第１７０８堀：訓練の時にはトレーナーがいるとよい (Part2)
"And, while I'm not a shield specialist myself, I do have another acquaintance who is. Perhaps they could offer some advice."
"Oh? Someone else?"
"Yes, someone Vilia knows as well."
"Someone I know who uses a shield? Ah, could it be...?"
As Vilia spoke, the training hall doors opened precisely at that moment.
"Yo. I came because I heard I was called."
Turning around, there stood...
"Princess Loel."
"You've arrived."
Indeed, it was the person who could be called a shield master, known as the Shield Princess of Gartz.
Her skill was such that when she parried, the opponent wouldn't even feel the parry, simply being deflected.
Naturally, such deflections created openings, and she was a princess who shared a friendly rivalry with Seraria, and Shera's own elder sister.
"Hm? Vilia is holding a shield? Wasn't she using a twin-headed spear?"
As I pondered this, she, a combat enthusiast, or rather, as a general and the Shield Princess, her position leading an army, allowed her to quickly notice the difference in Vilia's equipment.
That's how much she trains with my wives.
Incidentally, when it comes to Loel, the difference in strength due to level disparity isn't that significant.
She received special protection, and it's a joke that she desires eternal combat; what she truly dislikes is falling behind in strength.
No, perhaps desiring combat wasn't entirely a mistake.
"Ah, yes. I was assigned to use a shield for the current operation."
"Hah? Vilia, of all people, using a shield? Why not one of the other taller members? For Hiiro, it's partly because her weight is too light, which is a problem, but Vilia has grown splendidly, hasn't she?"
Yes, Hiiro using a greatshield is partly to compensate for her stunted height and weight.
In contrast, Vilia, after several years here in Weed, has grown plump alongside Aslin, developing a physique befitting a beautiful young woman.
As someone who remembers her tattered, emaciated form, it brings a tear to my eye.
But setting that aside, seeing Vilia with a tower shield, a style different from her usual combat style, she must have been curious about it, both as a commander and as someone who fights.
"Um, Brother, no, have you received any contact from Weed?"
"Hm? I wasn't informed that Vilia's equipment required reporting to other countries? Or is there something else? Is that shield a new creation by Narjia?"
"No, it's not that. Here, I sent out a warning to pay special attention to Roschur and Gartz. After all, we're stepping into their territory."
As I added that explanation, Loel's gaze drifted slightly into the air...
"Ah, you mean the missing persons case."
"Exactly. And so, it became a matter of a small, elite force. Well, actually, there were few people available to investigate, so we decided to send Vilia and Holy, who is training here."
"I see. Indeed, we can't spare any more of Weed's forces. And, using Vilia as a negotiator... Hmm? It seems like a straightforward mission?"
"There's a reason for that too. Originally, the kidnapping was targeting one person, right? So, to make them kidnap multiple people, I thought... Vilia."
"Yes."
As I said that, Vilia's appearance drastically changed through a Doppelganger transformation.
She became as small as Hiiro.
"This way, by making her small, we decided to smuggle her in with Holy's luggage."
"So that's how it is. In that case, there's a possibility she'll be taken as luggage... or not? Well, it's good if there is. And in that case, it will be with Vilia, not just Holy."
"It would be too much of a burden for Holy to handle alone, and if Vilia went alone, she'd likely be underestimated."
"Well, that's true. Vilia looks like a child. Unless they know her relationship with Weed, they'll likely look down on her. And even more so if she's made smaller... So, Holy then."
"Ah, Holy can handle these kinds of matters to some extent, and her abilities are guaranteed. So, Vilia is for communication."
"She's also for surveillance, isn't she?"
Hey, hey, saying that when Holy is nearby.
"It's fine. I understand that much."
Holy, who had been swinging her mace, seemed to have heard me and replied.
"Indeed. It's better not to hide it unnecessarily. So, that's why both of you are wearing uncharacteristic equipment."
With that, Loel seemed to understand, and I asked her to train us.
Of course, Loel gladly accepted, and Orelia and the others also participated, getting a good workout.
As expected, when training, having a trainer to guide you is very helpful.
Thinking for oneself is important, but the teachings of an experienced person are truly invaluable.