第１２９９堀：息抜きと実力を知るために (Part1)
I'm wearing my iron mask again after a long time.
Since getting married, I haven't worn it because Yuki-sama dislikes not being able to see my face, but today is a match.
It's only proper to face my opponent with the same gear I'd use in a real battle.
I must stand not as a woman, not as a wife, but as a general, as one who wields a sword.
"You're really fired up, aren't you, Stasia?"
I turned around at the voice and saw Seraria.
Through the gaps in my mask, I could see her in combat dress armor.
"Yes. It's been a while since I've fought, so I won't hold back, even in a match. You won't either, will you, Seraria?"
"Of course. Still, that iron mask... I haven't seen it in ages. Doesn't it impair your vision?"
"I won't deny that it does, but I'm used to it. I can sense their presence and react accordingly with my training. And most importantly, the defense is quite good."
Full-face helmets have poor visibility, but their defensive capabilities are quite high.
However, considering the attack power of everyone here, it might be useless on its own. This is only for the raw defense.
Our basic specs are almost identical.
The difference comes from equipment and skill.
In other words, the armor I'm wearing makes a difference.
Most of them tend to wear lighter armor.
I wear heavy armor, so that's where the difference lies.
I'll use the "late-coming, first-strike" technique for speed.
Seraria seemed to understand this as well...
"Come to think of it, I've never fought against someone of equal skill in heavy armor before."
"Yes. I thought it would be a good experience for everyone. I usually train in lighter gear for better mobility."
Training in Weed involves a lot of fundamentals, not just running, but also unarmed combat techniques, so these kinds of competitive matches are rare.
Well, I do spar with Seraria and the others, but never with our full strength.
Perhaps it's also because it takes me time to put on my armor, so I haven't focused on that.
Since coming here to marry, I've worn beautiful dresses more often than armor.
"I think it's a good change, but in terms of combat experience... Well, today, I'll make you reconsider a little after seeing you."
"I hope so."
I replied with a wry smile.
Does heavy armor suit a high-level fighter?
In the games Seraria often plays, evasion is prioritized, and defense is often paper-thin, so I still have some concerns.
As I was thinking about this, I suddenly remembered something.
"Speaking of which, was it okay to hold this kind of event during the Great Forest survey for the Intercontinental Exchange Student System?"
With work being so busy, only about half of us can participate.
In other words, it's just us having fun.
Is that really okay?
"You don't have to worry about it. That's easy to say, but you're the type to worry, aren't you? Well, this is a serious combat event, so it's only for those who wish to participate. Besides, only the Great Forest survey team can't participate; everyone else is in Weed, so if they're not participating, it's their own choice."
"I see."
Indeed, when you put it that way, it makes sense.
Not all of us wives enjoy competing in swordsmanship like we do.
...Thinking about it makes me wonder if we're strange, but since our husbands say it's fine, I'll accept it.
"By the way, Stasia, are there any problems with the exchange student system on your end? I haven't heard much from you about it."
"There haven't been any particular problems in Findal. Kagura and Mikos told me that Hiden is in turmoil. After all, they suffered considerable damage in that battle. Thanks to our husband stepping in at the end, we didn't suffer as much damage."
However, the magic unit did suffer significant casualties. But since I met our husband, all but the deceased have recovered, and our good relationship continues, so the country's foundation has not been shaken.
Of course, due to that relationship, the matter of the exchange student system to Weed was swiftly decided under the authority and prestige of our royal family.
"That's good to hear. It seems that once you have a rebellion, things get complicated."
"It appears so. Seeing it firsthand, I understand it well, and it makes me strongly feel that we must not cause such things. Well, this time, it's still relatively peaceful. There was a mastermind behind it."
"That's true. If it weren't for the manipulation by those branded as heretics by the Haire sect, it would have been a genuine internal split."
The reason Hiden is somewhat stable now is that it's being attributed to manipulation by those the Haire sect considers heretics.
In other words, it can be said that the problem arose from an external issue, not an internal one, so Hiden hasn't truly fractured.
By creating an external enemy, Hiden was able to manage the situation internally.
However, even so, the damage seems considerable.
As we were talking...
"Heyー! Seraria, Stasia, are you ready?"
Riel poked her head into the changing room.
She was originally a scout type, so she quickly got ready in light armor and went out, but it seems we kept her waiting too long.
"I apologize. It seems we kept you waiting. We are ready now."
"Yes. I'm ready too, so let's go."
We had already finished preparing when we started chatting, so we headed to the arena with Riel.
Yes, today, we've rented out the arena in Weed, which also serves as an entertainment venue, for this match.
Normally, people like us who are confident in their skills fight here, entertaining the spectators.
Of course, betting with money is also involved.
In that sense, it's also a form of entertainment.
Recently, some people have been able to make a living solely from their fight money here, and our husband says they can be considered professionals.
When I asked him what he meant, he said that if you can make a living from the income of a single job, you're a professional in that field.
If you receive money but can't make a living, you're semi-professional or amateur.
If it's just a hobby, it's a hobby or amateur.
"But it's always so big, isn't it?"
I looked around the arena.