. Nadia was already waiting in the arena.

“Oh my, you ignored my advice and showed up anyway, now didn’t you?”

“Sorry, but there’s a reason that I have to win this match and move on to the finals.”

Before the match began, Nadia approached and extended her hand out as if to shake.

“I guess there’s no choice then, is there? I don’t plan on holding back, though, so you better show me what you’ve got.”

“I don’t plan on losing, even if it is you.”

We shook hands, and Nadia gave me a friendly hug and whispered in my ear.

“Might that reason be to buy the Lurolona slaves . . . I wonder.”

Huh?! This woman knew all about my plan! I couldn’t imagine how the information had been leaked, but that meant that she knew what we were after.

“This is the perfect chance if you’re looking to make a lot of money quick, isn’t it? I’m afraid I’m not going to let you win, though, darling.”

She seemed to be under the impression that I was planning on buying the slaves so that I could resell them and make a profit. There was no point in correcting her. In the end, we still needed the money to get Raphtalia’s fellow villagers back.

“You took the words right out of my mouth.”

After I responded, Nadia gave me a quick nod and put some distance between us.

“And now, a faceoff between Roooooock Vaaalllleeeey’s Party . . . and . . . Naaaaadiiiiaaaaaaa! Are you ready?!”

The announcer was shouting like crazy. Every time it made me wonder if that screaming messed up his vocal cords.

“I expect a fair fight, you two! Let the semifinal battle . . . BEEEEGGIIIINNNN!!”

Gooooonnngggg!

A huge gong sound echoed throughout the coliseum, taking the whole thing one more step over the top.

“Alright then, darling, here I come!”

Nadia held her harpoon up high out in front of her, about to cast her magic.

“We won’t let yooouuu!”

“That’s right!”