"Are you aiming to join the World Security Guard, Fritz?"
Rianna asked the question while sipping her Te-e after they had finished their meal.
"Yeah, that’s the plan. And you're aiming to be a training instructor, right, Rianna?"
"Yes....My, you actually remembered?"
Fritz gave her a wry smile.
"I wouldn't forget something like that after hearing it once."
"Still, it makes me happy."
"Is that so?" Fritz asked, looking slightly puzzled as he drank his green tea.
"B-By the way, Fritz-dono... are you taking any courses in the production track?" Gloria interjected, her voice sounding a bit strained.
"The production track? No. Unlike my sister, I’m quite clumsy, so I didn't sign up for those. I am taking one subject in the medical track, though."
"Ah, the first aid lecture. I took that last year. It’s quite practical, isn't it?"
"I figured. If you're saying so, Rianna, then there's no doubt about it."
"It seems like it would be useful in the field."
"Indeed."
"...I—I shall excuse myself for today."
Having finished her Kaina tea, Gloria stood up and picked up her tray.
"Ah, is it that time already? Rianna, I have somewhere I need to be as well, so I'll take my leave here."
"Very well. I shall do the same."
Following Gloria’s lead, Fritz and Rianna both stood up from their seats.
"F-Fritz-dono, where exactly are you going? If it isn't too much trouble, would you mind telling me?" Gloria asked, working up her courage as they reached the tray return.
"Hmm? Oh, I thought I'd stop by the reference exhibition room for a bit."
"And what will you be doing there?"
"Well, they say our next practical exam will be about the characteristics and usage of the katana. I wanted to see a real one to do some prep work."
Gloria practically pounced on the topic.
"The katana! Jin-dono gave a lecture on those himself once before!"
Her tone had completely reverted to the formal style of her days as a royal ritter. Fritz didn't miss a beat.
"Oh, so you know about them, Gloria-dono? I missed that lecture. If you wouldn't mind, could you teach me a bit?"
"I-I would be honored!" Gloria replied with excessive enthusiasm. Standing just behind them, Rianna watched the two with a knowing smile.
＊ ＊ ＊
The reference exhibition room was divided into several sections. Inside the Armament Room, they found the katanas they were looking for.
They were displayed in a transparent showcase. One was fully assembled, while the other was shown in a state of decomposition, separated into the blade, scabbard, guard, and hilt.
"So this is the katana. I know the shape, but I don't really understand its origins, its structure, or how to wield it. I was going to read the materials here to find out," Fritz explained.
"I see. In that case, leave it to me."
Though she didn't realize it herself, Gloria was still speaking in her knightly register. Fritz didn't seem to mind.
"First, the most striking feature is its shape. It is slender and possesses a distinct curve. It is no exaggeration to say that this design is specialized for 'slashing.'"
"I see."
"As you know, when cutting something with a blade, it slices much more effectively if you slide the edge—either pulling or pushing slightly. This curve was designed to facilitate that motion naturally."
"That makes sense. With that shape, even a simple swing would naturally pull the blade along the target." Fritz nodded, impressed.
"Precisely. When wielding it, as long as you focus on maintaining proper blade alignment, you will be fine."
"I figured as much."
"Now, as for its structure, it is not a single piece of metal. The basic principle is to use hard metal for the edge and a softer metal for the rest. Generally, this is achieved through what is called three-layer steel, where the hard steel is sandwiched like a filling between layers of softer steel."
Knowing the structure helps with maintenance and handling, Gloria explained. Fritz found himself in total agreement.
"Jin-dono once showed us Lady Reiko's personal sword, Touka. I heard that one isn't made of steel, but adamantite. It would likely be far too heavy for an ordinary human to wield effectively."
Fritz had witnessed the sheer power of Touka once before.
"It was a little while ago, but... Jin-dono once made me a sword with a similar structure. It was thanks to that weapon that I was able to repel the Gigantoavrum."
"Oh?"
At that moment, Gloria suddenly realized she was still speaking like a knight.
"U-Um... well, that's the gist of it. Was that helpful?"
"Yeah, it really helped. You're amazing, Gloria-dono. Let me treat you to something on our next day off as thanks."
"A—A day off!?"
Gloria’s cheeks flushed a light pink, but Fritz remained oblivious.
"Yeah. The population here has been growing lately, so several new shops have opened in the residential district. I happened to find a place with a decent wine selection....Or do you not care for alcohol?"
"N-No, I... I enjoy a little, on occasion."
"Good. Then it’s settled. The food there is great, too."
"Y-Yes."
And so, Gloria had unintentionally secured a 'date' with Fritz.
＊ ＊ ＊
The day off arrived. It was 4:00 PM.
"Was I a bit early?"
"N-No, not at all."
Fritz and Gloria were walking through the residential district in their civilian clothes.
"Shall we wander around for an hour or so first?"
"T-That sounds lovely."
The two headed toward a section of the district that had been developed into a park. It was a scenic spot filled with greenery and a small pond.
As they walked, Fritz spoke up.
"About that lecture the other day—thanks to your help, I managed to get a great grade."
"I... I'm glad to hear that."
Because they were alone, Gloria was acutely self-conscious, and her speech felt awkward.
"It really does come down to blade alignment, doesn't it? It's true for any sword, but the katana is especially sensitive to it."
However, as soon as the topic turned to weaponry, Gloria regained her confidence.
"Exactly! Personally, I feel that if you swing through as if you're stroking the air, the sharpness feels entirely different."
(My, what a completely unromantic conversation...)
Rianna, who had 'happened' to spot the two and was quietly trailing them, let out a small, exasperated sigh.
"Still, I don't think the style quite suits me. A katana is a bit too delicate....Though, it would probably look very good on you, Gloria-dono."
"Huh?"
"I mean, I've seen your swordsmanship before. It’s beautiful—like a flowing stream. My style is just too rugged and blunt....Hmm? Is something wrong?"
"..."
Fritz finally noticed that Gloria had turned bright red.
"I-It’s... it’s nothing."
"Really? Your face looks awfully red, though."
"I-It must be the glow of the sunset!"
"But it’s cloudy today..."
"J-Just hurry up and take me to that restaurant!"
"Oh, right. Is it already that time?"
Fritz led the way, guiding Gloria toward the entertainment district.
(My, my. How enviable.)
Rianna followed toward the same district—though she made sure to head in a different direction than the two of them.
That day, the bond between the two of them progressed just a tiny bit... perhaps.