The Branded Female Fencer

"... why?

Jake was staring up at the sky. I know why I lost. Because I couldn't handle the weapons Alpha Reese used. But Jake couldn't understand how he brought in such a weapon and how he could handle it again.

Alphilis stands as he lays in the arena and glances up at Jake, staring at the sky. The smile was sunny, so Jake knew with certainty that Alphilis was fighting.

"How did I lose?

"You're too serious - pathetic, but have you ever trained with anyone other than the Knights? No, you can say you're training as a swordsman."

"Except for the sword - speaking of which, you didn't."

Jake was annoyed to say so himself, but Alphilis smiled at Jake's answer.

"I basically use swords, but you use different gains in practice. If there are any unusual weapons, I will try to purchase them, and I have a lot to develop. So maybe you can come up with some kind of weapon to fight against."

"So, that weapon?"

"Well, it works for a serious knight, doesn't it?

What Alphilis brought in was multiple, weighted ropes, passed in large circles. I wear some weight on the tip, but along the way I deliberately make the rope rough and easy to catch. The rope was not recognised as an offensive material, so it was also recognized as usable in this tournament.

Jake was dragged off the scene without a trace, as he was heavily entwined with these things.

"It's an improved form of captive rope. I didn't have a problem with the policy, so I let you use it. There's nothing you can do with a blade-free sword, is there?

"Right. I never thought I'd lose this way."

"It's a difference in experience. And a profession. Knight, then you won't be training to fight like this."

"Hmm, I don't feel like losing"

"I know exactly what you mean."

Alphilis gave him a hand as he untied Jake's entangled rope. The applause only rarely arose as to whether the venue was refreshing, but it was a convincing result from people who knew both Alphilis and Jake.

"Again, this is what happened... I knew Alphilis was cunning, but I hope Jake has even a tenth of her seriousness"

"One point specialization or diversity? Competitions will change wins and losses according to the rules, but they are stronger to apply on the actual battlefield. It's a big thing you could learn about that at a competition without life or death. Well, there's absolutely no right answer, so it's up to me in the end."

Lisa and Titania were sharing their thoughts in separate places. Thus ended the first Unified Martial Arts Games for Jake.

When Jake returned to the holding room, Gus was waiting there. He greeted Jake with a gentle applause.

"Hey, tired."

"Nah, it's not refreshing. I still don't feel like losing."

Gass shook her neck sideways when she saw the look on Jake's face, still distracted by the fox.

"No, no, no matter where you look from, it's your complete defeat. I know you wanted to give me an arm test, but that brunette sister is here to win with all her might. I checked the rules of the competition and came to take you down by all means. Mercenaries are not like knights. You tried to test your arm with a sword, and that made a difference. You're scarier than a demon in a way, aren't you?

"Oh, yeah"

"So, that's the task for you. I'm going to Princess Rayfan's in Krums, and I want you to be a good escort for the duration of the meeting."

"What? Now?

Jake was questioning the content of the order and was unwittingly listening back.

"Princess Rayfan has an escort coming from the country. Besides, Jaeger... that's what Alphilis is on the escort. What's the point of the Knights Temple escort now?

"What are you talking about? It's not our job to think about it, and you're great enough to make sense of orders from above? Aren't you mistaken because you're a little born?

To Gass's words, Jake was annoyed. It is true that the system of choice of work has risen, and I am in a position to be asked for my own opinion, but I am fundamentally not in a position to reject the mandate. Jake honestly followed Gass's words.

"Right, Gas is right. Forget it."

"That's fine. but I do have my doubts too. Why are you an escort now? There's nothing wrong with Princess Rayfan. I mean, we've got a new escort on purpose.

There are multiple reasons I can think of, but I can't draw intentions either. You're the one who doesn't think of that?

"Come on? Ask Lisa."

With his neck tilted, Jake was already shaking off his lost remorse and concentrating on his own mission.

Continued