A short command echoed through the training grounds.

Rishe and Sven just had a face off, and the winner had just been announced.

It happened less than ten seconds after the start signal sounded.

“Thank you very much.”

Rishe said, pointing the tip of her wooden sword to him.

Sven was down on his buttocks on the ground and pale in the face. His mouth opened and shut as he stared at the tip of the sword, which was a hair’s breadth away from his nose.

The training ground was silent.

The only person who didn’t look surprised was Rovine.

“W-what… y-you, w-what, why?”

Rishe extended a hand to Sven, who desperately strung a word.

“Can you stand, Sven?”

“This isn’t real. This is…! You’re barely strong enough! Even in strength training, you’re nothing at all!”

“The way I defeated you wasn’t through physical or muscular strength. I think you’re going to learn how exactly I did it.”

“…”

The other trainees who were watching the combat were still agape.

Sven shook his head as if unwilling to meet their gaze.

“Why? I couldn’t possibly lose to you!”

“Sorry if I scared you. But I don’t want to get Fritz in too much trouble.”

Rishe bent down and stared into his eyes.

“I’d like to get along with you, too.”

“H—”

Sven let out a scream, then quickly got up.

She really didn’t have any other intentions, but she might have scared him needlessly.

As Sven hurried back to his companions, Rishe pulled back into the corner as well. Then Fritz rushed over to her with a glint in his eye.

“Lu! You were amazing!!”

“Fritz, I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you.”

When she bowed her head in apology, Fritz stared at her blankly.

“Why are you apologizing? I did it on my own accord. For that matter, I think it’s me who troubled you.”

“It’s not just for Fritz. It’s also for Sven, because if he makes a habit of underestimating his enemies, he might die because of it.”

“―― ……”

Fritz’s eyes widened at Rishe’s remarks.

“Besides, I found out after the match with Sven that he has very good reflexes. I think it would definitely be a shame if Rovine-sama didn’t get to see more of it.”

With only ten days of training, time for direct instruction was vital.

Rishe thought seriously, while Fritz broke into a huge smile.

“Lu, you know, you’re quite different.”

“By the way, why do you call me Lu?”

“Oh! Since you’re Lucius, I figured a nickname for you. Don’t you like it?”

“No.”

Rishe shook her head in reply.

In her former life as a knight, that was indeed a nickname for ‘Lucius’. Perhaps that was why she felt very nostalgic.

“I’d be glad if you call me that. Thanks, Fritz.”

“…!”

The moment Rishe smiled, Fritz clutched his hands over his chest.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I wonder what that is.”

“?”

Fritz coughed, though he didn’t look sick.

“Err … Oh, oh right!　We’re supposed to go into town for lunch today after training. Do you still have work to do?”

“Yeah. I have quite a lot of work to do this afternoon.”

Rishe was again reminded of a huge problem.

She would be meeting Kyle this afternoon.

What was his real purpose?