Commander's Rounds

Gaiden Entry 26.8: Two Kinds of People

Littorio was sure she had spotted an opening, but all that came of it was being distinctly jabbed by King George's dueling sword in the chest, right below her bust. King George spoke up. "I believe that would be the end of it."

Littorio smiled, and put away her own sword. "Ah, but remember, I have taken two of our bouts."

Duke of York smiled. "Never mind that it is out of twelve so far."

Littorio played it off with a shrug. "Two out of twelve in this sort of play-fighting, perhaps, but when the passions are high, and the blood runs hot, that is when you see my true mettle."

Howe blinked. "So, why do you spar with us, all the time, anyway?"

"Ah-ha, that is an easy question with a simple answer." She gestured to her opponents. "Aside from being irrefutably lovely, the fact of the matter is that the four of you have attained such skill for the purpose of defending the honor of a lady. Truly, are there any opponents more suitable for Littorio?" She looked around. "Speaking of which, where is the fourth of you?"

Howe spoke up. "Oh, Duke of York told me that she's not in the mood- apparently Admiral Hipper came by and gave Prince of Wales the business."

Duke of York smiled. "Our sister understates things. She came by first thing in the morning, and didn't so much give Wales the business so much as she gave her the entire East India Company. I would be surprised if our sister was in a mood to come out at all for the rest of the day- perhaps she will learn a lesson in restraint, as now there is the risk of the Furor Teutonicus."

Littorio chuckled. "Truly, I do not understand why people click their tongues at me when such a person as that is about. So, who is game for a round with me?"

King George V put her sword away. "I think I've done enough for now. Howe, are you up for a go?"

Howe sprang to her feet. "Sure, I wouldn't mind giving it a try."

King George V stepped aside and let Howe take her place- Howe drew her own weapon, and the two of them kept their distance. Once things were set to King George's satisfaction, she gave the signal. Howe was the least proficient of the four, but that still made her better than most, and so Littorio considered as worthy a sparring foe as any of her sisters when it came to practicing her swordsmanship.

However, there was one very specific thing that could distract Littorio from practically anything, and she had just walked into the courtyard. Illustrious had just come back from one errand or other in the morning, and she merrily made her way through the courtyard close by to where the quartet were sparring. Illustrious caught the attention of most people by some means or another, but especially Littorio's. While she was known to be fond of the ladies, there was one particular lady which drew her attention more than most.

And that moment's distraction was enough for Howe to land a jab in Littorio's chest, right under her bust. Howe blinked. "Oh. I guess that's it."

Duke of York chuckled. "Ah, but I believe that her attention was elsewhere."

Littorio chuckled. "It is only a matter of nature. There are many beautiful things that grow in this world which always turn towards the sun- why should I, Littorio, not turn towards the light which is Illustrious?"

King George V was once annoyed by Littorio's persistence, but more recent events had made her think about this sort of thing more thoroughly. It was up to Illustrious to decide how she felt about Littorio's advances, and she did have her sisters to confide in. And besides, Littorio was someone who was looking to get something out of her time here other than fighting. "Well, Littorio, if you would like to take a break to pursue some other matter, we can re-gather when it is convenient."