Even though Kaen has seen many reversals between closely-matched opponents, the turn of tide in Sharron's match was out of his expectation. In academy's practice combat sessions under his watch, Sharron has never gained an upper hand against Kathy, as the young lad of Miles spent most time running away, often cowardly and inelegant. Kaen can tell that Sharron was not being very serious during practice, but he can also tell that Sharron never got serious because a victory against Kathy would practically be a miracle. The more he tried, the more humiliating a defeat will Kathy make. It was simply a difference in skill.
These are his thoughts just before Sharron went berserk on the counterattack. Kaen has a habit of speaking his part of his thoughts, which sounds like complete nonsense to the people around sometimes. In this case, those words are in double quotations.
Well, no Ahnmes will make things easier for the Miles, not when Sharkra was still the Chancellor...what some troublesome and childish family feuds. If Karel Ahnmes, the Duke of Dherghesis, lived, then the present would be much different.
Clashing of steel brings Kaen back to the present, quarterfinals of the grand tournament for the graduating seniors of the Ednia Academy. Two of his favored pupils are pitted against each other after the double-elimination-group preliminaries. One side, Katherine Ahnmes crushed her competition, literally with the traditional heavy halberd that is a part of Ahnmes’s Coat-of-Arms. The other side, Sharron Miles tricked and trapped and edged his way through. Even though some of his moves are cheap, they do not violate the guidelines in competitions. Well, the founders and enforcers of the competitions would never think actions so different from standard codes of conducts. In fact, Kaen found Sharron's approaches quite amusing because of all the loopholes exploited. As usual, the brat is spending minimal energy required to maximize the outcome, as if he is disinterested in perfection just to protect his work efficiency.
"Truly, what a brat."
But Sharron’s current behavior was quite a rare sight, being concentrated and cautious. There are no obvious openings in his stances. In his second match, he started the match with a longbow, and his terrible aims drew his opponent in immediately after he panicked for the last arrow, which turned out to be an act. As his opponent closed in, Sharron aimed his quiver. Most of the people would think that he has lost his mind, but his jesting was quite good. A lever-activated net, in the bottom of the quiver, shot out just before melee distance. And match went to Sharron quite easily after disarming his bewildered classmate, who fell to the ground, entangled and flat on the face. Always something surprising, but not this time. Dual short swords are Sharron's favorite and Kaen has hardly ever seen Sharron using both at the same time. From his brother Sharfenn, Kaen heard that Sharron practiced dual-welding only when others were not watching.
"So he is serious for once."
The carefree attitude has so far vanished. It is almost comical to see Sharron being nervous saluting to Kathy before the match, instead of casual indifference and a cheeky face.
"Maybe there are some significant consequences if he does not face Kathy seriously. I wonder what was going on between the two."
Kathy has previously left serious threats to some that had offended her. The other parties, usually just some good-for-nothing descendants of nobles, would often quickly give in before a pact of duel is formed. Sharron often teased Kathy but in a way that she had never threatened him for a duel; a quite polished but useless skill the boy possesses.
"Well, those other brats really have no guts, do they call themselves men?"
I guess in one incidence, that lecherous nephew of Count Murat tried to blackmail and take advantage of a freshman. Kathy found out the bully and threw her gloves. Just with a side of the scabbard, the twerp recuperated in bed for six weeks. Who knows how many times he would have died if she drew real blade. Of course, she was on the school disciplinary committee, an honorary member even when she held the office of student body president. If she is the notorious 'Demon of Silver Stone,' how come her sister actually behaves like a proper lady of age? It is another mystery.
I see Sharfenn and Epillion are watching, maybe I will have a word with them a bit later.
(Sharron got knocked down on the ground with no signs of recovery. Cheers from some of the Ahnmes branch family members)
Ah, too bad, Sharron. I guess you had it coming.
