--The garden under the castle.


　In the capital, the term "Imperial Tournament" has another meaning besides a martial arts match held in front of royalty and nobility.

　That is, a proxy war.

　The value of land concessions, taxes, money and goods.

　In this country where arrangements are made at the discretion of royalty and nobility, as well as law and order, such proxy wars are often used to settle matters.

　In this case, Richter offered Lilac a match for the big chair of the princess's knight.

　It was an unspoken agreement, but the people gathered here had a vague idea of why it was a public match.

　The two warriors stepped forward as everyone looked on with a mysterious expression.


The air is very different from a sword fighting match.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.

　You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

　However, she left him alone and proceeded on her own.

Isn't it a little dark for a match between the former champion of the Colosseum and the challenger?　Maybe we need to liven things up a bit.

　She said with a thoughtful forefinger over her mouth, and pulled out the spear on her back.

　And then.

　As soon as she slammed the spear into the ground, she soared into the air like a kick.

　Then she spun vertically and landed.
　He danced like a pawn around the spear, then swung the spear like a wheel and danced with it like a dance.

　Finally, he threw the spear high into the air, grabbed the spinning spear, and flashed it.

　It was a perfected sword dance.

　The people around him groaned.

　Even Futa let out a gasp of admiration.

　The martial art of the fighting swordsman is beautiful. It is often said, but hers was one of the most beautiful.

...... It's stunning.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that Lord Klingbloom's attention to detail is quite impressive.
I'm sure you'll be able to take on His Highness with that.
...... I don't know about that, but it's a thing of beauty.
I have high hopes for it.

　A whispered conversation becomes a clamor when there are more of them.

　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it on the web.

"That's pretty much it?
That's great. I wouldn't get the same results if I tried to copy you.
No doubt.

　On the one hand, you have a female spearman who has shown great skill.

　On the other hand, a man who is favored by the princess.

　I guess it was obvious which one they would cheer for.
　Suddenly, the mood of the audience became more Prim-like.

　That's always the case.

　He thought to himself that he was getting closer to the atmosphere of the Colosseum in that sense, and still he was smiling.
　He could afford to smile.
　I don't have to tell you why. Because Futa now has support.

　On the other hand. Futa was finally beginning to notice something strange about the warrior in front of him.

　Even though he had been so hostile, he was still talking in a friendly manner.

　The sword dance that tried to liven up the scene.

　Futa's eyes narrowed as he watched her hands lightly catch her breath.

'Well, should we get started?　I'm ready whenever you are. By the way, I wonder what the signal is?

　--He was shaking.

　And then, in a very unlike her, she spoke lightly before the fight.
　Her eyes were busy darting around.


　She was a fierce warrior who had fought many battles in the Colosseum.
　It's not like she's not used to being watched.
　And it's not like this is her first fight with Futa.

　Maybe...

　Is he holding someone hostage?
　Is he being held in a position of weakness?
　Are there circumstances that compel him to win this match?

"Hey, Prim--
You have no idea.

　When Prim realized that Futa's gaze was on her hand, she interrupted him.

　I'm not sure what to say.

You don't understand, ....... I'm not sure what to say. You don't know what it's like to lose a goal and then train like a maniac to show it to him one day. --You have no idea.

　With her right hand trembling and her left hand restraining it, she continued.

"It's embarrassing and lame that you noticed, but... Look. I never made it to where you are in the official game, did I?

　I nodded when asked.
　I've had a few practice matches.
　Each time, she would say, "I'll win in the official tournament," and then leave in anger.
　However, she never showed up for the official championship match.

　She was one of the best fighters in the Colosseum, but there were others who were good enough to break her fingers.



　That's all I was saying.

The Colosseum's been a mess since you left. A lot of fighters quit. I'm one of them. Why do you think?

　She smiles fragilely and mutters.

"Because you're gone. If I became a champion in the Colosseum with you gone, would that really make me a champion?

　A tear rolls down her cheek.

"You wouldn't know. But you will. And you have to know.

　She shook her head, a strong flame of will in her eyes.

　She holds up her spear and tells him.

　Her words are the answer to the trembling.

"I am now, for the first time. I now, for the first time, have the right to challenge the champion.

　Nervous, of course. I told him so.





"What fighter wouldn't want to take on the greatest swordsman?






　Futa meditated and took up his spear as well.

　Then he said one word to her.

"I understand."
"Yes.
"I'll take it."
"Yes.

　She nodded as if she was impressed.

　A tense atmosphere of impending doom swept over the room.






　--There are people everywhere who can't read the atmosphere.

"Are you sure she's okay?
I heard that she has never defeated Futa.
By any chance, have you already done something to her?
"Well, that's Master Richter for you.

　Even in the midst of this sophisticated fighting spirit, there are those who open their mouths without a care in the world.
　Are they fools or great men? Richter shook his head in resignation, hoping that it was the latter.

You don't get it, do you? You don't know what it's like for a swordsman to give up his life just to win and spend two years training and wandering.

　They didn't understand.
　But they understood from Richter's attitude that he didn't like what they had to say, and kept their mouths shut.

"In any case, this game is for the information of that woman. It doesn't matter if we win or not.

　Richter looked at the girl holding the spear and muttered.

After that, there's the real deal. No hard feelings, Futa.

　Richter continued.

　Richter then looked at the princess, whose cheeks were flushed with amusement at the outpouring of fighting spirit.

　Then he turned his attention back to the two spearmen.



So, this match is purely for my enjoyment.



　--If I may, I'd like to find out how to attack Futa.

　The fierce smile of the warrior was similar to that of the princess who was watching the match in the back.


　The signal to start the match rang out.