The slicing and killing spirit of the naiad and my swordsmanship, which is increasing in intensity, clash head on.

A single leaf fluttered.

There's a sizzling, crunching tension that seems to explode at the slightest chance of such an explosion.

Carefully measuring the timing, feeling the breath on your skin, trying to overlook even the slightest movement of your muscles, you devote all your energy to finding the right moment to make your move.

The struggle to the death in the silence, where even the slightest disruption in breathing or casual blinking is not allowed - but

Oh, come on, Seya. What's wrong with you?

It's a good thing that this is the case.

It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

''........Misunderstanding?''

I parrot back to him, being very careful not to show any gaps.

"Hmph, it was a little bit of a counterattack on the other day. This time, Atay wins.

He must be referring to the exchange of not avoiding the spear when they first met.

'You're surprisingly childish... or rather, what's the mistake?　I'm still getting a buzz from the killing spree?

Well, we can talk about it later, can't we?　Come on, Seya, follow me. Just ahead, just a short distance away, is the service entrance for the stationed knights.

Saying, Niall turned his back to me and began to walk quickly towards a small gate a short distance away.

''Well what the hell are you up to?''

I asked, following the defenseless, gaping back of the man, as I trundled along.

It's not my intention. You don't need to destroy the gate every time you pass through it to get inside the wall.

I've not yet let my guard down, but Naiya's attitude towards me was very matter-of-fact.

I thought you couldn't allow a single person to pass through today...?

'I've been told not to let all the gates through, though. But this is the only exception to the rule of extraterritoriality. A mere provincial lord can't stop the knights stationed there, the sword of the great and wise emperor, from coming and going.

Konkong and Naiya knocked on the iron door.

'It's Atay, it's Naiya Delacroix.

Immediately afterwards, there was a rattling sound of the iron fence inside the gate being raised and the iron gate was opened a little later.

It's good to see you, Naiya-sama, for your work!

The two foot soldiers, who are probably knights of the stationed knights, show a beautiful salute.

''Well, Naiya-sama, you know, that person....''

But both of them looked at me sniggeringly the moment they saw me.

''Hmm, ah, his name is Manashiro Seya, and he's a new candidate for knighthood in the Order of the Holy Virgin (Jeanne d'Arc). I just scouted her just now. He's such an amazingly talented person that he can even make a fool out of you.

Oh, I'm very sorry about that!　Please come through!

Oh, my God. Good job, you guys.

I appreciate the kind words, sir! I'll do my best to get the job done!

And so.

Following Nia through a small gate--

I didn't expect it to be this easy to get inside...

--it was already inside the citadel.