Chapter 72: The Leadup
"Are you sure you can handle this, Ajuka?" Sirzechs asked slightly doubtfully, looking wearily at Ajuka.
The duo were standing in the room where Ajuka spent most of his time - usually either staring at a computer screen or experimenting with one of the many 'junk' items scattered around the messy room.
"You don't need to be concerned," Ajuka just replied, his tone slightly distracted as he was largely paying attention to the computer in front of him.
"He challenged me to a duel," Sirzechs shot back, his tone lightly annoyed at Ajuka not giving him his full attention, "Publicly, and one that's being endorsed by Zekram Bael. I couldn't just decline."
A few days prior, Zekram had made the smart move of advertising the 'Beast King v. Strongest Maou' duel to the noble families prior to even asking Sirzechs. Now, if the Maou declined it would look as if he was backing down and pulling out of the fight.
If Falbium or Serafall, or even Ajuka, had been in his situation, it wouldn't have been a big deal. Falbium was known for being lazy, Serafall's unique personality was well known, and Ajuka not caring for much other than inventing or experimenting these days was also public knowledge.
However, Sirzechs' wasn't known for his general capabilities like Falbium, or being a naturally loveable woman who excelled at dominating foreign affairs like Serafall, or for being a super-genius inventor like Ajuka.
Instead, he was known for being powerful. Where the other Maou had specific characteristics that justified their positions, the only resume Sirzechs needed was his power.
He was a national deterrent just from existing. Every being far and wide knew how powerful he was, and there was only a handful of beings from any faction that would dare to challenge him. His reputation gained his faction a lot of influence, and for that reason, he couldn't back down.
If he declined the duel, it would look as if he were afraid to fight the Beast King. Such an interaction would make Valon become more feared, thus giving him more influence, while Sirzechs would lose a lot of influence for both himself and the devil faction.
The alliance would suddenly lean in the Beast King's favor, even when his land, army, and strength were inferior.