I faced Aena and held up my mock sword.
　Aena also held a mock sword in her hand - she herself wanted a serious fight, but unfortunately I didn't have a sword.
　She grasped a mock sword to match mine. But even so, the spirit I could feel from Aena standing in front of me was considerable.
　Even though I haven't even taken a stance yet, I feel as if the battle has already begun.
　I've never actually fought Aena face to face.
　But there is no doubt that she is at least as strong as Iris.

I've never actually fought Aena face to face, but I'm pretty sure her strength is at least as strong as Iris's. I'd rather fight with the real thing instead of these toys,......, but that's okay. I know what I want to find out.

　And then Aena held up a mock sword.
　The simulated sword she created is the same as the rapier she carries on her hip. The tip of the sword is thin, so it is more suitable for 'thrusting' than 'cutting'.
　Her hips are slightly lowered and her right leg is lowered backwards, and she is putting all her strength into it - she is probably planning to kick the ground and close the distance immediately.
　I remain motionless with my sword at the ready. I'm waiting for Aena to approach.

"Whenever you're ready.
"That's a lot of room. You're not going to come at me?
I'm rather cautious. I'm rather cautious. Still, I'll respond to the word 'seriously'. So, I'm always ready.
"I see... then let's go.

　With those words, Aena kicked the floor.
　She instantly closed the distance between us, and without hesitation launched a thrust.
　I deflected it with my mock sword and caught it. Aena also reacted immediately and stepped back slightly.
　However, she immediately took a step forward and unleashed a series of blows.
　The rapier is a particularly good piercing sword, but it can also slash. I could see that he was trying to break down my defense with his quick movements, interspersing his slashes between thrusts.
　--In terms of sword speed alone, Aena is probably superior to Iris.
　She is the same type as Aria, who is not as powerful as Iris, but is quicker and tries to do more damage.
　But in a fight, a thrust or a slash can be fatal.
　I didn't take any of Aena's attacks, and I handled them all.
　Then, Aena moved back even further than before and let out a small breath.

...... Hmm. I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not. It's hard to hit you when you're on the defensive. ...... So that's it.
I've been on the receiving end of it a few times. That's what I'm talking about, Aena.
Enough with the flattery. I told you, I'm serious. You're next.

　Aena said, and changed her stance. She's going to take my attack this time.
　In a real battle, there would be a struggle for life as a matter of course.
　They would not be attacking and receiving each other like this.
　In fact, it seemed to me that this was the kind of battle that Aena wanted.
　Indeed, I was going to respond to her "seriousness".
　Perhaps I'm trying to wait and see because I'm standing here feeling like a teacher in no small part.
　But what I can feel from Aena is the spirit of a swordsman. --If that's the case, I should respond to that feeling.

I understand. I'm going to be serious about this.

　As soon as he said that, he kicked the floor and started to move.
　This time, I launched a series of blows from my side.
　Aena defended herself by staying low, intending to catch it completely.
　But my sword is not so weak that I can catch her with that.
　The fifth strike was a sure thing, but on the sixth strike, her rapier was flicked away.
　Aena's expression clouds slightly. Maybe she thought she could take more, but I put the tip of my sword to her throat and say quietly.

This is what I'm really doing. Is that what you want?
"...... Oh. Now that I've faced you again, I understand how strong you are. I've always thought that the only person who could be 'stronger' than me is you, at least.
"......?　You mean you've met other people who are stronger than you, Aena?

　I put my mock sword in my pocket and asked her.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

Yes. And I have a question for you as well.
What is it?
What are you ......?　I met a swordsman who uses the exact same sword technique as you. That man's name is Raoul Isarulf.
"What?

　What came out of Aena's mouth was the name of a man I never expected.
　After all, it's me.