Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Sword Saint 2

The location changed to the training grounds within the castle grounds, where soldiers were undergoing training. Upon the princess's arrival, all the soldiers saluted.

"Fearis-hime, what brings you here today?"

A tall man emerged from the back and kneeled before the princess, inquiring about her visit.

This man's name was Andoru von Jeckbal.

He was the commander of the kingdom's knight order and the head of the Jeckbal Ducal House.

Despite being in his late thirties, he was known as the kingdom's strongest guardian deity.

Oh no, I've encountered another troublesome character...

"I just wanted to use this place for a bit. Julius seems to want to fight against those who will be my escorts," said the princess.

"I see... Understood. Clear the area, all of you!"

Having heard the princess's words, Andoru immediately called out to the soldiers around him, and they cleared the area along with the tools they were using.

Truly, the princess is highly popular within the castle. The soldiers moved in an instant.

"J-Jin-kun, are we going to fight here?"

"Seems like it. Well, the princess also said we don't have to go all out, so I think it's enough to fight at a level that satisfies Julius-san."

On the way here, the princess told us that we "don't have to go all out." It's partly because I have the intention of hiding my power, but it seems that the princess also doesn't want our true abilities to be known to the world "yet."

"Now then, first, I'd like to see Chloe-san's abilities. What weapon will you use?"

"Is a dagger okay?"

"It's better to use a weapon you're familiar with, so that's fine. I'll be using a sword as well."

Upon hearing Chloe's words, Julius responded, and the two of them each took their weapons, swung them a few times, and took their positions.

And then, Andoru offered to be the referee and confirmed that both of them were ready before giving the signal to start the match.

"Hah!"

Even at this point, Chloe, whose physical abilities rival Julius, who is a Human, attacked him utilizing her leg strength.

Before the first kick could hit him, Julius stopped it with his arm. Chloe, understanding in an instant that Julius had excellent reflexes, immediately stepped back.

Seeing Chloe like that, Julius didn't move from his spot and said, "Come at me with more attacks."

"As expected of the Sword Saint. Chloe is quite skilled, but to treat her like a child..."

"Yes, but I think Chloe-san is one of the more capable ones."

"Well, neither of us are going all out, though."

Observing Julius' movements, I immediately realized that he wasn't taking it seriously either.

In fact, Julius didn't even exert half of his strength... Yet he still treated Chloe like a child. He's definitely strong even in this era.

Later, the predetermined match time arrived, and Chloe and Julius' battle came to an end.

In the end, the two of them fought on almost equal terms, but Chloe was using about 80% of her strength, while Julius only used about 30%.

"I couldn't land a single effective attack..."

"Well, don't be too down about it. Julius-san is one of the top swordsmen in this country, so it's amazing that you were able to have a proper match even when he held back."

"As Jin-san said, there are soldiers who can defeat Julius even when he holds back. In that regard, I think Chloe-san, who fought on equal terms with him, has more than enough ability."

As Chloe felt down after the match, both the princess and I offered words of encouragement.

In reality, I believe Chloe, who could fight on equal terms with Julius, is quite strong.

In the game itself, the protagonist trains with Julius, but he couldn't even land a single blow until the end.

However, Chloe managed to land a few attacks on Julius during the match.

"Well then, next is Jin-san's turn. Your body is already warmed up, but are you okay, Jin-san?"

"Yes, I've been preparing since the end, so I'm fine."

When Julius called out to me, I replied and headed to get my weapon, choosing a one-handed sword.

"So, Jin-san uses a regular sword. Did someone teach you swordsmanship?"

"No, I think the princess has told you, but I've learned everything on my own, including swordsmanship."

"On your own, huh? I've seen strong swordsmen who are self-taught, so I'm looking forward to seeing your fighting style, Jin-san."

Julius said so with a big smile, and both he and I took our positions.