Now that it’s mentioned, they might be similar. When Leonard-kun came charging at me first, he had that kind of look too. It feels nostalgic.
「Leonard, that guy? The one that Alec beats up regularly?」
「It’s become less common recently, but when we were on our first years, there was a lot of mock battles~」
In the first year, since it was just right for practicing close-quarters combat, I managed to subdue him without using much mana, but they got used to it as we keep fighting continuously.
That’s why we also allowed use of mana, and overwhelmed him with physical enhancement, maybe it was a shock, but he didn’t try challenging me anymore.
「I wonder if Leonard-kun’s father heard of me? I think we had about 50 matches」
Of course, it was all my win. Leonard-kun and the boys were getting stronger, but it didn’t feel like our differences closed down.
「Hmm, I think he was quiet because he’s embarrassed to tell his father~? It feels hard if you’re about to tell your father about that~」
「True. They look down on me, and they seem people who would assume that I am weak because I’m a Zatsuryu」
「But, Alec’s strong. That blondie didn’t even look at you in the eyes」
「Thanks, Lina-chan. But, that’s how most people view it」
Lina-chan got sulky because she belives in my strength. So cute. I pat her head and said;
「How’s Leonard doing in the academy? I received a letter just the other day, and he says that he’s the strongest among the males in his class. What are your thoughts, Anastasia-sama?」
「Indeed. He might be the strongest among the male students. I believe so too」
I’m listening to Leonard’s papa and Nasha-chan’s conversation…I see. They have a lot of talk.
「Hey, those two are saying that, but…」
「They’re not lying, I’m not a student, and among the students, Leonard-kun is the top.」
I’m being kept as Lina-chan’s retainer, so I’m not a school student. The girls are taking classes, and nobody questions it.
「Well, I don’t plan on leaving them be. I can’t let myself get lookd down on, even if it’s Leonard-kun’s father or whoever it is」
The lord is the face of the territory. The strengths and weaknesses of the lord directly influence the power relationship between territories. It’s unacceptable to back down while other territories look down on you.
Conversely, you have to crush the other person’s pride.
「Halard-sama is Leonard-kun’s father?」
「Hm? Oh, Alec-dono, you know about Leonard?」
「Yes. I know about his activities in school, is the secret to his excellence truly due to Halard-sama’s guidance?」
「Hmm. That’s indeed the case. I gave him strict training by my own hands since childhood. You can say that it’s thanks to my guidance」
I speak humbly and praised Leonard-kun, and the father immediately makes a proud face, calling it his guidance.
「I see. That’s indeed interesting. If you don’t mind, could you also give me a share of your guidance?」
「Alec-dono wants my guidance?」
「Yes. I’d like to be guided. Do you mind doing that in combat?」
An invitation from me, disguised as guidance.
Leonard’s father’s eyes changed colors in response to the blatant provocation from the Zatsuryu who he looked down on
「Then, let’s do it in combat. I remember there’s a training ground next to this hall」
Why is the party venue next to the training grouunds you say? Well, things like this happen a lot.
「Thank you, Halard-dono. Please do not worry, I will cover the potion cost」
「Hahaha. Allow me to arrange for that as the expert. Well, it would be great if there was an opportunity to use potions」
There’s sparks flying and we’re surrounded by audience from afar. Their faces are full of expectation, these people tend to get excited regardless of gender.
We moved to the Arena, and a Zatsuryu who was working behind the scenes at the party brought my Oodachi. I drew the sword, which was wrapped in a large white cloth to avoid attention, but it illuminated a dazzling light under the illumination.
「Since we’re doing combat, I’ll be using a weapon」
「I see. Is that a magic gold sword? You’re using a rather rare weapon. I don’t mind」
「Thank you. Then, I won’t hold back」
Magic gold. It’s a type of magic metal, just like magic iron, and that metal is identical to gold. It’s extremely stable in terms of both matter and mana, allowing it to prevent or dampen the mana attacks. They’re basically often made into armor or decorations.
It seems like Leonard’s dad mistook this word for magic gold. I don’t have to correct him.
「Well then, I will be facing you. It’s all to guide Alec-dono」
Saying that, Leonard’s Dad made a saber out of light attribute mana matter. It seems like he’s tailoring the match to become a sword fight.
He must be thinking that it’s easier to show the difference if we’re using the same weapon. He’s really looking down on me.
「Then, let’s begin. Come at me anytime you want. 」
This is no duel, but guidance. That’s why there’s no referee. Leonard’s dad declared it as guidance, and it has begun.
I’ll take one step. I swing the Odachi in obvious movements and Leonard’s dad attempted to receive it with his saber, looking as if he finds it easy.
Snap.
「Wha?」
Naturally, the divine iron Odachi will break through that kind of defense. As soon as they touched, the saber split into two and vanished. I placed the blade on the neck of Leonard’s dad who stopped moving in shock. Checkmate. If this was actual combat, he would’ve been dead already.
Did the combat take only one second? It was an instant skill.
「W-What happened?」
「Halard-dono」
「Leaving the confused Leonard’s dad, I returned to the starting position and prepared the Odachi again.」
「I think that was too fast. Could you guide me again?」
I smile brightly, stepping forward and swinging the Odachi Leonard’s dad tried to avoid my attack desperately but my blade follows like a shadow and once again presses against his neck.
It seems he got cut this time and there’s a bit of blood coming out. Well, this should be fine, right?
Let’s continue our guidance. I’m going to continue so many times until I’m satisfied.