Chapter 39: Rival

“I am Jean‘s father, Albert Ludra Staccato. I serve as the Grand Master of the Imperial Knight Order.” “I am aware. There is no one in this Imperial Capital who does not know the ‘Tiger of the Empire’.”

The Grand Master greeted me politely. This attitude is likely directed not just at a Ducal Lady, but at a member of the Imperial Family connected to the Emperor. I heard that in his youth, the Grand Master was a personal attendant to my uncle, His Majesty the Emperor, so this attitude is understandable. I instantly took a liking to this Grand Master, who exudes the very essence of a knight. Indeed, a knight must be a gentleman to ladies. Learn from him, Jean-kun. Jean‘s father, the Grand Master, doesn’t appear in the game. If I recall correctly, he was on an expedition and not in the Imperial Capital. That’s precisely why that incident occurred in the Jean route. To give a rough explanation of the Jean route: a slasher incident occurs in the Imperial Capital. And Jean sets out to solve it, but he gets beaten back. Surprisingly, the culprit was a member of the Knight Order whom Jean knew. Well, skipping the fine details, Jean, with the cooperation of Estelle and the Knight Order, wins after a fierce battle with the slasher knight, leading to a happy ending. The destruction flag event where I am cornered by Bianca, Jean, and Estelle is just a part of this main route. You could say my event is a sub-event to deepen the bond between Estelle and Jean. For now, since Estelle doesn’t seem to have romantic feelings for Jean, I think it’s okay, though. While I was thinking about this, ignoring the Grand Master who was politely greeting Estelle as well, my eyes suddenly stopped on the knights fighting in the training ground. Huh? Aren’t they fighting with real swords? Is that safe?

“Ah, that? That area is covered by a special barrier designed to prevent injuries. Training with real swords is essential for us, after all.”

The Grand Master answered my question. Apparently, it’s an area barrier that imbues a barrier-like effect on the skin of living creatures. Inside this barrier, physical damage is drastically reduced by that effect. However, since it’s a skin barrier that only reacts to living things, clothes get torn and armor gets dented. Quite a double-edged sword. Also, since it only reduces damage, it’s not completely painless. Apparently, without pain, defense becomes sloppy. Perhaps it means there are things one can only learn through pain. It seems there are several similar barrier areas, and several others appeared to be training with real swords. I was surprised to see some children about our age among them. They are already training assuming actual combat, huh. I’m still just building physical strength… Everyone seems to be using short swords. I guess long swords are impossible for children, after all.

“Lady Sakuraile, sorry to keep you waiting!”

While I was watching the squire children training, Bianca came over from the headquarters. It seems the procedures for the joint match are finished.

“Ah, Grand Master! It has been a while!”

When Bianca came before the Grand Master, she exchanged greetings with a crisp salute.

“Bianca, is it? Are you doing your best as Lady Sakuraile‘s personal attendant?” “Yes! I am living fulfilling days!” “Is that so. Then that is good. It was worth recommending you to His Highness the Imperial Brother.”

So the Grand Master recommended Bianca! Thanks to you, I have more things to worry about now!? Well, complaining won’t help now… maybe it’s all right in the end since I became friends with Bianca.

“Bianca! Let’s have a match for the first time in a while!” “Mm. But I am Lady Sakuraile‘s personal attendant, so…”

Bianca tried to refuse Jean‘s invitation, but I immediately knew from her eyes that she was itching to test the results of her daily training.

“Why don’t you go? Tanya is here, so I’ll be fine.” “Y-Yes! Then excuse me!”

Bianca eagerly ran off with Jean toward the training ground. Glancing over, I noticed Estelle looking at the sword at the Grand Master’s waist. Did Estelle have any interest in swords? The Grand Master also seemed to notice Estelle‘s gaze.

“Young lady, is something the matter?” “Ah, no, umm… a slightly unusual magic power was leaking from that sword, so I was a bit curious…” “Hoh. To sense that, you have quite sharp sensibilities. Normally one wouldn’t notice.”

Saying that, the Grand Master smoothly drew the broadsword he wore at his waist. The broad blade was a reddish gold. A red jewel was embedded in the guard part, which had beautiful decorations on the black hilt. Even I, an amateur with swords, can tell. This sword is an outrageous sword.

“Magic Sword ‘Pesante’. A stroke created by the dwarf master smith Gildrain using Orichalcum.”

Magic Sword. The highest class of sword, said to be created by enchantment-type [Gifts] and master smiths. As expected of the ‘Tiger of the Empire’, the sword he wields is also top-notch.

“It’s not just a normal sword, is it? Does it have some special effect?” “No, no, it doesn’t have a great effect. Just the effect of becoming heavier every time it is swung.”

The Grand Master answered my question with a grin. Isn’t that a huge deal? Doesn’t that mean the momentum of a blow increases the more you swing it?

“But then, wouldn’t it become too heavy to swing eventually…” “I have been granted the [Gift] of [Strength Doubling] from the God of Super Strength, Power, you see. It is the perfect sword for me.”

I see. A good combination of Magic Sword and [Gift]. Of course, if one doesn’t have the skill to handle it, they would probably just end up being swung around by it.

“It is not to the extent of Lady Sakuraile‘s [Holy Sword], though. If we clashed, my sword would undoubtedly snap in two.”

Saying that, the Grand Master sheathed the Magic Sword ‘Pesante’. No, that can’t be helped. Comparing a sword created on earth with a sword granted by divine grace is wrong. The intended use is different in the first place. The [Holy Sword] is a sword specialized in banishing evil and destroying demons. It is incredibly strong against monsters, magic beasts, evil spirits, and the like. Furthermore, not only that, but it is also strong against things imbued with magic. Rather than strong, it nullifies them. Therefore, if the Grand Master’s Magic Sword and my Holy Sword clashed, the Magic Sword would lose its properties and turn into a mere lump of metal. And the blade of the Holy Sword, said to be able to cut anything in this world, would undoubtedly slice the Magic Sword in two. But I don’t know what would happen if the Grand Master and I in Holy Sword Mode actually fought. In technique, he is superior; in weapon and physical enhancement, I am superior. I wonder if he would even cross swords properly with me in the first place. I feel like I would lose due to running out of stamina in the end. I really need to build up my physical strength. While I was worrying about that, things seemed noisy over by Bianca and the others. It seems Bianca is arguing with someone. Did something happen?

“Mm, again. Can’t they get along a little, those two…”

The Grand Master beside me let out a deep sigh. The person arguing with Bianca was a girl about our age. Gorgeous blonde hair styled in flashy vertical rolls to rival Bianca‘s silver hair, and the light armor she wore looked somewhat expensive. Her slightly slanted eyes were overflowing with confidence, and she wore a mocking smile facing Bianca. What is this girl who screams ‘villainess’… Is she a villainess from another capture target route? …No, I haven’t seen her after all. She’s not a game character.

“Who is that child?” “Gloria Grimm Barcarolle. She is the third daughter of Viscount Barcarolle, the Captain of the Second Knight Order. How should I put it, she doesn’t seem to get along with Bianca, and causes a quarrel every time they see each other. The fact that their fathers are Captains of the First and Second Knight Orders probably has something to do with it too…”

The daughter of the Second Knight Order Captain, huh. I really don’t know her. If there’s such a unique character, they should have put her in the game. Maybe a rejected character? The game is strictly from Estelle‘s perspective, after all. Characters with no relation to Estelle wouldn’t appear. Even my father, the Imperial Brother, didn’t appear other than by name.

“Take back those words!” “I only stated the truth!”

Since the argument was heating up, the Grand Master headed toward the two. We somewhat followed along.

“What is this commotion. I taught you that knights should always be calm and composed.” “Gloria insulted me!” “Insult… I merely stated the facts.”

Even hearing the Grand Master’s words, the two were still glaring at each other. Both are daughters of Knight Order Captains. Are they what you call rivals? The Grand Master sighed again.

“What were you told by Gloria?” “That because I lack ability, I am unfit to be Lady Sakuraile‘s personal attendant…”

Oh my. Does it involve me?

“Because isn’t that true? In the previous joint match, I was third, and Bianca was fifth. Considering ability, I am superior, so it is strange for Bianca to be Lady Sakuraile‘s personal attendant.” “That was because I was matched against Jean early on due to the bracket! Even you lost to Jean, didn’t you!”

Bianca retorted to Gloria‘s words. Listening in, apparently Jean‘s older sister, Cecil, won the squire match last month. Jean was second. This match is held regardless of gender. The match is a tournament format, and Bianca, who unfortunately faced Jean early on, ended up with a lower rank than Gloria. Hmm, as Bianca says, with this match format, I don’t think it proves Gloria is stronger than Bianca. Unless she beat Jean, who beat Bianca.

“I did lose to Lord Jean, but I do not feel like I would lose to you. Since then, I have become very strong, you know? If you don’t mind being embarrassed, shall we have a match?” “Such cheek…! Fine, I’ll fight you!”

Bianca barked back, tit for tat. I wonder, did that girl provoke her on purpose…? Does she have the confidence to win absolutely? Even Bianca has been trained by Julia every day, so I think she has become quite strong. With a face full of confidence, Gloria proposed to the Grand Master.

“Grand Master. May we have a barrier match?” “If both parties agree, I do not mind…”

The Grand Master glanced at Bianca. Barrier match means the one with real swords, right? Even with the skin barrier, isn’t it scary…?

“I do not mind. I think that way we can see true ability.”

Bianca nodded firmly. The two walked toward the match ground where the barrier was set up, faced each other, and bowed. A young knight seemed to be acting as the referee.

“If there are no objections to this match, draw your swords.”

Both drew their real swords from their waists. Both used the same short sword. Bianca‘s was a sturdy, rugged, dull-colored short sword. It was well-used and had the air of a veteran warrior. On the other hand, Gloria‘s was a rare single-edged short sword. A slightly broad, curved Japanese sword rather than a straight sword… no, closer to a sword called a Cutlass. The blackish blade gave an eerie impression. The ruby decorating the pommel shone suspiciously. …………I wonder, I feel like I’ve seen that sword somewhere?

“Begin!”

At the referee’s voice, the two dashed out and immediately clashed. They deflected each other’s swords and took distance. I definitely feel like I’ve seen Gloria’s black sword somewhere. In the game? If so…! I remember! That sword is the Magic Sword ‘Discord’! The man-slaying Magic Sword held by the slasher knight who appears in the Jean route in the game!