An Invitation and a Spar / The Spar Begins

The problem is that Bianca spoke too casually and easily. So casually that Maria Nearl felt as if she were participating in some simple, childish game.

Although Maria Nearl hasn't been involved in this area recently, she still has some knowledge of knightly competitions because of her sister.

Because of her understanding, she knew that the triennial knightly tournament was not child's play, but a brutal battle that could result in injury or even serious injury.

And just as Bianca herself said before, this was still an unfair battle, one rife with behind-the-scenes manipulation.

Hearing Maria Nearl's reminder, Bianca gave her a slight smile, then explained helplessly:

"Calm down. There's a reason I suddenly decided to participate in the competition, and I'm confident in my abilities."

After saying that, he reached out and gently patted one of the ponies on the shoulder, offering silent comfort.

"Hmm? What's the reason?"

After being comforted by Bianca, Maria Nearl calmed down considerably. A hint of doubt flashed in her golden eyes, and her expression became somewhat curious.

"Because I want to help and protect those here who need help." As she said this, a glint of determination flashed in Bianca's beautiful blue eyes.

"Eh..."

When Maria Nearl heard this reason, which was completely different from what she had imagined, she was slightly stunned, feeling confused and puzzled at the same time.

However, regardless of Maria Nearl's reaction, Bianca continued speaking.

"Like I said, I was originally just passing through here, and then I came to this city out of curiosity and the need to make a living."

"Before coming here, I already knew about the situation here and that ridiculous knightly tournament. Because I disliked and even loathed it, I naively decided at first to leave as soon as possible."

At this point, Bianca paused briefly, took a sip of water from the glass on the table to moisten her throat, and then continued:

"But when I actually entered the city and saw many things with these eyes, I changed my mind."

"My unwavering chivalry and my heart tell me that I should help those in need here, protect them, pave the way for them, and give them choices!"

As she spoke of her choice, Bianca's azure eyes shone brightly, and the positive emotions emanating from her—firmness, confidence, and so on—made her appear radiant, as if she were glowing.

"..."

Gazing at the radiant girl beside her, Maria Nearl fell silent for a moment, and the private room gradually quieted down.

It wasn't until a moment later, when the atmosphere in the private room began to become strange, that Maria Nearl finally spoke again. This time, her expression and tone were much more serious than before.

"... So, do you know what you'll face once you embark on this path?"

While Maria Nearl was surprised and worried about participating in the knightly competition, she didn't think it was entirely irreversible. After all, one could concede defeat in a competition; it would just be a bit embarrassing.

However, the meaning changed completely after Bianca said those words.

These words also reminded Maria Nearl of someone: the previous champion of the Knights Tournament, the youngest miracle on the field, her own sister, Margaret Nearl Nearl.

But what happened to his own sister in the end?

Margaret Nearl Nearl was labeled an "Infected" and banished from Kazimierz, her homeland.

Although Bianca was only a friend Maria Nearl had known for a short time, Maria still didn't want her friend to go through what her sister had gone through.

P. S.: I get writer's block whenever I write something positive, and it's also a bit awkward. I'm almost done with this tug-of-war, and the next chapter will give Maria Nearl a little bit of a shock.

And then there's the request to write about Star Cat, but what use is that? While Silly Goose hates this competition, she won't kill innocent people indiscriminately. If she really borrowed the power of the Holy Sword, I can only say that one punch from her would probably blow up the entire arena and everything around it.

Give it a push.

Chapter 12 Invitation and Sparring

"Of course, I know what I'm going to face next." After hearing Maria Nearl's solemn words, Bianca said with a hint of helplessness in her blue eyes.

Silly Goose was well aware of her new friend's concerns. But for the moment, she didn't know how to explain.

Because some things just don't believe what she says. Just like before, when Griseo spoke, Talulah and the others didn't believe her either.

Moreover, her abilities are, in a sense, somewhat beyond expectations and beyond what others can comprehend.

Unless Bianca performs one on the spot, not only will others not believe her, but she herself won't be able to explain it clearly...

"Hmm, okay..."

"Knock knock--"

Maria Nearl wanted to say something more to Bianca's "relaxed" words, but she was interrupted before she could finish a sentence.

The dishes we ordered earlier have already been brought in.

"Sigh... never mind, let's not talk about this anymore, let's eat first. Bianca shouldn't eat much of our Kazimierz cuisine, so please try it."

Looking at the dishes being served, Maria Nearl waved her hand helplessly, then quietly introduced them to Bianca.

"Okay, sure."

Upon hearing this, Bianca had no choice but to temporarily stop the topic and shift her attention to the dishes her new friend had recommended.

"How was the taste? I've always thought the food at this restaurant was amazing!"

Watching Bianca chew her food in small bites, Maria Nearl temporarily suppressed her seriousness, then her eyes flashed with anticipation as she asked.

"It tastes wonderful, Maria Nearl your hospitality, Maria." Bianca looked at the lovely Maria Nearl in front of her, a hint of a smile flashing in her azure eyes.

Although the food wasn't as good as Rita's cooking in my memory, that didn't stop me from praising it.

"Hehe, I'm glad you like it. Besides, I was the one who bumped into you first, Bianca." Maria Nearl said, becoming a little embarrassed again.

After all, she hadn't forgotten how she had grabbed Bianca's hand and run away.

"No, I wasn't watching where I was going either, and I almost made you fall."

Upon hearing this, Bianca gently shook her head, then began to explain with a serious expression.

"Pfft, okay, let's leave that topic at that and continue eating."

Maria Nearl couldn't help but chuckle again as she listened to Bianca's honest words.

At the same time, Maria Nearl probably understood why she wanted to befriend the person in front of her, even at the cost of her previous rude and offensive behavior.

Because Bianca really reminded her of her older sister, Margaret Nearl Nearl. It wasn't because she initially mistook them for each other... it was just a feeling.

As it turned out, Maria Nearl's intuition was very accurate.

As she spent more time with her, she discovered that her new friend was just like her sister—the kind of person who was truly dazzling.

One could even say that some of them are like the noble knights Maria Nearl sees in picture books, full of ideals and unwavering will.

After dinner, the two did not linger in the restaurant but went outside again.

"..."

Looking at Bianca, who had finished dinner and looked satisfied and calm, Maria Nearl's golden eyes flickered with a complex light, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

After being interrupted by the dinner incident, she now didn't know how to start a conversation with Bianca.

"Heh~ Since you're still so worried, how about we have a spar?" Bianca looked at the girl beside her with a helpless smile, then gently patted her head and said.

In truth, Bianca herself wouldn't have wanted to offer such a "suggestion" that sounded like bullying a child, if she could. But unfortunately, there really weren't any less damaging methods of proof available at the moment.

In fact, if it were someone else, Dai'e wouldn't even want to prove her strength, because in her view, it was unnecessary.

However, the girl in front of me is different.

Bianca didn't want to approach Maria Nearl with ulterior motives, but since they had met by chance today, she naturally wouldn't resist. She was willing to exchange sincerity for sincerity and make such a friend.

That's why the goose didn't want its new friend to feel worried because of its "concealment".

"Eh!? Can we spar? But... my swordsmanship isn't very good."

After hearing Bianca's words, Maria Nearl, forgetting even that she had been patted on the head, asked with a somewhat surprised expression.

"It's alright, it's not a formal duel. I just wanted to put your mind at ease, Maria Nearl."

Looking at the surprised expression on the girl's face, Bianca's azure eyes flashed slightly as she explained in a calm tone.

"After all, there are many things that can't be convinced just by talking."

As she finished speaking, Bianca extended her hand to Maria Nearl, a confident and radiant smile playing on her lips.

"... good!"

Maria Nearl was slightly taken aback when she saw Bianca's smile. It took her a moment to recover before she gently grasped the slender yet strong hand extended in front of her.

Then, on their way to find a venue or training ground, they coincidentally ran into an acquaintance again.

"Hey, Zofia- neechan... Good evening?"

Maria Nearl looked at the blonde Kuranta who had stopped her, scratched her head lightly, and gave an awkward and guilty smile.

"Didn't we agree to have dinner together tonight? And who is this?"

Although Zofia was asking Maria Nearl a question, her gaze fell on Bianca was standing to the side.

"This is my new friend, Bianca!" After explaining to Zofia, Maria Nearl looked at Bianca and continued:

"This is my older sister, Zofia. She's a very nice person."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sister Zofia."

After hearing Maria Nearl's introduction, Bianca smiled slightly and then extended her hand to Zofia first.

"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you. Maria Nearl has caused you trouble."

Looking at the polite Bianca, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Zofia's eyes. After withdrawing her scrutinizing gaze, she gently took Bianca's hand.

"Alright, Maria Nearl, shouldn't you explain yourself to me? What are you planning to do so late?"

"Forehead..."

P. S.: Let's see if I can manage three updates today; it shouldn't be a problem.

Give it a push.

Chapter 13 The Beginning of the Sparring

Finally, under pressure from her aunt, Maria Nearl hesitated for a moment before revealing everything.

"... Knightly competitions are no joke. Are you really ready?" After learning the whole story, Zofia turned her gaze back to Bianca, whose expression was calm and composed.

"Although the decision was made very hastily, we are indeed prepared." Upon hearing this, Bianca returned Zofia's gaze with a firm and confident look.

"In that case, how about Miss Bianca spar with me instead of Maria Nearl?" Zofia looked at the composed and confident Bianca before her, and after a moment's consideration, she tentatively spoke.

"After all, Maria Nearl isn't very skilled at swordsmanship."

Zofia originally didn't want to get involved in the affairs between the two children. However... after seeing Bianca's eyes just now, she suddenly changed her mind and wanted to test the girl in front of her to see what she was really made of.

She hadn't seen a look like that in so long—firm, confident, and dazzling...

If Bianca truly has real talent, then Zofia wouldn't mind lending a hand behind the scenes.

If not, she can only assume she misjudged the situation.

"Of course, no problem, Miss Zofia. After all, this sparring is just to put Maria Nearl at ease, nothing more." Bianca nodded slightly after hearing Zofia's suggestion and readily agreed.

The goose had absolutely no objection to this suggestion. After all, it was just a small sparring match to put his friend at ease, and sparring with anyone was still sparring.

Moreover, Zofia, who was a top 16 finisher in the previous Knights Tournament, is much stronger than Maria Nearl is now. A match between them would yield a more convincing "result."

"In that case, there's no need to go out of your way to find a venue. Miss Bianca, why don't you just come to my house? My place is quite spacious."

After hearing Bianca's reply, Zofia looked at her with even greater satisfaction.

After all, in Zofia's opinion, if someone didn't even have the courage to agree to a spar with her, then she had basically misjudged them... The seemingly dazzling girl in front of her might not have any real skills.

She could even start to consider reminding Maria Nearl to stay away from people like Bianca who lack real skills but love to "talk big."

After Bianca agreed, the group didn't waste any more time and headed straight for Zofia's house.

"Are you really planning to spar with Aunt Zofia...? She's really strong..." Maria Nearl, who was walking down the street, suddenly tugged at Bianca's sleeve and whispered in her ear.

"Don't worry, it's alright. If I can't even defeat Miss Zofia, how can I talk about achieving my goals?" Bianca said, reaching out to pat Maria Nearl's shoulder reassuringly.