I didnt make any special moves. I was just looking for a place that might be under surveillance.

With a swish, she swung her sword away and changed her stance.

Rishes arms were stronger than before. She seemed to be able to handle the heavy sword.

Its just a habit of mine when Im surveying my surroundings for safety.

Haha! Just a habit?

The reply came from an old mans voice Rishe couldnt identify.

The next moment, the man said in a young mans voice.

Its just a habit to instantly check a blind spot and shoot a pinpoint glareYoure another one of those rare finds.

The hooded man deliberately pondered, Hmm.

Even if Im trying to talk in vain like this, theres no breach at all. I came out here for fun, but its a mistake.

Lady, excuse me. Im going to take a nap here for a whileWhoops!

The tip of Rishes sword just barely grazed the hood of his robe. The fact that he was able to dodge her did not deter her from her pursuit. Without fear, she stepped forward and swung her sword again.

With each swing, Rishes torso shook as she took the second and third strikes. It was for this reason that she hunted the man in the robe carefully, yet without any mercy.

!

She twisted round to avoid the dagger tip that approached her eyes.

Heh, dodge this.

Youre going to stab my eyes

Rishe curled her lips with a snort as she jumped into the mans gap.

She lowered the tip of her sword to the ground and slashed up at the man.

He ducked, but she perfectly calculated his movements. The man laughed as he quickly reared his head to the side.

Huh, fast, fast!

But

Came a resounding clang.

The mans dagger blocked the tip of Rishes sword. It was probably only Rishe who felt her arms tremble.

Im running out of time to play

The man licked his tongue.

Coral-haired lady, you are one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen in the world. Instead of killing each other, why dont we have a more meaningful conversation?

Im working, and I didnt mean to get into a killing spree with you.

Thats a lie. Youve been aiming at my face so relentlessly.

Rest assured. Ive already achieved my purpose.

From Rishes angle, she could see the eyes that were hidden by the hood.

Its still the face of a man I dont know. But

His eyes were red.

It was enough to know that. When Rishe retreated backwards with her sword, the man laughed and nodded his head.

Sure, youre not thirsty for blood. Got it, got it.

Rishe-sama!

A knights voice echoed from the other side.

The cloth of the mans robe fluttered as he sprinted off into the alley. Rishe slowly sheathed her sword and watched as the mans back disappeared.

What happened, Rishe-sama?

I think I heard the clangs of swords, though it was faint

The knights seemed to have heard it, even though it was a long way from the main street. Rishe bowed and apologized to them.

Im sorry. Apparently it wasnt a child crying, but a cat and a crow fighting.

What? A cat and a crow?

I pulled out my sword to mediate, but it was so heavy I dropped it.

Then she smiled.

Other than that, nothing happened.

The knights breathed a sigh of relief hearing her reply.

Im glad youre fine, Rishe-sama. But next time, I hope youll leave us to it.

Im sorry, both of you.

Rishe glanced at the end of the alley as she walked away.

There was no sign of anyone there.

She didnt say anything but returned to the knights and Harriet.

If I were a real guard, Id report what just happened to Harriet

Rishe remembered the exchange she had just had with Arnold.

Can you take care of the princess?

Arnold asked Rishe while he was preparing to go out.

Rishe nodded in reply as she wrapped her sword belt around her.

Of course. But where are you going, Your Highness?

I have some work to do in the city. Ill return at night.

Oliver, his squire, was also busy giving instructions to the knights. Rishe was convinced that he didnt seem to have any interest in diplomacy with Harriet.

As I thought, His Highness Arnolds purpose is not to entertain the distinguished guests.

It was not like Arnold to go out of his way to greet them. In her experience, it was when he had multiple intentions that he made his move.

When he bought Rishes ring for her in the castle town, it was also to scout for Kyles arrival in the country.

The reason he accompanied Rishe to the Grand Shrine was not only because of the official business that was piling up with the Order, but also as a check.

It seemed to be the same this time.

Under Rishes gaze, Arnold put on his coat and said, Its nothing important. I just need to confirm something.

Confirm?

That aside, this sword is not suitable for your size. The knight guards will be by your side, so dont strain yourself.

Arnold took the sword that was leaning against the wall and handed it to her.

Thank you for lending me your sword, Your Highness.

Arnold looked down at her quietly.

For you.

?

When she cocked her head and waited for him to continue, Arnold sighed and said.

I also thought that showing you the seaside scenery might improve your mood a little.

What the hell did that mean?

She blinked, and he looked at her as if to say, Dont you understand?

Youve been looking strangely somber lately.

Oh

His elebaration threw Rishe off.

Is he worried about me?

At the same time, a feeling of guilt welled up in her.

Rishes downcast look was definitely due to that.

With Arnold in mind, a strange loneliness burrowed deep in her heart. She must have noticed the change.

Um, no! I dont have any problems that Your Highness needs to worry about!

I doubt it. You dont give a damn about yourself at all.

She couldnt retort because she had a record. That went for Arnold, too.

A large hand stroked her head while she was lost in thought.

I feel bad about making you do something that feels like work. Ill make it up to you

Rishe recalled his doting voice, and it made her ears burn.

Im the one who offered to protect Harriet-sama.

A knight guard called out to her when he saw that she was about to crouch down.

Whats wrong, Rishe-sama?

No-nothing! Anyway, wed better hurry back to Harriet-samas.

A little further down the street, she spotted Harriets back as she talked to the head maid.

Her highness, Princess Harriet, the sister of His Highness, Prince Curtis, whom I never met in my fifth life.

Gestures that hid her face, and a long hair that was randomly stretched.

Her dress looked heavy, probably because of the thick fabric, which was not suitable for early summer. And that shade of dark green.

Her attire doesnt feel right for a woman who has crippled the national treasury by buying luxury goods