The Issued Challenge

"-I want you to break up and stay away from Yuna-chan." Austin continued with a smirk.

"Hm, stop right there. You're not behaving like a gentleman here, Young Master Austin. I heard that this is a golden plaque challenge, yes? It's just me and you. My Yuna is herself, and you can't involve ker in the stake for any reason." Mike gave a stop hand gesture.

"Hm-mm, you can't involve Yuna-sama in the stake, Austin sama. I remember that you issued a challenge between men to Might-sama, yes?" Minako moved to Yuna's side as if she was siding with Mike's claim.

"Well, well... Let me change it a bit, I want you to leave this country without taking anyone with you. Please go back to your home country and never come back. How about it?" Austin seemed satisfied with his new demand.

"That sounds a little gruesome. Even though it's a flawed demand, are you ready to accept the consequences if you lose? I wouldn't be ashamed to demand something ten times more wow than that." Mike gave Yuna a glance.

However, he could only see that the latter had a hint of worry expression that didn't quite fit on her stunning angelic face.

"Heh, you said that as if you could win against me, Mighty-man. Also, that's not a flawed demand. Well, now is your turn to say what you want from me for the stake?" Austin was comforted and happy to see Yuna's pale expression. Soon was the end of her relationship with her boyfriend.

Mike didn't really understand Austin's statement. He just put that aside because he needed to discuss it with Yuna, Kisa, and Yukiko.

"Please give me two minutes to have a little discussion with Yuna and her servants." Mike turned around. He guides Yuna to Kisa and Yukiko.

"Mike-sama, we are in a difficult situation because of that man. A big problem is really coming your way. What do you want to give Austin-sama for the stake?" Kisa spoke in a whisper-like voice. She also becomes worried about Mike's safety.

"That's what I wanted to talk about. I have three days to prepare myself to win this silly challenge. I want to ask what should demand as the stake?" Mike replied with a confident smile.

"You say that as if you can win this golden plaque challenge, Mike-sama. Do you have a plan in mind? To remind you, that man must have a devious plan." Kisa raised her eyebrows. She was starting to wonder about Mike's line of thinking.

"You'll find out later. I need advice and input now. Yuna, why do you look pale? Are you feeling unwell? Would you like to sit down and drink a mineral water?" Mike replied with a mysterious smile. However, when he wanted to ask Yuna for advice, he saw Yuna becoming increasingly pale.

"Sorry." Yuna muttered softly and lowered her head.

"Pardon?" Mike couldn't hear Yuna's reply clearly.

"Sorry, it's all my fault. You've gotten too involved in too much of a big deal, Mike. I should have-" Yuna mumbled again while blaming herself, but she stopped in the middle.

At that moment, Mike put his arm around Yuna's shoulders. "No, it's okay. You are a good girl. Humans sometimes make mistakes and that is normal. Please don't be sad because your beauty will look less if you are sad. Trust me, we will get allies who are no less than enemies. I can win this is a silly challenge, but you need to help me and promise me something in the end like what I said in my previous request."

"Why do you look so relaxed as if this matter is trivial in your eyes?" Yuna became a little relieved because of the comfort. However, she was surprised by Mike's change in attitude.

"I'm scared, but I'm a gentleman and your man. Young masters are not equal to 'them'. Actually, the source of the problem comes from their backgrounds. But, won't we face that later, together?" Mike gave Yuna a comforting smile.

Yuna was like bewitched. She looked at Mike for a few seconds with a dazed expression, then she mumbled softly with a nod. "Um, I trust you. We'll get through everything together. It's my responsibility. You can ask me anything after all this."

"I'm glad to hear that, Yuna. Look, your face looks so pretty and stunning when you're happy. Let's go back to the previous topic. I want to ask for something ten times more wow than Austin's demanded stake. What do you guys suggest?" Mike patted Yuna's shoulder gently.

"You can ask that man to give you his familiy's Lotus Pearl, Mike-sama. That's probably way more wow than ten times." Yukiko gave a suggestion with a sly and ruthless look, like a cunning little fox.

"Ah, yes, that is probably the most precious item to him and his future. Hehe, that is indeed much more wow than ten times. Yes, Mike-sama, you should ask for his familiy's Lotus Pearl. I'm sure you can win this golden plaque challenge if you look so confident." Kisa covered her mouth because she couldn't hold back her giggle.

"Lotus Pearl? Marsh Family's Lotus Pearl? What kind of thing is that?" Mike put his hand to his chin thoughtfully. Unfortunately, he didn't know anything because he didn't have any information!

"Mm! That's one of the nicest and meanest items if you want to retaliate that annoying man, Mike. I'll explain it all to you after this." Yuna gave an approving nod.

Since everyone agreed with that, Mike just scratched his head and nodded. Then, he and Yuna approached Austin.

"Sorry to keep everyone waiting. My request for this golden plaque challenge is only one, Young Master Austin." Mike held up his index finger.

"Continue." Austin folded his arms and puffed out his chest.

"I want you to give your family's Lotus Pearl to me." Mike smirked like the meanest villain.

"Huh, what!? What did you just say? My Lotus Pearl? You want to take my future for granted?" Austin was taken back as if he never thought that Mike would ask for it for the stake in his wildest thoughts.

"I can say the same to you, Young Master Austin. You want to ruin my future with Yuna. Why don't I do the same to you?" Mike added with a raised eyebrow.

"Fair enough as agreed. Ten times heavier than Austin-sama's demanded stake, hmm..." Kannon thought for a moment and nodded.

"Ugh..." Austin had so many thoughts running through his mind. He weighed the pros and cons, but he convinced himself in the end.

He was very sure to win this bet with complete certainty for an excellent reason.

"Alright. Don't regret if you lose. Better, you know the rules of this golden plaque challenge before we meet in three days in the arena, Mighty-man. Let's go back to our table, Kiyo-chan. Hahaha!" Austin wrapped his arm around Kiyo's waist and went away to his table.

"A golden plaque challenge is issued from Austin-sama to Mighty-man-sama with the stakes agreed. The battle will be held at Horikiri Dojo three days from now at noon. Alright, sorry to keep all distinguished guests waiting. Let's get straight to the auction into the main session." Kannon announced to everyone.

Since the commotion was over, it was time to return to the main event.