Iris kept her head down and didn't answer.
　It's true that there is a difference between wanting to protect everything as a knight and wanting to become strong in order to take revenge.
　But I thought that Iris had both of these conflicting goals in mind.
　Iris lets out a deep breath. Then she opened her mouth quietly.

I want to avenge my father.　I want to avenge my father's ...... death.
"No, I don't think so.
What?

　Iris looks up and rolls her eyes.
　You might have thought that seeking power for revenge would be denied to you.
　But I'm not going to deny it. Everyone has their own reasons for seeking power.

If you want to be strong to protect someone, I'll support you. If you just want to be strong to get revenge, I won't deny it. It is very important for a person to have a reason to be strong. No matter what the reason is.
...... I thought you were going to deny it.
If you think that, it's because you think it's wrong, at least in your mind, isn't it?
Huh!

　When Iris hears my words, she has a huffy expression on her face.
　It's not that she doesn't realize it - the fact that she thought I was going to deny it means that Iris is not positive about revenge, at least not yet.
　And yet, the feeling has not disappeared from her mind.
　The two conflicting feelings--they become a hindrance to Iris' growth.

I'm not going to deny the reasons for being strong, but I do think we should choose.
Do you choose ......?
Yes. If you really want to be strong, you should first let go of your doubts. I think you should choose whether you want to become strong to carry on your father's will or to avenge him.

　Iris looked puzzled.
　Choosing one or the other--I'm not asking you to choose one or the other.
　Being strong to protect someone is the right thing to do. I don't think it's wrong to be strong for revenge either.
　However, if I were teaching, I would not make students choose the latter path. This is only as a swordsmanship teacher.
　If Iris is aiming to become the "strongest" knight, I think she should take whichever path she wants to take.

If you don't choose ......, you won't get stronger?
I don't think so, but I do think it's at least a hindrance to you becoming stronger. I think there is a subconscious hesitation to be strong.
Hesitation: ......?
Yes. I guess you could say that you want to be strong and protect everyone, but you also feel bad that you want to take revenge by being strong. I don't think you have a strong desire for revenge.
"So I should abandon my desire to avenge my father's death, right, ......?
It's up to you, Iris. If you want to become stronger by choosing that path, then swing your sword with that will. In short, you need to blow it off. I think you can still grow.
...... You don't tell me what to do, do you, Schweizer?
The only advice I can give you as a teacher is that you should not swing your sword for revenge. That's the way of Shura.

　I have seen such people many times.
　I once cut down all of them and became a "sword saint".
　The hesitation does not disappear from Iris's face.

...... Honestly, it's not an easy decision to make. I'm not sure what to make of it.
What?

　That was the first I had heard of it.
　Garlo was killed in front of Iris, and yet here she was, alive.

I couldn't see his face, but I remember the voice of the man who killed him. "I couldn't see his face, but I remember the voice of the man who killed him. I can't forget that.
"......

　But still, Iris looks straight at me and declares.

But if I had to choose, I'd rather swing my sword to protect someone else.

　That's what Iris said she wanted. There is a difference between saying it and making up your mind.
　But Iris's words and expression were full of determination.
　Despite her hesitation, she knew what she had to do.
　For Iris, what she needed more than anything was to decide on a reason to be strong.

(I'm still a neophyte as a teacher when I don't realize that from the start.

　(I'm still a novice as a teacher, too, if I don't realize that from the beginning.) ...... Well, it's no wonder she's not a skilled mind reader.
　Now she will be able to wield her sword with less distraction.
　Tomorrow, she might be able to clear the first stage.
　As I was thinking like that.

"......, just for your information, let me ask you this. What are you thinking about when you swing your sword?

　Iris asks me such a question.
　The reason I swing my sword is simple.

Yes, I do. I want to be comfortable in the future.


"...... easy?　Easy is, uh, ......?

　Iris looks a little puzzled.
　Do I really need to explain this? I thought so, but then Iris looked like she understood and started laughing.

If that's the reason why you can become as strong as Dr. Schweizer, then no one will have any trouble.
"Hmm, is that so?
You're the kind of person who can joke about these things.
Well, maybe it's because I'm just a kid.
You're not childish at all.

　That's not childish at all." Iris interrupts me.
　In my case, I have the greatest advantage of memories of my previous life.
　At least, I'll be able to stay close to her as an escort, although it's not officially sanctioned by Iris.
　Aside from Folt, there are only two swordsmen left.
　For the coming battle, Iris and I have formed a partnership.