Hand-to-Hand Combat Class
The Knight Course curriculum mainly covers horsemanship, martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, tactics, military history, foreign languages, chivalry, and arithmetic.
Foreign languages are taught not only for escorting foreign dignitaries but also for intelligence work.
Chivalry involves social etiquette, but it also includes lessons on loyalty to one’s lord, devotion to the gods, protection of the weak, and the pursuit of honor and decorum. Manners, of course, are part of that decorum.
The very first class was hand-to-hand combat.
This one’s a required subject — meant to train us to fight even when unarmed.
For reference, martial arts refers to training in weapon combat — sword, bow, spear, axe, and such, depending on one’s specialty.
Since there’s no set gym uniform, everyone changes into something easy to move in.
Some of the boys wear short sleeves and shorts, but most have on long sleeves and pants.
As for me, I’m not in my usual ninja outfit — instead, I’ve got on a long-sleeved, high-collared shirt and pants made of washable cotton. Both are from Glossy Butterfly, and when they arrived, they already had a solid defensive enchantment cast on them.
Apparently, Nikki asked Mr. Gandarl to apply it so I wouldn’t get hurt. I owe them both, really.
Because the number of students in each grade is small — two classes at most — the combat classes are held jointly between first and second years. There’s only one second-year class.
From earlier, I can feel the second-years staring — mostly at me and Bell.
I get that girls are rare in the Knight Course, but the way they keep sneaking glances and grinning is just plain creepy. Especially that tall, wide-shouldered guy with the acne-covered face. Didn’t see him at the welcome dinner last night, so he’s probably not in the top twenty.
Trying to shake off his gaze, I duck behind Dagger, the tallest in our year.
“... What’s up?”
“They’ve been staring nonstop. It’s gross.”
“Ah, that guy. Yeah, can’t argue there.”
The rest of the class notices and casually shifts to block the line of sight — bless them.
“All right, everyone, gather up! Today’s a joint class for first and second years.”
“In hand-to-hand combat, no weapons allowed. Match ends with a surrender, a knockout, or stepping out of bounds. I won’t be instructing today, so go all out! First-years — Joan, you’re up first. Second-years — who’s stepping in?”
As I move forward, Instructor Hector comes over.
“Sorry you got picked first. We’re going by the martial arts ranking from your fourth year in general class. Anyway, don’t get hurt.”
“Should I hold back?”
“Hm? Nah, your opponent’s older and male, so go ahead — don’t hold back.”
“Got it!”
Of course, my opponent turns out to be Acne-Face himself — the big guy who’s been grinning this whole time. Figures.
We both step into the circular ring drawn on the practice field, about five meters across.
“Heh. How about I give you some one-on-one lessons — grappling, ground holds, all the way to bed if you want?”
“I’ll pass, thanks!”
“Don’t be shy. A girl joining the Knight Course? Must be hunting for guys, huh? I’ll take good care of you. Let’s start with a little groping.”
“Already got all I need!”
Finally, Instructor Brian comes over near the ring.
“Both ready?”
“Yes!”
“Yeah!”
Right. I’ll make sure this creep never tries anything again.
Ring—!
At the sound of the whistle, I leap — full force.
I easily clear his height — over 180 cm — twist midair, and bring my right leg down hard on his skull.
Wham!
The guy crumples face-first into the dirt. Using the rebound, I flip backward and land neatly, raising both hands like a gymnast striking a finish pose.
Perfect landing, Joan. Score: 10.00 — flawless execution.
Instructor Hector rushes over, checks the guy, and signals to Brian.
Ring—!
“Winner, Joan.”
When I return, my classmates greet me with a line of high-fives.
“Wasn’t that a bit much?”
“Hey, if someone tells me I joined to chase men and offers to ‘teach me ground moves,’ he’s getting flattened. No regrets.”
“““““““Yeah, fair.”””””””
“Belle, the instructor did say not to hold back.”
“Right. I’ll take care of it.”
She heads to the ring.
“... Is it just me, or did she mean kill instead of fight?”
“Nope, we all heard kill.”
“... Girls are scary…”
I ignore them.
Ring—!
Bell’s opponent — another acne-ridden guy, this one with a buzzcut. Let’s call him Acne-Buzz.
At the signal, Belle ducked in, swept his legs with a low spin, and knocked him flat — then drove two lightning-fast strikes, one to his solar plexus and one just shy of his face.
He gives up instantly.
Ring—!
“Winner, Belle.”
“Thank you for the match.”
The rest of the boys also put up a solid fight, and somehow the year ends with a draw overall.
As Belle and I walked toward the locker room, Instructor Brian caught up.
“You two did great! Joan, that guy you fought — he’s a noble’s son. Always mouthing off and never takes class seriously.”
“Oh, the classic spoiled brat type who thinks his daddy’s title makes him untouchable?”
“Exactly. He’s from a count’s house. Belle’s opponent was a commoner, though.”
“Ahh. But aren’t you gonna get complaints later?”
“Maybe, but it’s part of class. And really — after getting beaten by a younger girl in front of everyone? He’s not gonna admit it.”
I wish I could believe that… but I’m not holding my breath for a “sensible parent.”
Sure enough, a few days later, a complaint arrived from Acne-Face’s family.
Naturally — if the parents were sane, the kid wouldn’t be that way.
The letter basically said:
[He was humiliated in public. A woman should know her place and defer to a man.]
During homeroom, the instructors told us about it, and I couldn't help but reply:
“Huh? Sorry, I don’t understand a word of that.”
To which they both respond:
““Neither do we.””
Apparently, the guy thought I was a commoner and sent word saying,
[If you want forgiveness, become my mistress.]Clatter!
I stood up. “I’ll go snap it off real quick.”
“W-wait! Snap what, exactly?!”
“What do you think? That.”
““““““““““Stop her!””””””””””
Honestly, I don’t see the problem.
If he’s gonna think with that thing, he might as well lose it.
What do you think about this chapter?
