act13d5

卡西米尔 8上

Team battle?

It's a two on two, a rather uncommon competition format. Originally, to showcase the teamwork within the Knightclubs, it should've been at least three on three or four on four.

No matter the format, you don't have a Knightclub, so we need to find you a partner.

Oh... Who am I up against?

The competition schedule says it's the Snowyheel Knightclub.

...They have some decent archers, and even one knight that uses meteor hammers. I don't know who you'll end up against.

Maria's finally reached the point where we'll know her opponents by name alone, huh.

Ahaha......

I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing...

Maria, defeating Tytus is definitely something worth celebrating, but it also means that there will be a lot more eyes on you.

Draw on the lessons you learned from Flametail and Ashlock. Don't tip your hand.

It's important to compromise and work with the corporations when you have to. Times have changed. You can't hold onto your glory with wins alone.

...Why didn't you help me convince her last time?

I did have a proper conversation with Maria after you slammed the door——By the way, you broke my door that time.

Ugh. I'll cover it...

Where's V and Kowal?

It's 'that day.' They're not back yet.

Ah... They're at the gravesite. Shit, I wanted to ask if he could help repair Maria's equipment...

Just use his workshop.

He even said so himself, one time last year, drunkenly. If you ever wanted to, Maria, he would gladly pass on his workshop to you.

Eh?! Why haven't I this before?

Either way, he's still sworn to never touch the anvil again.

*Sigh*... Even after so many years...

It's hard enough for anyone to let go of the past, let alone us oldies who have nothing but the past.

Lets forget about them for now. Maria, you'll need to fix up your equipment yourself.

And then... Do you have a partner in mind?

Me? Umm...

D-Do I actually not have any knight friends?

That's why I wanted to introduce you to someone. A known quantity is always safer than getting a random stranger assigned by the Association.

Err, who is it?

The Fartooth Knight. She's an expert archer.

Just like you, she fought her way up as an independent knight, refusing to accept sponsorships from the corporations. I've heard she's even planning to form a completely self-sufficient knightclub.

I think you'll be able to get along, and cover each other's weaknesses in battle. You'll come to understand that team battles are completely different from melees or one-on-ones.

If only we had more time, you could get to know each other better on the training field. Unfortunately, you'll have to improvise.

...O-okay.

This is the disadvantage of being an independent knight... Temporary allies fighting against a battle-hardened team will always be at a disadvantage.

I wonder what she's like... I'm a little nervous...

This is our third time passing this street today.

Ah, yes, Mr. Czarny...

You're very accustomed to such work. Running between the various arenas and joining in countless teleconferences.

Ah, no... There's nothing to be said for someone like me...

Your appearance is somewhat sloppy. One's appearance is also an important bargaining chip, is it not?

A-Apologies... To be honest, I was unemployed not too long ago... So...

Oh... What has that got to do with this?

I don't dislike employees like you. Only those who have fallen to rock bottom are able to understand the cruelty we face. It is only when you have acknowledged it, that you will be able to make satisfactory decisions.

Remember each and every word I have said, each and every action I have taken.

Eh? Ah, the meeting minutes for the Snowyheel Knightclub? Don't worry, I've prepared——

No no no, their sponsor is an old friend of mine. They won't trouble us much.

It's just for a particularly insignificant...working habit of mine.

...Maria.

Hm?

You know I never approved of you becoming a competition knight, not since the beginning.

Eh, huh? Where did that come from? I knew that already...

But you've proven yourself.

Though it was always by the skin of my teeth...

Rather than your motivations, platitudes, promises or whatnot... Winning in the arena is the only proof of your determination.

Even though you're still very naive.

Ahaha......

Maybe...it's your desire to win back the glory of the Nearl family that makes you so strong.

——Though it was just a fluke, being able to take a point off Tytus means your upcoming opponents should be manageable.

You've developed your own Arts techniques, but it doesn't seem to work against particularly strong opponents, unfortunately.

For example, if the Left-hand Knight had fought seriously from the start, you would've probably lost even if there were four of you.

I can teach you swordsmanship and tactics, and you can ask V about archery techniques. He may not look it, but back in the day V was an expert your granddad respected.

——But when it comes to Arts, you are the only one who can grasp your light.

Got it?

Mm-hm!

Yes... Even though there were unexpected incidents, our plans are progressing on schedule.

What? No, you're overestimating our clients. There will definitely not be any condemnation from the audience. They're not a particularly moral bunch.

Yes, you're right. I am very thankful for the two... helpers you've provided me.

I will ensure that they all receive an excellent report.

Bless you, sir.

...And now, everything is ready.

Let us await the beginning of this remarkable competition.

Oh... you're back.

Didn't they promise no rain? Why'd it still end up raining...?

Hmph... You really can't believe all that crap they put on TV, whether it's news, sports or weather forecasts.

What about Maria! Ain't the competition today?

I've got food and wine for the both of you.

How was it?

...Whaddya mean how was it? It's been so long... There's a few less this year too.

Always less of us to visit the captain's grave.

*Sigh*... She said she'd challenge me to a drinking contest, but she left before the booze was even poured.

...Forget it, it's all in the past.

Yeah... Who'd have expected that the two of you really stayed single your entire lives for her sake.

Stop twisting the knife. Out with the wine!

That's right! Enough talk about who's still alive and who's not. We're here to enjoy Maria's performance!

Cheers, Kowal!

Cheers! V!

Here's a great bargain for today, self-service for all drinks. Help me watch the joint.

Oh? Is it free?

In your dreams.

Where're you going?

The arena.

Huh? You got ahold of a ticket?

...I got someone to get me one. Tickets nowadays are so overpriced.

That's called business.

Good day, sir. Here's the midday sports news.

Thanks, kid. Have some milk.

Nice! Thank you, sir!