Trial by combat

 "Hold on there," said Jen holding the guard's shoulder, "-can you explain the meaning of this?"

 "What is there to explain?" he refuted to shrug off her hand, "-your idiots for wanting to do a Trial by combat in the first place. Should have been more careful when reading the papers. Such a waste to see and know someone is going to die," paused during the onslaught of words, "-sorry about that," he lightened. "Tis bad memories of when I was a student here. I lost a friend in a petty squabble similar to yours." 

 "There's nothing we can do?" wondered Rena with slow articulations.

 "We've been had…" gritted Leonard, "the dorm-mother knew of the contract. That's why she didn't tell us anything." The murmurs of inside grew into cheers.

 "Guys," said Igna lowering his head, "-I'm sorry for putting the idea of TBC in your heads. If only I was more careful in saying my words. Well, what is done is done. I'll have to fight I suppose, what's the harm in that?"