One Missing

Tales frowned at Little Barney and only nodded after a long while.

Naki looked at Tales, then at the Vanguard Officer, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately kept silent.

"About that, regarding your question just now..." In the midst of the indescribable awkwardness, Tales coughed lightly. "The one who taught me swordsmanship was... Jinnie Bakerville."

"The king's lover."

In that instant, Little Barney's expression changed drastically!

Tales caught it.

"Hey, isn't that the shrew from West City Vigilance Hall..." Naki slapped his forehead, his eyes lighting up as he blurted it out.

But when he saw Little Barney's expression, he shuddered violently and immediately changed his words.

"Ahem, ahem, ahem—oh, oh! So it's the renowned, beautiful, and talented Alert Officer!"

Naki suddenly became serious.

Seeing their expressions, Tales felt a surge of doubt.

They...

Naki tugged at an imaginary collar and said solemnly, "Ah, well, nothing much, Your Highness. I think what Vanguard Officer Barney meant just now was... well, even with the same swordsmanship, there can be different styles, different understandings, and different habits. That's perfectly normal!"

Naki thumped his chest grandly, ignoring Little Barney's increasingly ugly expression as he continued on his own. "Even with Northern Military Swordsmanship, we can't remain stubbornly satisfied with a single style. We must be good at discovering strengths and constantly innovating. Even if a new style sometimes appears ineffective for the time being, it still has value. For example, Lady Jinnie's attempts to strengthen her defense are very enlightening... Hey, hey, wait a moment, wait!"

Before he could finish, Little Barney, looking furious, grabbed him by the ear and dragged him back to the battlefield.

"Brother? Quell? Little Barney? Vanguard Officer Barney, Your Excellency, Sir, listen to me..."

"Cut the crap and get to work!" Little Barney shouted angrily.