I'm on the Ark, and I start out as Gretchen.

When Maria heard this reason, which was completely different from what she had imagined, she was slightly stunned, feeling confused and puzzled at the same time.

However, regardless of Maria's reaction, Bianca continued to speak.

"Like I said, I was just passing through here, and then I came to this city out of curiosity and the need to make a living."

"Before coming here, I already knew about the situation here and that ridiculous knightly competition. Because I disliked and even loathed it, I naively decided at first to leave as soon as possible."

At this point, Bianca paused briefly, took a sip of water from the glass on the table to moisten her throat, and then continued:

"But when I actually entered the city and saw many things with these eyes, I changed my mind."

"My unwavering chivalry and my heart tell me that I should help those in need here, protect them, pave the way for them, and give them choices!"

As she spoke of her choice, Bianca's azure eyes sparkled, and the positive emotions emanating from her—firmness, confidence, and so on—made her appear radiant, as if she were glowing.

"..."

Gazing at the radiant girl beside her, Maria fell silent for a moment, and the private room gradually quieted down.

It wasn't until a moment later, when the atmosphere in the private room began to turn strange, that Maria finally spoke again. This time, her expression and tone were much more serious than before.

"...So, do you know what you'll face once you embark on this path?"

While Maria was surprised and worried about participating in the knightly competition, she wasn't entirely beyond redemption. After all, one could concede defeat in a competition; it would just be a bit embarrassing.

However, the meaning changed completely after Bianca said those words.

These words also reminded Maria of someone: the previous champion of the Knights Tournament, the youngest miracle on the field, her own sister, Margaret Nearl.

But what happened to his own sister in the end?

Margaret Nearl was labeled an "infected" and expelled from Kazimierz, her homeland.

Although Bianca was only a friend Maria had known for a short time, she still didn't want her friend to go through what her sister had gone through.

P.S.: I get writer's block whenever I write something positive, and it's also a bit awkward. I'm almost done with this tug-of-war; the next chapter will give Maria a little super-shocking surprise.

And then there's the request to write about Star Cat, but what use is that? While Silly Goose hates this competition, she won't kill innocent people indiscriminately. If she really borrowed the power of the Holy Sword, I can only say that one punch from her would probably blow up the entire arena and everything around it.

Give it a push.

Chapter 12 Invitation and Sparring

"Of course, I know what I'll be facing next." After hearing Maria's solemn words, Bianca said with a hint of helplessness in her blue eyes.

Dai'e was well aware of her new friend's concerns. But for the moment, she didn't know how to explain.

Because some things just can't be believed just because she says them. Like before, when Gretchen spoke, Talulah and the others didn't believe her either.

Moreover, her abilities are indeed somewhat beyond expectations and beyond what others can comprehend.

Unless Bianca performs one on the spot, not only will others not believe her, but she herself won't be able to explain it clearly...

"Hmm, okay..."

"咚咚-"

Group: 543659389

Maria wanted to say something more about Bianca's "relaxed" words, but she was interrupted before she could finish her sentence.

The dishes we ordered earlier have already been brought in.

Group: 543659389

"Sigh... never mind, let's not talk about this anymore, let's eat first. Bianca shouldn't eat much of our Kazimierz cuisine, so please try it."

Looking at the dishes being served, Maria waved her hand helplessly, then quietly introduced them to Bianca.

"okay."

Upon hearing this, Bianca had no choice but to temporarily stop the topic and shift her attention to the dishes her new friend had introduced.

……

"How was the taste? I've always thought the food at this restaurant was amazing!"

Watching Bianca chew her food in small bites, Maria temporarily put aside her seriousness, then her eyes flashed with anticipation as she asked.

"It tastes wonderful, thank you for your hospitality, Maria." Bianca looked at the lovely Maria in front of her, a smile flashing in her azure eyes.

Although the food wasn't as good as Rita's cooking in my memory, that didn't stop me from praising it.

"Hehe, I'm glad you like it. Besides, I was the one who bumped into you first, Bianca." Maria became a little embarrassed again as she said this.

After all, she hadn't forgotten how she had grabbed Bianca's hand and run away.

"No, I wasn't watching where I was going either, and I almost made you fall."

Upon hearing this, Bianca gently shook her head, then began to explain with a serious expression.

"Pfft, okay, let's stop this topic and continue eating."

Maria couldn't help but chuckle again as she listened to Bianca's honest words.

At the same time, Maria probably understood why she wanted to befriend the person in front of her, even at the cost of her previous rude and offensive behavior.

Because Bianca really reminded her of her older sister, Margaret Nearl. It wasn't a mistake at first glance that made her think they looked alike… it was just a feeling.

As it turned out, Maria's intuition was very accurate.

As she spent more time with her, she discovered that her new friend was just like her sister—the kind of person who was incredibly dazzling.

One could even say that some of them are like the noble knights that Maria sees in picture books, full of ideals and unwavering will.

------------------

After dinner, the two did not linger in the restaurant but went outside again.

"..."

Looking at Bianca, who had finished dinner and looked satisfied and calm, Maria's golden eyes flickered with a complex light, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

After being interrupted by the dinner incident, she now doesn't know how to start a conversation with Bianca.

"Heh~ Since you're still so worried, how about we have a spar?" Bianca looked at the girl beside her with a helpless smile, then gently patted her head and said.

In truth, Bianca herself wouldn't want to offer such a "suggestion" that sounds like bullying a child, if she could. But unfortunately, there really aren't any less damaging methods of proof available right now.

If it were someone else, Dai'e wouldn't even want to prove her strength, because in her opinion, it was unnecessary.

However, the girl in front of me is different.

Bianca didn't want to approach Maria with ulterior motives, but since they had met by chance today, she naturally wouldn't resist. She was willing to exchange sincerity for sincerity and make such a friend.

That's why Dai'e didn't want her new friend to feel worried because of her "concealment".

"Eh!? Can we spar? But... my swordsmanship isn't very good."

After hearing Bianca's words, Maria forgot all about being patted on the head and asked with a somewhat surprised expression.

"It's alright, it's not a formal duel. I just wanted to put your mind at ease, Maria."

Looking at the surprised expression on the girl's face, Bianca's azure eyes flashed slightly as she explained in a calm tone.

"After all, there are many things that cannot be convinced by words alone."

As she finished speaking, Bianca extended her hand to Maria, a confident and radiant smile playing on her lips.

"……it is good!"

Maria was slightly taken aback when she saw Bianca's smile. It took her a moment to recover before she gently grasped the slender yet strong hand extended towards her.

……

Then, on their way to find a venue or training ground, they coincidentally ran into an acquaintance again.

"Hey, Zofia-neechan... Good evening?"

Maria looked at the blonde Kuranta who had stopped her, scratched her head lightly, and gave an awkward and guilty smile.

"Didn't we agree to have dinner together tonight? And who is this?"

Although Zofia was asking Maria a question, her gaze fell on Bianca, who was standing to the side.

"This is my new friend, Bianca!" Maria explained to Zofia, then looked at Bianca and continued.

:

"This is my older sister, Zofia. She's a very nice person."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sister Zofia."

After hearing Maria's introduction, Bianca smiled slightly and then extended her hand to Zofia first.

"Yes, it's nice to meet you. Maria has caused you trouble."

Looking at the polite Bianca, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Zofia's eyes. After withdrawing her scrutinizing gaze, she gently took Bianca's hand.

"Alright, Maria, shouldn't you explain yourself to me? What are you planning to do so late?"

"Forehead……"

P.S.: Let's see if I can update three times today, it shouldn't be a problem.

Give it a push.

Chapter 13 The Beginning of the Sparring

Finally, under pressure from her aunt, Maria hesitated for a moment before revealing everything.

"...Knightly competitions are no joke. Are you really ready?" After learning the whole story, Zofia turned her gaze back to Bianca, who looked calm and composed.

“Although the decision was made very hastily, we are indeed prepared.” Upon hearing this, Bianca returned Zofia’s gaze with a firm and confident look.

“In that case, how about Miss Bianca spar with me instead of Maria?” Zofia looked at the confident and composed Bianca before her and after a moment’s consideration before tentatively speaking.

"After all, Maria isn't very skilled at swordsmanship."

Zofia originally didn't want to get involved in the affairs between the two children. However... after seeing Bianca's eyes just now, she suddenly changed her mind and wanted to test the girl's true colors.

She hadn't seen a look like that in so long—firm, confident, and dazzling…

If Bianca truly has real talent, then Zofia wouldn't mind lending a hand behind the scenes.

If not, she can only assume that she misjudged the situation.

“Of course, no problem, Miss Zofia. After all, this sparring is just to put Maria at ease, nothing more.” Bianca nodded slightly after hearing Zofia’s suggestion and agreed immediately.