Fate
Lux’s Side
I was surprised when Elina-san suddenly got into the carriage, but nothing in particular happened after that, and I went to the noble academy as usual and sat in my seat.
When I did, Florence-san, who sat next to me, was already seated and greeted me.
“Lux-sama, we meet again so soon.”
“Florence-san! Yes, so soon! Meeting you before coming to school like this feels a little strange.”
“Fufu, it does… But more importantly, Lux-sama, I happened to overhear some talk among the upperclassmen. It seems the national swordsmanship tournament will be held soon.”
“The national swordsmanship tournament… I’ve only heard the name before. If I remember right, it’s the one where the royals of this and other countries lead the effort to determine the strongest swordsman, isn’t it?”
When I said that, Florence-san nodded and replied.
“Yes. Starting this year, we’re finally eligible to participate, and as a result, it seems more students have been devoting themselves to swordsmanship. Will you be participating, Lux-sama?”
I train in swordsmanship every single day, but in a place like that, where real warriors gather, I’m not sure if I have the strength to make it through. I don’t have much experience crossing swords with many people. Still, the royals are leading the tournament, which means that the Third Princess Felisiana-sama and the Second Princess Elizalina-sama will surely be watching.
It’s also a good opportunity to show Siana my strengths. In that case…
“I’ll participate!”
When I answered, Florence-san smiled and said,
“I see… In that case, I’ll be participating too. If you don’t mind, would you spar with me today?”
“Yes! I’d love to! When shall we do it?”
“I heard there will be a swordsmanship class during fourth period today, tailored to the upcoming tournament, so I think that’s when the sparring time will be held.”
“I see. Then let’s do it during that time!”
“Understood… Well then, shall we go submit our swordsmanship tournament application forms together while we still have time?”
“Yes!”
After that, Florence-san and I signed the necessary fields on the swordsmanship tournament application forms together, submitted them, and then returned to our seats in the lecture hall, chatting happily about the recent overseas trip.
Rezamiliana’s Side
Rezamiliana let out a sigh as she looked over the piles of paperwork on her desk in her office at the royal castle.
“This is practically dereliction of duty.”
Ever since yesterday, Rezamiliana hadn’t been able to get Lux out of her head.
For Rezamiliana, who had never before felt anything special toward the opposite sex, this was the first time.
Because of that emotional turmoil, her usual work pace had dropped to about half. She declared herself guilty of dereliction of duty, but even at this reduced pace, she was still faster than the average person.
“…Hm.”
At that moment, she noticed that a new set of documents had arrived.
On the topmost page, the words “Swordsmanship Tournament” were written.
“The swordsmanship tournament… So it’s that time already.”
She turned the page, revealing a large number of application forms for the swordsmanship tournament.
Just in case any suspicious individuals had slipped in, Rezamiliana was personally checking these and stamping them with her seal.
Rezamiliana carefully read through each application form before stamping them.
Then, as she flipped through the stack, she came across a familiar name.
“The young lady of Duke Florence… That’s right, she’s fifteen this year too, just like Felisiana. She was also a frighteningly talented prodigy.”
With some anticipation for Floria Florence’s swordsmanship, Rezamiliana stamped the form. When she flipped to the next one, she couldn’t help but gasp.
“L-Lux Rodwell…!?”
Seeing that name written on the form, Rezamiliana stood up from her seat in shock.
Looking again at Lux’s name written there, she spoke.
“There aren’t many people with that name, and the Rodwell family did train in swordsmanship, so it wouldn’t be strange for him to enter the tournament. Which means this Lux Rodwell is most likely the one I’m thinking of.”
After that, Rezamiliana reviewed the details listed on Lux’s application.
“A noble of a count’s household, and a student at our country’s noble academy… I see, so that’s how it is. He’s a citizen of our country…”
After murmuring that, Rezamiliana gave a quiet smile as she looked at Lux’s swordsmanship tournament application form.
“People call such coincidences fate, don’t they… I see. Maybe I really have found him. Rodwell… you might be the one for me…”