To train and discipline the girls at home, Sora had specially had a spacious training ground built behind the villa by a construction company.
At this moment, inside the training ground—
"Hey, Ena, do you really want to duel Erica and the others? No matter what, you're all sisters now. Can't you just get along?"
In the middle of the training ground, Sora said to Ena. Though he spoke about getting along, his expression and actions showed no intention of stopping her.
"Hehehe… Since Sora wishes it, Ena will naturally get along well with Erica-san and Liliana-san in the future."
Still wearing her usual carefree smile, Ena's tone suddenly changed:
"But, things are things. It was Ena who made the knight's pact with His Majesty the King, but they stole it first. If I can't fight them, Ena will never accept it!"
With a serious expression, staring at Erica and Liliana, Ena's body radiated strong fighting spirit.
Ena was not the type to endure discomfort silently. If she wanted to do something, she would do it without hesitation!
And now, what she wanted was to have a big fight with Erica and Liliana!
"Hmph, the last fight was interrupted. I was just thinking the same!"
With a cold snort, Liliana stepped forward, her silver eyes flashing sharply, showing no intention to back down.
As a genius girl famous worldwide as a prodigy, Liliana also had her own pride. Although she was not fond of fighting, she would never shy away from a battle!
"Lili, let me take this fight this time. I think Ena would probably prefer to fight me, right?"
Brushing her beautiful hair, Erica stepped forward with an elegant yet mischievous smile.
"Hmm, yes, Ena does want to face Erica-san more, but even if you two team up against Ena, she wouldn't mind at all."
Hearing Erica's voice, Ena nodded repeatedly with an approving expression.
Although Erica and Liliana were evenly matched in strength, in terms of personality, Erica's queen-like pride and noble aura made her more eye-catching. Just for this reason, Ena was more eager to have a fight with her.
"Hmph, as knights, we would never stoop to such despicable and underhanded tactics!"
"Erica, I'll let you have this one."
Frowning slightly, although Liliana felt a bit displeased that Ena chose Erica over her, she still couldn't bring herself to join Erica in ganging up on Ena.
If the other party were an enemy, it would be another matter, but now that Ena was their sister and comrade, Liliana naturally wouldn't be so shameless.
"Thanks, Lily. If I can't handle it, then you can step in again."
A slight curve appeared at the corner of Erica's mouth. Although she said she would let Liliana take over if she failed, there was no hint of intention to lose on Erica's face.
"Well, since you both don't mind, then so be it. But you better keep it within limits, or I won't hesitate to punish you mercilessly!"
With a mischievous smile, since the girls had already decided to fight, Sora had no reason to stop them.
If they wanted to fight, let them fight—relationships are often forged through battles. Although Sora hoped her girls could get along well, she never stopped their competition.
Competition brings vitality and progress!
Carrying her teddy bear Athena, Liliana stepped back, leaving only Ena and Erica on the field.
Shizuka-chan and the maid Arianna were never interested in fighting and killing. Rather than watching such things, they preferred to stay indoors and watch their favorite soap operas.
The Great Witch Zola and the little maid Karen, however, looked quite entertained. Each holding a bag of snacks, they sat on the bench by the training ground, ready to watch the live show.
The secret sword maidens stood solemnly on the side, eagerly anticipating the battle. Both Ena and Erica were top-tier super geniuses, and watching their fight was very beneficial for their own training.
Although they had formed contracts with Sora, the girls still seemed a bit reserved, and having been trained strictly by their families since childhood, they were already used to this.
Sora didn't mind and even hoped these girls could persevere. Thinking back to the reckless and unruly guard maidens she and Esdeath had trained, Sora felt a bit embarrassed.
She sincerely hoped these nine little girls could maintain their true selves and not be corrupted or tainted by her, Sora… sweat
Pushing aside Zola and Karen a bit, Sora sat between them holding Athena, grabbing a few snacks from their bags, chewing happily while watching the field.
There, Ena and Erica were ready. Ena drew her divine sword, the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi, while Erica summoned her magic sword, Cuore di Leone.
"Erica-san, although Ena won't hurt you, to let Ena vent, please let yourself be bullied by Ena properly!"
With her longsword held before her, Ena's mouth curved into a bloodthirsty and combative smile as she spoke mischievously to Erica.
"Hehehe… Ena sure has a big mouth! As the king's first knight and first queen, I, Erica Blandelli, have no intention of losing to anyone!"
Also wearing a mischievous smile, Erica didn't back down at all.
Their eyes met in the air, sparking a series of sparks. Without hesitation, both pushed off the ground forcefully and charged fiercely at each other.
Clang! Clang clang clang clang!
In just a brief encounter, the two had already exchanged about ten rounds of strikes, their eyes flashing with sharp light, silently acknowledging each other's strength.
Giving no chance to catch their breath, they each steadied their stance and lunged at each other again…
…
"Go, Lady Erica, go!"
"Ena-chan, don't lose!"
Eating snacks and shouting randomly at the field, little maid Karen and Great Witch Zola dutifully played their roles as spectators.
The nine secret sword maidens watched excitedly, their beautiful eyes sparkling as they observed the intense battle between the two top geniuses. As first-class prodigies themselves, it was rare to see such a spectacular fight!
Liliana, on the side, clenched her small fists excitedly, seeming to regret letting Erica have the chance, wishing she were the one fighting now.
Sora gently squeezed Athena's rosy cheeks while enjoying the battle, a satisfied smile on her lips. Not bad, not bad, both girls were excellent!
Though both appeared as delicate and charming beauties, they were both power-type warriors. If Erica was a lion on the grasslands, then Ena was a fierce tiger in the forest.
Erica didn't use her magic, and Ena didn't use her spells. This was a clash of strength against strength, sword against sword. Back and forth, slashing and striking, both were completely immersed!
Clang!
Another clash, sparks flying in the air as the two parted.
"Hah… hah… amazing, Erica, you're incredible! Besides the king, you're the first opponent who can match Ena blow for blow!"
Breathing heavily, Ena spoke excitedly to Erica, her tone full of endless excitement.
"Hah… hah… you're not bad either. From now on, I, Erica Blandelli, acknowledge you, Seishuuin Ena, as a knight of the king."
Their beautiful eyes sparkled. From the fight just now, Erica clearly understood Ena's strength and recognized her qualification to be a knight of Sora.
"Hehehe… then Ena really has to thank Erica-san for the recognition. But Erica-san, can you still keep fighting? Your sword seems to be on its last legs!"
With a teasing smile, Ena pointed at Erica's magic sword, which was already covered in cracks.
"Is that so? Your sword is a divine weapon, right?"
Without answering Ena's question, Erica asked back. Her eyes narrowed, the smile gone, replaced by a serious expression.
"Yes, yes, this is the divine sword Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi that my grandfather gave me!"
Nodding, Ena didn't deny it.
"Wow, you can even wield a divine weapon, you really are something special!"
Though she had expected it, Erica couldn't help but show a look of amazement when Ena confirmed it.
Divine weapons are not something just anyone can use. Ordinary people often cannot unleash their power and may even be harmed or consumed by them. Before being blessed by the king's protection and able to use divine power, even Erica couldn't wield a divine weapon!
For a mortal like Ena to command a divine weapon was already remarkable!
If such a person were her enemy, Erica would feel very troubled and even avoid fighting her. But now that Ena was her partner and sister, a fellow knight of the king, Erica felt genuinely happy.
Such a reliable companion is not easy to find anywhere!
"But even if it's a divine artifact, my Cuore di Leone will never lose to you!"
A strange light flashed in her eyes, and the corner of Erica's mouth curled up slightly. Erica was never a woman to give up easily!
Magic surged within her body, and her long, jade-like fingers gently slid along the sword's blade. The once cracked magic sword instantly restored itself to its original flawless state!
"Sa, Ena, let's see who's truly stronger!"
"Heh… Ena feels the same way. Let's fight with all our might, Erica-san!"