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

The goose had absolutely no objection to this suggestion. After all, it was just a small sparring match to put its friend at ease; sparring with anyone was still sparring.

Moreover, Zofia, who was a top 16 finisher in the previous Knights Tournament, is much stronger than Maria is now. A match against her would yield a more convincing "result."

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"In that case, there's no need to go out of your way to find a venue. Miss Bianca, just come to my house. My house is quite spacious."

After hearing Bianca's reply, Zofia looked at her with even greater satisfaction.

After all, in Zofia's opinion, if someone didn't even have the courage to agree to a spar with her, then she had basically misjudged them... The seemingly dazzling girl in front of her might not have any real skills.

She could even start to consider reminding Maria to stay away from people like Bianca who lack real skills but love to "talk big."

……

After Bianca agreed, the group didn't waste any more time and headed straight for Zofia's house.

"Are you really planning to spar with Aunt Zofia...? She's really strong..." Maria, who was walking down the street, suddenly tugged at Bianca's sleeve and whispered in her ear.

"Don't worry, it's alright. If I can't even defeat Miss Zofia, how can I talk about achieving my goals?" Bianca said, reaching out to pat Maria's shoulder reassuringly.

After hearing Bianca's words, a hint of helplessness flashed in Maria's eyes, and she swallowed back the words she had originally intended to say. She then encouraged her:

"Since you've said that, good luck! I believe in you, Bianca."

Although Maria knew and had experienced firsthand the terrifying power of her aunt, she still decided to give her new friend some trust after seeing the dazzling and confident Bianca.

"Yes, don't worry, I won't let you down."

After taking in all of Maria's encouraging words, Bichaianka responded with a smile.

"...cough, um."

Upon hearing this, Maria was slightly taken aback, then turned her head away, her expression becoming somewhat unnatural, and she also subtly increased the distance between herself and Bianca.

Maria would never admit at this moment that she had just been charmed by her new friend's words and smile...

"...?"

Bianca, who had taken in Maria's subtle actions, had a hint of confusion in her azure eyes, and a question mark slowly appeared above her head.

However, the goose didn't dwell on such a small matter and quickly turned its attention back to traveling and observing.

Her actions caused Maria, who had been secretly observing her, to feel a strange sense of "loss".

"..."

Zofia, who was walking ahead, saw the two "little ones" whispering to each other, and sighed helplessly in her heart.

She secretly decided to hold back a little in the upcoming sparring match. As long as Bianca was reasonably decent, she would let her have her way.

This doesn't refer to laxity in terms of the competition itself, but rather to allowing someone to continue interacting with their own child.

In fact, Zofia had noticed her child long before.

There were practically no playmates of the same age with whom I could have fun.

Even she and Maria often couldn't get along, even though they weren't that far apart in age... there was still a generation gap in many things.

So, if the Bianca people are somewhat acceptable, then in Zofia's view, it's not a bad thing for Maria to have more friends who are about the same age and share common interests.

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

In the courtyard of Zofia's mansion—

"Put on your protective gear, choose a weapon you're good at, and we can begin."

Looking at Bianca, who showed no sign of tension, Zofia raised an eyebrow and pointed to the protective gear placed to the side.

Although Zofia is not good at many of the weapons here, or even doesn't know how to use them, that doesn't stop her from having them.

“Protective gear? No need… I don’t need it.” Bianca glanced at where Zofia was pointing and then quickly shook her head.

For others, those protective gear can indeed provide protection.

But for Silly Goose, all of this was completely unnecessary. After all, the protective gear wasn't even as strong as her own body, and might even hinder her combat abilities…

“Arrogance is not a good habit, but since you don’t want to wear it, go and choose a weapon.” Zofia shook her head inwardly after hearing Bianca’s words, but ultimately didn’t say anything more.

"Ah."

Upon hearing this, Bianca nodded slightly and walked directly toward the weapon rack.

She had naturally noticed Zofia's expression, but at this point, she didn't want to explain anything. Rather than wasting words, she'd rather prove herself with her strength.

P.S.: I'll keep writing and see if I can manage to squeeze out a third update. Please urge me on.

Chapter 14 The Results and Commitments of the Exchange

Walking to the weapon rack, Bianca chose a simple-looking knight's lance almost without hesitation.

"Well……"

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However, when she drew the spear again, Bianca couldn't help but frown slightly.

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So light...

"Hey, Bianca, are you really not going to wear protective gear? And you're actually good with this kind of heavy spear!" Maria, standing next to her, said with surprise after seeing Bianca's actions.

“I don’t need protective gear. I’m not really used to it, and it affects my agility a bit. As for the spear, I’m actually quite good at it.” After hearing Maria’s words, Bianca gently shook her head and explained.

As soon as he finished speaking, the silly goose nimbly and swiftly swung the spear that felt as light as a feather in his hand.

"Bianca, you're amazing! I've tried this weapon before, but it's still too heavy for me." Maria scratched her head, looking a little embarrassed, as she watched Bianca's movements.

Maria could certainly lift and wield this heavy type of spear. However, she shouldn't use it as a primary weapon for continuous attacks.

"It's alright, everyone has different strengths. Just find and use the weapon that suits you." After comforting Maria a little, Bianca picked up her weapon and walked towards Zofia, who was waiting for her.

"I'm ready, Miss Zofia, you may begin."

After Bianca stood facing Zofia, she calmly addressed her.

"Although I will control my strength, if you get injured because you don't wear protective gear, Miss Bianca can't blame me." With this final reminder, Zofia solemnly tugged at the whip blade in her hand, which she hadn't used for some time.

Although Zofia was somewhat surprised that Bianca chose such a heavy lance, suitable for riding and charging, she still didn't believe that the youthful-looking Bianca had the strength to defeat her.

"Yes, Miss Zofia, please feel free to make your move."

Upon hearing this, Bianca nodded without saying anything further.

At the same time, out of respect for Zofia, the silly goose quickly focused its attention and took the competition seriously.

"Shall I make the first move...?"

Seeing Bianca's expression, Zofia raised an eyebrow slightly and muttered something under her breath.

However, now that someone has handed the initiative to her, she naturally won't hesitate any longer.

Zofia's eyes narrowed, and she brandished her whip blade, attacking Bianca with swift and agile movements.

"Shh-"

"Bang, clang—"

Although Zofia's attacks seem very sharp, agile, and even difficult to defend against to others.

However, Bianca parried all the attacks without any resistance or even moving her feet.

"..."

Seeing this, Zofia raised her eyebrows again, slightly easing her concerns, and began to move more quickly as she looked for an opening.

However, as time went on, Zofia's expression did become increasingly surprised.

Because she discovered that no matter how freely she played or how hard she tried to find weaknesses, Bianca, who seemed to be passively defending and taking hits, defended perfectly, leaving her with absolutely no chance.

"Shh-"

Just as Zofia was surprised, Bianca, who had been passively defending, suddenly moved. She used her traditional heavy knight's lance to lift up and entangle the incoming whip blade, and then suddenly exerted force.

"Varied……"

A terrifying force traveled along the whip blade, dragging Zofia forward a distance while also causing the weapon to slip from her hand.

Then, before anyone could react, the gleaming spear tip came to rest against Zofia's slender neck.

It's obvious that the outcome of this match is self-evident.

"call……"

Bianca then deftly maneuvered the spear, moving the tip away.

“You win, Miss Bianca. You are indeed very strong and fully capable of participating in the Knights' Tournament.”

Zofia glanced at the girl in front of her whose expression had remained unchanged throughout, and then spoke calmly.

But the surprise in her eyes at that moment betrayed the fact that she was not actually calm.

"Miss Zofia is also very capable."

Upon hearing Zofia's words, Bianca answered without hesitation.

"Hmph... You don't need to tell me, I know my own situation well." Upon hearing this, Zofia snorted, shook her head, and then remained silent.

"Wow, Bianca, you actually beat Zofia!"

After seeing the two finish their sparring match, Maria, who was standing not far away, rushed over, her expression showing a hint of excitement.

"Okay, so, are you relieved now?"

Looking at Maria who ran up to her, Bianca patted her shoulder with a hint of helplessness in her eyes.

"Hehe~ Of course, I'm completely relieved."

Qqun:

After noticing Bianca's helplessness, Maria stuck out her tongue and smiled slightly, trying to get away with it by being cute.

"Ha~"

When Bianca saw Maria's smile, she knew that she had achieved her goal in this sparring match.

"Even with sufficient strength, don't become arrogant." At this point, Zofia seemed to remember something, and continued: