38 38.Kensei (1/2)

I stand in front of Adil, sword at the ready.

Adil also has his greatsword at the ready. Neither of us moves immediately.

”Does it hurt?

”...... No, I'm fine.

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Aria also seems to be conscious and will be able to move in a little while.

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I'm sure you have.

...... I'm sorry. I was entrusted with the task.

I think she's trying to say that she couldn't win.

But I also know the reason why Iris was injured.

It's never wrong for a knight to do that, but more importantly, it's never wrong for a human being to do that.

It's not something to apologize for. It's nothing to apologize for.

”But ......!　If it weren't for you, I'd be ......!

Iris's sorrowful voice reached my ears.

She must have had that feeling in her heart for a long time.

If it weren't for me, she would have died the first time she was attacked.

If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have survived the current battle--I'm sure that's all she could think about.

Because she called herself the ”Sword Saint Princess,” she doesn't rely on anyone.

From the beginning, there was no one for Iris to rely on.

Having become the strongest in the kingdom and being expected by the people, Iris probably had no one to rely on in battle.

Then there is only one thing I can say.

”You don't have to think about what it would be like without me. Because I'm here.

”......!

I know you've always tried to be strong without anyone to rely on. But you and Aria are training with swords - there must be someone you can rely on, no matter how little.

”Someone you can rely on. ......

I'm sure you can find someone you can rely on.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

She only has a few people she can truly rely on.

”Mr. Iris, I'll make you a promise.

A promise? ......?

Yes. I will defeat that man. Because I'm stronger than him. And I hereby declare that I am the strongest man in the kingdom, stronger than you.

”......!

My words were met with a look of surprise from Iris.

Yes, there was no one beside Iris to say the words.

Then all I can do is prove it.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that there are knights in this country who are stronger than anyone else, who can't be beaten.

More than me?

Yes.

More than my father? ......?

Yes.

I nodded and answered the question as if to confirm.

It is a word that denies the most powerful princess in the kingdom, the Princess of the Sword.

But what Iris needs now is that word.

I continue with my words.

”As long as I'm a knight, think of me as the strongest in this country. Here is someone you can count on. One day, when you become ...... the ”strongest” sword saint princess in the true sense of the word--then you can protect me. So you can rely on me, at least for now.

”Schweizer, sir--

Iris clenches her fists.

Just for now, I'll make a place where Iris can rely on me. There's only so much I can do, but at least I can do that.

That's what I'm supposed to do as a knight, as a teacher, and above all as a sword master.

By nature, I don't think I'm suited for this kind of role. It's something I've been thinking about since I got involved with Iris.

As if her suppressed emotions were overflowing, Iris let out a few words.

I've always thought that I shouldn't rely on anyone. I've always thought that you should never rely on anyone.　But if you can help us, even if it's just for now, please help us. ......!

”Yes, I'll help you. I'm your guardian and your master.

When he finally managed to squeeze out his voice, he placed a hand on Iris' head to gently pat her.

At that moment, Adil begins to move.

”Are you finished?　Alta Schweizer.

You've been waiting for me, haven't you?

Pull it out. He's ...... horrible, as if he's in the moment.

Adil has been watching me for an opening. You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

It was a mistake not to do it now. You should have come even if you didn't have a chance.

”No, to tell you the truth, I'm in a rage. Iris Reinfell covered for her child, but ...... it was still a fun fight. Now you may have a better fight than that.

”So you've been watching them?　They really are a bunch of fighting lunatics, aren't they?

”Ah, that's the Swordsmen!

Adil kicks the ground.

Adil kicks the ground. I start moving at the same time.

Adil holds up his greatsword, and I wield the Invisible.

I use the invisible Blade of Wind as a check.

”The next move. I'll be watching!

The sound of the wind cutting through the air overlaps and hits Adil.

What reached Adil were dozens of wind blades.

He used his large sword as a shield to block them, but Adil's body fell backwards.

Adil is a pure power type, so I have the advantage in attack.