"I never imagined that being a 'sponsor' meant becoming a financial patron. Truly, I have learned a valuable lesson today."
"This isn't the time for 'lessons'! Because of you, we’re on the hook for an astronomical amount of money!"
"Why didn't you mention this?! You could have at least told us the penalty for losing before the duel started!"
"What are you talking about? Considering the possibility of defeat before the battle has even begun is unthinkable!"
"That's not the point!!"
Enji and Masanaga delivered a synchronized, thunderous retort as they listened to Katsuyori’s account of the previous night’s events.
The two heirs of Yamato howled at him, arguing that he shouldn't have blindly accepted terms when he didn't even know what a sponsor was, let alone fail to report it to the rest of the team. Katsuyori, however, seemed to have no intention of listening.
Yugo watched the bickering heirs with a twitching expression. "Ann... you really play for keeps, don't you?"
"I’m betting the lives of three people here. It’s only natural that the invoice matches that value, right? If anything, I was being merciful," Anhel replied.
"...Well, it certainly is a small price to pay for the three of our lives," Setsuna noted.
"Even so, that’s a terrifying number to look at..." Yugo muttered.
Yugo was slightly taken aback by Anhel’s methods. She had perfectly manipulated Katsuyori—a man who was dignified at best and a complete sucker for a scam at worst.
However, just as she said, if he considered whether the amount was truly equal to the lives of Setsuna and the others, it still felt like it wasn't enough. Besides, regardless of Katsuyori, Yugo felt that Enji and Masanaga deserved a penalty of this caliber.
"In any case! A samurai never goes back on his word!" Katsuyori declared. "Since we lost the duel, we must accept the consequences with dignity! We will pay this bill! Is that clear?!"
"Of course it's not clear!! Even if we split it three ways, it's still a staggering sum!"
"No, but... if we make a scene and try to void the contract now, we’ll just be layering shame upon shame. We’re already laughingstocks for losing the duel! If this gets out, my honor, my family's dignity...!"
"...Um, do you have a moment? I have a proposal for those of you in distress—"
The heirs didn't want to pay, but if they didn't, they would be branded as cowards who fled from a duel's promise for the rest of their lives. Their family names would be dragged through the mud.
However, it still took an immense amount of courage to produce such a sum. As Enji and Masanaga agonized over the choice, Setsuna made a suggestion while gesturing toward her father and the other men.
"How about having our fathers bear a portion of the cost as well?"
"What? W-Wait, Setsuna. How did the conversation turn to us?"
"With all due respect, Father, this is effectively the third time you’ve been indebted to Yugo. You’ve imposed a considerable burden on him until now. We managed to smooth things over last time by handing over the dragon materials, but that won't suffice this time."
"It’s time to pay the piper," Sakura added. "Think of it as settling your long-overdue tab."
"I’m telling you now, please pay this from your personal savings," Raiha warned. "Do not take it from the family treasury, under any circumstances."
"W-Wait! I don't know what the split will be, but for an individual to pay that amount is—"
"Come to think of it, Mother was grumbling recently that your weapon collection has grown too large, Father. Why not sell them off to help tidy up the house?"
"My father has collected quite a lot of artwork as well, hasn't he? Perhaps I should contact the appropriate institutions and arrange for them to be appraised and sold?"
"My father's study is filled with rare books... If it's to show sincerity to Ryuga-san and the others, you can surely part with a few of them, right?"
"At least spare the history books, Raiha! Those are truly irreplaceable!"
The Warrior Shrine Maidens, who were quietly furious at their fathers' past actions, pounced on them in unison.
Realizing there was no escape, the fathers slumped their shoulders. They immediately began haggling to mitigate the damage, even if only by a fraction.
"Fine, then we’ll split the burden half and half..."
"Wait, wait! We’re paying out of our personal pockets here! In the first place, this debt exists because you lost your duel! It stands to reason that your side should pay the vast majority!"
"Well, perhaps a seventy-thirty split would be a fair compromise—"
"Could you please find it in your hearts to pay just a little bit more than that...!"
"Marcos, those guys look like they’re having a rough time," Yugo whispered.
"I suppose so. Anyway, so much has happened that I haven't celebrated your transfer yet. Want to go grab a bite?"
"Oh, great idea! Let’s ask President Presia to whip something up. It’s time for a Delicious Party!"
At Yugo’s suggestion, the group of friends began to file out of the room, leaving behind the men still desperately arguing over the money.
After a very, very long negotiation, the allocation of the debt was finalized, and a formal sponsorship contract was signed between Yugo and the three houses of Katsuyori and his peers. As word spread that challenging those guys to a duel resulted in financial ruin, the number of people who dared to mess with Yugo and his friends plummeted.
And so, everyone lived happily ever after.