Money Solves Problems

Seeing Godou being played like a fiddle by Ren, Erica knew she had to step in. If not, Godou wouldn't even realize he was being manipulated.

With graceful steps, she moved slightly forward, positioning herself between the two Campiones. Bowing her head politely, she spoke in a formal tone.

"Apologies for my rudeness, Lord Ren. What kind of relationship are you seeking with my King?"

Finally realizing the seriousness of the situation, Godou put on a serious expression. Clearly, he wanted peace between them. His daily life was already troublesome enough without having to worry about battles against other Campiones.

Ren smiled faintly, his gaze filled with meaning.

"Honestly, I don't want to fight Godou to the death. So, the relationship I want is either ignoring each other or a non-aggression pact."

"..."

For a moment, silence fell. Godou looked at Ren with hope, and upon hearing that answer, his face lit up with joy.

"Really? That's what I want too!"

Without a second thought, he extended his hand, and Ren casually shook it. The two Kings shook hands, as if sealing their agreement.

"Then, let's exchange contact numbers."

If the History Compilation Committee and Erica could manipulate Godou, why couldn't Ren? That's why he wanted to exchange contacts so he could reach out to him anytime.

*DING!*

Godou quickly took out his phone and exchanged contacts with Ren. However, when he saw the time on his phone screen, his eyes widened.

"Oh no, I'm late!"

He turned to run toward school, but a hand patted his shoulder, stopping him.

"Wait a moment, Godou. Before you go, there's one more thing to discuss."

"What now? I really have to go."

"I want to challenge you to a duel, Godou."

Instantly, Godou was stunned by Ren's request, while Erica and Hayasaka, who were still listening to the conversation, showed surprised expressions.

"Huh?"

"I've never used my Divine Authority against anyone. You've already fought two Campiones, so I'm curious what it's like to fight another King. Of course, I don't intend to fight to the death, just a light duel."

"NO!" Godou immediately refused without a second thought.

Erica sighed softly. She had already guessed this. After all, her King was always like this.

"Why?" Ren asked.

"Because I don't like fighting! Besides, I have to go to school now! You should hurry too, or you'll be late!" Godou said firmly.

"..."

Standing beside Ren, Hayasaka could only stare at Godou speechlessly.

'...He's a Campione, but he's worried about school?'

'Of all the things a God-Slayer could say, I never imagined one of them would be telling another Campione not to be late for school. Doesn't this guy realize he's already reached the pinnacle of life that 99% of humans will never achieve?'

Ren looked at him with interest before smiling again.

"Sure you won't change your mind?"

"I don't have time and I don't want to fight!" Godou insisted.

Ren let out a slow breath. "Really stubborn, huh?"

He had already expected that answer. Unlike Doni, who preferred forcing his opponents to fight without giving them a choice, Ren wasn't the type to do things the rough way—at least, not in a situation like this.

So, he decided to use a more subtle method.

"How about I offer you one million yen if you agree to duel me?"

"What?"

Godou froze in place.

One million yen?

For an ordinary high school student like him, that amount was too big to ignore. In fact, he could live comfortably for several months with that much money without worrying about expenses. After all, his family wasn't wealthy.

'Damn... this is too tempting... No, I shouldn't accept it... But... That's a huge amount...'

On the other hand, Erica hid a small smile behind her hand as she saw her King's resolve wavering.

'So he can be tempted with just one million yen?'

She had already guessed that Godou wasn't the type to be greedy for power, but seeing him tempted by a bit of money was still quite amusing.

However, instead of stopping him, Erica chose to remain silent.

'Better not tell Godou that the Bronze-Black Cross could give him that much money anytime he asks...'

The Bronze-Black Cross's finances might not compare to the Shinomiya family's total assets of 200 trillion yen, but they were still the rulers of Italy's underworld. They controlled several prominent mafia families, had vast influence, and wealth that couldn't be underestimated.

If it's just one million yen... that's not a big amount.

In fact, if she really wanted to, Erica could give that amount to Godou herself without batting an eye.

However, she deliberately said nothing.

'If this can persuade him to fight, then it's good.'

Erica had witnessed firsthand how Godou defeated Salvatore Doni, the mad swordmaster of Italy, as well as Marquis Voban, the oldest Campione with centuries of experience. Both Kings had terrifying power, but Godou still won.

So, there was no reason for her to worry.

Although Ren was also a Campione, he was the newest one like Godou. Compared to Godou, who had already proven himself in several battles, Ren was still like a blank slate—untested in battles between Kings.

The only thing Erica was curious about was what kind of Divine Authority the Seventh Campione possessed.

'What kind of Heretic God did he kill, and how powerful is his Divine Authority?'

Of the eight Campiones in this era, Ren's power remained the greatest mystery. There were no records of major battles or incidents involving his Divine Authority.

Noticing the hesitation starting to show on Godou's face, Ren didn't miss the chance to press further. He knew his opponent wasn't someone who enjoyed fighting, but he also wasn't someone who could easily ignore a tempting offer.

"2 million yen." Ren said casually.

"Gulp..."

Godou swallowed but still refused.

"3 million yen." Ren continued, his tone still light.

'No... I'm not the type to be bought with money...' Godou tried to calm himself, but his mind was already haunted by the increasing numbers.

"4 million yen..."

Clenching his fists, he tried hard not to show his weakness.

Ren, seeing this, just smiled faintly. "How about it? Still not interested?"

Godou averted his gaze, but Ren didn't stop.

"5 million yen... 6 million yen... 7 million yen..."

'Stop... stop...' Godou gritted his teeth. But when the number "8 million yen" came out of Ren's mouth, he finally gave in.

"Enough! I agree!" He exclaimed, admitting defeat.

"But after school." He added quickly, trying to save face.

However, Ren clearly didn't want to wait. "Why not now? You can skip school, right?"

"I can't!" Godou immediately refused without thinking.

"Come on, Godou. What job can give you 8 million yen in a few hours except illegal ones? Skipping school once won't hurt you."

Money isn't everything, but with money, everything becomes easier. That was one of Ren's philosophies in his previous life. As long as money could solve the problem, he didn't mind using it to achieve his goals.

'If I think about it... skipping school once won't make me fail, right...?'

Clearly, Godou had been swayed by Ren's words.

"I understand... I'll come." Godou finally gave in reluctantly.

"Lord Ren, may I have a moment to change clothes? As a knight, I don't want to miss the chance to witness a duel between two Kings."

"Go ahead, I don't mind waiting a bit."

Receiving Ren's permission, Erica smiled softly and bowed slightly. "Thank you for your understanding, Lord Ren."

Without wasting time, she hurried back into the house.

Meanwhile, Ren and Godou got into the car, sitting in the back while Hayasaka prepared to drive, ready to go at any moment.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Erica proved that she was different from most women who took a long time to get ready. In less than ten minutes, the door opened again, and she stepped out confidently like a lioness.

She now wore a red sleeveless top that fit her body perfectly, accentuating her flawless curves. The short white skirt she wore swayed lightly as she walked, giving off an elegant yet alluring vibe. Her flowing blonde hair further enhanced her charm.

After getting into the car, Erica sat next to Godou and turned to Ren.

"Sorry for making you wait, Lord Ren."

Ren glanced at her briefly before smiling. "No problem. Hayasaka, let's go."

"Understood, Ren-sama."

Without hesitation, Hayasaka stepped on the gas, taking them to the location Ren had chosen for the duel.