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The exercises of that day were conducted in the vast ocean with several ships floating. The training partners were the desert country of Halil Rasha, an allied nation of Sharga.

On their largest ship was King Zahad, and while Rishe occasionally looked up at him nostalgically, she listened intently to Yoel's words. "Our ship will not lose to anyone. And on that ship, there's a knight brigade more skilled in naval combat than anyone else."

In a formation resembling the spread wings of a bird, Rishe's ship was positioned at the forefront like the beak. While the wind was favorable, the current was against them.

"The current is against us. However, this formation is the best we can think of." Rishe said.

Once the exercises began, this ship would engage the enemy first. They would charge into the enemy ships and initiate combat there.

"Unlike battles on land, there's also the danger of falling from a rocking ship and dying. ...Lu, you've practiced falling many times until today, right?" Yoel asked.

"Yes! I've hit my stomach on the water several times and even passed out, but thanks to that, I'm confident!!" As Rishe answered enthusiastically, the knights around him chuckled wryly.

"It's rare to see someone jump without hesitation like Lucius did in their first falling practice. Well, except for Yoel, I've never seen anyone else do it." Raul added.

"That's because you're the first 'junior' for Yoel isn't it?"

"Hey, seniors... You're teasing me, aren't you?" Yoel, with a slightly sulky expression, turned back to Rishe. "I'll only stay by your side until today, Lu."

On the decks of both ships where the two kings were aboard, flags announcing the start of the training were raised. Although the kings themselves didn't participate in the fight, they watched over their subjects' battles and continued to consider strategies for emergencies.

"But when it starts, I'll leave you behind too." Yoel added.

"Eh! But Yoel, the captain said we should act in pairs!!" Rishe exclaimed.

"Even in exercises, it's a battlefield. No matter how good you are, you'll weaken if you team up with someone."

Countless sails on both sides of the enemy were suddenly unfurled. With a sound like a snap, the stretched sails caught the wind, and they all began to move forward at once.

―To avoid death, fight alone.

(We're going really fast...!)

Even on the sea, the speed at which these heavy ships moved was breathtaking. The waves today were high, with a ripple that hinted at the beginning of rough seas, making it very turbulent.

"They're coming."

Faster than expected, the enemy ship for the exercise was approaching. Rishe lowered herself once, grabbed the ropes stretched across the deck, and prepared for the impact as trained.

The next moment, a huge impact hit the ship. It was a tremor reminiscent of natural disasters like lightning strikes, landslides, or earthquakes. Floats like barrels that were supposed to be securely fixed were thrown into the sea.

(My arm feels like it's about to be torn off... But...!!)

Rishe immediately regained her posture and kicked the deck forward. She had been taught to move quickly because of her small stature and agility. But the next moment, she saw a figure with much more freedom in front of her.

(...Yoel...)

Yoel, who had already drawn his sword, dashed forward, his knight's cloak fluttering.

"Keep an eye on your seniors, Lucius."

One of the seniors smiled as if showing off his proud younger brother.

"That's our pride, the captain of the boarding party."

"――――...!"

The spray of the sun-reflected waves sparkled like stardust.

Feeling her heart leap at the sight of Yoel, who wielded his sword and cut through to the forefront, Rishe chased after him without hesitation.

Despite the disadvantageous formation, that day's exercise ended in Sharga's victory.

"...Yoel."

In this seventh life, Rishe, as a junior, didn't have to take care of Yoel. And Yoel, as a senior, didn't teach her techniques or train her in combat. Knowing that, Rishe stopped stirring the pot.

"I have a favor that only you can fulfill."

When she said that, Yoel gave the expected answer. "No."

"Hehe." Remembering the past, Rishe continued. "Please don't say that.――Actually, this request refers to fighting in special conditions."

Then, Yoel reacted as she expected.

"...Swordsmanship?"

"Yoel, I'm sure you're interested not only in orthodox swordsmanship but also in fighting under constraints like games, right?" With a smile, Rishe pressed her index finger to her lips. "Since it seems that a match with Arnold won't be available for a while, I'd like you to enjoy yourself in the meantime."

"..."

Rishe already knew what Yoel would enjoy.

And there was one more person, the leader of the hunting group who behaved carefreely, who was somewhat caring in his own way.

"It's reassuring that Raul will help. ...From what I know, it's something only Raul can do in the world."

"Hey hey, lovely princess... If you don't stop being flirtatious, your husband will be quite scary."

"What do you mean?"

Even as Rishe tilted her head, Raul didn't elaborate. And when the medicine was ready, everyone who had finished breakfast and morning preparations gathered in the mansion's parlour.

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