The Iudex's day off

Chapter 71 - A bet

I've been wanting to write this scene for over 60 chapters!

 Finally!

 An opportunity has arisen!

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Neuvillette's POV

 Why did I agree to this?

 Did I even agree to this?

 I'm quite sure Wrio interrupted my rejection of the idea.

 And now, quite a crown had somehow gathered.

 Sigh...

 Fine...

 I'll just have to either block or dodge his punches till he tires himself out.

 He wanted to fight with no restrictions but I told him that I would not be using elemental energy.

 Ever since then, he has been in a heated discussion with the host.

 Poor man.

 To be subjected to this...

 What are they talking about anyway?

 "The Chief Justice won't be allowed to use elemental energy. Otherwise, anything goes."

 "Your Grace... You've fought in the ring quite a few times and I'm sure you know the rules, but I will have to inform you of a new one you might not have heard about."

 "Oh, a new rule?"

 "Attempting to seduce your opponent will render you disqualified and it will be your loss."

 Wrio's lips twitched before morphing into a smirk.

 He glanced at me winking, before turning back to the host.

 "Anything goes is anything goes. Seduction as well."

 "Your Grace... Alright. Then please, complete your preparations. Quite a crowd has gathered already and unless you wish for the whole population of Meropide to flood in here, you should start as soon as possible."

 Right. We should, so-

 Wait.

 Why did he take off his tie?

 Maybe for comfort.

 But...

 Is undoing the two upper buttons of your shirt really necessary?

 I cast him a questioning glance and he mouthed back:

 "An attempt at seduction. Is it working? Enough to distract you, Monsieur Chief Justice?"

 Yes...

 It was indeed quite distracting.

 Undo one more button and we shall move this... fight elsewhere.

 Well then.

 It's only fair I return the favor.

 My eyes never left his figure as slowly, one button at a time, I unbuttoned my coat and took it off, placing it to the side.

 I cannot fathom why he would blush from something as simple as that.

 Our eyes met and I kept eye contact as I raised an eyebrow questioningly, hooking a finger under one of my gloves.

 "Shall I continue? I still have a few more articles of clothing not entirely necessary for informal occasions." I mouthed back to him.

 He quickly shook his head, saying something along the lines of: