Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 148

"Lord Ridd, your determination when approaching martial arts training has really intensified, hasn't it?! As expected, is it because you're still frustrated about losing in Renarute?"

"...!! Of course I'm frustrated!!"

Today is the day for martial arts training with Rubens.

The sound of wood clashing echoes through the training ground as I wield a wooden sword and Rubens a wooden blade.

The reason I've started using a wooden sword is to also practice handling the "Demon Sword."

Actually, ever since I lost to Asuna in Renarute, I've been approaching martial arts training with more seriousness.

When Fara comes to Baldia territory, her personal guard Asuna will naturally come as well.

In terms of my martial arts training, I suppose I can think of it as gaining a new practice partner in Asuna, but even if it's just practice, I don't want to lose repeatedly in front of Fara.

So secretly, I've set the goal of defeating Asuna before Fara arrives.

Rubens's words brought these thoughts back to me.

At that moment, as if seeing right through me, Rubens's sharp strike deflected my wooden sword.

"Lord Ridd, even if it's training, daydreaming is..."

"I'm not done yet!!"

He had deflected my wooden sword with an upward motion, so my arms were raised.

At that moment, I copied a move I'd seen Asuna perform.

I leaped into a backflip while kicking out toward Rubens's face.

Yes, the technique Asuna showed me: the "Somersault."

"Whoa?!"

Rubens apparently hadn't expected me to pull off a somersault, and though he dodged, he lost his balance.

In that moment, I quickly retrieved my deflected wooden sword while simultaneously attacking the off-balance Rubens.

"Right here!!"

"...!! Excellent, Lord Ridd. But I still can't let you win!!"

I struck with all my speed and strength, but Rubens deflected my wooden sword again.

Having my wooden sword deflected twice, and even my surprise somersault failing, this was definitely my loss.

But I feel like Rubens is being a bit unfair.

I puffed out my cheeks in protest.

"Couldn't you at least let me have a little victory?"

"Fufu... I'd like to, but we mustn't become complacent in martial arts. I want to be a wall for you, Lord Ridd, as much as possible."

I've never once beaten Rubens.

Apparently, if my strike ever lands on him, it would count as a victory and we would move to the next stage.

But what exactly would that next stage be?

As I was pondering this, a voice called out to me. I turned around to see Capella.

Actually, when we started today's martial arts training, he had asked if he could observe my session.

I didn't have any particular reason to refuse, so I told him he could watch, but I got so absorbed in training that I completely forgot about him.

Capella approached me, bowed to both Rubens and me, and then spoke deliberately.

"Lord Rubens, your training earlier was splendid as always. If you don't mind, I noticed something concerning about Lord Ridd's movements. Would it be alright if I shared my observations?"

"Of course, please do. By all means, share them with Lord Ridd."

Hearing Rubens's response, Capella fixed his gaze on me and, though expressionless, spoke with a gentle demeanor.

"Then, if you'll forgive my impertinence, allow me to point out what I noticed during Lord Ridd's training just now."

"Sure, go ahead."

After receiving my reply, Capella explained everything carefully.

According to him, my movements tend to be too linear, making it easy for opponents familiar with swords to predict my actions.

If I incorporated more feints and irregular movements, even just being conscious of them, my overall motion would become completely different.

His explanation was very easy to understand.

As I murmured "I see..." after listening to Capella, I happened to glance at Rubens and noticed him smirking. I gasped.

"...Rubens, you already noticed what Capella pointed out, didn't you?"

"Fufu... Yes, that's right. But I judged it would be better for you to realize it yourself rather than having me tell you. That said, your movements today were quite good."

As I thought, Rubens had also noticed my linear movements.

I puffed out my cheeks again with a "Muu."

Watching this, Rubens and Capella both seemed to be smiling.

But Capella truly lives up to his former shadow corps background, doesn't he?

Just watching my practice with Rubens for the first time and immediately identifying the issue shows incredible insight.

I looked at both their faces and let out a small sigh.

"Haa... But even if you tell me to use irregular movements, honestly, I'm not sure how... If only I could see an example or something..."

As I muttered dejectedly, looking down, Rubens, who had been watching, appeared to ponder something before fixing his gaze on Capella and speaking.

"Now that you mention it. Capella, would you be willing to have a match with me? In the sense of providing Lord Ridd with an 'example' to observe?"

"Me? ...Very well. Since I was the one who pointed out Lord Ridd's issue, if Lord Ridd permits it, I will face you in a match, Lord Rubens."

"Huh...?"

While I was still looking down, the conversation somehow progressed on its own, and now Rubens and Capella were going to have a practice match as an example for me to observe.

But having never seen Capella's abilities, I was filled with curiosity and my eyes sparkled as I spoke.

"Yes!! I definitely want to see both your skills!!"

"Understood."

The two bowed to me, and then Rubens began moving to the center of the training ground.

Before moving, Capella looked at me intently.

"Lord Ridd, I apologize for the request, but might I borrow that wooden sword?"

"Huh? Oh, right. You don't have one, do you? Here you go."

He took the wooden sword from me and offered a stiff, awkward smile.

Even with Galun's education, it seems it will still take time for him to produce a natural smile.

After that, Capella bowed to me and headed toward the center of the training ground, following Rubens.

Rubens and Capella assumed their stances, eyes fixed on each other.

At that moment, Rubens called out to me.

"Lord Ridd, if you would be so kind as to give the signal to begin."

"Alright, got it."

After hearing my reply, Rubens returned his gaze to Capella.

Even from this distance, I could feel the intense tension flowing between them.

Watching them, I found myself getting nervous for some reason.

I cleared my throat as I looked at the two.

"Ahem... Then, Rubens and Capella will now begin their practice match. Start...!!"

With my words as the signal, the curtain rose on their practice match.