“You’ve got to be kidding.”

The saint’s voice echoed through the silent classroom.

“There’s no way you can have a duel. If you win, that means you’ll kill Li, you know? Are you even thinking when you say this?”

“That is… the custom of a duel.”

Though faltering at the saint’s words, the Crown Prince answered.

“That’s why I’m calling you an idiot. Li hasn’t done anything wrong to begin with, right? What, are you saying that just because the Crown Prince is here, she should read the room and hold back on the exam?”

“That is disrespectful!”

Red gave his usual reaction.

“Honestly, at least understand that you’re the ones picking a fight here. I told you before, didn’t I? You’re the Crown Prince, so just sit there with confidence.”

“What about my pride?”

“If you don’t want to lose to Li, then work harder. That settles it, doesn’t it?”

“Your Highness,” Blue spoke up.

“Shall we not settle this with a mock battle instead of a duel, as Lady Li suggested?”

At Blue’s words, the Crown Prince frowned.

He was determined to insist on a duel no matter what.

“That’s right, Your Highness. You don’t have to stick to a duel. As long as it’s clear that you’re stronger, that’s all that matters.”

At the words of Green, his milk brother, the Crown Prince reluctantly nodded.

“Hey now, could you not just go ahead and decide things on your own?”

The male instructor’s drawn-out voice echoed.

It would be a problem if things were decided without him.

After all, everything could end up becoming his responsibility.

At that moment—

The classroom door slid open with a clatter.

“I’ve heard enough!”

The one who entered was the Headmaster.

“Headmaster!”

The male instructor couldn’t bring himself to ask why he was here.

However, he had a rough idea.

Ever since returning from the recent monster subjugation, the Headmaster had clearly been acting differently.

And the cause of that… was obvious.

There was only that faintly bluish silver-haired, aqua-blue-eyed overwhelmingly beautiful girl.

The male instructor was certain of it.

“A duel cannot be permitted, of course! However, Your Highness is not satisfied with that, is he?”

At the Headmaster’s words, the Crown Prince gave an exaggerated nod.

“Then… a mock battle?”

The male instructor interjected.

“Indeed. The magic combat matches will begin next term anyway. There should be no problem having Li and His Highness spar here.”

Magic combat.

It refers to battles using both magic and martial arts.

This would begin next term.

Even within the academy, rankings would be assigned.

Based on that, representatives would be chosen, and the inter-school tournament would be held.

In other words, the plan was to smooth things over with a demonstration.

Or rather—

From a political standpoint as well, the Crown Prince’s remarks were quite problematic.

Most of those present here were sons and daughters of high-ranking nobles.

There were quite a few who understood the implications of the Crown Prince’s words.

Even if they didn’t speak up, some had likely already made their judgments.

It wasn’t hard to imagine what lay at the root of the Crown Prince’s remarks.

However, being able to swallow such things was also necessary for someone who stands above others.

If one were to eliminate capable individuals simply because they were inconvenient, an organization would not function.

Not only would it become a breeding ground for corruption, but the organization itself would cease to operate.

That was why some took the Crown Prince’s words very seriously.

He was still only fourteen.

There was room for reform.

And yet, he was already fourteen.

One would expect a bit more discernment.

After all, he was the Crown Prince.

“Your Highness, is that acceptable?”

The Headmaster asked, as if to confirm.

His gaze was anything but gentle.

“If the Headmaster says so, then I have no objection.”

“Very well. Then it shall be a mock battle. Lord Barman, I’ll leave the preparations to you.”

The Headmaster’s tone implied ‘handle it properly’ without saying it outright.

The Crown Prince’s problematic remarks needed to remain confined to this place.

Naturally, the male instructor understood without needing to be told and left the classroom.

“Now then…”

The Headmaster looked over the students.

Some understood his intent from that alone.

“Your Highness, do you understand that a duel is not something to be spoken of lightly?”

“I did not speak of it lightly.”

“Oh? Then I assume you were also prepared to be killed yourself?”

“That goes without saying!”

“So you say… Li.”

The Headmaster looked at Li with a rather wicked expression.

Li took that as the signal to go all out.

“I would rather not do something like this, but it cannot be helped.”

At Li’s words, the Headmaster nodded and smoothly stroked his bald head.

“I will say this again to everyone here. A duel is not a word to be used carelessly!”

It was effectively a warning.

This matter was not to be spoken of outside this place.

The fact that contract magic wasn’t used was both a consideration and a test from the Headmaster.

Put simply—’you understand what will happen if you break this promise, don’t you?’

He released a bit of mana and spoke with overwhelming pressure.

Everyone except the Crown Prince and his group fully understood the meaning behind those words.

Once spoken, words cannot be taken back.

The Headmaster knew that this was only a temporary measure for the students who had heard the Crown Prince’s outburst.

Even so, this was the only thing that could be done in this situation.