Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

When she landed and tried to recover, Kagetora came after her with a followup attack. As Mio blocked the downward swing of his odachi with her two longswords, Kagetora told her, You depend too much on your inborn strength. Because of your excessive confidence, youre too soft when it comes to judging your effective distance. You need to let the tension out of your shoulders more, and focus on eliminating unnecessary movements.

Y-Yes, sir! ...Huh?

Mio put distance between herself and Kagetora, as if shed been launched away from him. In an attempt to hide her confusion and surprise, she used the back of her hand to wipe the sweat that dripped from her chin. Yes, sir...? What was I thinking just now? She couldnt believe herself, meekly accepting Kagetoras advice in the middle of a battle. Mio was shaken up, but Kagetora simply held his odachi in a fighting stance, unmoving. He was just staring... Watching...

Wha?! No way... As she peered into the eyes beneath his mask, Mio felt something like a premonition. His stature, his presence, the way he carried himself, and the techniques he unleashed... She remembered all of them. The premonition confused Mio horribly, and she couldnt even take up a proper stance with her longswords.

Whats wrong? Are you finished already? Kagetora quietly said. Youre going to let it end? Was this all that your technique, your resolve, could manage?

......!

His words snapped Mio back to reality. She kicked off the ground and quickly closed the gap between her and Kagetora. He tried to swing his odachi down at Mio who charged in... but he stopped halfway. Mio had made no effort to defend her exposed head.

Thump! In the next instant, Mio socked Kagetora in the face. The impact made him back away this time. With her face downturned, and her arm still outstretched, Mio told the stumbling Kagetora, Dont just say whatever you want...

As she raised her face, there was a burning anger in her eyes.

As if Id let it end with just this. Im sure Mother accepted it, but I havent. This anger, this sadness, this indignation... Ill make you take all of it. You and no other!

...Very well.

That punch must have cut the inside of his mouth. Kagetora spat the blood out, and then readied his odachi once more.

A dialogue between warriors needs no words. Show me the extent of your resolve.

Of course. I wouldnt have it any other way.

The battle between Mio and Kagetora raged on.

From the stands, we were watching their battle. At some point in the middle, there was an obvious change in the way the two of them fought. In the beginning, they gave measured blows, trying to see how their opponent reacted. But now each fought as if they wished and gave it their all.

Mio, in particular, seemed to have let her emotions explode. She went at him hard, relying on brute force, and Kagetora accepted every one of her strikes. It probably... meant exactly what I assumed it did.

Sire... Was this really all right? Aisha asked in a whisper. I think its a gamble whether or not Madam Mio will be satisfied with this...

Well, yeah, I whispered in response. I bet Hakuya will have a few choice words for me later, but... I dont think its a bad bet. Didnt you say it yourself, Aisha? More is said through combat, right?

Yes... I did say that. Aisha thumped one hand on her chest, a look of concern still showing on her face.

Because this involves another country, it may seem like a big deal. But if we can just satisfy Mio, we can handle the rest however we please. In order to make her accept the result, we dont need any little tricks. Perhaps because they learned under the same teacher, she and Liscia both have very straightforward personalities.

I watched Mio fight. She seemed angry, but I could see another emotion there, too.

If we go at her with sincerity, she should accept it.

...I see. Aisha nodded as she watched the two of them fighting down below. They both certainly seem to be enjoying themselves.

If Im being honest, when they talk with their swords like this, I cant follow what theyre saying, though...