Kael knew that he was taking a huge risk by doing this. But he trusted Iris to be able to win...as long as she was not fighting against Ken.

However, the council members wanted more from him.

"Grand Master, how about we make this a bet about both your companions? If our side wins, we can ask for a wish for every victory. But if you win, we will free the ex-sla...I mean, Miss Iris from her status and also add her to the registry of nobles."

Now this was unfair. The council was trying to stretch this far too much.

Kael was about to protest when both Leon and Ken spoke up.

"This feels unfair."

"This bet is about Miss Iris, so why is the second match being dragged into it?"

Since both Leon and Ken were questioning the council, it pushed them into a corner. They immediately tried to justify their actions like third-rate villains.

"Y-You know, this is actually not unfair at all. Since we are taking care of two problems, it is only fair that we get two wishes."

That did not even make sense. Erasing Iris’s past and making her a noble were essentially the same thing. This was the only way to erase her past anyway.

The council knew this as well, but they still pushed their agenda.

Sigh

"I suddenly don’t feel like fighting anymore. I would like to forfeit my spot as a fighter. So it looks like the other side already has a win."

Ken was bold as he announced this.

The council looked as though they had been struck by lightning at this proclamation. Kael wished he had a camera to capture their expressions.

’Maybe I should invent one. The technology is there, but underutilized. So if I use it right...’

Now was not the time to be thinking about this. Kael needed to pay attention to the situation.

Honestly, it would not be a bad idea to have Leon fight Ken. It was not every day that a Sword Master appeared to spar with someone. But the bet conditions made things difficult...

"It seems like we won’t be able to come to a conclusion like this. So how about this—we still keep the bet open for Iris. But for Leon’s fight...if he loses, then I will do you all a favor if you ask for one in the future. It’s not a promise of unconditional compliance, but this should be better than nothing, right?"

If they made a bet, then Kael would be magically obligated to follow through if he was asked for something.

But a favor was different.

It would not only give Kael an upper hand during negotiations, but also give him information about the other side’s intentions.

As much as he hated to admit it, this would be a win for him.

Of course, the most ideal outcome would be for Leon to win.

"Kael, are you sure about this?"

Leon asked with a serious look on his face. His eyes kept moving toward Ken, and he seemed to have realized his disadvantageous situation as well.

"It’s more than fine. The council will ask me for a favor anyway once they find themselves in a tight situation, so I don’t mind making it official. So don’t burden yourself too much with thoughts of winning."

Kael reassured Leon, but the tightening of the hero’s jaw told him that Leon did not feel the same way.

"N-Now that we have things a little more cleared up, should we start the first fight? I assume it’s going to be between the older ones? And can you let our people down?"

Another bold council member asked, and Kael dropped the two offenders with a sigh.

The others did not say much, now afraid that they would become his next victims. Not that Kael had any intention of causing trouble unless he was given a reason to.

"Iris, don’t stress yourself too much and do your best."

Kael told Iris, and she nodded. She looked slightly tense, but her expression was filled with determination.

"Don’t worry! I won’t disappoint you."

She assured him before entering the barrier.

Kael took a seat, and both Seraphina and Leon sat beside him. The council sat a little farther away, but Ken was close enough to use his mana to communicate with Kael.

Not that he tried to at the moment.

Someone else took the opportunity to speak up instead.

"Kael, take that favor you offered the council back. I am aware of my limits, and you know them as well. I am not at a level where I can fight a Sword Master yet."

Leon’s words surprised Kael.

The fact that Leon could tell this much already was incredible. Leon had not even been practicing for a few months by this point, but he had already progressed enough to tell that Ken was a Sword Master?

’This feels suspicious. Was Leon this good in my past life as well? Then again, his teachers were useless, so it is possible he never blossomed into his true potential.’

Thinking back made Kael feel sorry for Leon. But at the same time, his priority was the person in front of him.

As for Leon’s question...

"I don’t think it’s going to be a problem. Do you think the council is not going to try asking me for favors even if I don’t give them a hook?"

Kael asked, and Leon sighed.

He seemed to know the answer to that question already.

"See, I did not offer them anything they were not going to ask for eventually. But this way, I will have way more control over the situation when the time comes. So relax and take your time absorbing all you can from your clash."

Leon sighed and finally relaxed.

Seraphina was also looking at them curiously with a satisfied look on her face. It seemed she had been worried about the situation as well.

’They both are so young right now, so it will be good to build up their foundation. As for Iris...this is something she will have to overcome herself.’

Iris had the talent and the power necessary to break free from her shackles. The only thing holding her back was her own mental strength.

But if she could overcome that right now...

’I wonder how far she would be able to evolve. Honestly, I won’t mind if a monster is born because of this. I...might actually be looking forward to it as well.’