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Airi's POV
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We stay in the same room for a while after they left.

My sudden statement about a third child must have sent the Crown Prince's brain through a war, since it is very possible it could be the reason.

Right now, I'd imagine him trying to disagree with what I said, but finding it hard to.

The mind doubts even in the face of facts, after all.

"... Say, why'd you think that?" (Subaru)

"Hm?" (Airi)

"The third child. What made you think that?" (Subaru)

"I told you a few minutes ago...?" (Airi)

"Isn't there another reason, though?" (Subaru)

"Well, there is, but..." (Airi)

"But?" (Subaru)

"I might get executed if I say it?" (Airi)

"..." (Subaru)

He sits in silence for a few seconds after, before bursting out laughing.

"Hahaha! God, Doujima really does a good job of picking his knights. First that other kid, and now you!" (Subaru)

"Eh? What?" (Airi)

"You guys really don't hold anything back against nobles, huh?" (Subaru)

"Wait wait wait. What are you saying? And who's this 'other kid'?" (Airi)

"You know, short, black hair. Slightly scary eyes. Doesn't talk much." (Subaru)

"... You mean Ryu...?" (Airi)

"Yeah! Him! God, he doesn't care about status at all! He's so amusing!" (Subaru)

"You think?" (Airi)

"Do you not think so?" (Subaru)

"Well... I mean, it's hard to laugh when someone is being rude to someone who can have them executed in the spot." (Airi)

"Come on, don't joke. My Father may be ruthless during war, but when it comes to his people, he's really caring!" (Subaru)

"... Didn't he banish a noble to Naem because he annoyed the King?" (Airi)

"Ah, that was the official statement. That noble was actually trying to get his daughter engaged with the Second Prince." (Subaru)

"Isn't that normal for nobles?" (Airi)

"It is, except for the fact that his daughter isn't even 10." (Subaru)

"Ah. I see." (Airi)

"If anything, it was a saving grace for the wife and daughter, since that noble was abusing them." (Subaru)

"Slave labour as punishment for abuse, huh?" (Airi)

"Fitting punishment, right? Of course, the family would have also been destroyed, had it not been for the fact that the wife had an affair with the noble's brother, making him the official heir." (Subaru)

"Wow. Nobles truly are the worst, aren't they?" (Airi)

"Most of them, it seems. But anyway, my body's getting stiff, let's spar." (Subaru)

"... Eh?" (Airi)

"You didn't hear me? Let's spar, wooden swords, out in the training field." (Subaru)

"Well, yeah, I heard that, but... Am I allowed to spar with the Crown Prince?" (Airi)

"...? Why wouldn't you?" (Subaru)

"Well, I mean, if I accidentally left a bruse or a cut, I'd be in prison for harming a Royal wouldn't I?" (Airi)

"Listen, I came out with a broken arm in one match, and Father congratulated the knight who managed to do it, so..." (Subaru)

"... I see." (Airi)

I don't make any further comments and just follow Subaru out of the room we were in.

The training field wasn't too far away, only a few minutes walk, since it was connected to the Royal Barracks for ease of use.

It was very big, to say the least. You could probably simulate a mock battle on this field with over 100 soldiers, and there'd still be plenty of space.

The entire field was also surrounded by colosseum-like walls, with several stages of seats, as if for a tournament.

On one wall, opposite to where we entered from, several racks were lined up against each other, each holding a different type of weapon, ranging from daggers and swords, to spears and lances.

"Pick as you wish." (Subaru)

Taking his words into account, I walk over to the sword section and pick out a wooden bastard sword.

It felt familiar in my hands, comfortable, almost.

It truly showed how good the craftmanship of the wooden weapons were, to feel so similar to an actual sword, minus most of the weight.

Looking over to Subaru, I notice how natural a sword seemed to look in his hands, as if he'd been practicing his whole life, much like me.

"You ready?" (Airi)

"Maybe I should ask you that." (Subaru)

"Then, when this rock lands." (Airi)

Picking up a rock from the floor, I toss it into the air and wait.

As the rock nears the floor, I mutter,
"{Perception}" (Airi)

Time slows down around me and I watch and the rock slowly inches towards the floor.

Once it touches, I see Subaru dash towards me, much faster than other knights I've fought.

He starts with a wide swing to my right, but I block it easily and push his sword back.

Taking it in stride, he spins around quickly and uses the momentum of my push to send another strike on my left side.

I dodge by jumping backwards, and thrust my sword forward.

I barely graze his neck and he jumps back, opening the distance between us.

He doesn't give any time for conversation, though, and instead leaps towards me again, sending an attack from above his head.

I try to parry it, but notice his leg coming to my side at the same time as his sword comes from above, forcing me to duck as low as I can.

His leg misses my head by a few inches, and I can feel the wind blow through my hair.

He almost caught me out by using his sword as a feint.

"That's quite a fighting style." (Airi)

"Isn't it? I think I remember someone saying it's based on survival, not honour." (Subaru)

"That's surprising, coming from a Prince." (Airi)

"I'd rather live and have my honour destroyed than be dead." (Subaru)

Dashing forwards again, he doesn't give me time to reply and instead unleashes a flurry of attacks on me, all of which I'm able to block, but not counter.

The attacks continue for a few seconds, before slowing as he gets more tired.

I take advantage of this, slowly shrinking back, faking an opportunity for him.

He seems to notice me shrinking and pushes again, falling right into my act.

Once I notice him slowing down again, I start pushing back against his attacks, throwing him out of rhythm.

He goes to jump back, but I thrust my sword forward, my sword at his neck.

"... Haah, you win." (Subaru)

"You're pretty good." (Airi)

"You too." (Subaru)

"Though, you still can't hold a candle to Captain." (Airi)

"You think anyone can?" (Subaru)

"Hmmm... Etsu, probably." (Airi)

"Well, that Vice-Captain of yours is another story." (Subaru)

"Hm? What do you mean?" (Airi)

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Author Notes
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I'm going to start this by saying that this chapter was much, much, much easier to write than the last.

That may have been because it was leading to a fight, or something else, but I don't know.

But I don't have much else to write, so thank you for reading, please continue doing so!