Whats wrong, whats wrong! You arent mustering up enough strength for the sword!

Squeak, squeak! The swords ground against each other, making the grating sound of metal on metal.

The good-hearted Ryle was currently instructing the knights on technique in the form of combat.

On the other side, I was dealing with the people from the military.

how did things come to this!

Yesterday I did carry out a stimulated battle against Masterwell, more like a depressurizing session for him!

I dont know why, but the people from the military and the knights were watching us from the distance as we fought.

Unlike when we previously attended the capitals stimulated battles, this time their eyes carried a slight hint of respect and fear.

Well. At the time I thought that being watched was no big deal, so I just ignored it. But today someone ran over and asked me directly whether Id be willing to compare our skills in a battle.

Master said that it was good to at least humor them, so I accepted with the thought that it would at least be a good way to waste some time.

but now its clear that this isnt a stimulated battle at all. Were just helping them train.

I dont know when Ryle started getting invested, but it felt like he wasnt really fighting a worthy opponent, but more just training the Armenia troops!

For such a rare opportunity, he could have picked way better opponentsI occasionally also wanted to really have a serious joust with people aside from Ryle and Master!

Suddenly, I felt someones eyes on me.

Just in time for me to knock the sword out of my opponents hand. Let me confirm who was watching me.

Hmm, that person was the son of the knight orders leader. His name seemed to be Dawson? Whatever, names didnt matter. But that asshole was definitely one of the people who treated my lady disrespectfully!

Why, why is he staring down me and Ryle right now, with a look on his face like he wants to say something?

Even as these questions popped up in my mind, that bastards existence itself was making me angry. Best to just pretend I didnt realize it was him and focus on fighting.

could you instruct me in a stimulated match?

Just as I concluded my previous match, Dawson ran over to ask me.

His actions seemed to sink the knight order into a strange panic. Seems like they were worried about how I would respond to him!

Hm, all right.

I responded casually, planning on extinguishing the concerns of the men. But hearing his response, I could no longer stay calm.

If I win, please let me meet the daughter of Duke Armenia.

What was this guy saying?

What did you just say?

Exactly what I meantI just hope that you might allow me to see her once.

Im just a guard. How could I bring something like that up to my lady?

Ive already sent a request to meet to the Dukes family, but I was rejectedeveryone on the outside knows that she trusts you deeply. If you intervened, you could potentially arrange a meeting.

trust and such isnt a relevant issue here. Why is it that we, who respond to our lady, have any responsibility to do this kind of work for people like you!

Thats why I said, if I win

Interesting.

Heh heh. My heart was already filled with anger!

What did he want from my lady?

Did he want to harass her again, or try to get close to heror is it that only now he remembers to apologize for what he did beforehand!

No matter which it is, now that were at this point, how could I allow any of them!

Ryle wont do, but you think that you can defeat me, is that it? Huh. Get started! If I win, youre not allowed to so much as approach the lady!

The judge seemed confused, but still sent out the signal for the match to begin.

So, how was I going to teach this bastard a lesson now.

Right now my heart was filled with anger for him. Ah, even my body felt restless. How long had it been since I got so angry?

Licking my lips, I focused my thoughts on how to best beat this asshole before me down. Ah, probably in a way that the military and knight order wouldnt stop me.

but, it seemed like I was thinking too hard. My body moved reflexively!

In a single moment.

A single moment reflex, and I knocked my opponents sword out of his hand.

Che. I was planning on toying with him a little longer before pushing him to the edge. Whatever.

Last time Ryle had gone too soft. This time it was my turn to really beat him up!

Thinking this, I didnt stop and didnt soften my blow as it descended upon my opponent. But

What the hell is this, Ryle!

Calm down, Dida.

For some reason, Ryle had stopped my sword.

Im very calm, so dont stop me. If you understand, get out of the way.

You dont understand at all.

Damn, now I was riled up! This guy who always kept our lady at the top of his priorities was now standing up for this guy who had hurt her. I thought he was a reliable warrior, but what was he thinking now?

If you keep protecting that guy, I wont spare even you.

All right. Then come at me.

As we spoke, I poured more force into the sword in my hand. But even so, Ryle didnt back down. Instead he responded by increasing the force of his hand as well.

Open your eyes and look closely, Dida, Ryle said as he blocked my sword.

Huh, what am I supposed to be looking at?

As I said this, I couldnt speak anymore, because I saw Dawson, who was sitting behind Ryle on the ground.

That moment, my sword arm dropped.

Why did you stop?

The question came from none other than Dawson himself.

I should be the one asking here. Why do I have to help you make your wish come true!

that

Take a look at yourself, how pathetic you look. Che, what a disappointment.

W-wait a minute

Dawson shouted at us, seeing that we were about to leave the battlegrounds.

But I didnt plan to listen to him, so I didnt turn around.

If even you wont punish me, who should I ask to punish me?!

What the hell was he saying? I couldnt help myself and walked back to him.

And then, I pulled out my sword and stabbed downwards. Even though it hadnt been edged yet, it plummeted straight into the ground.

Stop playing around here.

I announced this curtly, staring Dawson down.

Who you should ask for punishment? Who the hell knowsthe cause-and-effects between us are no longer straightforward enough to count out.

Being able to apologize and have all mistakes forgivenhow could something that ideal happen!

Experience regret with full sincerity, taste that bitterness thoroughly.

Blame yourself deeply, imprint that punishment into your heart.

And then really experience it. Our anger, our ladys sadness.

After saying this, I left the battlegrounds for good, without looking back.

Ryle didnt seem to have any issue with what I had done, and left alongside me.

And then, we began our own training anew.