"Did such a thing happen?"
Inside the mansion of Baron Vidilva, located near the royal palace, Eleonora and Italy were talking about the tea party at Grand Duke Casunat the other day.
"So, that leopard?"
"I was able to present it safely, and if there are rare animals, it will also become a topic of conversation in high society."
Italy chuckled, saying that for some reason her face was contorted.
"I would have liked to see Lady Vittoria's face at that time."
"A beautiful woman is beautiful no matter what face she makes."
The two, walking together, arrived in front of a heavy door.
"My father is here."
"Thank you, I hope I don't cause any trouble."
*Knock, knock, knock, knock,* 4 times.
"Come in."
A low male voice echoed through the door, and after saying a word, he opened it.
In the study, which exuded a tranquil atmosphere, a man was sitting and reading a martial arts instruction book.
"It seems my daughter has been in your care. I have heard the general outline of the story. Lady Kamitafira."
"My father, Baron Enumaere Vidilva."
Eleonora bowed at Italy's introduction.
"Once again, I am Acting Knight of Kamitafira Eleonora."
"Don't be so formal, you are a benefactor of our house."
Baron stood up and raised his hand, indicating that no more greetings were needed.
"I heard that it was thanks to Lady Vittoria and you that the unbearable young man of the Cullu family was made to behave."
"I wonder how much I was able to help."
"No, no, as a parent, I am happy just that my daughter's grades are improving."
In the world, there are those who boast of illiteracy due to the strong spirit of martial arts.
Even now, the establishment of academies has eliminated pure illiteracy and weakness, but there are warriors who think that reading is for the weak.
"If you are a warrior who works with spears for a lifetime, that's fine, but a knight who protects the royal family must study military science and tactics."
"As Your Excellency says."
*Hmm,* and stroking his beard, Baron says, by the way.
"My daughter wishes to transfer our family's shield to Your Excellency."
"A humble country bumpkin has become greedy."
"No, no, people do not work without reward. On the contrary, I was relieved."
The training grounds combined with a fenced yard were located at the place they were guided to again.
"Your Excellency."
Several men, likely subordinates of the Baron waiting ahead, bowed respectfully.
"Lady Kamitafira, here is the promised shield."
It was mounted on a pedestal, with a well-polished steel rim, and the central wooden part bore the intimidating blue lion crest of the Baron Vidilva family, making it a piece of art and a fine masterpiece.
"However, Lady Kamitafira. Even if I were to pass it on, I would like to give it to a skilled warrior of proper martial ability. I hear that the noble Retonto family's esteemed sword master once twisted a childlike boy, and..."
"Baron Gustavo has improved his skills. I, too, have countless bruises from training."
"If you are winning, then there is no problem. I want to see your swordsmanship."
One of the attendants handed Eleonora a wooden sword and shield, then the one who stepped forward was around 20 years old or a little more.
He wore only a cotton garment but seemingly was a swordsman.
"My name is Nicodemo, I serve under the Baron Vidilva's household."
"Nice to meet you, I am Eleonora."
After a brief self-introduction, the two immediately assumed stance.
Nicodemo raised his shield, positioning himself to hide his body, shifting to conceal his sword hand, while Eleonora thrust her sword forward and tucked her shield at her side.
Eleonora initiated, attempting a thrust to break Nicodemo's stance, but he only slightly lowered his feet as he maintained his footing, then dodged the 3 consecutive thrusts and swept upward from a right downward diagonal to slash.
Eleonora dodged behind without using her shield, and Nicodemo moved forward accordingly.
"Which do you think will win, Father?"
"That's a difficult question. I see both have comparable practical experience, but Lady Kamitafira is strongly offensive, while Nicodemo is consolidating his defenses and waiting for an opening."
Watching the mock battle, the Vidilva parent and child began to converse. The fight between their household swordsman and the knight they owed a debt to was a spectacle, and amid these recent peaceful days, a small thirst for violence felt somewhat alleviated.
(He's good with the sword, but it seems he hasn't handled a shield much.)
Nicodemo discerned from Eleonora's movements that she had been making a living with a single sword.
(If she had used a two-handed sword, I would have lost; it's like she effectively disabled her left hand.)
That's why, ever since his mercenary days, he's been using the shield to protect himself and striking down opponents by targeting a momentary opening.
(But, I can't afford to lose in front of Sir Baron and the young lady!)
He charged forward with the shield in front to decide the outcome.
Despite his tall upper back and apparent weight, if a man with momentum charges in, he won't give the opponent a chance to recover.
At that moment, Eleonora braced the shield and deliberately dropped her hips to become unsteady.
Just as he wondered what she was doing, the sunlight reflected off the edge of the shield hit his eyes, and Nicodemo involuntarily closed his eyes.
(I've been had!)
As he thought that, he felt a shock on his shield and was blown away, landing hard on his back on the ground, with a foot on his stomach and a wooden sword pressed against his throat.
"I wouldn't expect a knight to use such a trick."
"Anything goes on the battlefield, right?"
"As you say, I underestimated and looked down on you."
Grabbing the extended hand, Nicodemo laughed as he was pulled up in one motion.
"I'm glad I didn't meet you during my mercenary days, or I'd be dead."
Chuckling, he praised her, and Eleonora scratched her head complexly.
"It's a one-time trick, so I was worried about what would happen if I failed. I couldn't think of a way to collapse it."
Baron clapped, and his daughter Italy followed suit, then the remaining retainers started clapping as well.
"Well done, Lady Kamitafira."
"It's embarrassing to show such swordsmanship in a fight."
"No, no, strength is something to be praised. If you died without any embellishments, that would be the end of it."
As promised, Eleonora was handed the shield and bowed her head again before leaving the Baron Vidilva household.
Watching her back, Baron muttered with a hint of regret.
"What a pity, if only she had been born a man."
"Father?"
"Lady Kamitafira has a younger brother, I believe. If she had been born a man, I might have broken ties with Cullu and taken her in as a son-in-law."
"I also... would have accepted if that were the case."
Italy's eyes, as she saw off Eleonora, were slightly moist.