--A few months ago .

　Richter L. Klingbloom was woken up in the morning with a grumpy look on his face.

　In the backyard of Klingbloom's mansion.
　He stood in front of a girl holding a spear with a gladius in his hand.

I'm busy. ...... Why do I have to deal with this?

　Richter shook his head in resignation.
　I know exactly what the girl in front of me is capable of.
　That's why, perhaps even more so, I didn't really understand the purpose of this match.

"You're stronger than me. Why are you trying to bother me at this hour?
"Whaaaat?
Why are you so surprised?

　In fact, I'm the one who's surprised.
　The disgruntled, pouting girl, holding the spear at the ready, ranted like a selfish child.

I won against Richter-kun, though!　It doesn't mean that I was able to defeat Richter's technique!　In fact, I would have lost if I had!　It's funny that you think you can break through that too!
"...... Okay. You're right. Then let's change the wording.
What?
There's no reason for me to go out with you in the morning.
Why not?
Why not?

　What's going on in this woman's head?
　There were so many things I wanted to say to her, like what's going on in this woman's head, or that she should stop calling me Richter-kun so familiarly, or that your goal in the first place is to defeat Futa.

　But...
　But she just tilted her head and said, as if she didn't really understand.

You have to go to work after breakfast, right?　After breakfast, you have to work, and when you come home, you have to help other people.　And then you eat dinner, and then you come home late and you still haven't finished work.
"You've been ...... watching me for the past few days, haven't you? ...... Is this what you want?
That's right!　I knew I shouldn't interfere with your work, even with this!　So, according to Mr. Richter's schedule, you only have ...... mornings.
"Think about your bedtime.

　It's hard to say such a thing to a girl who doesn't even know that a day is 24 hours long.

　In any case, that seems to be enough reason for her to go out with me in the morning.
　I see, Richter agreed, and then realized that he hadn't fully engaged her.

"You barbarian.
"Oh, swear words!
You're limited to what you perceive as swear words.

　Oh, dear.
　Apparently this was going to have to be said straight out, Richter continued.

Let's not start this morning and start embellishing. Let's get this straight, Prim Lancaster.
"What?　Prim is fine.
There's no reason for me to be working out with you.
I...

　Did I come on too strong?　I glanced at her.
　Her reaction was not anger or sadness, but confusion.

What's with the face?
Hmm, ......, sorry, I might have misunderstood.
Misunderstanding?
I know that your swordplay is a dueling art, Richter.　I know that, but...

　She nodded her head as she hugged the spear.
　A genuine question. And the look in her eyes, as if she were taking pity on her opponent, was very unpleasant. But the words that came out of her mouth really pierced Richter's heart.




I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.



　I think that was the trigger.
　I don't think I'll ever hesitate to ask Futa for a fight again.












　--The arena spectacle.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

"Anytime. Do as you please.
In that case, I'll take your word for it.

　First semifinal match of the tournament.
　The first semifinal match of the tournament between Aylan B. Smiles and Richter L. Klingbloom was opened by Aylan's earth-shattering thrust.

It's a good thing you enjoy fighting.

　He swung his right arm.
　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

You'll regret your naivety.

　The sword that plays is Gladius.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
　You'll need to make sure that you're in the right place at the right time.

　Richter's gladius intercepts it.



Mr. Prim's ideas haven't changed.

　Fist bump, fist bump, fist bump, spinning kick.

"Sword fighting is fun. If you take it at face value, I agree, but hers is a sweet little game.

"Air Aria.

　A flurry of kicks with both arms on the ground.
　One step at a time, she pushes Richter away from the center.

It's the soul-crushing battles that are fun, fun, fun, fun.

　A vigorous, arrow-like stab kick kicked Gladius in the stomach.
　With his hand supporting the back of the sword, Richter slid lightly backwards, catching his balance and coming to rest.

　A one-sided attack.
　She brushed her golden hair away as the crowd cheered.

"So if you're thinking like her--

　If you are thinking like her...

　As she was about to say this, Arawn's eyes met Richter's for the first time.
　Then his eyes widened slightly.


"He's a talkative one.


　Unharmed.
　That's no surprise, since he'd already dealt with all of them with Gladius.
　The only thing that is surprising to Aylin is that there is no damage whatsoever to his hands.

　His own fists and kicks were heavier than they appeared.
　I never meant to cut corners.
　Each blow would have been as powerful as piercing a guard's face.

　And you didn't even pale.

　Richter snickered at Aylin.

"It's light. What's the matter?　--Try grinding your soul.

　Aylin blows out a little as he puts the gladius on his shoulder and tells him.

"Hmm. ...... Hmm.

　The laughter grows louder and louder.

"Haha.

　With a hideous smile, he lunges forward in a low stance.

　Richter calmly assessed her movements and carefully readied his sword once more.


I'm not sure what to make of that.
You're going to tell me what's going on!　You're going to teach me, right?
"Well, it's an explanation.
"Yay!

　It's not only the pasta that's happy, but the audience as well, which confuses the commentator.

"You saw Mr. Richter's first game, didn't you? "You saw Richter's first fight, didn't you? He won a clean victory against a fighting swordsman. I'm sure you've seen the brush strokes, and she's making sure she doesn't let them get to her.
"Oh, so you didn't bother to challenge the stroke?

　I'm not sure what to do.
　There is no such thing as trying to break through a powerful technique head on.
　I will do my best to win. She's willing to go to any length to do so. She is not the type to go out of her way to increase her chances of defeat.

　For example, if there was a warrior with a powerful weapon, comparing that weapon to her own would be the work of a fool.
　That was her theory.

"But how is that a misunderstanding?
"I see Mr. Richter as an extension of Prim. I mean, you see him as a fighter."

　You're wrong.
　You're dealing with a nobleman. What that means, Arawn will probably understand now.

"Then--please die.

　Full frontal sprint.
　The speed of Aylan B. Smiles is equal to or greater than the wind.
　Richter, waiting for you, is only holding his gladius.
　Aylan's expression twisted as he clenched his fist and extended his arm.

Lander Style Dueling Technique: Ikkaku

　--He stepped like a marionette and spun around to get behind Richter.
　At that moment, a powerful thrust was launched at the spot where Arawn had been.
　She read its trajectory precisely. That meant she knew exactly where Richter was aiming.

　It sent a shiver down Arawn's spine.

　Now, this man.

　He was going to "cut off" the shoulder that was not covered by the armor.

"That's ！！！！
"That was fast.

　Richter guards a kick from behind with the belly of his gladius.
　Aylin closes the distance between them as he lands easily on the ground.

You're the best!
"Well... Just in time.

　You'll be able to get a lot more out of it than that.
　And the target is still the extremities. He's gone to the trouble of exposing her weaknesses. There's no reason not to go for it.



Lander style dueling: a flash.

"Haa......!

　The tip of the sword slid across the ground and swept up the whole ground in a flash of reverse kesa.
　She almost avoided it by somersaulting backwards, but even here she knew.
　If she had taken it, her thighs would have been ripped off.

I'm sure you'll agree with me.

　On the other side of the stage, the commentator was talking about the roots of the Lander style of dueling, just like in the first round.
　You can feel your sister's gaze gleaming with appreciation, but you don't want to touch her too much, so you let her pass.

The sword is called the Gladius. It's not very long, but it's thick and heavy.
You mean it's not very good for cutting?
That's not the point. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how to get it.

The important thing is that being thick and heavy is good for defense. The Gladius is capable of taking the attackers head on, which is why it can survive the onslaught of the Aylons as it is now.
It's the complete opposite of the first round.
"Leafy was a defensive sword. Leafy was the defensive sword, and Arawn is the offensive style.
"Where's Richter?
"If I had to say, I'd say the duelist's sword. --If anything, it's a duelist's sword, a sword that excels in one-on-one combat, a sword for heroes.

　It's a great way to get to the hero.
　At the same time, his golden eyes caught Richter's swordplay.

"Didn't I tell you that the Lander method of dueling begins with a one-on-one match?
Yes. Yesterday, and earlier.
It's originally a sword for winning group battles. It was used by heroes in war, so it's no surprise. So what do you think the sword does once it's one-on-one?
"Quick and decisive.
It's not that I don't like it, but I'm scared of you nine-year-olds.
"I don't get it, Pasta-chan!　Did you get it right?
"Yes, yes, yes.

　If you know her background, you will be able to say that she is quintessential, but if a normal nine-year-old guessed the correct answer like that, it would just be scary.

　Some of the audience may have noticed that although she was trying to be cute with her "ehehe" and other appeals, there was something unusual about her.
　But it's also because of that kind of sharpness that the princess allowed a nine-year-old to play the game.

I'm not sure what to make of that. It was only against Arawn that he unleashed it. They are both killers of swords.


　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

Aylan's kick was blocked by Gladius with a dull thud.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　Aylan quickly evaded, and spun around to return to his initial stance.

I apologize for the .......

　I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. I thought you were going to take over Prim's will and fight me with your lukewarm sword fighting skills. It's a refreshingly sweet and silly way to be proud. ...... No, you're not.
If I had misunderstood ......, I would have just beaten it out of you as misunderstood.
That's just the way I like it. ......
Tsk. Touken. I love Token!
I love Token.

　I thought the semifinals were just a prelude to the finals.
　But guess what. This guy does more than that, and he doesn't think sword fights are just a lame game.

　--He doesn't want to leave the guy who made the fight fun.

　I thought he was going to fight to show Prim's pride when he said that.

Oh, you really meant what you said at first, didn't you?

　--I'm not trying to avenge you. You and I are the same kind of creatures when we pick up our weapons. Prim's just more lenient.

　You really think Prim is sweet.
　Then it's all right for Arawn.

　Prim and Lancaster don't matter anymore.

　Once you know the man in front of you is willing to die for you, nothing else matters.

　The only regret is that you can't kill him.
　Ah, such a pity. What a shame we can't show our victory in high spirits.

　I liked you enough to want to drink to your wreckage.

"Yes, I meant it.

　Richter grabbed his gladius and now thrust himself at Arawn.

To be honest, I don't think you or I should be out here. I'm busy with work, you're a murderer in my opinion, and there are many other reasons.
But...
But why did you decide to come out here and wield the sword?




　Morning. Sunlight. Drapes made by curtains.
　A girl who won't even turn around.


　A drop from yesterday's fight.


"I denied him the pleasure of sword fighting so that I could crush you."


　That's not very honest," the "commander" girl muttered from the audience.

　You told him to lose quickly and get back to work.
　More than anyone else, he has no intention of losing. That man.


"Ha-ha-ha!　I don't care why!

　Arawn laughs and laughs.

　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I've seen it before.

"Fun ...... fun ...... tasty ......!!!

　Aylan threw a kick as he dove.
　Gladius intercepted it and bounced it wide, causing Aylan's body to float.
　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

　A full-strength fight to the death.
　Ah, too bad.
　Why can't I kill him? Why can't I be serious?
　I can't help but feel suffocated as I use reason to hold back the tension that threatens to come loose.

　"There was a promise.

　But," my gaze flicks to the commentary table.

　I knew he was in this place.


　I'd rather end such a fun event on a low note.



　--But who cares about "promises"?



"Aha. ......







A requiem.






"Oh, no.
"Oh, wait, my brother--

　Futa sensed something and was about to jump down from the commentary seat.
　The audience was buzzing.
　Something's going to happen.

　Even the princess, who was watching the game from the service entrance, opened her eyes slightly.









"Touch the back of the nobleman's head?"







　The killing blow, however...






"Rude!





　The left hand of the nobleman grabbed her by the armor.