While using the shield side to evade was the wider option for just an escape, in terms of actually claiming victory it was less so. The size of the shield made it quite easy to simply pivot into a block. Against a smaller shield, perhaps it would be easier to slip around the edge with a thrust.

But in this case, Fanilly couldn't rely on such a tactic.

And so she would lean into her mobility instead. Not only was she lighter, but the school of swordplay she had been educated it was one that emphasized that mobility.

This time, she went to her left, and Serenity's right. But instead of simply side stepping and rushing in, the knight-girl threw herself, hitting the ground and rolling once before catching herself at the end of the motion and thrusting upwards towards her opponent's flank.

Low to the ground, it would quite simply take longer for the blade to reach her, and her opponent's momentum meant that turning to fully face her would be a much more difficult task. There was no guarantee it would succeed, of course, but it made for a much more potent threat then a blow to the left would have.

[@ERode]

[hr]

It was a this incredibly inopportune moment that the door opened.

"Ah-hah!" declared a purple-haired girl in a maid's outfit. She was perhaps the same age as the Knight-Captain, hair cut to the base of her neck and sharp eyes the same shade as it was. She thrust a finger accusingly.

"I knew it was you, Alaree! You won't be pranking Miss Tessa any... more..."

Her finger wilted like an overheated flower as she trailed off, staring blanking in confusion. She had certainly not expected to see a hundi here.

Let alone one she recognized as one of the knights.

"... E-er..." she shifted uncertainly for a moment, "Sir... Lein, I believe... what are you doing exactly?"

She'd even put out the damaged stool and waited for the right time... why was one of the knights here?! She'd set her trap for that little brat perfectly...!

[@PigeonOfAstora]