The Spar's Outcome and a Promise / Bianca: I'm 16

After hearing Bianca's words, a hint of helplessness flashed in Maria Nearl's eyes, and she swallowed back what she had originally wanted to say. Then she encouraged her:

"Since you've said that, good luck! I believe in you Bianca!"

Although Maria Nearl knew and had experienced firsthand the terrifying power of her aunt, she still decided to give her new friend some trust after seeing the dazzling and confident Bianca.

"Yes, don't worry, I won't let you down."

After taking in all of Maria Nearl's encouraging words, Bianca responded with a smile.

"... cough, um."

Upon hearing this, Maria Nearl was slightly taken aback, then turned her head away, her expression becoming somewhat unnatural, and she also subtly increased the distance between herself and Bianca.

Maria Nearl would never admit at this moment that she had just been charmed by her new friend's words and smile...

"...?"

Bianca, who had taken in Maria Nearl's subtle actions, had a hint of confusion in her azure eyes, and a question mark slowly appeared above her head.

However, the goose didn't dwell on this minor matter and quickly refocused its attention on continuing its journey and making observations.

Her actions caused Maria Nearl, who had been secretly observing her, to feel a strange sense of "loss".

"..."

Zofia, walking ahead, witnessed the two "little ones" whispering to each other, causing her to sigh helplessly inwardly.

She secretly decided to hold back a bit in the upcoming sparring match. As long as Bianca was reasonably decent, she would let her win.

This doesn't refer to laxity in terms of the competition itself, but rather to allowing someone to continue interacting with their own child.

In fact, Zofia had noticed long ago that her child didn't have any playmates of the same age.

Even though she and Maria Nearl often didn't get along, despite not being that much older... there was still a generation gap in many things.

So, if the Bianca people are somewhat understandable, then in Zofia's view, it's not a bad thing for Maria Nearl to have more friends who are about the same age and share common interests.

In the courtyard of Zofia's mansion--

"Put on your protective gear, choose a weapon you're good at, and we can begin."

Looking at Bianca, who showed no sign of tension, Zofia raised an eyebrow slightly and then pointed to the protective gear placed to the side.

Although Zofia is not proficient in many of the weapons here, or even doesn't know how to use them, that doesn't prevent her from possessing them.

"Protective gear? No need... I don't need it." Bianca glanced at where Zofia was pointing and then quickly shook her head.

For others, those protective gear can indeed provide protection.

But for Silly Goose, all of this was completely unnecessary. After all, the protective gear wasn't even as strong as her own body, and might even hinder her combat abilities...

"Arrogance isn't a good habit, but since you don't want to wear it, go pick out a weapon." Zofia shook her head inwardly after hearing Bianca's words, but ultimately didn't say anything more.

"Um."

Upon hearing this, Bianca nodded slightly and walked directly towards the weapon rack.

She naturally noticed Zofia's expression, but at this point, she didn't want to explain anything. Rather than wasting words, she'd rather prove herself with her strength.

P. S.: I'll keep writing and see if I can squeeze out a third update. Please urge me on.

Chapter 14 The Results and Commitments of the Exchange

Walking to the weapons rack, Bianca chose a simple-looking knight's lance almost without hesitation.

"Hmm..."

However, when she drew the spear again, Bianca couldn't help but frown slightly.

So light...

"Hey, Bianca, are you really not going to wear protective gear? And you're actually good with this heavy spear!" Maria Nearl, standing next to Bianca, exclaimed in surprise after seeing Bianca actions.

"I don't need protective gear. I'm not really used to it, and it affects my agility a bit. As for the spear, I'm actually quite good at it." After hearing Maria Nearl's words, Bianca gently shook her head and explained.

As soon as he finished speaking, the silly goose nimbly and swiftly swung the spear that felt as light as a feather in his hand.

"Bianca, you're amazing! I've tried this weapon before, but it's still too heavy for me." Maria Nearl scratched her head, a little embarrassed, as she watched Bianca's movements.

Maria Nearl could lift and wield this heavy type of spear, but she shouldn't use it as a primary weapon for continuous attacks.

"It's alright, everyone has different strengths. Just find and use the weapon that suits you." After comforting Maria Nearl a little, Bianca picked up her weapon and walked towards Zofia, who had been waiting for her.

"I'm ready, Miss Zofia, you may begin."

After Bianca stood facing Zofia, she calmly addressed her.

"Although I will control my strength, if you get injured because you don't wear protective gear, Miss Bianca can't blame me." With this final reminder, Zofia solemnly tugged at the Whislash in her hand, which she hadn't used in some time.

Although Zofia was somewhat surprised that Bianca chose such a heavy lance, suitable for riding and charging, she still didn't think that the young-looking Bianca had the strength to defeat her.

"Yes, Miss Zofia, please feel free to make your move."

Upon hearing this, Bianca nodded without saying anything further.

At the same time, out of respect for Zofia, the silly goose quickly focused its attention and took the match seriously.

"Shall I make the first move...?"

Seeing Bianca's expression, Zofia raised an eyebrow slightly and muttered something under her breath.

However, now that someone has handed the initiative to her, she naturally won't hesitate any longer.

Zofia's eyes narrowed, and she brandished her Whislash, attacking Bianca with swift and agile movements.

"Whoosh--"

"Bang, clang--"

Although Zofia's attacks seemed very sharp, agile, and even difficult to defend against to others.

However, Bianca parried all the attacks without any resistance or even moving her feet.

"..."

Seeing this, Zofia raised an eyebrow again, slightly easing her concerns, and began to move more quickly, searching for an opening.

However, as time went on, Zofia's expression did become increasingly surprised.

She discovered that no matter how freely she attacked or how hard she tried to find an opening, Bianca, who seemed to be passively defending and taking hits, defended perfectly, leaving her with absolutely no chance.

"Whoosh--"

Just as Zofia was surprised, Bianca, who had been passively defending, suddenly moved. She raised her traditional heavy knight's lance, entangled the incoming Whislash, and then suddenly exerted force.

"Varied..."

A terrifying force traveled along the Whislash, dragging Zofia forward a distance while also causing the weapon to slip from her hand.

Then, before anyone could react, the gleaming spear tip came to rest against Zofia's slender neck.

It's obvious that the outcome of this match is self-evident.

"Call..."

Bianca then deftly maneuvered the spear, moving the tip away.

"You win, Miss Bianca. You are indeed very strong, and fully capable of participating in the Knights' Tournament."

Zofia glanced at the girl in front of her whose expression had remained unchanged throughout, and then spoke calmly.

But the surprise in her eyes betrayed the fact that she was not actually calm.

"Miss Zofia is also very capable."

Upon hearing Zofia's words, Bianca answered without hesitation.

"Hmph... You don't need to tell me, I know my own situation perfectly well." Upon hearing this, Zofia snorted lightly, shook her head, and then remained silent.

"Wow, Bianca, you actually beat Zofia!"

After seeing the two finish their sparring match, Maria Nearl, who was standing not far away, rushed over, her expression showing a hint of excitement.

"Okay, so, are you relieved now?"

Seeing Maria Nearl run up to her, Bianca patted her shoulder with a hint of helplessness in her eyes.

"Hehe~ Of course, I'm completely relieved."

After noticing Bianca's helplessness, Maria Nearl stuck out her tongue and smiled slightly, trying to get away with it by being cute.

"Heh~"

When Bianca saw Maria Nearl's smile, she knew that she had achieved her goal in this sparring match.

"Even with sufficient strength, don't become arrogant." At this point, Zofia seemed to remember something, and continued:

"You registered quite late this time. Have you thought about how you're going to arrange the upcoming points-based competition?"

"I've thought it through. Time is indeed running out, so I've decided to forgo all other formats and go straight for the free-for-all format."

Upon hearing this, Bianca nodded slightly before explaining in a calm tone.

The decision to directly participate in the free-for-all format was made when the author had already decided to participate in the Knights Arena.

The reason is, of course, because it's much faster to accumulate points. If other modes required one-on-one play and slowly building up points...

In the free-for-all format, you can accumulate a lot of points in a single match. If you're strong enough, it's entirely possible to accumulate enough points to advance in just one game.

"Well, since you're strong enough and have your own plans, I won't say anything more." Zofia nodded approvingly after hearing Bianca's words.

He then continued, "If you need any help later, you can come to me for Maria Nearl's sake."

At this point, Bianca has exceeded Zofia's expectations.

Given this, whether it was because of her own inexplicable little expectation or for Maria Nearl's sake, she was still willing to lend a helping hand when necessary.

"Okay, thank you, Miss Zofia."

P. S.: I experienced a time-travel experience yesterday; I opened my eyes and it was already noon... Sigh.

Chapter 15 Bianca: I'm 16

"Hmm." After hearing Zofia's words, Bianca nodded slightly and accepted the kindness.

Although the silly goose is powerful enough, she is still quite unfamiliar with this place and people, and she will likely need help from others in life and other aspects, which is why she accepted Zofia's kindness.

"To be honest, I'm not very familiar with the Great Knight's Territory, so I'd like to ask you where there are workshops around here that can forge armor." As if remembering something, Bianca's eyes flashed slightly, and then she asked the two people beside her in a calm tone.

"...?"

"?"

However, after Bianca said this, both of them looked at her with shocked and puzzled expressions.

"?"

After meeting Maria Nearl and Zofia's surprised gazes, Bianca paused for a moment, a big question mark slowly appearing above her head.

Clearly, the person was completely unaware of the shocking information they had just revealed.

"... The qualifying rounds are almost over, Bianca, you still don't have your own armor?!"

Seeing the confusion in her new friend's eyes, Maria Nearl's lips twitched slightly, and she asked in a slightly trembling voice.

"Well... actually, it didn't take me too long from deciding to participate to registering, so my preparation wasn't complete." After hearing Maria Nearl's words, a hint of guilt flashed quickly in Bianca's azure eyes.

You can't blame Silly Goose for this. You have to understand that she never intended to participate in this unfair, playful competition. Now that she's suddenly participating, she can't just conjure up equipment out of thin air.

Bianca does have her own Valkyrie armor, but the problem is... it's a bit too over-the-top and doesn't comply with the competition rules.

It's important to know that the free-for-all tournament she's preparing to participate in almost always requires players to wear full armor, as the competition requires sensors to be attached to the armor to calculate effective attacks and points.

As for the Valkyrie armor... where would someone possibly attach sensors to it?

Although the Goose doesn't really need it in any sense, it still needs to go through the basic formalities, otherwise it wouldn't be good if they were eliminated from the points race under some pretext.

"You've rushed this far. Finding a craftsman to make custom-made armor for you in such a short time is probably going to be difficult."

After hearing Bianca's explanation, before Maria Nearl could say anything, Zofia took the painting first.

"It is indeed a bit troublesome, but equipment is not very important to me in this kind of competition. If all else fails, I can just buy a decent ready-made suit of armor."