Beast Noblewoman, Knight Forging (3)
Roni called my name, and a split-second silence followed. We walked toward each other as if entranced.
Clang! The spear Roni had been gripping clattered to the ground, closing the distance between us.
We must have both been carrying guilt toward each other. The unspoken fear that we'd never meet again... buried deep in our damp subconscious. We wanted to believe otherwise, but couldn't. Even this reunion felt like a dream.
We threw our arms around each other.
"You punk... you're alive?"
"Huhu... why'd you grow into such a brute? Where'd that little squirt Dodo go?"
A pleasant fruity scent. Her slender frame, just as I remembered. It was Roni, alright. This punk...! I knew she'd turn handsome when she grew up, but not this handsome.
We naturally pulled apart, and I tapped her shoulder pauldron. "Roni, you bastard. You finally made it big with that pretty face, huh?"
"Huh? What're you talking about?"
I glanced at the bewildered Lady Ellen, then whispered in her ear. "That lady over there seems totally smitten with you. How'd you reel her in?"
"H-Huhu... you crazy punk. It ain't like that, you idiot...!"
Roni burst out laughing and punched my chest lightly. It felt like reuniting with your boot camp buddy after they'd hit it big in the real world. We'd stuck together through the toughest times, so our bond ran deeper than most. It had to be the same for her.
"You punk. You didn't grow much taller, huh? Still growing...? Looks like you're under 170cm."
"Hng? Hey... you asshole. Blame the starvation. You're the freak."
"So, how've you been? Spill it."
As we grinned and savored the reunion, Lady Ellen stormed over, snorting like an angry bull.
"Get apart!! I said get apart! I won't forgive you even if you're both guys!"
She wedged herself between us, shoving me away and swatting like I was a fly. "Are you two dating or something?"
Roni jumped in shock. "Wha—no way...!"
"Right! You're basically there already! Right, Bell?"
"Eh? I never said that, milady."
"But you like me best, right? Right? Right~?"
"Ahaha..."
The spoiled young lady was in full coquettish mode, desperate to look good. Roni looked repulsed but couldn't push her away. Damn it all! Power abuse like this? Sudden PTSD hit me. That bastard Park from the office, always throwing tantrums at the slightest excuse...! I flashed back to that fucker whining about being lonely and begging me to set him up with girls my age. The guy was pushing 50! Years after possessing this body, he still haunted my dreams sometimes... Ah, but in those dreams, I smashed his skull with a hammer.
Lady Ellen was my employer, so I couldn't bash her head in. It wasn't that bad anyway. I intervened with the most practical option.
"Milady, how about we get to that entry exam now?"
"Oh right! See ya later, Bell!"
"Haha..."
Roni waved half-heartedly as she left.
"Bell, huh?"
"Shh...!"
"Got it, punk."
I grinned and elbowed Roni's side. "I'll explain later."
"Sure."
I headed to one end of the training ground. Facing Roni like this... I never imagined it yesterday. Whatever. I'd give it my all regardless.
She seemed hesitant, so I spoke first. "Hey, Bell. Don't hold back—go all out."
"Huhu... can't we take it easy?"
"Just don't cry your eyes out when you lose."
Spear arts—when did she pick those up? From a brief glance, her stance was flawless.
A small provisional knight order, but she'd snagged the vice captain spot. I was proud of my friend's growth—and curious. How far had I come? Aside from Master, this was my first real duel, so it was hard to gauge.
"..."
Master nodded silently, flashing a slight smile. No problem—she trusted me. Then she raised her hand overhead, making a big X. What...? Adorably so. Circulating mana in my eyes to read her lips, she mumbled "mana." Don't use mana—grow without it! Fair enough. Ever since Mana Torrent awakened, I'd leaned on it too much. No spars with Master since arriving here... my skills might've rusted.
Good. Master's words were like the heavens. Time to revert to Technician Dodo of the dual blades.
I smoothly drew my swords from both scabbards, and Roni asked, wide-eyed. "What, those aren't spares?"
"Huhu, foolish one. I'll teach you what swordsmanship truly is."
"Huhu... crazy bastard! I won't just take it lying down!"
She giggled briefly, then reset her stance. Mine was self-taught, so a bit sloppy formally. Still, my prep pose was efficient enough.
The spoiled Lady Ellen took one look at me and started snickering. "Pfft! Dual swords? And what's with that stance? Hilarious!"
"Wahahahaha!"
The rest of the squad burst into exaggerated laughter, like employees faking it at the boss's lame joke. Gestures over-the-top, but their eyes weren't smiling. Hyah, laugh track activate! Yeah... I get it. Corporate life's rough, you bastards.
Master shot Lady Ellen a sharp glare. Then she clenched her fist toward me—my Tia Master! Seeing that, power surged like a geyser!
Master's my only ally. The best!
Hyped up, I spun my swords. They whirled with flair, and Lady Ellen's eyes sparkled. "Ooo! ...Oops!"
She snapped out of it quick, turning to Roni and resuming cheers. "Bell! My prince!! Go get 'em!"
Roni ignored her lightly, focusing on me. "Hehuhu... let's see what our Bell's got."
"Hah... alright, Dodo. Bring it."
Sebastian signaled, and the entry exam began.
My swordplay favored offense over defense, so I charged straight in. Dual blades ripping at both flanks. Roni parried easily and retreated.
"Ngh...!"
But that was just the start. I followed her parry's arc in the shortest path, surging again. She spun her spear shaft, deflecting nonstop. Spear—the king of weapons—handled my attacks effortlessly.
She met expectations, so I upped the ante. "Ooh, blocking that? Try this!"
"Hah... Dodo!"
"Let's get flashy!"
I split my half-beat strikes into off-beats. Faster. Sparks flew everywhere as her spear spins accelerated.
"Hah... this... what the hell!"
"Hahaha! You're still green!"
I didn't expect Roni to block everything. Beyond expectations—extremely satisfying. Body warmed up now.
"Hup...!"
I doubled the speed of my shredding blade dance. Scattered metal shrieks, unending combos. Like a fireworks festival amid a rat fire—blazing sparks all around. Ear-splitting clashes conducted our duel.
"Bell...! Bell, hang in there!!"
Anyone could see I had the edge; Lady Ellen stomped in frustration, cheering wildly.
"Grraah..."
Roni poured sweat like rain but allowed no clean hits. Impressive skill! Roughly my level without mana—or a tad below. But I was spear-savvy; this style was new to her. She couldn't counter offensively, just defend desperately.
I baited her psyche with deliberate whiffs, feigning off-rhythm from speed.
"Whoa!"
"Opening!"
Huhu... cute punk. As predicted, Roni countered instantly—straight into my trap. I had all the leisure.
"Damn...!"
Too late to notice. "Hyah!"
I'd clamped her spear shaft under my arm. Sword tips hovered at throat and side.
I stopped just short. "Good work, punk."
"Aigoo...! Dodo! What the hell have you been up to? Hhuhu... figures you're still a monster. Whew..."
Match decided, Roni flopped face-down. I grabbed her hand and pulled her up.
The provisional knights gawked, dumbfounded. Lady Ellen too—mouth agape, speechless.
I usually fought quietly and methodically. This flashy show? A performance for Master.
I headed straight back. Sure enough, Master beamed, wiping my sweat. Her words came faster, voice elated.
"Truly splendid, splendid, my child! How so full of vigor? This lady thought you harbored resentment for your boring master. Frolicking like a peer—now my heart's at ease..."
But then her brows furrowed pitifully, voice thickening... I grinned and patted her head.
"No way! Being with Master is the most fun ever. Your disciple pushed a bit to make you happy! Hehe..."
"Dodo... my child!"
Overcome with emotion, she hugged my waist. Filial piety's simple—do good daily.
Mid-embrace, Sebastian cleared his throat nearby. "Impressive, sir. Beyond imagination."
"Nah. Only possible 'cause she took it well."
"Truth be told, the exam was mostly formality... Never dreamed you'd beat Vice Captain Bell!"
Sebastian clenched his fist, eyes brimming with hope. His gleaming mustache sparkled sunnier than the sun.
"Perhaps our plans advance sooner than expected."
"Plans?"
"Our grand vision for Solaris's radiant future. Now, Sir Dodo joins our proud ranks."
He bowed and departed. The noisy lady was gone—sulking off after the result, no doubt.
The provisional knights eyed me with respect.
"That was amazing?"
"Nah."
"Y-Yo, take care of us! Dual-Sword Guy."
Light admiration, that's all. They accepted me—could trust my back now. Then they scattered.
Sense of belonging? Faint. Still felt more like mercenaries than knights.
As things wrapped, Roni sauntered over grinning. "Yo, greetings done?"
"Didn't make me look bad?"
"Huhu... wins and losses balance out."
I'd gotten too carried away reuniting with Roni. Curious about my limits, sure—but using a long-lost friend as a stepping stone? Regret hit now.
She asked casually. "And her?"
"Ah... that's my master."
"Hah... quit joking."
"Dead serious?"
"...?"
Roni stared blankly at Master Tia. Master spoke first.
"Pleased to meet you. As my disciple's friend, treat me freely."
Hands on hips, smiling confidently. She was usually more reserved... Guess I got her excited.
Roni blinked in lingering shock. After a beat...
"Huhu... so, how old's our baby?"