Chapter 98
Almost Even
The magical enchantment on the magic stone was successfully completed.
Even so, we decided to observe for a little longer, so we stayed in Tori for a few more days.
Today, Leo and Mirco had meetings with the lord and the Third Knight Squad captains, so with free time on my hands, I decided to watch the knights’ training.
“The sweat that glimmers, the serious expressions, the large hands gripping the swords, the strong arms… knights are really all so cool…”
“…I know. Their broad, dignified backs, their brave posture. I want to become like that soon…”
“You definitely can.”
Almin was next to me, watching the training together.
Ah… truly wonderful. What a privilege. Such a feast for the eyes.
I felt like I might drool, so we both quickly wiped our mouths.
“…!”
“?”
Almin had seemed to respond to the voice that slipped from my heart, but suddenly he snapped back to reality, startled, and stepped a little away from me.
“Is something wrong?”
“No! Unlike you, I just admire the knights, okay!?”
“…? Of course, I understand.”
Could it be that Almin hadn’t even noticed that his inner voice had slipped out?
He’s so cute.
I really feel a sense of closeness to Almin. But he doesn’t need to be so embarrassed.
Knights are truly magnificent, wonderful, and noble beings… ah, I want to talk more with him about them.
Well, I used to keep my admiration secret too, so I understand how he feels.
“Brother! Rick! I want to see you two in a sparring match!”
Yotti and Rick were training with the Third Knight Squad, but seeing them, Almin suddenly dashed forward and shouted.
“Eh? With Rick?”
“Brother and Rick… who’s actually stronger?”
“Obviously me.”
“No, it’s me.”
“You wouldn’t stand a chance without magic!”
“That’s not true.”
“Then, shall we fight!?”
“Bring it on.”
“Yay!”
“…Well.”
It seemed like the two of them had been completely led on by Almin…
But it was my first time seeing Yotti and Rick spar. So I was a little excited.
“What’s going on?”
“Apparently, Rick and Yotti are going to spar.”
“Oh, this will be interesting! Hey, everyone, come watch!”
The other knights stopped their training and gathered around.
“No magic allowed.”
“Fine. Someone like you doesn’t need magic anyway.”
“Heh, don’t cry later.”
“You’re the one.”
“…!”
The two glared at each other in a tense standoff, but Yotti was the first to move.
She drew her sword and swiftly swung it toward Rick.
“…!”
It looked dangerous, and I gripped my hands, but Rick quickly drew his sword and blocked it.
The clanging sound of steel echoed around.
“You’re quite skilled for such a small frame.”
“I’m not small! You’re just unnecessarily bulky!”
I had seen Yotti training under Mirco before, but now she seemed even quicker.
Her movements were agile, perfectly balancing strength and technique.
The clash of their swords made her movements look like a beautiful dance.
Ah… amazing.
“What’s wrong, Rick? Can’t manage without magic?”
“Huh? Who said that? I’m holding back because it’s in front of my little brother.”
“What?”
“If I lose too quickly, Almin would feel bad.”
“…You said that!!”
Provoked by Rick’s words, Yotti swung her sword in a wide arc.
If anything happened, I was ready to use healing magic immediately…
But I didn’t want either of them to get hurt if I could avoid it.
…Of course, knights always risk their lives in battle, and even in training, injuries can happen.
The Third Knight Squad, Almin, and I—everyone was so absorbed in watching them that we forgot to breathe.
Clang――――
Rick narrowly dodged Yotti’s sword and immediately countered.
Rick’s slightly larger and thicker sword deflected Yotti’s blade.
…Did Yotti lose?
For a moment, the air felt so frozen it was almost silent.
“…Tch.”
Rick, who should have won, clicked his tongue, and then blood trickled down his cheek.
“A draw, perhaps?”
“Yeah, let’s leave it at that for today.”
Rick still held his sword, and Yotti picked up a dagger, ready to continue.
They could go on if they wanted, but who knows how far it would escalate.
It was better to end it here.
“You two were amazing!”
It was thrilling and nerve-wracking, but there was no denying their skill.
Their swordsmanship was like art, but it also had fiery determination and an unyielding will.
They really are exceptional knights, perfectly suited to be the saint’s bodyguards…!
“Rick, let me see your cheek.”
“Huh? It’s fine, it’s just a little.”
“No! I’ll properly heal it!”
While Yotti retrieved her fallen sword, I moved my hand to heal Rick’s cheek.
“…Amazing.”
Behind me, Almin quietly whispered,
“You two are really incredible…!! This is the power of the First Knight Squad!!”
Rick’s wound healed instantly.
When I looked at Almin, his eyes were sparkling with hope and excitement.
“Brother! Rick! Train me too!!”
“Ah, maybe next time.”
“When will that be?!”
“You can practice swinging a stick over there for now.”
In terms of sword skill, they were almost evenly matched. Both were sweating, clearly tired.
“Sibel.”
“Leo, Mirco.”
At that moment, Leo and Mirco arrived, probably finishing their meetings.
“What’s going on?”
“I was watching the knights’ training.”
“Watching again, huh.”
“Hehe, it was wonderful, but we’ll stop here.”
Since Leo had come to get me, fully satisfied from watching such a wonderful display, I returned indoors with him.
Writing Yotti and Rick’s interactions is so fun (*´`)♡
Right now, you can read the first six chapters of the comic adaptation for free on PASH!UP without registering!! Amazing!!
You can see Sibel back when she was more innocent (?). Don’t miss it!
https://pash-up.jp/content/00002552
Chapter 7 updates on Tuesday the 16th. It’s a masterpiece, so look forward to it ᕙ( ˙꒳˙ )ᕗ
