<span>A shortmand echoed through the training grounds.


    <span>Rishe and Sven just had a face off, and the winner had just been announced.


    <span>It happened less than ten seconds after the start signal sounded.


    <span>“Thank you very much.”


    <span>Rishe said, pointing the tip of her wooden sword to him.


    <span>Sven was down on his buttocks on the ground and pale in the face. His mouth opened and shut as he stared at the tip of the sword, which was a hair’s breadth away from his nose.


    <span>The training ground was silent.


    <span>The only person who didn’t look surprised was Rovine.


    <span>“W-what… y-you, w-what, why?”


    <span>Rishe extended a hand to Sven, who desperately strung a word.


    <span>“Can you stand, Sven?”


    <span>“This isn’t real. This is…! You’re barely strong enough! Even in strength training, you’re nothing at all!”


    <span>“The way I defeated you wasn’t through physical or muscr strength. I think you’re going to learn how exactly I did it.”


    <span>“…”


    <span>The other trainees who were watching thebat were still agape.


    <span>Sven shook his head as if unwilling to meet their gaze.


    <span>“Why? I couldn’t possibly lose to you!”<span>


    <span>“Sorry if I scared you. But I don’t want to get Fritz in too much trouble.”


    <span>Rishe bent down and stared into his eyes.


    <span>“I’d like to get along with you, too.”


    <span>“H—”


    <span>Sven let out a scream, then quickly got up.


    <span>She really didn’t have any other intentions, but she might have scared him needlessly.<span>


    <span>As Sven hurried back to hispanions, Rishe pulled back into the corner as well. Then Fritz rushed over to her with a glint in his eye.


    <span>“Lu! You were amazing!!”


    <span>“Fritz, I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you.”


    <span>When she bowed her head in apology, Fritz stared at her nkly.


    <span>“Why are you apologizing? I did it on my own ord. For that matter, I think it’s me who troubled you.”


    <span>“It’s not just for Fritz. It’s also for Sven, because if he makes a habit of underestimating his enemies, he might die because of it.”


    <span>“―― ……”


    <span>Fritz’s eyes widened at Rishe’s remarks.


    <span>“Besides, I found out after the match with Sven that he has very good reflexes. I think it would definitely be a shame if Rovine-sama didn’t get to see more of it.”


    <span>With only ten days of training, time for direct instruction was vital.


    <span>Rishe thought seriously, while Fritz broke into a huge smile.


    <span>“Lu, you know, you’re quite different.”


    <span>“By the way, why do you call me Lu?”


    <span>“Oh! Since you’re Lucius, I figured a nickname for you. Don’t you like it?”


    <span>“No.”


    <span>Rishe shook her head in reply.


    <span>In her former life as a knight, that was indeed a nickname for ‘Lucius’. Perhaps that was why she felt very nostalgic.


    <span>“I’d be d if you call me that. Thanks, Fritz.”


    <span>“…!”


    <span>The moment Rishe smiled, Fritz clutched his hands over his chest.


    <span>“What’s wrong?”


    <span>“Nothing, I wonder what that is.”


    <span>“?”


    <span>Fritz coughed, though he didn’t look sick.


    <span>“Err … Oh, oh right!　We’re supposed to go into town for lunch today after training. Do you still have work to do?”


    <span>“Yeah. I have quite a lot of work to do this afternoon.”


    <span>Rishe was again reminded of a huge problem.


    <span>She would be meeting Kyle this afternoon.


    <span>What was his real purpose?


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