act13d5

I'm not deaf! Yeah, not bad. You know those shoddy practice swords on the market? Those are way too light to do any actual training with. Those trash manufacturers are always cutting corners.

Not these ones, though. They even sound beautiful. You can tell they're very fine blades... but how come I think I've heard this sword before?

Because you're old.

Why do I even bother talking to you? Get a move on!

...You aren't lost, are you? Got dementia or something?

What's the hurry?! Zofia's garden is huge—We should've asked the servant at the gate for a motorcycle.

You aren't getting anywhere with a motorcycle here. There's more weeds than an overgrown forest.

Hey, watch your step.

Whew—Almost fell... What's this? An engine cover? In a garden?

Watch your step! Control your breath!

Y-Yes, ma'am!

Hm... still the basics.

They've been training for a month, and they're still working on the basics. Looks like we're going to miss out on a lot of points.

...Maybe you're the one with dementia here, Kowal.

You wanna say that again?!

Yes, they've been working on the basics for a month, but Maria's from the Nearl family.

Do you think she didn't practice these 'basics' back when Ol' Pegasus and Margaret were around?

Well... now that you mention it.

Area of expertise? Their standings? Why does any of that matter?

A real Kazimierz knight should always be working on his technique.

Haah... haah...

Don't stop. Good momentum. Let's keep going!

But... I'm really...

Right, right, I hear you. Let's make sure you stay in bed for the next three days, then—!

(Whistle)

Whew, that one thrust was something.

It's a backhand thrust, it's fast, and above all, it hits where it matters, the vitals. So her training's paying off?

...How long have you been there?

Just got here.

Hohoh, watching her reminds me of the good old times when Margaret was still around.

Did you just...

Huh? Oh? I did that out of habit... Um... Did I do something?

Um... Where's your sword?

T-That hit just now flung it away...

Huh?!

Don't get cocky! I'm just upset you managed to strike my opening!

Oh? So you do leave openings, Auntie Zofia.

Tsk...

So...?

...Fine, a promise is a promise. You can fight in the Major.

For real?

But I'll be there coaching you the whole time. You know nothing about the basics of the competitions, and there's still lots for you to learn... the scheduling, the scoring, how to analyze all the intel—

—Don't lie down! Get up! We still have lots of preparation to do!

Come on... Just let me... take a short break...

Don't fall asleep on me!