第１０２掘：盾姫 (Part2)
"Don't say that. This is all I have, after all."
She said, giving her shield a shake.
Hey, hey. I don't know what her level is, but Seraria’s should be higher.
To think she could deflect everything with just a shield and pure intuition—that’s incredible.
"Are you surprised?"
"Yeah."
Shera called out to me.
Honestly, I never expected such a close match; I didn't think Seraria would struggle this much. I had assumed it would be an overwhelming victory based on the level gap alone.
"Hehe, it’s alright. Only Sister Lowell can do something like that. But that is the true way to use a shield. It’s not about taking the opponent's attack head-on, but parrying it. That requires knowing your opponent's movements and habits, as well as exceptional talent."
"I suppose so."
"We of Gartz prioritize protecting our allies above all else. If you protect your allies, you don't die. And in turn, your allies will help you. That is what the shield is for. To protect our allies for even a second longer, we specialize in parrying rather than receiving. Well, only my sister can take it to that level, though."
As she said that, we watched the match. Even with the overwhelming level difference, Lowell was handling it without any sign of danger.
This is amazing.
"As always, that shield is incredibly troublesome in a one-on-one..."
"I won't let you break through so easily."
However, the gap started to show little by little.
It was stamina.
The difference in levels was beginning to manifest. Parrying like that against a superior opponent takes a heavy toll on both physical and mental endurance.
"Phew... I can't go any further. Seraria, my apologies. But, please, indulge me in one final strike."
"...You really don't care about winning or losing, do you? Fine..."
Lowell acknowledged her defeat and asked for one last exchange. Seraria, seemingly having understood this, agreed and reached for the sword at her waist.
"Hey, Seraria!!"
That sword is a bad idea.
She’s going to slice right through that shield.
"Yuki, was it? It’s fine. This is what I wished for. Besides, it’ll work out somehow."
With that, Lowell braced her shield and focused entirely on Seraria. Seraria didn't answer me, simply settling into an iai stance.
"Come!!"
"Yes!!"
What is this, a shonen manga development...?
And then, the two collided.
The match was decided in an instant.
Lowell’s shield was split in two.
It wasn't a situation where parrying was an option; with that sword and Seraria’s skill, the shield was meaningless.
"...Good grief, to think that was your trump card."
"Oh? I wouldn't show my real trump card so easily. Lowell, you didn't bring *that* shield, did you?"
"Well, that’s a national treasure, after all. I only use it in emergencies. Still, this shield was decent, too..."
"My sword here is also just 'decent'."
"If that’s just 'decent,' then the gap between us has grown quite a bit."
The two of them shared a smile as they talked.
Wow, are they more like protagonists than I am?
As I was thinking that, Shera chimed in.
"Sisters, that was a magnificent match. The soldiers around us are so stunned they can't even find their voices."
She stepped forward as she said this.
Indeed, the soldiers watching seemed to snap out of it at Shera’s voice, and applause began to ripple through the crowd.
"...However. Sister, that shield was a custom order. The match was certainly impressive, but breaking equipment is unacceptable. Please pay for the repairs out of your own pocket. No, looking at that state, you'll have to buy a new one."
"Ehh!?"
Ah, Shera.
She’s quite—no, she’s very strict, isn't she?
It looks like Lowell won't be seeing a paycheck for a while.
Rest in peace.
That was the true strength of Lowell-ane. She’s like a Shield Knight, specialized as a defender.
However, because she doesn't think too deeply about things, she’s often treated more as a frontline soldier than a general.