109 [2-43] The first love is the sweetness of virtue. (1/2)

The sun was just beginning to rise over the mountains.

Kaya stands in the dimness of dawn.

She is already dressed in her armor.

Shining in the morning sun is a silvery-white armor, polished but with the marks of battle etched all over it. It is probably made of mithril, which is light and suitable for magic.

Mithril armor is relatively inexpensive, but mithril gear with a variety of enchantments can cost a fortune. Kaya's armor is probably one of those.

The same style as yesterday, with tights-like chainmail over the undergarment, and only breastplate and greaves on top of that. Through the gaps in his full-face helmet, a long, thin stream of white breath came out like the breath of a dragon.

The winters in Ciel-Teirah are cold, and if you wear metal armor normally, your body will get cold and your strength will be impaired or you may get frostbite.

Therefore, it is necessary to use some means to keep warm. Kaya, who had been a leader of the royal knights, was well equipped and must have had proper protection against the cold.

She easily pulls her sword from her waist and holds it up to the sky.

And swing.

She swung it out in a kesa, stepped in and scooped it up, spun around and slashed while checking behind her, and thrusted left and right with blinding speed.

It was not a ”kata” to be shown to anyone. It was not a ”kata” to be shown to anyone, but to trace the trajectory of the sword he had wielded on the battlefield, so that he would not forget it.

It was rude and scary to call it a sword dance, but it was beautiful. The melted snow was cut by the pressure of the sword, and there were many sharp lacerations.

The sword dance, which seemed to go on forever, came to an abrupt end.

Kaya put her sword away and turned around, startling Katherine, who was watching from the shadows of the building.

Katherine, who had woken up somewhat early, saw Kaya outside the inn and put on a cape to come and check on her.

”I'm sorry. Am I interrupting anything?

No. No. It is unbecoming of a knight to be distracted by the presence of others.

Kaya smiled at Katherine as she lifted the mask of her helmet.

She had not broken a sweat, but her breath was as white as a cloud.

”It was you, Katherine. Are you so interested in my swordplay?

”...... Yes. Your family and your father's knights were all men who wielded ...... swords.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. The only female knights are the rare ones who have a talent for magic and become knights in order to make the most of it.

In such a situation, Kaya Runner, a woman who has risen to prominence through her skill with the sword, is a somewhat famous knight who attracts the curious eyes of the people.

Kaya was different from any woman Katherine had ever seen in her life.

If she had to guess, she might say she was like Diana, the Priestess of the Dragon's Throat.

Bracing and powerful.

Katherine wondered if Kaya's sword would be able to cut through her unsettled feelings like it had cut through the freezing wind.

”Sir Knight.

Please, call me Kaja.

...... Kaja. What do you think about when you fight?

Kaya smiled and tilted her head in annoyance.

Kaya smiles and tilts her head. ”That's too broad a question for ....... I can only say it depends.

”Yes, of course. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry,” Catherine said, ashamed of her haste. I'm sorry, aren't I?

I don't know what you're asking me. I've been taught to choose my words so that they convey my intentions without excess or deficiency.

Thinking for a moment, Catherine rephrased.

If your enemy is a poor person you can't hate ...... for some reason, can you still fight him?

”That's the master order ...... No, not if it's for the good of this country.

You can't just dress it up like ....... There will be times when the fight is unconvincing.

But I will fight. If someone has to fight.

”Yes. ......

Unfortunately, that was not the answer Catherine was looking for.

Kathryn stifled her disappointment. She fought through her feelings of incomprehension. She wondered if it was the only way after all.

Thank you, Kaya. I'll leave you to it.

I was about to thank her and leave.

”The Rose of Hell.”

...... No. Rene ”Rosy” Luvia Ciel-Teira.

Kaya's words were as quiet as snow.

It's a testament to her noble upbringing that she didn't scream.

Still, Katherine wasn't sure if her agitation was showing on her face.

Was I right?　I assume you've been thinking about her.

”Sir Knight. That's not very nice of you to say.