How to Survive at the Academy Chapter 162

ed rostaylor scramble (2)

The prestige of Chloel’s royal family is as high as piercing the sky.

If you look through the history books, that wasn’t always the case. Margraves who held military power in their own way and formed private forces, or grand dukes who intruded deep into the central power of the imperial family, sometimes enjoyed power comparable to that of the emperor.

However, under the authority of Emperor Chloel, who is said to be the most perfect emperor in history, no noble could raise his flag.

Starting with the end of the war with the subhumans, the efficiency of commerce was increased by reestablishing the logistics distribution and currency system, the territories of the northern grasslands were recovered, and the level of troops was raised by directly intervening in the establishment of the training course of the imperial army.

In addition, he was diligent enough to directly mediate large and small disputes between territories, and when appointing his subjects, he only looked at his ability, and was always friendly to the empress but strict with his subjects.

“It’s been almost two years since Brother Lindon has been locked in his room.”

“Hmm…”

Emperor’s private garden.

It was too large for a garden managed only for the emperor. It seemed reasonable to call it a park rather than a garden.

In the wooden pavilion in the center, the 2nd Princess Persica and Emperor Chloe were playing chess.

“I hope you can recover your energy… I hope.”

Emperor Chloel was famous for being a perfect monarch in everything, but he lacked one thing compared to others. It was that the heir who would succeed the throne had not yet been decided with certainty.

It had been quite some time since Prince Lindon had given up the right to inherit the throne and shut himself up in his room. If he came out right away and shouted that he wanted to succeed to the throne, Emperor Chloel was ready to call in a royal studies teacher right away.

However, since some time ago, I have been eating only the food given to me while wearing a blanket in my room… For Emperor Chloel, it was a real headache.

“My only older brother is not feeling well, and the two sisters are not leaving the imperial castle… I feel very lonely because there is no one to talk to frankly. Abama.”

“You usually lock yourself in the library and don’t come out, so you’re really smart. Persica.”

“Still, I still want to see the faces of my family. That’s why I came here to have an audience with Abamama Johnan.”

Persica smiled at Emperor Chloel like that.

Most of the lofty authority and power of the imperial castle comes from Emperor Chloel.

In addition to the imperial central army commanding the imperial road, all kinds of famous wizards/alchemists belonging to the imperial family. They are all people who look up to Emperor Chloel.

All the servants of the imperial family had the same respect for him who had carried on state affairs for a long time without difficulty.

The problem is its successor. So, which of the three princesses would inherit the name of the lofty imperial family?

At first, Penia’s power was the highest, and after she entered Sylvania, Selaha’s power rose rapidly.

The key personnel of the imperial family… Everyone from the chancellor, knight commander, and butler was close to Selaha.

Each of them is a person with great experience and power. Selaha’s momentum was so high that all such people wanted to line up with Selaha.

Only Magnus, the commander of the northern steppes, and Dellum, the chief alchemist of the imperial family, remained silent without support from anyone.

The two of them are naive and care only about the will of the emperor. I’m not the type to worry about who the next emperor will be and how to line up. Except for that person, everyone was on the side of Selaha, who moved quickly.

So far, all Persica has been doing is sitting in the library and reading books.

‘I guess I have to move slowly now.’

In any case, the royal family of Chloel came to wield unbridled power while proving their achievements and strength over the years. There were many times when the three princesses also benefited from that power.

It was a matter of primary concern as to who would inherit that enormous power intact. It was time for Persica to start the engine as well.

“Abama, by the way, have you heard of the treasure that the great sage Sylvania left behind?”

It was the moment when Persica was trying to get lucky in earnest.

Before Emperor Chloel could answer anything, a soldier suddenly jumped in, bowed politely, and reported something.

It is said that such a sudden report late at night is probably such an urgent agenda.

Upon hearing the story of the tragedy at the Roth Taylor mansion from the soldier, both Princess Persica and Emperor Chloe hardened their expressions.

Both of them seemed to be in a long trouble.

* * *

“Since you saved our lives, you deserve a full reward!”

“Thank you so much…. I will personally report to the princess and Her Majesty so that we can receive a grand reward!”

“I owed my life…!

Yenika Failover was fidgeting with her fingertips, not knowing what to do.

If you look here, a baron, if you look there, a count. All the high-ranking people rushed to give Jenika a word… It was an unfamiliar situation for Jenika, who had lived her entire life as a commoner.

I saw a lot of nobles at the Sylvania Academy, but most of them were young nobles, and according to the Sylvania Academy’s policy, there was no need to be polite.

However, since he had come out of Sylvania and was being highly praised by the nobles themselves, not by the children of the nobles, he was confused and did not know how to behave.

‘I’m tired… .’

People stationed at Ross Taylor Mansion awaiting the arrival of the Imperial Army. Caught in the center, Jenika was breaking out in a cold sweat.

After the tour of the nobility ended, the last person to arrive was Saint Clarice of the Church of Telos.

“You are here, Yenica-senpai.”

“Ah, ah… Saintess. Thank you just now. Thanks to the Saint…”

“We have to take Ed away.”

Since time was tight, Clarisse started talking without hesitation. He, of course, was right after making sure that no one around him was listening.

“…yes?”

“Senior Ed is in a perfect state to use political words. Of course, senior Ed himself will behave well, but he is unconscious right now. I need time.”

Clarisse whispered while looking directly at Yenika.

“Public opinion of the Ross Taylor family is very bad among the affected nobles. My testimony and influence can calm negative public opinion, but it will only be a temporary phenomenon. For now, families have rebelled against the imperial authority.”

“That, that’s not true… Ed was the one who fought the most aggressively against the family head Crepin… The saintess also witnessed it, and Princess Penia as well as I saw it clearly…”

“Power, when necessary, twists even the truth.”

I know it better than anyone else because it is Clarice, who has lived at the pinnacle of power.

If Clarisse is determined and covers him, it will be a great help, but if the princess pops out from the other side, things get complicated. The moment the problem spreads due to the conflict between the imperial authority and the religious authority, the problem does not end with Ed Roth Taylor. That would probably have an adverse effect on Ed himself as well.

Ed Rosteyler’s position is very special.

Rather, it was a more noiseless and clean way to snatch any cause and bring Ed Roth Taylor to the castle.

“There is no reason why we should execute Ed.

“Ed senior is the person who inherited Ross Taylor’s blood most strongly.”

Perhaps starting with this incident, the vested interests within the imperial family will try to completely erase the traces of the Ross Taylor family.

Not only those who sat in important positions within the imperial family, but also those who had close ties to the Ross Taylor family should all resign from public office.

In order to fill such an empty seat with their own people, a fight between those in power will take place. There is no need to explain in words how much it means to have someone sit in a key position.

Then, from their point of view, it is better to get rid of the remnants of Ross Taylor. If a person appears who can take over Ross Taylor’s majesty and lead it, the power will not be reorganized and will just be maintained.

For this reason, those in power will never make this case ‘Krepin’s individual deviation’. There was a high possibility that it would necessarily expand and develop into a ‘problem for the entire Ross Taylor family’ and try to bring down all its power.

When power and prestige are high, everyone praises them and praises them, but when they see a corner to bring them down, they attack all at once like hyenas and bite them. It’s always a power struggle.

Saint Clarisse sat aloft at the top of the Holy See, and had seen quite a few such ugly words of power struggle. She was a high-ranking clergyman, so she was no different.

I didn’t want to be polluted by such reality logic, so I just kept my mind clean and always focused on prayer, but I’m not completely unaware of times when I was buried in power.

No one knows how the unconscious Ed will be used in this situation. However, Clarisse’s intuition whispered that it was ominous.

“So, if you take a chance and catch something that can be justified…”

“Just because it’s a success… will it be different…?”

Those were the words that one should never dare to say in front of a saint who represents the Church of Telos.

The reason she can say those words implying disbelief is because Jenika is not a Telosist.

“yes…?”

“I don’t think the saintess will try to take advantage of Ed or harm him. But… the opinions of those higher than the saintess may differ.”

Jenika is pure. That’s why she stabs the blind spot of the story without adding or subtracting.

In the Church of Telos, is there anyone with a higher rank than Saint Clarice? If I had to pick one, there was only one.

It was Holy Emperor Eldain.

A mouth-watering horse named Ed Roth Taylor came into his grasp, would you really greet him and let him leave the city after only treating his wounds and convalescent?

If you think about it common sense, it can’t be. Group decision-making is not determined by human emotions. It is a law that follows efficiency and rationality.

The high-ranking clergy are all controllable in Saint Clarisse, but not as much as Saint Eldain.

If Eldain has a different mind from Saint Claris, there is no good way to stop it in the Claris line.

However, Eldain’s character was not that wicked. Although he is well versed in real politics, he is not a man who sold his soul to the world. He is uneasy about having to lean on Jung… He thought that if Clarisse appealed directly, he would get it. He was a possibility worth walking through.

however… Jenika doesn’t believe in Eldain. It has to be.

Ed Rosteilor had the experience of being seriously injured in a fight with the apostles of Telos, and it was Saint Eldain who let it happen.

The figure Eldain showed at the Sylvania Academy was indecisive and compromising. Yenika was one of those who saw it up close.

“still….”

Clarice tried to say something, but was speechless for a moment.

When Yenica looked at Ed, who was reclining with Lucy, she tucked her chin in her thoughts.

Currently, the number of soldiers stationed at Ross Taylor Mansion is not very large. I’m exhausted from maintaining countless spirit corps for a long time, but I think I can do at least escaping with one Ed.

When the imperial army arrives and begins to enter Ross Taylor Mansion in earnest, it will gradually become more difficult to escape.

“Yenika senior… What are you thinking right now…?”

“Huh…”

At Clarisse’s sudden words, Yenica swallowed in vain. And she looked at Clarisse and smiled awkwardly.

Just by looking at her appearance, Clarisse could guess what Jenika was thinking.

“You’re not thinking…reckless, are you…?”

“In some cases…”

In Yenika’s opinion, at this point Ed should not fall into the hands of any powerful group.

It would be better for Yenika to run away with Ed and take him back to her homeland, Pulan.

Yenika’s hometown is a secluded mountain village far from power.

The residents are all kind-hearted, and it is a mountainous area with a lot of various medicinal herbs, and the air is good, so it is good for medical treatment. In addition, it is a mountainous area that is difficult to find, and if Jenika asks, the entire village will unanimously conceal Ed’s existence.

If that happens, there is no way the searchers will be able to find Ed even if they search for a hundred days. Because they couldn’t possibly know geography better than the locals.

Then no powerful group will be able to find Ed easily, so he will have time to slowly recover his body and mind and redefine his course of action.

“There may be some risk factors, but I have to take senior Ed to Seonghwangdo. I will take responsibility and watch over Ed’s situation so that it doesn’t become unstable. If I convey my opinion to Seonghwang with a will to die, I’m sure it will work. Yenika senior. It’s too risky to take responsibility alone.”

“I don’t think there’s anything dangerous. I can protect at least one part of myself.”

“Right now, Jenika-senpai is a hero. You’ll soon receive an imperial reward. If you do something unexpected like that… you’ll become a fugitive in an instant.”

“I can become a fugitive if need be. It doesn’t matter if it’s a hero or a reward.”

Yenica looked at the unconscious Ed and said so without hesitation.

The story is out of sync. Clarisse felt that way, and continued to speak in a more urgent tone.

“Yenika-senpai…!”

“Ed should run where no one can find him.”

I had to wrestle with it for so long. The atmosphere was unusual, and I felt as if the soldiers around me were staring at me.

It’s not a good story to hear from others, so Clarisse clung closer and whispered to Yenika.

“Actually, even if you say this and that… you’re selfish…! It’s a matter of people’s safety at stake…! It’s difficult to judge like that…!”

“Sah, selfishness… something like that…”

In fact, if there is any romance mixed in with the two of them escaping, it is not.

The times when Ed and I were sheltering from the rain in the cave under the cliff during the student council president election… The memory of her then remained as a beautiful memory to Ye Nika.

Memories of holding each other properly for the first time and seeing each other blushing come up, making your head hot.

In addition, Yenika’s character is unnecessarily honest. She’s terribly bad at lying.

“Ah, it’s not… not at all… but…”

“Hey, look at this…!”

“Th-what about the saintess who says that? Doesn’t she just want to escape with Ed and keep her under her control…?!”

“No way…!”

No, I have to answer with certainty.

Clarisse also had the experience of escaping with Ed dozens of times to escape from the spell of the Holy Spear Dragon, Velbroke.

Memories of giving words of comfort to Clarisse to the end, even after being crushed by a building, being crushed by a rock, and being beaten to death by scales, come to mind.

Heat rises in her face, but Clarisse quickly catches her breath.

And somehow, naturally, he succeeded in responding to Jenika’s words.

“That… can’t be…? No, it’s long!”

No, it didn’t work.

“That’s a lie!”

“Why would I lie about something like this! Do you think we would like to see the scenery while having refreshments together at the top of the tower…?”

“Why are you so specific…!!”

Yenica and Clarisse exchanging glances while holding their breath… He stayed silent for a while and went into a lull.

“I’m sorry, saintess. I must have been too excited.”

“Ah, no. Jenika-senpai. I’m sorry for raising my voice.”

After politely exchanging apologies to each other… Another moment of awkward silence passed.

“Anyway, I’ll escort senior Ed to the Seonghwangdo side. Since he threatened my safety, if it’s for the cause of holding a s*xual law trial once at Seonghwangdo Island… His recruit will be handed over…. Unless the Imperial family decides otherwise…”

“No… I think I should reconsider that…”

Is it Pulan, the land of pastoralism, or Carpeana, the saint?

… Of course, there was no narrowing of opinions between the two.

Again, each other looked at each other with ax eyes open, but it was a question that could not come out with an answer. Because there was no room for compromise between the two.

* * *

I feel like I’ve won a thousand horses.

After seeing Lortel’s face, Fenia thought.

Lortel is friendly with Ed Rosteyler. Although he is somewhat out of sync with Princess Penia, he is, after all, an enemy of an enemy, an ally.

Even if Lortel is a person who is obsessed with profit and doesn’t mind doing dirty work for the sake of friendly relations with the powerful… It’s a completely different story if Ed’s life is at stake.

Fenia and Lortel have a terrible relationship, but this time Lortel will side with Fenia.

That’s why Fenia spoke confidently.

“Ed Roth-Taylor should be treated as a hero. At the imperial level, he should be praised for his hard work, and he should be reinstated so that he can restore the ruined Roth-Taylor family. If he does, he will be able to restore the broken family.”

“Oh my God, Fenia. Are you saying that we should save the family that rebelled against the imperial family and almost overthrown it? Who can understand that?”

“Because the person who prevented the overthrow is also from the same family.”

After Fenia said that to Sellaha, she looked at Lortel, who was sitting still.

The reason why Lortel broke into the negotiating table between the princesses must have been to make her voice heard. Lortel Kecheln is a merchant who has gone through hardships and is a master negotiator.

I will make good use of my position and situation and present a compromise that can solve the situation as smoothly as possible. Because Ed’s life was at stake, not anyone else’s.

“Well, I don’t think the nobles who were held hostage at least won’t understand.”

“…yes?”

However, Lortel spoke the exact opposite of Fenia’s expectations.

No matter how cold-blooded she was for profit and personal connections, she thought that Ed Roth Taylor’s life was her own.

However, Lortel continued her story with an expression full of composure, as if asking what was going on.

“Rather, it would be politically more convenient for the princesses to let the Ross Taylor family completely retire. In the meantime, the Ross Taylor family held key positions in the imperial family, ruled like kings, and shared power.”

“As expected, talented people who lead this huge business at a young age have a different perspective.”

Sellaha looked at Lortel with a very satisfied expression. Fenia realized at this point.

Human relationships are a tightrope after all. Whose line to hold is the key.

Lortel sitting between Phenia and Selaha.

In the meantime, Lortel held Sellaha’s line.

Selaha gently closed and opened her eyes, as if it were natural. There isn’t even a bit of agitation.

If you ask who between the two of you do you think will be emperor, whoever will raise Selaha’s hand.

Even Penia couldn’t deny that fact. She lived her life without revealing her lust for power.

Normally, I wouldn’t think it was strange that Lortel was holding Sellaha’s strings, but… Anyway, matter is matter.

“Tackling Ed Roth Taylor at once on this opportunity will be beneficial in terms of strengthening the imperial authority in the future. He is a very shrewd and capable person. If we don’t take care of him now, he may become a big stumbling block in the future.”

“Lortel Kecheln.”

He coldly called out the girl’s name, but Lortel did not show even the slightest hint of agitation.

Rather, he smiled leisurely and spoke clearly to Princess Penia.

“Truth doesn’t always pay dividends. I’m a profit seeker.”

And talk about it with certainty.

“I just decided that opening up my relationship with Princess Selaha would be a bigger profit.”

“Do you think Jenika Failover and Lucy Meiril will stay still?”

“There are a lot of ways to keep the two of them silent. If we secure Ed Rosteyler’s recruit and hide it, we won’t be able to jump on the rampage. It’s enough if we get his life and death rights.”

A threat that could take Ed Rosteyler’s life at any moment. If that’s the case, the two won’t be able to move quickly.

However, if you really kill Ed Rosteyler… Even Lortel Kecheln’s own life would not be safe. There was no way that Lortel Kecheln was unaware of that fact.

If that’s the case, is it a story that he prepared some other additional means to subdue the two? Fenia couldn’t even imagine it.

“Lortel… you….”

Princess Penia felt anger welling up on her back.

In the first place, there was an awareness that Lortel Kecheln and human compatibility were not well suited.

Still, no matter how cold-blooded Lortel was, I thought there was a minimum line.

However, Lortel was a person who casually crossed even those lines for the sake of profit and power.

Was a merchant who became venomous to the bone such an abomination?

In response to that fact, Fenia’s cold eyes were directed straight at Lortel.

One day, towards Penia, who was in confusion in front of Tarkan… It was the look of contempt Lortel had shown.

This time, Fenia sends Lortel away with sincere contempt that will never be seen again.

Phenia and Lortel are humans running parallel lines. The two lines never meet.

Realizing that fact, Fenia let out a deep sigh.

Then he stood up and spoke clearly in a chilled tone.

“Don’t think I’ll stay still.”

Not wanting to talk any more, Fenia quietly turned and left the tent.

Her eyes glowing with anger do not match her nickname of the Princess of Kindness.

However, Fenia could not sit still.

“You have eyes to see people, so that’s why you were able to become such a big hand at such a young age.”

“The desire for power and the desire for success are natural human nature. Those who dare to hide such desires are those who cannot be trusted more. So it is only natural that I felt sympathy for Princess Selaha.”

After Fenia left, the atmosphere in the tent with only Lortel and Sellaha remaining was much relaxed.

Sellaha, who had always wanted to open up a relationship with Elte Firm, did not have such good news.

The fact that he openly took the side of Sellaha between Fenia and Selaha means that at least Lortel, who is in charge of Elte Firm, will not side with Fenia.

It is nagging to say how much this means in the imperial competition.

“If I were to ask which of the two would become the emperor more, I would definitely raise Princess Selaha’s hand.”

“Yes. Fenia lacks the qualities of an emperor. Although she is perfect as a benevolent princess.”

He took a bite of Sellaha tea and spoke sadly.

“Even Fenia should know. You can’t make an empire richer just by playing in a flower garden. A monarch is someone who follows his own path.”

“Living a life as a princess is also worthwhile. Princess Penia will know that too.”

“Yeah. It’s a good thing.”

Selahha smiled contentedly, then turned to Lortel and talked.

“Since the Elte Firm is on the side, it’s quite reliable. If I get the imperial power, I might dream of making the Old Deck West Port the site of the Elte Firm.”

“I’m just doing my best in my line. However, you can’t completely ignore Princess Penia.”

“Yes, I know it well. There are so many forces that support Penia.”

Selaha pursed her lips and took a moment to organize her thoughts. Lortel took advantage of that opportunity to set down the teacup and spoke in a soft tone.

“That’s right. So, taking Ed Rosteiler to the imperial family recklessly can be a handshake. It’s the place where Princess Selaha’s power and influence is the strongest, but at the same time, it’s also where Princess Penia’s voice is stronger, isn’t it? “

“Penia lost a lot of her strength while attending Sylvania Academy.”

“However, there is also a variable called Princess Persica. Anyway, if you are thinking of using Ed Roth Taylor as an ingredient for the dispute over the imperial power, the act of bringing him into a place where there are competing runners may rather provide new faults and excuses.”

“Yeah… that level of risk… I was estimating…”

Lortel speaks quietly, slowly, in a whisper. The voice that gradually permeated Princess Selaha’s ears was irresistible.

He was the one who openly sided with Selaha, even in front of Fenia, the princess of loving-kindness. He has already crossed a river of no return.

The words that such a girl, in a sincere tone, uttered as if seducing.

“In addition, the variables of Jenika Failover and Lucy Meiril are harder to control than you think. They are more powerful and demanding than Princess Selaha thinks. You have to hide it, and give it the nuance that you can take his life at any moment.”

“Huh…”

“If you openly reveal the fact that he exists in the imperial family, it’s rather a handshake. They’re humans who can break through the front gate of the imperial family if cornered.”

Selaha also confirmed the powerlessness of Yenika and Lucy. I know very well that Lortel’s words are not completely absurd.

Even if they borrowed the authority of the lofty Chloel Imperial Family, they were opponents that could not be easily subdued. Although he was aware of that fact, he did not even think that he would break down the imperial gates and enter, leaving behind the authority of the empire and his future life.

“Then it would be more appropriate to hide the man somewhere other than the imperial family. In a place where no one can easily find it.”

“Princess Sellaha.”

Lortel’s voice continues to permeate.

Since she grew up, she has grown up going back and forth in numerous negotiations… price of negotiations

“If you go all the way along the western bay of Oldeck, a commercial city, you will find a wide open area with a lot of large warehouses.”

However, there is a paper difference between a negotiator and a cheater.

She is an excellent negotiator, but also a born con artist.

Negotiation or fraud?

It is the quality of a colossus to play between those ambiguous boundaries and hold a contract.

“It’s mainly a place where trade products that come and go across the continent are loaded, and the warehouse complex is very large as the trade scale of Oldeck is large. I don’t know what’s in it. I don’t go near the warehouse unless it’s the owner.”

“Oh, is that so…”

“It’s just that it’s so big that people get lost inside once a week. Who cares what’s inside those warehouses? Nobody cares. Whether it’s fruit destined for the West, Whether it’s clothing, books, or minerals…”

Lortel smiled and hinted.

“Or a person.”

Needless to say who that person was.

“If you can manage Ed Roth Taylor’s recruits in such a secret way, it will be advantageous in many areas. Depending on the political situation in the future, if it becomes ambiguous to publicly stake him for political gain, it is said that he died of excessive blood loss after being poisoned or strangled. It could be disguised. Even if there was controversy over his death, it would have been if the Elte Company took over, and Princess Selaha wouldn’t take the risk.”

“Oh, you mean it doesn’t matter if the Elte Corporation is accused of all things?”

“We live on a relationship of trust. And we want to form a new relationship of trust with Princess Selaha. This is the confirmation process.”

It means that when such a time comes, he thinks that Princess Selaha will cover it well. It’s a stance that seems to put itself in a disadvantageous position. It is natural that there is a difference between status and authority.

While helping each other like that, it even implies the meaning of continuing a long-term symbiotic relationship.

There is no other relationship as trustworthy as a relationship where both of you hold on to each other’s weaknesses.

“If you’re going to do something big, risk management is important. It’s what we do best.”

The three-inch tongue of the merchant slowly rides into Sellaha’s ear.

He sided with Selaha even while antagonizing Penia.

She understands the weight of power better than anyone else, and is ready to sell even her soul for profit.

“Would you like to buy it?”

Selaha responded by gently pushing up the corner of her mouth.

Lortel, smiling quietly under her robes, nodded and stood up.

“――Then, Ed Ross Taylor’s new recruit will be guided by us, Elte Firm, and brought to the Old Deck.”

When I wake up, everything I want is in my hands.

If anyone in the world gets caught on that three-inch tongue, they will go over as if possessed and bring the treasure in their hands as an offering. Misunderstanding that this is a reasonable choice.

That’s how scammers prey on their scapegoats.

Ed Rosteylor takes you to the old deck.

Lortel left the tent shaking off the hem of her robe… He was smiling sinisterly like a fox.

* * *

“…”

Lortel, who came out to the central garden to check on Ed’s condition, was speechless.

First of all, I swallowed in vain when I saw Ed, who had completely lost his mind, but I did not lose my reason.

Lortel’s ability to maintain composure cannot be matched by anyone in the world.

It was more troublesome to see Jenika and Clarisse fighting each other with their eyes raised.

Even if you listen to the story for a while, you can roughly guess the reason why they are fighting.

“Uh, uh…”

“Lortel…senpai…?”

Seeing Lortel appear on the scene, Clarisse and Yenika held their breath.

Just looking at the scene made my head throb.

This… It’s not an easy fight.