Noah left the training ground, feeling that her previous thoughts had really underestimated Maria.
She hadn't expected Maria to have such courage to fight back even after realizing she was in a dangerous situation. Right, this is Margaret's sister. Such courage is perfectly normal.
Fearless in the face of darkness—
This is the family motto of the Lingguang Family. How could I have forgotten it?
Even when facing the greatest difficulties, the people of the Lingguang Family never give up until they hit a wall... No, these people will smash through the wall!
Margaret was like that back then, and Maria is even more so now. Who can say they are foolish for being like this? They are so upright that they won't even turn, only walking in straight lines.
Noah felt sad for underestimating Maria. Perhaps she had cared too much for Maria, forgetting that she was Margaret's sister, and treated her like an ordinary person.
The Lingguang Family in Kazimierz has no concept of an ordinary person! Even Maria, who seems to be the weakest in the Lingguang Family, is a person with a golden spirit!
The Lingguang Family's loyalty is no joke, but even if Maria has made up her mind, it doesn't mean Noah can completely let go. Even if she can't stop Maria from competing, she must minimize the risks.
Since Maria insists on being an independent Knight, then I will provide Maria with the best logistical support team while maintaining her status as an independent Knight! Isn't it just about spending money! Spend it! Even if I have to throw money at it, I'll get a top-tier setup!
Maria didn't know that Noah was already serious and had set her sights on the championship. She was still happy that her goal had been affirmed by the person involved, and even her practice became easier. After all, to become Sister Noah's bodyguard, she at least needed to enter the top sixteen! Aunt Zofia also entered the top sixteen back then! Aunt could do it, and Sister even won the championship, so there's no reason I can't!
First, set a small goal: entering the top eight is a victory!
Although the misunderstanding between the two was quite significant, at least their short-term goals still overlapped. However, Noah wanted to help Maria become the new champion, achieving the accomplishment of sister champions. And Maria only wanted to make it to the top eight.
"Maria is truly a very good child, and I want to support her." Noah went to persuade, but ended up being won over herself, although Kuro was already mentally prepared for this. After all, Noah was simply too kind to those around her. As long as Maria was resolute, Noah would be easily swayed. Her firmness only showed in front of others; when facing her own people, she was always the weaker party. "Kuro, this might be a bit troublesome for you... but for the upcoming competitions..."
"I know. If something really happens, I will intervene." Kuro sighed. She understood Noah too well. "But actually, there's no need for me to act. I think as long as you bring Manner to every competition... he wouldn't just watch his niece get into trouble, would he?"
"...That makes sense." Noah clapped her hands. Why hadn't she thought of that? "Help me call Uncle Manner. From now on, his job is to watch Maria's competitions. He must watch every single one, and I'll reimburse the tickets."
When it comes to her own people, Noah's mind really doesn't seem to work well. The usually intelligent and sharp young lady now looked like a simpleton.
Meanwhile, while Noah was preparing a champion-level setup for Maria, Sona, who had returned to her small dwelling, was troubled...
The prize money she received after winning the melee was considerable, enough to pay for a batch of Oripathy inhibitors. But the problem was that there were too many monks and too little gruel. Even with the most careful use, she had too many people to take care of. And among the entire Red Pine Knights, only she could consistently win prize money. The current economic situation of the Red Pine Knights was not something she could solve; Oripathy inhibitors were still too expensive.
Although meeting Maria Nearl on the field made Sona happy, encountering a true Knight would not alleviate her current predicament.
"...In any case, my condition isn't serious yet. Let everyone else use them first." Sona looked at the medicines in front of her, gritted her teeth, and decided to distribute her share. "I remember a few members whose conditions were very bad... it would be better to prioritize those with more severe symptoms. I still have two more competitions. As long as I win, there will always be a way."
"You've been off your medication for two months." Grey Tail, or Grenade, said coldly at this moment, "How much do you plan to let it worsen before you take your medicine?"
"..."
"I know, I know..." Sona shook her head helplessly, "But the medicine I bought still isn't enough... for everyone."
"This is a bottomless pit, Sona." Grey Tail shook her head. "You'll never be able to sustain your dream with just prize money... unless."
"Unless?"
"Unless you accept the invitation from that guy who tried to recruit you before..." Grey Tail replied coldly, "But you won't agree, right?"
"Of course not. How could I abandon you all?" Sona smiled and pulled Grey Tail's shoulder. "I used to say this: the motto of the Red Pine Knights is 'never abandon, never give up'!"
"Come on, you spent half the day racking your brain, preparing a whole set of principles for us, and what you say changes every day." Grey Tail's face showed a helpless expression, "Let's not think too much about that for now. Let's prepare for the next… hmm?"
"What's wrong?"
"…Tomorrow's match-ups have been announced," Grey Tail said, staring at the mended terminal in her hand. "It's Xia Guang Knight against Rust Copper."
"Rust Copper? You mean that…"
"We might have underestimated… the Commercial Federation's attitude towards Xia Guang Knight…" Sona's brows furrowed. Rust Copper, this guy was notorious, a complete madman. His fighting style was nothing like a Knight's; he showed no mercy or kindness, treating every opponent with cruelty and violence. Although this guy had a long list of misdeeds, his bloody and violent matches made him very popular with many spectators, so he was bailed out again and again and had never been disqualified.
Maria Nearl was going to face such an opponent in her next match…
If the Commercial Federation hadn't pulled some strings, Sona wouldn't believe it. These people really didn't want to see another Shining Knight reach the top…
"What should we do, Sona?"
"…I don't know either," Sona said, frowning. "We can only wish Xia Guang Knight good luck."
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