"No cheap tricks shall pass the god's eyes and may the fight… BEGIN!" - As she drops her hands to signal the start
Polwil and Narva rush in. Aiming at each other's neck, but they parry their own strike. Polwil throws an uppercut right on her chin.
She staggers and recovers. Then the knight spits and she lowers her sword. Lunging forward and timing the raise.
Polwil gets closer to her then uses the pommel right on her abdomen. She retaliates with her headbutt to his forehead.
Both suffer significant damage. Still laughing. When they clash again, before she raises the sword
"FALL DOWN NOW!" - Polwil bellows with all his might
Narva is stunned by his voice. Polwil seizes the chance by tripping her with his sword. Then he points the sword at her neck
"Polwil has won!" - The princess raises her hand at Polwil
"I suppose it is not unhonorable to do so. I am at a loss. Fine, I keep my words: No more nagging or asking you then." - Narva stands up with both hands raised
"What a fight, it ends so fast. I am bored" - Mawra sighs
"You are a mage, you like flashy things. I don't blame your taste. But this is a close combat fight with martial arts skills." - Darvic sharpens his spear
"Thank lord! They are both fine." - Tiary exhales
"Your highness, what shall we do next?" - Narva kneels in shame
"Now now, your opponent fought better doesn't mean your swordsmanship is not great. You did everything you can." - The princess helps Narva get up - "Our next thing to do is tomorrow, an inn shall do. It is just that I need an experienced party to escort us while finding the clue about the daughter of the church. After all, she is very important for our belief"
"Princess…" - Narva' gets emotional
"I heard that this place has been known for the sweetest apples around. Shall we get some dried apples on our way back home after this investigation?" - The princess smiles
"It is our pride and honor to serve you the best, your highness" - Polwil kneels.
"Good, now now, I am gonna treat you well next time we see again each other" - The princess bows gently
They part way and the Black Sheep party has dinner at the tavern. Darvic has his usual meaty meal, Mawra prefers cold soup, Tiary has her bland bread and Polwil has some skewered meat.
"What are we gonna take tomorrow?" - Darvic sips his beer
"We are going to carry a load of supplies for a long run, this quest might take us weeks. We are going to do some labyrinth exploration. I heard that there are treasures that might help us. The place is very mysterious. So far we can have the safety down to floor 10. Going any deeper is a death sentence for us. We can buy a map and hopefully, the labyrinth has regenerated its treasures." - Polwil has his first bite of the meal.
"Also we need to get promoted from the original occupation too. I can't wait to become an arch mage anytime soon" - Mawra waits her soup to be cold
"I want to be a white mage that everybody loves" - Tiary smiles
[As if I can forget the image…] - The three slightly concerns
[In the strategic point of view, Tiary is very useful for her sadistic personality. Then again, I cannot force her or knock her off every time like that. What happens if she goes overboard?] - Polwil takes another bite - [To think that might happen is very pessimistic. It is better to ask herself about it]
"Tiary" - Polwil is hesitant.
"What is it?" - Tiary pauses her meal
"I ask other you this question: Are you willing to kill a person?" - Polwil is anxious
Tiary smiles in a twisted manner.
"A person? Why would I kill a person without any reason? I am willing to murder someone only if that person is threatening my life, my existence or if other me asking me to do so" - Tiary consumes some of her bread.
"Another question: between you and the other you, who should be in charge all the time?" - Polwil glares
"Hmmph! I think the shy girl should be" - Tiary smiles -"The reason is simple. I only exist to protect her, not control her all time. After all, I am only a guard not the master. If the master does not allow it, I will not do it. She is brave, to be frank. There are things that she is not confident enough to do and so I must intervene with my skills and knowledge."
"So you are saying that scaredy cat is a brave person?" - Mawra sips her beer after finishing her bowl
"If she was not, she would have stayed in the church forever" - Tiary smirks
"Are you a devil or some vengeful spirit?" - Darvic glares
"Let's say that I am her product. She created me after all" - Tiary remarks -"Let's end this matter. I cannot stay here for long. There is a reason why I don't come out regularly. Polwil, you figured it out."
Tiary comes back to her normal mind
"I believe that she was talking about this: her energy is based on the will of the owner. If the owner has a stronger will, the longer she can stay. Otherwise, she will completely faint until fully recovered. That is what she wants you two to know too." - Polwil finishes his meal
"Alright, time for all of us to take a rest and see you next day" - Mawra stands up.
"I agree with Mawra" - Darvic stands up.
"Tomorrow, we shall march" - Polwil stands up
Tiary is being silent.