The King's Mandate: Anomalous System

Chapter 76: Familiar Faces

It's been over 20 minutes since Elena and others explored the palace, meaning it's been 20 minutes since Ricky and I were alone together.

I have run out of topics to talk about with him.

"How is it going with Rikka?"

"What?"

"You two are married and living together. How is your marriage life going?"

"I don't know how married life works, but we are doing fine."

"You two met in high school, right?"

"We met in high school, but we have known each other since we were kids."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"We were nemesis before we met in high school."

"...."

"We were after each other's heads."

"You are joking, right? You two love each other"

"Yeah, I love her, but I hated her till the second year of high school."

They met in high school for the first time in their lives, so how can they hate? Wait, maybe something happened in the past?

It's better not to get into their matters. I need to switch the topic.

"It's nice weather, isn't it?"

"You suck at socializing"

You don't have to point it out!

"I am learning."

"I am amazed how Elena managed to fall in love with an anti-social guy like you."

"It's called love magic!"

"Haha. I think so too. It was the same with me."

Good. Now the mood is somewhat better.

"Hey Ricky"

"What?"

"Have you thought about being with a girl other than Rikka?"

"I don't have eyes for a girl other than Rikka."

"I see."

It would be strange if he answered yes.

Am I scum here?

I keep saying I love Elena, but I am in love with two girls too, one of them is an AI, and the other one is my cousin.

Is my love for Elena not real? Or maybe I am mistaking love with like.

It's not normal for a boy to be in love with multiple women. I would have never considered it if Miss Serah and Leir hadn't told me their feelings. Suppose Elena hadn't said that she is okay with sharing with me.

Is it okay for me to take advantage of her kindness?

"Why did you ask that--wait, don't tell me you cheated on Reina!"

"I didn't! Don't jump to conclusions!"

"My bad. Well, I know you will never do anything like that."

"....."

I couldn't say anything in response.

"Hey...umm...if, if you ever run into some kind of trouble with anything, no matter what kind of trouble, let it be relationship troubles, money trouble...but, you are already rich, so I guess you won't need any help with that. I just want to say, if you ever need help, hit me up. I will be there to help you."

There was nervousness in his voice. He said it sarcastically, but I can say that he was serious.

"I will take that offer."

"Well then, I am out to explore the palace. Good luck with the challenge."

"....."

"Don't look at me like that. I said that I would help you when you run into trouble, but I meant in the real world, okay? Then bye"

He said as he walked out of the throne room, and the door automatically closed after.

I like being with him...that sounds somewhat wrong, what I mean is, I enjoy my time with him...this also says wrong!

'If you need help, hit me up. I will be there to help you' No one has ever said that to me.

"Is this what having an older brother feels like?"

[A Challenger Has Entered the Floor]

What? One more? The second challenger hasn't even reached here, and a third one already?

I am tired.

"Now then..."

I have been standing since Ricky and Rikka entered the throne room and didn't get any chance to sit off the throne.

"I will sit now."

I walked to the throne; as I was admiring the throne, the door opened.

I turned around. The light from outside was bright. I can't see the challenger, only the silhouette.

The challenger walked with heavy steps. The sound of steps was echoing in the room.

"I don't know how you cleared this floor, but I am getting that title of yours."

It was a girl's voice. She took out her sword and said, "You cleared this floor; that means you must be strong. Even if I lose the duel with you, I will come again and again until I win or the event ends."

Anyone would be scared if they are being challenged like this, but I am not because...

The girl dashed at me with the sword in her hand. I can't see her face, and there is a giant statue holding a sword behind me, so she can't see my face either.

I walked down so she could see my face. I wanted her to see my face because this girl is none other than...

"I need that title, so I can show it to the boy I love. Now please die so that---oh, it's Das Ryle!"

She was running at high speed. It would be nearly impossible to stop now. She threw her sword and hugged me.

"Miss--Xerah! Let go of me."

Her hugs are dangerous.

Not only I can't break free from her grip, but the soft sensation on my face...hugs are dangerous.

This is bad. If Elena saw this, she would say--

"I was exploring the place but got worried about you, and here you are enjoying yourself."

Yeah, something like that--hmm?

I am scared to see her face.

"Elena is here too. Hello Elena"

Let go of me, and why are you greeting her like everything is normal?!

"Das?" Elena said.

"I am innocent."

"Xerah?"

"Fine"

The moment Xerah let go of me, Elena grabbed my arm.

"What are you doing here?" Elena asked.

"I wasn't interested in this event, but an hour ago there was an announcement saying 'The player who defeats the king will get the title' so I thought 'Maybe I will try to get the title and show it to Das' but...he was the king! As expected of my boyfriend."

"He is not your boyfriend...yet. He is the one who will decide."

"I know."

"Xerah. Can you wait for some more time? I need time to think about it."

"I don't mind. I am not going anywhere anytime...soon."

"What's this fuss about?" Ricky and Rikka entered the room.

"Did you defeat the challenge...er wait, it was Xerah?"

"You guys are here too."

"Hey Xerah"

"Did you guys fight?"

"How can I fight against him?"

Stop that!

"You swing your sword and 'zip zap,' you will win."

Shut up! Are they really my friends?

"Well, it wouldn't be strange if we get to see some more familiar faces," Rikka said.

"Indeed. I never thought I would get a chance to kill him this soon again."

A loud masculine voice, shining armour, blonde hair.

Out of all the players...why the hell is she here?!

"Grace! What are you doing here?"

"I was here for a duel, or I wanted to, but now, I am here to defeat your boyfriend."