Tilea's Worries

After arriving at the underground arena...

Ortissio-san suddenly began shadow boxing. It seems like he's warming up. Edim is doing the same. Warm-up exercises are important, after all. Yes, that's fine.

But you know...

It's been nearly an hour already.

And it's not just shadow boxing. He's been doing push-ups, sit-ups, and other muscle training, diligently pumping up his muscles. Steam is rising from Ortissio-san's entire body.

What happened to "just a light sparring match"? He's completely shifted from low to top gear. How thoroughly is he planning to warm up his body?

"Um, it's been an hour already..."

"Hm? So what?"

Ortissio-san's attitude suggests he couldn't care less.

"I'm getting tired of waiting, and I'm not exactly free all day."

"Impatient, aren't you? When I say wait, you wait."

"That's right. We need to prepare. Just sit quietly."

This is ridiculous.

They invite me here on their own, and then act like this.

What's more, they complain when I try to do even a little stretching exercise. They just want me to sit still.

I could honestly ignore their wishes and leave, but...

Both of them are sweating profusely, moving their bodies desperately.

Would it be too cruel to leave now?

I feel sorry for them trying so hard.

I'll let them do as they please.

I sit cross-legged and observe their warm-up. Since I'm here, I might as well find areas for improvement in their training.

First, Ortissio-san.

While continuing his shadow boxing, he occasionally replenishes with food. The meal consists of a mountain of [porridge] in an extra-large container.

His subordinate, Gil-san, keeps bringing it in like a dedicated server. Ortissio-san eats it boldly with his bare hands.

Furthermore, his drink is [co~la]. It seems the carbonation has been removed. He's gulping it down, perhaps because he's thirsty.

It does seem like he might be eating and drinking a bit too much. Well, given Ortissio-san's extraordinary amount of exercise, it's probably balanced.

[Porridge] and [co~la] are both extremely energy-efficient. The pickled plum garnish that he's eating with a sour expression makes no sense, but it's perfect for energy replenishment.

As for his shadow boxing technique...

Shadow boxing involves throwing punches at an imaginary opponent. This includes not just punches but all attack methods like kicks.

The imaginary opponent is probably me.

He's imagining my attacks, avoiding them while throwing punches and kicks.

His form is quite good. I'd give it an 85.

First, he puts his hips into his punches. Not many could take those hits. Even if a normal strong fighter tried to guard against them, their guard would be broken.

His defense is good too. He constantly keeps his left fist by his jaw for guard and throws jabs when he sees an opening. He defends his vital point, the jaw, while also transitioning to offense.

It's truly a style that integrates offense and defense.

If I were to offer one suggestion, when attacking, he should rotate his fist slightly more inward just before fully extending his arm. It would increase power and reduce wasted movement.

There are other minor points I could mention, but that would be endless. Overall, Ortissio-san's fighting style is well-developed. With continued diligent training and refinement, he could reach great heights.

The Eastern Kingdom really has excellent warriors.

Next, Edim...

He's finished his shadow boxing rather quickly and is now practicing magic bullets, concentrating his magical power.

Again, I'm probably the imaginary enemy. He's imagining my magic bullet attacks, avoiding them while firing his own.

This is completely inadequate. I'd give it a 35.

Lack of technique. Above all, his fighting spirit is spinning its wheels. Perhaps his hatred toward me is too strong, or he's just too invested.

His attack prediction is mediocre, and his magical flow is sloppy. At this rate, even after warming up his body, his movements will only become duller.

Edim needs to reconsider his training method from the ground up. There's too much to point out for advice.

For now, I'll focus on the promising Ortissio-san.

"Ortissio-san, when you throw a punch, your shoulder opens slightly. Try rotating your fist a bit more inward just before fully extending your arm."

I offered my observation. Ortissio-san stopped moving and gave me a puzzled look at my sudden comment.

"Does this vixen understand the situation? About to be killed, yet calmly offering advice."

"Ortissio-sama, that won't do. We're just having a sparring match, a bout."

"Oh, right. This is just a sparring match. But you know, unfortunate accidents tend to happen in these things."

"Yes, unfortunate accidents are part of matches."

Ortissio-san and Edim are grinning at me.

Alright, I get it.

As long as it's officially a match, they're not attacking me. Whatever the content may be.

I was wondering about this. How would they justify this despite making a pledge with Tilea-san?

Is this not breaking the promise with Tilea-san?

Hmm, it feels a bit dubious.

"This seems like sophistry to me."

"Hmph, what sophistry? Listen! I'm going to kill—I mean, accidentally injure you!"

Ortissio-san barks.

Edim crosses his arms and nods in agreement.

You're just changing "kill" to "accidentally injure," aren't you?

"Well, fine. You're actually violating the pledge, but I'll keep it a secret from Tilea-san."

"You! Calling Tilea-'san'! A mere doll being so familiar with Tilea-sama... I-I won't allow it!"

Ortissio-san approached me in a rage.

Oops.

I usually watch my language, but...

Ortissio-san is so natural that he disarms me. I let my guard down.

My statement was indeed extremely disrespectful to Princess Tilea-san, royalty of the Eastern Kingdom.

It can't be excused even though I'm of noble birth. After all, my status in the Eastern Kingdom is just a doll.

But being friends is Tilea-san's wish. I want to respect my dear friend's will.

I didn't want to cause waves until now. That's why I've been careful in front of her retainers.

Maybe this is a good opportunity? Perhaps I should convey Tilea-san's true feelings.

"Ortissio-san, please listen. This isn't disrespect or rudeness. Tilea-san herself wants to be addressed in a friendly manner. I'm simply respecting Tilea-san's wishes."

"Guh. Indeed, that sounds like something Tilea-sama would say. But as retainers, we should know better! Are you taking advantage of Tilea-sama's kindness?"

...So it comes to this after all.

The wall between royalty and subjects isn't easily broken down. There's the weight of hundreds of years of nation-building.

Let's not rush. I'll work on changing everyone's mindset gradually.

"I'm sorry. You're right, Ortissio-san. I was careless."

"Of course! Normally this would mean immediate beheading! I'll spare you from immediate execution out of respect for Tilea-sama's wishes. Well, I'll still accidentally injure you though."

You're still equating killing with accidental injury, aren't you?

Ortissio-san is natural, or maybe... a bit like Tilea-san.

"Tch, a vixen and disloyal to boot... all the more reason for an accident to happen."

"Absolutely, Ortissio-sama. History proves it. Those who use a ruler's favor to grasp power must be eliminated immediately or the country will collapse."

"I see. The epitome of a scheming woman."

They're really talking nonsense.

"...Fine, have it your way. So, is the warm-up over? From what I can see, Ortissio-san should start cooling down. Edim, stop immediately. This is too inefficient to watch any longer."

"Edim, what's with this one? She keeps making these clever remarks. Is she looking down on us?"

"Exactly. She's gotten a little stronger and is getting cocky. She's trying to show off that she's a capable woman."

"I see. One of those high-minded types."

"Y-yes, that's right. Ortissio-sama, you really remember Tilea-sama's words well."

"Of course. These are Tilea-sama's words. I've engraved every word into my brain!"

I see.

Every word... despite seeming to struggle with using his head.

Ortissio-san really loves Tilea-san, doesn't he?

Then Edim, somewhat twitching at Ortissio-san's enthusiasm, continues their barrage of insults.

"So, what other villainous acts has this scheming woman committed?"

"Yes. Miless has always been like this. Even back at the academy..."

I think it's about time I snapped at Edim.

"Listen, if you don't stop this, I'm leaving. And let me tell you both one thing. Make this the last sparring match. If you keep stalking me after this, I'll tell Tilea-sama. I might even tell Camilla-sama."

"What!?"

Both of them show shocked expressions.

Tilea-san is kind, but... Timu-chan is scary.

Even now that I've become a high-level human, she's frightening.

The effect was immediate. Both of them started trembling.

"M-Miless, there are things you should and shouldn't do!"

Edim protests anxiously.

Really? You're saying that?

What about all the things you've done to me?

"F-fearsome schemer indeed. Even using her master as a tool for intimidation!"

Ortissio-san looks at me repeating, "Terrifying. Terrifying."

Come on, you're the one who attacked me seven times day and night, and you're saying that?

Who has the more terrifying personality here?

The two complain about various things.

But in the end, they gave in.

Mentioning Timu-chan's name had a tremendous effect.

They probably won't stalk me again.

They understand this sparring match is their last chance to attack me, so they should come at me with determination.

And...

The sparring match began.

I face Ortissio-san and Edim.

"Come on, anytime you're ready. Come at me."

Ortissio-san raised his right hand up and lowered his left.

The so-called dragon-tiger stance.

"Come at me"...

I wasn't even allowed to do warm-up exercises.

Isn't there something else you should say?

Well, whatever.

"No, no, I'll let you have the first move. Come at me whenever you're ready."

I beckoned them by curling four fingers repeatedly.

Seeing this, both of them developed throbbing veins on their foreheads.

"Don't get cocky!"

With an angry shout, Ortissio-san charged at me.

Edim followed, rushing in shortly after.

Ortissio-san has a sense for combat.

He actually listened to my advice and launched a refined attack.

Is it natural talent?

He seems to have unconsciously understood my advice and naturally incorporated it.

On the other hand, Edim...

He's terrible.

There's too much wasted movement in his body.

He's struggling to control his vampire power.

"Edim, try to attack with more awareness of how to follow up."

"Ha! Giving advice shows how relaxed you are!"

Yes, unfortunately, I am relaxed.

These two, no, even if all the spectators surrounding us joined in, I could handle it.

They're all first-class warriors. Each one could match a country's great general.

Even so, they're no match for me now.

My physical abilities are extraordinary.

I could take them all out at once.

"Hm!?"

Sensing something, I dodged to the left.

A magic bullet passed by my side.

It hit the wall, causing a cloud of smoke to rise.

A magic bullet was fired from behind during the battle.

Turning around, I made eye contact with one of Ortissio-san's subordinates.

I knew it was his doing.

Despite meeting my gaze, he pretended to know nothing.

"Um..."

"What?"

"No, nothing."

So that's how it is.

Ortissio-san and Edim were grinning.

This explains their unusual confidence.

They planned to surround and defeat me with numbers.

Sigh... sorry.

When I dealt with them before, I was hiding my true strength.

That's why they misjudged me.

They thought they could defeat me if they all attacked together.

Looking around again, only Ortissio-san's subordinates are in the arena. They're watching intently, waiting for an opportunity.

They don't need to be sneaky; they can come at me all at once openly.

It's already obvious.

And...

The spectators who had been observing quietly began to show signs of impatience.

While I remained calm, Ortissio-san and Edim were gasping for breath.

They started breathing heavily, shoulders heaving.

Judging this dangerous, Vice-Captain Gil-san took command and they all attacked at once.

Seems like they can't afford to keep up appearances anymore.

Not even trying to hide their killing intent, magic bullets and fighting spirit fly around.

It's like a battlefield.

"...Is this what you call a light sparring match?"

"Huff, huff, i-in real battles, you might be surrounded by numbers, right?"

"T-that's right. Huff, huff, think of it as a realistic sparring match. Any complaints?"

Edim and Ortissio-san brazenly declared.

"Well, I suppose that's true."

Again, I can handle all of them without a problem.

The experiments with Timu-chan were more terrifying.

I've faced life-threatening situations countless times.

Fine then.

You can all come at me with killing intent.

For me, this is still just sparring.

I'll take you down gently and politely.

Taking light steps, I knock them out one by one with boxer-style punches to the chin.

In less than a minute, everyone except Edim and Ortissio-san was laid out on the arena floor.

The two were stunned by this sight.

Ortissio-san quickly recovered and began trembling violently.

"Argh, in that case! I'll hold the vixen back. Edim, I don't care if you take me down with her. Hit her with one big blast!"

Ortissio-san roars.

He seems determined to engage in close combat.

Edim retreated to the back, gathering magical power.

Looks like he's aiming for a last-minute reversal.

Ortissio-san, who excels at close combat, charged at me with his absolute best.

Furthermore, his technique has improved considerably after my advice.

He's gotten better.

I might get injured if I'm not careful.

I'll get a little serious.

Increasing my speed and power, I handle Ortissio-san's attacks.

"Damn it!"

Ortissio-san gritted his teeth in frustration.

In terms of combat, I'm far ahead of Ortissio-san.

Don't feel bad about it.

"You've improved a lot since we started."

"Y-you! Still talking big!"

Ortissio-san launched another flurry of attacks.

A flowing sequence of continuous attacks.

With less wasted movement than before, it's like watching a first-class dance—quite pleasant.

Good, very good.

I'll change my score to 88 points.

Ortissio-san has talent, so he's worth training.

Yes, I can raise the level a bit more.

I gradually increase my speed.

"H-hey, Edim, are you ready yet? Hurry up! I-I can't hold on!"

No, you can hold on.

Since this is practice, I'm attacking just at the edge of your limits.

Don't worry.

"Hey, slowpoke! H-hurry up! I'm g-getting killed here."

I told you I'm not killing you!

Well, my attacks are close to that level, so I apologize.

Practical training leads to faster improvement, so sorry about that.

"H-hurry. I'm losing consciousness..."

You'll be fine.

I'll give you a wake-up hit.

"Take this!"

"Gyaaah!"

I landed a moderately powerful punch on Ortissio-san's face.

"Huff, huff, huff. E-Edim, why are you so slow? This is why you're useless, half-demon! There's a limit to how useless you can be! How many times are you going to drag me down? I've shown you favor, and you always repay me with betrayal. Even a discarded tissue on the roadside would be more useful. You slowpoke, turtle, fool, half-breed!"

What incredible verbal abuse.

The insults directed at me were apparently just the beginning.

Ortissio-san continues to hurl all manner of abuse, this time at Edim.

As for Edim, he had built up considerable magical power.

That makes sense.

Having gauged my strength, he knows that a half-hearted magic bullet won't work.

It's natural that it takes time.

Edim, you did well.

I think he's created the best magic bullet he can.

Yes, an A for effort.

Since he tried so hard, I'll praise him.

I might even pretend to be hit.

While I was thinking this,

Edim suspended the magic bullet he had created in mid-air, then launched it forcefully.

The approaching magic bullet converged greatly and—

"Gyaaah!!"

—crashed into Ortissio-san's back.

That must hurt.

"Y-y-you..."

Ortissio-san seems to be in pain. A direct hit to the back is no joke.

"Excuse me. We collided."

Edim makes an excuse with a straight face.

Then the two of them began battling, completely ignoring me.

Normally, given the difference in their combat abilities, Ortissio-san would win overwhelmingly, but...

The damage from Edim's special magic bullet and the fatigue from close combat with me seem to have taken their toll.

They're fighting quite evenly.

...Is this normal for them?

The two continue their friendly quarrel.

Tilea-san was right.

They really are two of a kind.

Well, I think I'm done here. Time to go.

I pat the dirt off my uniform and leave the arena.

Tomorrow, the hellish game of tag with Timu-chan begins.

For me, the real challenge starts now.

[TL notes: I added a poll regarding this novel and If we should translate volume 5 which ended on cliffhanger https://take.supersurvey.com/poll5470491x6eB64CDb-162 ]