Chapter 834: The Two who Returned ⑦ (2/2)

[I'm sorry for suddenly calling you here.]

[No, it's alright with me…… errr, how can I be of help?]

[I'm going to ask you a few simple questions. The three of you should recall the discussions we had just now, while listening to Lilia-san's answers.]

After smiling at Lilia-san, who curiously tilted her head, Alice held up her index finger and spoke.

[Well then, first question. Lilia-san, if you were to fight against a low Count-rank, or perhaps, a mid Count-rank, would you stand a chance?]

[……It's difficult to give a general answer because I also have to think  about the match compatibility and the flow of the battle, but I think my odds are good.]

[I see…… but what if you were to face against a high Count-rank?]

[My apologies, but with my current abilities, I don't think I could stand a chance.]

In other words, is this a question to see if Lilia-san has a proper grasp of her own abilities? The fact that Alice has a satisfied expression on her face means that Lilia-san's answer is quite accurate.

Come to think of it, Lilia-san has a humble personality, but I don't think she is very humble when it comes to combat.

Putting aside the fact that she didn't say that she couldn't win against Peerage-holders, when she fought Neun-san back in that incident regarding Dr. Vier, I felt that they were evenly matched in terms of the amount of damage they both suffered, but I remembered her saying that ”it's hard for her to win”.

[Well then, next question. How do you see Sieg-san and Lunamaria-san's fighting ability, Lilia-san?]

[I think they are both very good. Sieg-san's refined swordsmanship is the best in the country, and Luna's dexterity allows her to adapt to any situation. I think they both have strengths that I don't have.]

[Fumu fumu…… Well then, if Sieg-san and Lunamaria-san were to fight Lilia-san at the same time…… Do you think you'd be able to win?]

[……Do you mean not as a spar, but in a real, serious battle?]

[Yes, that's right.]

[Unfortunately, no matter what the situation, in a purely combat situation…… I think the result will be an overwhelming victory for me.]

Hearing Lilia-san's clear-cut words, I could see Aoi-chan and Hina-chan's surprised expressions on their faces.

[Incidentally, how many seconds do you think they will last at most?]

[……Let's see…… I think it would be about 15-20 seconds……]

[Yes, I also estimated the same way. Oya, Aoi-san, Hina-san, you're quite surprised, aren't you? However, this is a pretty accurate assumption…… Frankly speaking, the specs of Sieg-san, Lunamaria-san and Lilia-san are too different. The two of them wouldn't even be able to see Lilia-san's attack, and even if they defend her strike with all her might, Lilia-san's greatsword will break through their guard and cleave them in half.]

[In addition to the difference in the amount of magic power, I think it will be quite difficult for Sieg and Luna to respond to my attacks.]

[……Even if Lilia-san was in a bad condition, while the two of them are in their tip-top shape, and Lilia-san's first move is delayed, to which the two of them will work together in perfect coordination, putting all of their magic power into a singular point of defense, and on top of that, when their intuition is right…… They might be able to survive Lilia-san's first strike. Of course, her second strike would still cleave them in half though.]

Again, Alice looks satisfied with Lilia-san's response and added some more information to it.

[……As you can probably guess from my reaction so far, Lilia-san's self-evaluation and evaluation of others in terms of combat are quite accurate. Incidentally, according to my personal evaluation, Lilia-san is categorized as a ”strong person”.]

[E- Errr…… It's a great honor to receive your praise, but what's this all about?]

[Ahh, come to think of it, I haven't told you yet. I was just teaching Aoi-san and Hina-san about the importance of understanding their own abilities in battle.]

[……I see, that is indeed a very important thing. If you misread it, not only yourself, but you may also put the people around you in danger…….]

[Lilia-san understood the importance of understanding the abilities of your subordinates from your experience as a Division Commander in the Knight Order, and since the two of them know you well, we've invited you here for a few small questions. Thank you very much. Please accept this as thanks.]

As thanks, Alice brought out a slightly large paper bag. With a curious expression on her face, Lilia-san tilted her head before receiving the paper bag.

[……Thanks? N- No, you don't really…… have to……]

Lilia-san reservedly looked inside the paper bag, but soon after her expression stiffened. I wonder what that is? What on earth could that be?]

[…….Oya? You don't want it?]

[N- No! T- Thank you very much!!! Ahh, errr…… W- Well then, I still have some work to do, so if you'll excuse me……]

[Yes, yes, thank you for your time.]

……Hmmm, I wonder why? She clearly looked happy with what she received, but for some reason, she turned a concerned gaze towards us for a bit, before she rushed out of the room…… Does that mean that she doesn't want me, Aoi-chan or Hina-chan to know what's inside?

That means…… Whatever that is that was inside the bag was probably ”dragon-related”. Probably just a dragon model or a dragon scale.

<Afterword>

The chapter was getting longer than I expected, so I'll break it here. The Legendary Thief should be introduced in the next chapter or the one after that……