"...Um. Master, I’m sorry."
Just as we were about to head home after securing the Whole Fish, Roxanne suddenly apologized.
"What’s wrong?"
"I pick up the scent of someone I know. I believe they just entered the Labyrinth."
"An acquaintance?"
Being able to identify people by scent alone was certainly a convenient ability.
"It would be best to move, but the scent is quite distinct, meaning they are close. They may have already realized I am here. If we flee now only to encounter them later, they might make a scene about it."
"Are they an unpleasant acquaintance?"
"Well... yes, a little."
"I see."
It seemed this was someone Roxanne really didn't want to run into.
However, using Warp to escape didn't seem like the best move either. If we could detect them, they could likely detect us. If we bolted, they would know immediately. Having such a sharp nose could be a double-edged sword.
If this person was a regular on the 12th Floor of Bode, we’d likely cross paths eventually. Besides, Milia would definitely want more fish in the future. Even if we retreated to the 15th Floor of Halber, we wouldn't be safe forever.
"They are approaching. They have definitely recognized me."
"It can't be helped, then. Let’s wait."
"I am sorry. This is just a guess, but they might say some offensive things. Please, try not to let it bother you."
"Are they really that bad?"
Roxanne was genuinely dreading this. Even setting aside her personal feelings, meeting someone from her life before slavery was bound to be disagreeable—especially if it was someone she disliked.
"They have treated me as an enemy for a very long time."
"If anything happens, I’m on your side, Roxanne."
"Yes. Thank you, Master."
I tried to lighten her mood by placing a hand gently on her shoulder. I stowed the Rod of Himorogi in my Item Box and waited for the group to arrive.
"O-ho-ho! I knew it was you, Roxanne."
Before long, a party of six appeared: four Beast Fighters, one Adventurer, and one Monk. Their levels were surprisingly high.
Wait, a Beast Fighter Lv 99...?
"It has been a long time," Roxanne said softly.
"Honestly, after all this time, you’re still such a pathetic woman."
The one speaking to Roxanne was a female Beast Fighter Lv 29. According to my Appraisal, she was nineteen years old—three years older than Roxanne.
So, this was the acquaintance. As for her looks... no comment. There was no way she could be compared to Roxanne.
"You haven't changed either," Roxanne replied.
"I’d appreciate it if you didn't think of me as my former self. I have become even stronger over the last six months."
"I see."
Roxanne was acting quite humble, so this woman must have been of higher social standing back home. My Appraisal showed she even had a surname. Surnames were rare in this world, which explained her astronomical level of pride.
She had grown her hair long and styled the ends into vertical ringlets. Her hair was practically drilling into the air. My mind wandered to modern Japan—the Doolittle Raid was the first time Japan was bombed. Looking at her, I suspected she was "tripping" as much as she was "drilling."
In this world, women of ordinary status couldn't grow their hair that long. Maintenance was a nightmare without the luxury of daily showers. Long hair was a status symbol—a blatant display of wealth and leisure.
"It was faint, but Roxanne's meager scent was drifting even to the other side of the Labyrinth. Detecting someone of your caliber is child's play for me."
Wait, didn't Roxanne say she knew they’d entered through the entrance?
"What brings you here?" Roxanne asked.
"As poorly informed as ever, I see. I shall tell you, out of pity. A Wanted Poster has been circulating for Mad Dog Simon. I suppose such information wouldn't be sent to a house that can't be expected to achieve anything."
"Mad Dog Simon...?"
"Simon was once said to be one of the greatest warriors among the Wolf-kin. Sabo will be the one to defeat him, proving that my Baradam House is the strongest among our people."
Sabo Baradam was the male Beast Fighter Lv 99 standing with them. He must be incredibly strong given his level.
"Ah..." Roxanne looked troubled.
We had already killed Simon. It was impossible for Sabo to defeat him now, but we had no way to prove it.
"Despite being a bitch who still lacks proper training, it seems you’ve learned a bit of Brahim. Though you still don't seem able to speak it well."
The woman spoke dismissively, clearly misinterpreting Roxanne’s hesitation. If she thought Roxanne couldn't speak the language, why was she bothering to insult her in Brahim?
"Um, no..."
"It seems falling into slavery was actually good for you. You should be grateful. After all, I pulled quite a few strings to ensure no income reached your family."
"No... You did that...?" Roxanne gasped, her voice trembling.
I remembered Roxanne telling me she was sold because her family couldn't pay their taxes. So, this woman had engineered her downfall.
"With the power of the Baradam House, it was effortless. It’s your fault for being a bitch who makes eyes at other people's men."
"I never did that!"
"Your words mean nothing; your attitude made it obvious. I wonder how many men you’ve manipulated? It was easy to tell because of the way men looked at you. You even went after my fiancé!"
"I know nothing about that."
I see. Even in her hometown, men couldn't help but stare at Roxanne. With her beauty and those curves, it wasn't exactly a mystery why.
"And now that you’re a slave, I see you’ve seduced this weakling. To be deceived by the likes of Roxanne... he can't be much of a man."
"Do not insult my Master!" Roxanne’s voice rang out, sharp and protective.
"My, my. Does a creature like Roxanne think she can give orders to me?" The woman's eyes glinted with malice.
"You may say what you like about me, but please, stop insulting my Master."
"In that case, duel me."
"A duel?"
"If you wish to protect your Master's honor, then win it back. If he’s such a 'good' Master, surely he’ll permit a slave's duel, won't he?"
The woman's lips curled into a smirk. Roxanne turned toward me.
"Master..."
"If you permit a duel between Roxanne and myself, I would be happy to issue the formal challenge," the woman said.
"What does this involve?" I asked.
Sherry stepped in to explain. "Only a Free Citizen can issue a formal challenge for a duel. However, the challenger must be the one to fight. The challenged party, however, may appoint a proxy to stand in their place—especially if they are under someone's protection. A slave, naturally, falls under their master’s protection."
Wait, I wanted a read on the situation, not a legal lecture. Things were moving too fast.
"I am saying that if you do not appoint a proxy for Roxanne, I shall challenge her directly," the woman added.
Her explanation didn't help much either. As a slave, Roxanne couldn't challenge anyone. This woman could challenge her, but Roxanne could use a proxy—meaning I could fight in her place.
In this world, duels were even used to settle court cases. Maybe they were common, though it was a headache for me.
"Are you stronger than her?" I whispered to Roxanne.
As a Beast Fighter Lv 29, the woman's level was lower than Roxanne's Lv 32. Did she really have a chance?
"We had a practice match six months ago," Roxanne whispered back. "Almost none of my attacks could land."
"What about her attacks?"
"Of course, she couldn't touch me."
Figures.
"I don't know what cowardly tricks you used then, but it won't be a draw this time," the woman barked. "I’ve become much stronger in the last six months. If you want to turn tail and run, now is the time. I’ll crush a cheeky bitch like you."
Roxanne had also become much stronger. Six months ago, she was probably below Level 6. There was no way this woman had been that low six months ago.
"Master, please let me do this."
"But... if you fight, you’re just going to win, aren't you?"
"W-What are you talking about?" the woman snapped, overhearing me.
"No matter how I look at it, I can't imagine Roxanne losing," I said plainly.
"Then there’s no problem with letting her fight, is there? I’ll enjoy breaking the noses of both master and slave for such delusions."
This was becoming a massive nuisance. If Roxanne somehow lost, I could lose her entirely. That was unacceptable. Even if she won, there was no real benefit for us. Just pure hassle.
"If you’ve come this far and refuse, it will be an insult to the Baradam House," Sabo, the Level 99 Beast Fighter, finally spoke up. "In that case, I might just challenge you myself."
"Master, Sabo is said to be the strongest of all Beast Fighters. It’s dangerous. Please, let me be the one to fight," Roxanne pleaded.
"I don't think I’d lose to him, either," I muttered. Between my Bonus Spells and equipment, I had options.
"What?! I won't allow you to slander me!" Sabo roared.
I’d assumed the woman was the leader, but it seemed he wasn't a mindless servant. I still didn't get why she was so confident. Did she have a secret item or a powerful skill?
"I also believe Roxanne-san won't lose," Sherry whispered. "It might be best to let her fight. Even in the worst-case scenario, we have 'that' to protect her."
She meant the Substitution Misanga. Both Roxanne and the opponent were wearing them. It would block at least one fatal blow.
"I wouldn't waste precious gear on someone like Roxanne," the woman sneered, having overheard Sherry. "But if you grovel and apologize mid-fight, I might spare your life. The Baradam House is merciful, after all."
She seemed convinced we’d be the ones begging for mercy.
"Fine. I understand." I had to agree; they weren't going to let this go.
"Thank you, Master."
"O-ho-ho! It’s settled then. A slave like Roxanne isn't much of a loss anyway. Let’s head to the Harz Duchy Knight Order Station. Don't even think about running."
The woman turned and led her party toward the exit.
"Are you okay?" I asked Roxanne.
"I’m fine. There are no monsters in the corridors leading to the entrance," she replied.
That... wasn't exactly what I meant, but okay.
"A duel needs the Knight Order’s permission. We should hurry," Sherry added.
Everything felt a bit surreal. I was a modern Japanese guy; duels weren't exactly part of my upbringing. My brain was still trying to process the fact that this was actually happening. Roxanne and Sherry, however, seemed perfectly accustomed to it. I sighed and followed them out.
When we arrived at Bode Castle, the woman went inside alone. After a short wait, she emerged with Gosler.
"I am Gosler of the Harz Duchy Knight Order. I have confirmed her status as a Free Citizen."
Gosler looked at us and raised an eyebrow slightly, but his expression remained professional. He had to remain a neutral Third Party.
"Yes," Roxanne said, stepping forward.
"Are you Roxanne? Do you have any objection to this duel?"
"None."
"Then, by the request and in accordance with the Principle of Self-redress, I permit this duel. If the challenged party has a protector, they may appoint a proxy. Do you wish to do so?"
"No."
Gosler glanced at me. He probably expected me to step in.
"The challenger desires an immediate private duel. Is this acceptable?"
"It would be a problem if the date was pushed back and some cowardly trick was used," the woman added. Her logic was baffling. What tricks did she think we'd use?
"If there is injury or exhaustion, the duel may be postponed. Additionally, if it is held later, it can be a public event. With spectators, foul play is less likely," Gosler explained.
Delaying would be a mistake. The Duke would almost certainly barge in if it became a public spectacle. Roxanne looked at me. There was no need for an audience. I nodded.
"I don't mind," she said.
"Very well. Only party members may follow."
Gosler led us into the castle courtyard.
"No running away now," the woman spat as she walked past.
We followed them to a secluded area of the courtyard—a patch of dirt and sparse weeds, likely a training ground for the knights.
"Are we doing it here?" I asked.
"For a public duel, they would set up a proper arena. For private ones, they keep it simple. Most duels are private; the Knight Order prefers to settle these headaches as quickly as possible," Sherry whispered.
"Roxanne, do you want to use my sword?" I asked. If she was going to fight, I wanted her to have Durandal. It had HP Absorption and Chant Interruption. I’d have to show it to Gosler, but her safety came first.
"No, thank you. I prefer the One-handed Sword I’m used to."
That made sense. I could offer other Bonus Equipment, but using unfamiliar gear in a duel was risky. I couldn't exactly hand her a full-face helmet now anyway. I didn't want to reveal too much of my inventory to Gosler if I could help it.
Instead, I opened my settings. I had already unlocked up to my seventh job slot. Job effects extend to the whole party, though I wasn't entirely sure if the seventh slot worked the same way.
I set the Bonus Spell Partylization. I hadn't used it yet, but it likely allowed item effects to extend to the whole party. If I drank a potion, I could potentially heal Roxanne. I also added Equivalent Exchange, just in case. If the worst happened, I could use it; Roxanne and Sherry would know, but Gosler and the others likely wouldn't. Interfering in a duel was taboo, but I'd rather break a rule than lose Roxanne.
Finally, I added Extreme Drop Dead. I knew it was a single-target attack spell, which meant it could be used against people. I then went into the Party Job Settings and ensured Roxanne was set to Beast Fighter Lv 32. I’d considered making her a Knight, but she was already likely to win as a Warrior.
"Here, yes," Milia said, handing Roxanne the Sturdy Hard Leather Hat. Roxanne was already wearing the Willow Hard Leather Boots. She might not need them, but better safe than sorry.
"Both combatants, step forward," Gosler commanded.
"Go get 'em," I said.
"You won't lose, Roxanne-san," Sherry added.
"Big Sister, do your best, yes!" Milia cheered.
The two women moved to the center of the clearing.
"O-ho-ho! In a duel, lives are always on the line. Prepare yourself, Roxanne. Don't think for a second that groveling will save you. Today is the day you die."
The woman had completely abandoned her talk of mercy.
"I’m ready," Roxanne said simply.
"Let me tell you something, Roxanne. Six months ago, we fought alone. But today, Sabo is in my party. Sabo has taken Doping Medicine that the Baradam House spent a fortune to acquire. Do you understand what that means?"
So, Doping Medicine was a level-up item. That's how Sabo hit Level 99. Since job effects scale with level, a Level 99 party member would provide a massive stat boost to her. Her confidence was entirely based on those buffs.
Roxanne remained silent, her Rapier held in a steady, practiced stance.
"O-ho-ho! It seems even you can grasp the implications. How delightful! Now, let’s begin!"
The woman lunged, swinging her sword with everything she had. Roxanne slipped back half a step, the blade whistling past. The woman followed up with a downward strike, but Roxanne avoided it with a slight, fluid shift of her body.
She was fine. Roxanne was moving with effortless grace. Even with a Level 99 buff, the woman couldn't land a single blow. Roxanne danced around the strikes, dodging with minimal movement—a tilt of the head, a pull of the shoulder, always staying just out of reach of the blade.