"So what is your bet, Sharfenn? I am in a difficult position here, one side she is my adorable little cousin, and the other side is my best friend’s brother."
(You know well yourself that is a rhetorical question. House Ahnmes has its reputation on the line. Sharron has little hope.)
"Ohh? That is rather cold of you to your own brother."
(It is a matter of pre-destined decision. Sharron himself knows well that his victory will bring House Miles to a difficult position. Plus, from the early rounds, he is quite a bit margin away from Kathy. I doubt he will last fifteen minutes.)
"Would that not be a shame for the Miles? The second prince gets blown away against the lady from Ahnmes. Although I see your father would not mind such … let’s call sacrifice … to please his enemy, the patriarch of Ahnmes might be pleased to see his granddaughter taking the Soren Cup."
(No, Epillion. On the contrary, Kathy’s victory could only make the the patriarch more obstinate. I will hardly call it pleasing the enemy, though it will likely proceed as such.)
“Why do you believe so? I see much potential in your brother, even though his techniques are far from refined. He definitely has the brain to turn the tide.”
(You think so? From a pure range viewpoint, he has to get close for his sabers to be effective. The style from Ahnmes will punish him severely if he does make a mistake in charging too soon. However, Kathy has been keeping distance in the previous matches. I doubt she will go all-out offense to leave any openings. Actually, I am curious. How would you go against Kathy, Epillion?)
“Mid size halberd can bash, stab, and slice. She is fairly skilled making use of her body as the pivot points to seal any attack angles. Even though she does not hit often, the blows come crushing down. I would keep my distance and face her with some type of ranged weapon. Shields will be rather difficult since her style focuses on mobility of the staff and the spear. Buckler and long sword would be my pick at close range.”
(She does hit hard for the few offense stances, huh…)
“Those are no girly hits. Her second opponent went out cold in eighteen moves.”
(Oh? I thought you were flirting with the juniors, quite observant while keeping the ladies entertained.)
“You know, she is quite a beauty that I cannot pass on. Though watching afar is fine, any closer association will be rather intimidating. Kathy is quite the icy type, just in case you get to know her better.”
(I doubt the Ahnmes patriarch will submit so lower for an alliance, but I will keep that in mind.)
The bell was struck twice, signaling the beginning of the next round. Two figures entered the center of the arena slowly and shook hands. The girl armed with halberd proceeded to the eastern side, slinging the blade across her back calmly. The boy seemed tense and stern, quietly with each hand on hilts.
“Well, well, so I hope your brother will put on an interesting match, but drawing stance of twin sabers against a halberdier is asking for a beating.”
(He never stroke first in the previous matches. He calls it a lack of motivation. I call it stupidity.)
The signaling bell was struck again, but no one moved for fifteen seconds. Then the halberdier started to build up momentum of her swings and approached the western corner slowly.
“Ah~ah, he just lost the golden opportunity to win the match. Standing still is truly foolish. Look at the smirk on the old man’s face, and I couldn’t agree more with you now. Your brother doesn’t stand a chance.”
(Haha, not quite, Epillion. I didn’t expect him to stand still. This matching might get a bit more interesting.)
“Is it? He must be suicidal to react for a counterattack, or is he provoking her to go all-out?”
(That would be my wishful thinking, but Cathy will go all-out.)
“And he is then going to counter, pretty bold move.”
(Nah, Epillion, you are giving him too much credit. Because at the moment, he…)
Clash, and dust, and crescent light waves of halberd radiated from the center of the battlefield
(just doesn’t have a plan about what to do, and seeing our Lady Silverstone going all-out on a clueless opponent, … )
The boy dashed out from the cloud of dust, one hand drawn while the other still on the hilt of his other saber. He gained some distance, caught his breath, and managed to take a stand. Of course, his opponent seemed to have given him quite a beating, with his left shoulder guard gone and a large portion of his left leather forearm guard shaved off.
(That is interesting.)
Slowly, the halberdier strolled out of the dust cloud as if the last few minutes have not even existed. She paced herself like descending angel of vengeance.
(I have a lot of work to do in the near future, Ah~Ah.)
The boy readied himself against the charging fury, and
he managed to dodge the first few swings, but was eventually caught and blown backwards, like a miss-fired cannon shell.
