第５７７堀：のんびり異文化交流 (Part1)
**Chapter 577: Relaxed Cross-Cultural Exchange**
**Side: Stasia Findall, First Princess of the Findall Empire**
My skin is prickling.
It must be my body reacting to the opponent’s overwhelming pressure.
I shouldn't be surprised, yet I never imagined someone could radiate such intensity. Unfortunately, it seems I was a small-minded person who didn't know my own limitations.
Because... the one emitting that pressure was Hiiro, whom I have been doting on.
"Here I go, Big Sis Sta."
With those words, Hiiro vanished from my sight.
No, she had simply lunged forward, crawling along the ground with such speed that it appeared as if she had disappeared.
Thinking I wouldn't make it in time to dodge, I decided to strike to stop her momentum and swung my sword down toward her...
*Clang! Thud!*
"Guh!?"
My sword was deflected by Hiiro’s favorite great shield, and I took the brunt of her tackle.
However, because Hiiro is petite, the impact wasn't as severe as it could have been, even with the weight of the shield. I quickly regained my footing and dodged a follow-up strike from her staff.
"Whoa, Big Sis Sta is amazing. Most people lose their balance and can't dodge that."
"Fufu. I’m honored to be praised."
I laughed it off, but honestly, I was stunned by Hiiro’s ability.
How absurd.
If that tackle had just a bit more weight behind it, I wouldn't have been able to recover my stance as she said, and I would have been knocked unconscious by that staff strike.
If a small child like her possesses this much skill, then it stands to reason that Yuki-sama and his adult female retainers are even more formidable.
...I must never, ever fight against Weed.
I had intended to give her some pointers, much like I did with Age, but it feels like I’m the one receiving the lesson.
However, I can see that Hiiro lacks the ruthlessness of a true follow-up attack, and from our conversation, it’s clear she isn't accustomed to real combat.
I should take advantage of that to maintain my dignity as an older sister.
With that thought, I called out to her.
"Hiiro. Let's trade blows head-on from here."
"Okay."
She didn't come at me like an arrow this time. She walked right up to me and raised her staff and great shield.
She looks cute. Truly adorable.
But as her older sister, I must be strict.
I hardened my heart, raised my own sword and shield, and stood before her.
"Here I come!"
"Come at me."
The exchange began. Every blow was heavy.
Even her standard strikes carried weight.
I understood intuitively that if I took a wide, heavy swing, she would crush me, shield and all.
So, I dodged the big swings and attacked with speed rather than power, but Hiiro, behind her great shield, received my sword strikes without difficulty.
Her stamina is no joke, either.
...I see. That’s why she lacks a sense of crisis.
The only people she spars with are her own kin.
It would be incredibly difficult for her to grasp the terror of real combat under these conditions.
Being strong isn't a bad thing, but it leads to the fatal weakness of complacency.
That is likely why Yuki-sama allowed this match with Hiiro.
He knew that I, of all people, could teach her.
...Yuki-sama is clearly a man of kingly stature.
Considering everything, his capacity is beyond the ordinary.
There isn't another person on this continent who would extend a hand of friendship to us or Haiden—whom he could easily conquer—and aim for mutual prosperity.
Setting that aside, the rhythm of our spar began to grow monotonous.
Perhaps frustrated by her inability to break through my defense, Hiiro’s movements became easier to read.
"There!"
"Fukya!?"
I read her predictable movement and landed a clean strike with my sword, sending her tumbling backward.
Because her movements had become so repetitive, I was able to strike her breastplate precisely, ensuring she wasn't injured.
"That’s it! The winner is Princess Stasia."
"Hiiro, you were too impatient."
Dressa-dono and Vilia-dono approached as they said this.
Since they are in a similar position to Hiiro, they are likely even stronger than her.
In other words, even if I could handle them without magic, I wouldn't stand a chance if they used it.
Such young girls, possessing this much strength...
...Weed is truly terrifying.
"Muu. If only I could use magic..."
"We’re in a match without magic, so what are you complaining about?"
"Exactly."
"Mu-mu-mu. So frustrating..."
Hiiro pouted, looking dejected.
"That is a good thing. That frustration is proof that you have the desire to win. Don't let this discourage you; learn from what went wrong, and you will become stronger."
"Big Sis Sta... Yeah, I’ll do my best, Hiiro will."
Seeing her respond so candidly reminded me of Age, even though they look nothing alike.
Age used to learn swordsmanship from me in much the same way...
As I was reminiscing, George ran over to us.
"Good work, Sister. Hiiro-dono."
He handed us towels. They were chilled—he must have kept them in a refrigerator.
The fact that he brought them himself instead of having a maid do it shows George’s character.
Well, he’s probably also trying to improve his image with Hiiro and Dressa-dono.
"Thank you."
"Thank you, Prince George."
"Not at all. I apologize for my sword-idiot sister dragging you into her whims."
*Thwack.*
"Hauah!?"
*Roll, roll, roll...*
Ah, my mistake. I kicked him unconsciously.
No, that was unavoidable.
It’s his fault for badmouthing his sister.
Yes, it was discipline for my wicked, treacherous brother who tried to ruin my reputation in front of Hiiro and the others.
"Ow, Sister!? What was that for..."
"George. Who are you calling a sword-idiot sister?"
I grabbed him by the collar and pulled his face right up to mine.
"...No, even if you’re doting on Hiiro-dono, I think challenging her to a match is questionable. You won, but it was a narrow victory. It was a dirty way to win. I don't think it’s becoming of an adult. You probably wanted to show off your dignity as a sister, but that victory only lowered it."
*Nugu.* He’s started talking back.
As I was wondering how to retort, I felt a tug on my clothes. I looked down to see Hiiro.
"It’s okay. Big Brother told me that all sorts of things happen in battle. Big Sis Sta taught me that. I don't mind at all. ...Actually, Big Brother is even more amazing."
...It’s good to know Hiiro isn't holding a grudge, but I’m a little worried about what kind of education Yuki-sama is providing.
Well, that’s fine. First, I need to deal with this foolish brother of mine.
"As you can see, Hiiro understands the purpose of this match perfectly. And yet, for George, who is older than Hiiro, to say such things—I find that questionable."
"...No, you aren't even refuting the point..."
"Very well. Just like Hiiro, I shall train you. Since you have so much to say, I’ll show you what training is really like."
I smiled sweetly, and George opened his mouth, trembling.
"...Sister. It’s good that you’ve taken off your helmet and started showing your expressions, but I don't think now is the time for a smile, is it?"
"Oh? You say you want to see your sister’s smile, and when I show it, you say that? It seems I need to retrain your character once more."
Ever since I became the "Iron-Faced Princess," I haven't spent much time with him.
To think he’s grown into such a boorish man who can't even offer a compliment to a woman...
I should have a serious talk with Father about this.
At this rate, the woman who marries George will have a difficult life.
"...No, I think the person who marries you, Sister, will have the hardest time. Or rather, you don't even have a suitor."
"Very well. You may die, George."
It’s hopeless. This brother of mine.
He doesn't understand people's feelings at all. At this rate, ruling a country is impossible.