Episode 350.1 |
(EP-350.1) Waking Up From a Dream #3
350 – Waking Up From a Long Dream #3
A day had passed since Aira woke up on Tree Day.
Now, it was the Day of Gold.
Even after another day had gone by since waking from her dreams, Aira didn’t seem any different from usual.
As always, she carried herself with absolute dignity and occasionally gazed out the window, lost in thoughts unknown.
If there was any noticeable change, it was that her physical condition seemed significantly better.
Perhaps the long sleep had helped, but her body was now taut, like a bowstring drawn tight.
The radiant beauty of her youthful vigor was like a flower in full bloom, at the peak of its splendor. It was the golden age of her life.
“I’d like to loosen up a bit. Elga, can you help me?”
It was a breezy afternoon after lunch.
Under the pretext of preparing for the upcoming martial festival, Aira asked Elga for a spar.
“I should also prepare myself to face the challengers. Meeting them in peak condition is my duty as queen, don’t you think?”
It was a reasonable argument.
Elga, her eyes narrowing slightly, asked.
“Only with swords, no magic? That wouldn’t be a fair match for me. I’m not good at holding back, so why don’t you ask her instead?”
Suk.
She pointed to Mirna, who was leisurely sipping her tea. Elga likely found it difficult to agree to a spar so easily, given her pregnancy.
Between Aira and Elga, it was actually Elga who had changed more since their dreamy journey. She had become more protective of her body and avoided dangerous situations whenever possible.
Understanding that, I felt a pang of guilt. It was as if a paper spider named conscience was nibbling at my heart.
“… Me? A spar?”
Being suddenly pointed at, Mirna furrowed her brows in displeasure.
“No.”
A blunt refusal.
Hehe—Elga chuckled at that.
“Well, honorary or not, Aira is one of the few sword masters in the kingdom. Even without magic, she can easily handle most knights. I can see why you’d be afraid, Mirna.”
Just as Elga said, Aira was a sword master.
Though the title was laden with flattery and sycophancy towards the reigning monarch, Aira’s skill in wielding blades with telekinesis was beyond that of a mere master swordsman.
Even without the aid of telekinesis, Aira was quite adept with the sword. So, I was always anxious, wondering if she might one day stab someone with it.
Anyway.
At Elga’s blatant provocation, Mirna furrowed her brows.
“Do you think I would lose to a queen who won’t even use magic? It seems you’re unaware that I, Mirna, am also quite skilled with the sword.”
Mirna must have known it was a deliberate taunt, right? Perhaps, it touched her pride for her to take the bait. Mirna reached out her hand.
“Prepare it…!”
Then, from afar, the imp Tartar came waddling over, holding something in her hands. Upon closer inspection, it was a comfortable adventurer’s outfit and a scabbard.
“Good job, Tartar.”
“The Draco family has helped us a lot, so we imp sisters would also lend a hand!”
I wasn’t sure about the details, but Mirna seemed to have a good relationship with the imps.
It was a rather heartwarming sight, one that brought a satisfied smile to my lips.
And suddenly, a certain scene came to mind.
How about assigning one imp maid to every influential family?
Above all, imps are adorable. With them, the hearts of Angmar’s nobles would be filled with peace. If we reached a point where every household had a companion imp, perhaps wars would cease to exist altogether.
… Of course, imps were inherently evil, and only the ones who stayed with Marmar had become kind-hearted like this.
As I was lost in these thoughts, Mirna, now fully changed into her attire, tossed a sword into the air.
Aira caught it effortlessly.
“This cool sensation… It’s been a while.”
Didn’t she say the same thing when she tried to behead Belmott? Remembering how much I suffered back then made my stomach churn. Of course, things were different now.
Back then, I was alone.
Not now.
So, there was no need for me to get all worked up and try to stop her.
“Then, we’ll start on Tartar’s signal…!”
* * *
Clang! Cling! Clang!
The sharp clash of metal echoed loudly through the open space. Sparks flew with each impact, flashing brilliantly before my eyes.
Mirna and Aira’s sword duel had already gone on for several exchanges. Each strike carried the intent to bring the other down.
I had no knowledge of swordplay or techniques, but without the aid of magic or sorcery, their pure swordsmanship seemed evenly matched.
Just then, Elga, who had been watching intently beside me, spoke.
“She’s holding her own quite well.”
Who was she referring to? Given Elga’s expertise in handling weapons and combat, I decided to ask for her analysis.
“In a match like this, Mirna has a slight edge—about 55 to 45. Can’t you see? Mirna’s landing more effective hits.”
“Oh.”
Should I say it was surprising? I had always thought Mirna’s strengths lay in sorcery and knowledge.
Her swordsmanship was certainly impressive, but I had always considered it secondary to her sorcery. Seeing her hold her own against Queen Aira made me realize just how skilled she truly was.
“The problem is, she can’t fully utilize her skills in real combat. Even she knows it—she lacks actual battle experience.”
“Is that so?”
Edit by: faker
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