Shirone the Maiden of Swords

　A bonfire is burning in the large square in front of the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Velos at dusk, brightening up the square as night is soon to fall.
　Many people have gathered in the square.
　Many of the people gathered are armed warriors.
　The warriors have gathered around us in the center of the square.
　I look at the girl in front of me.
　She has beautiful red hair in a ponytail and looks very active.
　The girl's name is Charis.
　She is a warrior who wears a bikini armor and believes in Amazona, the goddess of battle.
　She carries a one-handed battle axe on her shoulder and has a fearless smile on her face.
　I had to take the match with her.
　At first I was going to refuse, but she asked me to insist and I couldn't refuse.

'Miss ----!　Keep up the good work: ----!
I'm rooting for you!　Miss Charis: ----!
Miss Charis: -----!

　A group of half-naked, nimble warriors cheer Karis on.
　Probably a warrior under the command of her father, Red Bear Arcus.
　Even from the side, you can tell that they are warriors of Thors, the god of power and battle.
　The warriors cheered even more when Karis waved her hand in support of the warriors.
　She seems to be quite popular with the warriors.
　Karis is quite a pretty girl.
　And she's wearing a bikini armor that seems to please the men.
　In fact, some of the men who support Karis seem to look at her favorably.
　But the person in question doesn't seem to notice or is smiling innocently.

It's a good idea to have a good time. Good luck~
I'll do my best. Mr. White.
Hang in there. Syrone-san.
Hang in there. White.

　I hear my friends cheering me on.
　I respond with a wave in their direction.
　So far, it seems that my friends are the only ones who are really cheering me on.
　In the meantime, there are others who are supporting me, but that's just a matter of betting.
　I can hear my crony warriors asking which one to bet on.
　I'm rooting for the warriors who bet on me to win me.
　I'm not happy to be cheered on as a betting target, to say the least.

'Heh heh. Thanks for taking the win. It's my first time. It's the first time I've met a girl my own age who's a warrior.

　Karis speaks to him happily.
　There aren't many female warriors in this world.
　I look at the group of warriors cheering her on.
　They are all men, to be sure. Maybe she doesn't have any girl friends her own age.
　I felt a little sorry for her.

'Well then!　Let's go...!

　Karis comes at me with his axe at the ready.
　He's fast.
　He takes my back in a flash.
　I feel Karis try to hit me with the one that doesn't have the blade of the axe on it.
　The crowd says, "Oh! The crowd cheered.
　But there's no way the game will be decided that easily.
　I move a little.

"Eh?

　Karis' surprised voice as she swung her axe.
　Naturally. Because the blow that I thought would definitely hit, ended up empty.

'Let's get rid of it!

　As it is, Karis moves quickly around me and swings her axe in all directions.
　But I avoid all of them.
　Karis, who has been able to avoid all attacks, moves away from me for a moment.

''Great, no attacks hit me at all.

　Caris says happily.
　He looks like he's having some fun even though he's losing.

'You can come for real. I'll take you up on it.

　I sit back and take a stance to draw my sword. In truth, I'm confident that I'll win without using my sword.
　But I wanted to show her that I was serious for a moment.

''Really?　Then I'm serious.

　Karis says with a laugh, and the tattoos on her skin start to move like blood.
　It's the inspiration of the beast.
　Amazona warriors can be inspired by beasts just as well as Tolles warriors.
　I didn't think Karis was already inspired by beasts, even though she looked quite young.
　Karis's eyes change to look like those of a feline animal.
　Perhaps it is the inspiration of a leopard that she has gained.
　Not as powerful as a bear or wolf, but quicker and more supple.
　The beast's psychic sense is in danger of going out of control and becoming a berserker if she continues to use it.
　But I'm going to end it before it goes out of control.

''Haaaaaaah!

　She moves, inspired by the panther, three times faster than the one she just moved.
　Charis runs around the square in all directions.
　The crowd shouts in amazement.
　An ordinary person in this world would not be able to see through these movements.
　But I can see through it.
　Charis's axe is closing in on me.
　I move my body slightly to the side and draw my sword to match her movement.
　And then we cross.
　I hear the axe leave Karis's hand and fall between us as we cross.
　The next thing I know, I feel Karis has fallen.
　A loud shout goes up from the crowd.
　The battle had ended with my victory.





Remus, a member of the Red Bear Warriors

　The two of us are in a room in the mansion where the Red Bear Warriors are staying.
　The room is large, with a couch in it.
　The king prepared this room for Karis.
　I'm very happy that the king has given me this room.
　He says it's like being a princess in a fairy tale I once read.
　We usually live in the open air.
　As such, we don't have such a fine place to sleep. So, compared to that, it would not be an exaggeration to call her a princess.
　I'm sitting on the bunk beside Karis.

''Are you okay?　Charis?

　I call out to Karis, who had been sleeping earlier.
　Karis has fallen down after losing a battle with the sword maiden.
　I'm shocked that that strong Karis was no match for me at all.
　Karis is strong.
　Even a grown man's warrior can't beat him.
　The only person stronger than Charis in the same warrior group is the leader.
　He's the same age as me, but he's already treated as a top-notch warrior.
　Well, in this case, I'm probably too weak.

''Don't worry!　I'm fine!　Remus is a worrier!

　He waved his hand at me as he woke up the state that Karis wasn't worried.
　I actually looked at the condition of Karis' body, but there was no trauma.
　Perhaps the sword maiden was tame.

''That's good, though: ......

　I can't help but worry about Karis, even though I know she's okay.

''Hmph, hmph.''

　Karis looks at me like she's enjoying my situation.

'Huh? What is it?　Charis?　Is there something on my face?
Don't worry about it~. But she was still so strong. I didn't think there was another girl like me who was that strong. Remus is right, it's a big world.

　Karis doesn't seem to be too disappointed with the loss.
　I'm sure she's happy that there are girls who are stronger than her.
　I didn't think there was a girl stronger than Karis either.
　Karis was so strong from the first time I met her.
　I remember the first time I met her.
　It was three years ago when I met Karis.
　A demon had destroyed my country and I was wandering around on the run when Karis picked me up.
　In other words, Karis saved my life.
　Since then, I've been working as a member of the Red Bear Warriors.

I know. It's a big world.

　Me and Karis laugh at each other.

'Speaking of which, what's going on with you guys?'

　Caris looks around and says.

'Oh, then we've all gone for a drink. The king will prepare all the meals for us while we're here.'
'Yeah. Aren't you going to Remus?
I'm a stay-at-home kinda guy. I'm the lowly guy.

　I'm the lowest rank in the warrior corps.
　I mainly do the chores of the warband.
　In the warrior corps, the strongest ones are the best. I'm not a fan of the warrior corps, but I'm a fan of the weak who can't fight.

Remus is the underdog. ...... Remus can read, he's smart, and he's useful to the corps, but ....... I'm still not convinced. I'll tell my dad next time.

　Charis looks at me seriously.
　I'm the only one in the warband who can read.
　I was born into a reasonably wealthy family and had the opportunity to learn to read and write.
　That's why I do things like the secretary of the Red Bear Warband.
　It's not the most appreciated thing.
　That doesn't seem to frustrate Karis.
　By the way, there were others who could read, but they were treated poorly, so they would leave the group.

'No, it's fine. Karis. I'm happy with my current position.

　I'll stop Charis.
　The warriors won't be happy if I do. Considering Charis's position, this has to stop.

"Yes, if Remus says so: ......

　Still, Karis is not happy.
　'I need you to be in a good mood somehow.

'Yes. 'Yes, I got a book that was on sale in this country yesterday. It looks very interesting and I will share it with you.
'Really?　Then let's hear it.

　Charis's eyes sparkle.
　The only thing she was taught to do was to fight, but she finds the stories she learns from my books very interesting.
　She is very eager to know that there is a world she does not know.
　She's like a child.
　As I tell her about my book, we get to know each other very well.
　Karis sits down next to me.
　She's dressed so revealingly that her skin flutters against my arm.
　She doesn't care what I'm doing, and she's waiting for me to tell her about it.
　I've been looking at Karis lovingly.



The black-haired wise man Chiyuki.

　Night has fallen and the dark curtain covers the kingdom of Velos.
　A bonfire is lit and stalls are set up in front of the Royal Palace of Velos.
　It's like a little festival.
　In the square seen from underneath the balcony of the palace, warriors can be seen cavorting in the square.
　It must be very hard for the knights and soldiers who patrol the streets to maintain security.
　Ekaras, the king, has gone with his guards to check on the warriors. That's why he's not here. It's hard work.
　By the way, we remain in the royal palace as it is and receive hospitality.
　A sumptuous meal and drinks are served, and a beautiful dancer delights our eyes.
　A bard sings and echoes a song in praise of the brave.
　We take our time to enjoy the food and drinks.

'Thanks for your help. Sirone.

　I give Shirone a labored voice after the fight with Karis.

''Indeed, Chiyuki-san. I might be a little tired. I had to be careful not to hurt you.''

　Sirone says to me as she sips her fruit wine.
　Come to think of it, I think Sirone wasn't very good at going easy on me.
　Would Charis be okay now?

Hey, is she okay?

　Reno, who may have thought the same thing as I did, makes a worried sound.

''That's true~. It could be that he's dead by now.
Hey!　Hey!　Guys!　I was going easy on him!　It must be okay!

　Cyrone hurriedly lets out a protest.
　Then Reno and Nao start laughing.
　I laugh a little too. It's because I found it amusing to see how upset Shirone is.

Don't tease her too much, Reno and Nao. You must feel sorry for him,

　Rage chided them both as he accepted the fruit wine from the beautiful woman who served him.

'It really is!　Mr. Raige!　Tell her more!

　Cyrone says in a huff.

'I bet that girl will be fine. I have faith in Sirone's skills, you know.
Mr. Rage: "Mr. Rage: ......

　Cyrone is impressed by what Rage says.
　Totally this guy has a good mouth.
　I pick up the prepared snack with chopsticks.
　I picked the white fish fritters.
　The freshly fried kolomo are crispy and delicious.
　Suddenly, there is a cheer from outside.
　I look outside and see a group of clowns juggling in the middle of the square.
　I wonder if the echalas have called them.

Wow. Sounds like fun.

　Reno leans out from the balcony and looks at the clowns.

'Heh, that's a pretty good move,'

　Rage compliments the clowns on their moves.
　The clowns jump up and down and do several somersaults in the air. It is impossible for an ordinary person to move like that.
　They must have had a lot of practice.

'Huh?　What's coming up?

　Nao points to a clown in a white costume holding a sword and a clown in a black costume through the crowd to come out.
　Then the clown in the most flamboyant costume starts to sing loudly.
　His voice sounds good, and it sounds so far better.

'With the black storm comes the army of the devil~and he who leads it is a noble dark knight~'

　Then a clown in a black costume starts dancing.
　Perhaps that clown is dressed as a dark knight.

''A brave man of light challenges you~ but you are no match for a strong dark knight~''

　A clown in a white outfit begins to get beaten up by a clown in a black outfit.
　The white clown begins to run away from the black clown in a comical manner.
　The audience starts laughing at the hilarity of his appearance.

'Hey!　This!

　Shirone, who was watching the clowns' impromptu play, shouted out the content of the play.
　That's right, the clowns' play made a mockery of Rage.

''The brave man of light is chased by a noble dark knight and runs away~''

　A clown in a flamboyant costume sings happily.
　The black clown chases the white clown around the clown in his flamboyant costume.
　The clown is miserable and runs away with crying motions.

'What the hell was that!　You're making fun of Mr. Rage!

　Reno shouts angrily.

'Calm down, guys!　But who the hell are you anyway?

　Rage jumps off the balcony and heads for the clown. We rush after him, too.
　When we get down to the plaza, the crowd surprises us and clears the way.
　When they see us, the clowns stop the play and look at us.

'Well, well, well, brave man of light. This is the first time I've seen you~. I'm Xand the Clown. I wonder how the improvised play went~

　The clown in the most flamboyant costume bows to us.

'Quite an interesting play, isn't it? And? What do you mean by that?

　Rage asks with a laugh.
　His face is smiling, but this is quite angry.

'It's obvious~. I'm making fun of you~'

　The clown who called himself Xand said this and Rage drew his sword.
　The movement was instantaneous. Xand's head falls off with a plop.
　A scream goes up from the crowd that sees it.

''Hey! Mr. Raige! You don't just kill someone out of the blue!

　I can't get any information out of this.

"That's terrible~. You can't just shoot your head off like that~

　However, the clown picked up his head as if nothing had happened and put it back in place as it was.
　Come to think of it, there was no blood spraying out. Maybe it's not a living thing.

''I just realized it!　You're the one who's been watching me this whole time!　I'll never forget that creepy feeling!

　Nao points to Xand.
　Apparently, it was this guy who had been watching us these days.
　It finally appeared in front of us.

''That's right~. You guys don't come around very often~. Kuna-sama is very angry~. Kyahahahahahahahaha.''

　What's funny is that Xand starts laughing like a madman.

'Kuna. ....... Hmmm, you. Are you her messenger?

　Cyrone steps forward and draws his sword.
　Although I can't see it in her eyes, there seems to be an aura of anger emanating from her.

''Kukuku, that's right~. Kuna-sama is my goddess~. Hahahahaha~. Kuna-sama~

　His neck flies happily through the air. His breathing is sickening.

'Chiyuki-san. I feel so sick.

　Reno hides behind my back.

'Yes, I feel the same way.'

　I look at Xand the Clown. The White Silver Witch must be evil to have such a creepy guy under her command.

"Kuna. "Kuna, the silver-haired girl from the fight. It's an honor to have that beauty waiting for me. Tell her I'll be right there.

　Rage smiles wryly. He looks like he's enjoying this situation.

''Of course I am~. I'll have some sweets ready and waiting for you~. But if it's any later than this, this is what people in this country might become~. Kyahahahahahahaha.

　As he says this, Zand and the clowns under his command float up into the sky.
　The clowns swell up as they rise to the surface.
　The spectators below run away from the situation as the clowns are about to burst.
　Then the bodies of the clowns burst like crackers.
　A lot of ribbons came out from inside.
　It seems that the clowns were not all living creatures.

Hurry up and come here~. I'll be waiting for you~. Kyahahahahahahahahahahahaha.''

　Zand's voice rang out in the empty air.
　We couldn't help but be stunned by the situation.