The Head Lord and the Rat Thief {Kamisato Ayato FanFiction}

Chapter 11 ~ The Rules and the Truce

Chapter 11 ~The Rules and the Truce

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       The next day, when the lunch break gong rang, Caiome, along with Mizuki, whose presence was requested by Caiome herself, headed towards the back gate where employees, maids, and guards usually entered. Kouta was already there with his friend, a serious-faced boy with dark eyes, probably speculating about what was about to happen.

       As Caiome approached, Kouta greeted her. "So what exactly are we doing here?" he asked.

       "We're dueling," Caiome said, taking her Vision and sword down from her waist and handing them both to Mizuki, who carried two wooden swords from the storage room. "The same rules apply, and these two are our witnesses." Caiome handed Kouta a wooden sword in exchange for the spear and steel sword, which Mizuki took.

       "But you're not allowed to leave the courtyard, and I'm not allowed to duel without permission within the residence."

       Caiome went to one of the edges of the gate, leaving the tip of the wooden sword in the ground, then drew a line to the other end.

       "And that's exactly what we'll do. We'll duel, but I'll stay here, and you'll stay there," she said.

       Kouta and his friend blinked frequently.

       "Is this even possible?" his companion, whose name Caiome believed was Daisuke, asked. "What if you step out or he steps in during the duel? And how will you be able to touch each other if your swords go in or out of the residence?"

       "Our swords are not us," Caiome said. "As long as we don't step out or in, everything is allowed."

       Kouta and Daisuke looked at each other, unsure.

        "I'll take responsibility if something happens," Caiome continued. "Shall we begin?"

       Although hesitating, Kouta nodded and assumed a fighting stance. Unlike the others, Kouta, despite being less experienced and younger, had a determined look. He had to take it as training for restricted conditions. He had to imagine that in front of them was a huge gap they couldn't cross, and the only things that could touch were the swords. Or he had to imagine that Caiome was a forest spirit floating above the abyss, and he was at the edge of the cliffs. He couldn't go too far, but he had to fight the phantom.

        They both started when Mizuki gave the signal, and the swords clashed. Kouta realized at that moment, as he looked into Caiome's eyes shimmering like gemstones in the sunlight, that this wasn't a duel to showcase soldier or samurai skills. It was about strength and intimidation in the attacks. It was a strength exercise. And the way Caiome held her ground against Kouta's attacks made him believe that she, too, wanted to give her best. And that she was not an opponent to underestimate.

        Sometimes the attacks came from above, sometimes from below, and when they couldn't hit each other, they dodged. Both Mizuki and Daisuke were attentive to their feet. They weren't allowed to go in or out, to cross the imaginary line that Caiome drew with her wooden sword. The attacks were powerful. Kouta wanted to win, as much as Caiome wanted to. The difference between them was that Caiome was more agile on her feet and in arm extension, but Kouta hit harder.

         When they clashed again, almost ten minutes into the duel, and when Caiome seemed bored with these strength tests, she actually resorted to a trick. Hitting Kouta, Caiome lowered herself and struck him over the legs with her own leg. Kouta fell backward, half in the courtyard, half outside, and Caiome put her sword at his throat, breathing heavily.