Side: Ruthkania
Ruth had a natural talent for the blade, but unfortunately lacked the personality to make the most of it. Though she was serious, she was gentle and homely, which held her back when it came to combat. One day, however, a special opportunity presented itself in room 106 that allowed her to shine: everyone was playing a game they’d seen on TV.
“Rock, paper, scissors!”
The toy hammer in Ruth’s hand squeaked as she landed a hit squarely on Koutarou’s head. It was a splendid strike that he never stood a chance of blocking.
You see, Ruth and Koutarou were in the middle of a competitive game of rock, paper, scissors. The winner was given a plastic hammer to attack the loser, who had the chance to grab a helmet to defend themselves. If they couldn’t move fast enough and the winner still struck them, the winner would receive a point.
“Ruth gets the first point! Will she dominate this match too?!”
Sanae, serving as the master of ceremonies, scribbled the score into the notebook she was holding. The game was moving on rotation with the winner staying put to play the next challenging opponent, and so far Ruth had won three straight matches. She’d gloriously defeated Clan, Yurika, and Kiriha. This was something of an unexpected turn of events, so Sanae was rather enjoying herself as emcee. The others, of course, were also taking note of Ruth’s impressive performance.
“You’re pretty good, Ruth-san,” Koutarou remarked.
“I do believe I have a knack for this game,” she replied.
Ruth cheerfully smiled at Koutarou as she twirled the hammer around. Because she disliked violence, it was rare she had an opportunity to showcase her swordsmanship. The game, however, made it easy. Since they were using a toy hammer and a sturdy helmet, she didn’t need to worry about hurting anyone—even using her full strength. That reassurance unleashed the chains holding her natural talents back.
“I guess that’s a knight of Pardomshiha for you.”
“Are you not going to get serious, Master?”
Ruth set the toy hammer down equal distance between her and Koutarou. That would be its default position for the next round.
“I am serious.”
Koutarou put down the helmet next to the hammer, then positioned his hand so he’d be ready to grab either one when the time came. His opponent was the heir of the renowned Pardomshiha family, after all. If he weren’t prepared for anything, he would surely face defeat at her hands.
“But what about your psychic powers and magic?”
“Using those in a game like this would be cheating.”
“I would prefer not to claim a victory over the Blue Knight, though.”
As a girl raised in Forthorthe, Ruth had a multitude of feelings for the legendary Blue Knight—complicated even further by the romantic feelings she now had for Koutarou. In short, she wanted him to be the one victorious.
“All right, then once this game is over, I’ll go all out against you.”
“Teehee! That’s a promise, Master.”
Another chain holding Ruth back was undone.
A woman made a man look good—that’s what Ruth believed. But if Koutarou was going to show off his true prowess later, showing off her own strength now would only make him look even better.
“Rock, paper, scissors!”
“Hyah!”
Squeak!
Ruth was now at peak seriousness, and the lightning-fast strike she unleashed caused everyone in the room to ooh and aah.
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