Early the next morning, Rishe disguised herself, donned the uniform of the knight cadets, and left before anyone else. Silent and still, the empty practice grounds had a sterile air to them. Training wouldn't start for another ninety minutes.
I was especially careful when I snuck out. It took me about five extra minutes.
Starting today, Arnold resided in the room right next to hers. He'd be sleeping right now, but she wouldn't be surprised if the smallest of noises alerted him to her presence.
When I'm finished cleaning, I'll stretch and then start my personal training. Okay!
Rishe gripped her broom tightly and began to sweep the training grounds. She organized the wooden swords leaning against the wall, then did her stretches.
While she was getting limber, someone else walked onto the training ground.
"Fritz!" This was practically routine by now. She called out the same way she had the day before, but Fritz still twitched at the sound.
He offered a strained smile. "M-morning, Lu."
"Morning! What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Huh?! Oh, no! I just didn't sleep much last night!" Fritz said bashfully, scratching his head.
Rishe couldn't help worrying about him. He'd come all the way from Ceutena to the capital, spending his training living in unfamiliar circumstances. The smallest thing could negatively affect his health.
"Well, you don't look pale or anything… Do you have a fever? How's your appetite?"
"I ate breakfast like always, and I don't feel feverish."
"Could you pull down your eyelid for me?" She checked the color. It looked fine; he wasn't anemic like Kyle. Still, she wanted to examine him a little closer.
"Excuse me, Fritz."
"Whoa!"
She took Fritz's hand and placed two fingertips against the large veins in his wrist. Rishe frowned, not liking what she felt. "Your pulse is awfully fast…"
"Aaah!" Fritz pulled back, flustered, and managed another awkward smile. "I ran here from the palace gate—uh, as part of my training! I may not have slept a lot, but I'm full of energy! A-and I wasn't losing sleep because I don't feel good…"
"So why were you, then?"
Fritz took a long look at Rishe and then covered his face with both hands, embarrassed. "I might have fallen in love."
"What?! Congratulations!" He'd mentioned he'd been sightseeing in the capital during his afternoons; he must have met someone there. Whatever the case, fostering new relationships was a wonderful thing. "Someone I know once told me that knights in love get stronger faster!"
"R-really…?" Rishe's blessing put a complicated look on Fritz's face. They were the words of another nation's knight captain. Maybe they sounded suspicious to him.
While they were chatting, another person showed up. This was the first time anyone other than Fritz had arrived so early. Turning, they saw a fellow knight cadet.
"Good morning, Sven."
It was the rude trainee from the day before. Sven kept silent, not returning Rishe's greeting.
Fritz stepped in front of her. "Yo, Sven. You're up early for a change."
"W-well, you mentioned yesterday that Lucius comes to the training grounds before anyone else! I didn't believe you…"
"That's right. That's how Lu beat every single one of us! He works hard!"
Based on their conversation, Rishe could guess what had happened after yesterday's training. Fritz was still defending her against her will.
"C'mon, Lu. Just ignore him. Let's start for the day."
"Thanks, Fritz. Could you wait a second, though?"
Rishe faced Sven and asked, "Want to train with us?"
"Huh?! What are you talking about?! What good does it do you to invite me?! Just leave me alone!"
Rishe tilted her head to one side in confusion. "Knights don't gain strength just to be the best swordsmen in the country, do they?"
"Wh-what?"
"Knight gain strength to protect the ones they care about. That's why it doesn't mean anything unless everyone improves. Even if you're the strongest person in the world, there's only so many you can save."
Sven stared at her, wide-eyed. She wasn't a knight in this life, but she still remembered the things she'd learned.
"Besides," Rishe went on, "You stayed behind yesterday and trained by yourself some more, didn't you?"
"H-how do you know that?!"
"Because the ground here looks different than it did after practice."
She'd since flattened it down with the broom, but he had most likely sparred with someone. The dirt told her that story, as did the small bruises on Sven's wrists.
"We have limited time—training together will be more efficient. So, what do you say?"
"I didn't come here 'cause I wanted to train with you." Sven clenched a fist and took a deep breath.
"Spar with me again, Lucius."
"Come on, Sven." Fritz gave him an exasperated look. "Lu won yesterday because he's strong. It wasn't a fluke. I know you don't want to admit it, but…"
"I know that!" Sven could barely get the words out. "Lucius and I are on completely different levels. I realized that when I lost to him! I've been thinking about it nonstop. I even talked to other people about what I'm missing—what I should do to get even a little stronger, or to beat him…"
Taking a deep breath, he locked eyes with Rishe. "You're better than me! I know that, but I'm still asking for another match. That's the only way for me to figure out how to surpass you!"
Sven's shoulders trembled, his face turning red. He looked like he was going to cry as his frustration, anxiety, and embarrassment threatened to overflow.
Asking something like this of Rishe took a lot of courage. "Please, Lucius. Give me another chance."
"Lu…" Fritz glanced at her.
Rishe nodded, smiling. "Sure. Let's do it."
Sven balked. "R-really?! That was so fast! I mean, I was so rude to you yesterday!"
"I don't care about that. I just didn't want to cause Fritz trouble. Besides, I've got a new technique I'd like to try."
As Sven sputtered, Rishe went to the wall and picked up a couple of wooden swords. Along with the normal swords they'd used yesterday, there were also short blades about half their length. "By the way, can I ask what your conclusion was after all that?"
"You're strong, but you've barely got any stamina. If I overpower you, I can force you on the defensive."
"True, I'd struggle if you did that." Rishe smirked, picking up two regular swords and two short swords.
"Fritz, would you mind participating in this match as well?"
"Yeah, of course! I was gonna ask to fight you too!"
"Hah, good. I'm glad you feel that way."
"Y-yeah…"
Rishe laughed with relief, though Fritz looked troubled. This sudden change in demeanor confused her, but she nonetheless handed him and Sven one sword each.
"I have another request." Rishe held the two short swords, one in each hand, and smiled. "Don't fight me one-on-one. Both of you come at me together."
"Wha—"
"Together?!"