( Yuuki's POV )
Not all of the Blades of the night had seen the last move I made against the archivists of the order, so they were discussing whether I would be able to face the one who was a model of excellence for the other Blades, but the two of us didn't pay much importance to that.
A soldier acting as referee gave us a signal with his hand and the duel began. I held back, but even so, my movements were too fast for many here.
Meruvis was able to block my first attack and quickly used a horizontal slash, but I jumped back before his attack could connect, our swords continued to clash, and I was increasing my speed in different increments to keep Meruvis guessing.
It was clear that I was going to win, but Meruvis tried to analyze my technique as much as he could. I noticed his concentration was at its highest when I used Soru.
Yuuki: You're quick on your feet, you're interested in this technique.
Meruvis: Excuse me, I didn't mean to steal your technique, but I couldn't help being curious.
Yuuki: That technique isn't my invention. Take it if you think you can handle it.
So that Meruvis or any other observer could analyze the foundations of Soru, I continued using that technique, but the constant use of that technique was overwhelming for my opponent, and soon I had my sword by Meruvis's neck.
The room remained silent for a moment, then we returned to our initial positions, both of us bowing, the battle was over and, unsurprisingly, I had won.
Meruvis: Thank you Mr. Yuuki, I learned a lot from our duel.
Yuuki: No need for thanks, if you improve that only meant a more interesting next duel.
Meruvis: ...You are a peculiar person.
Immediately everyone at the outpost became energized; they asked me questions about my training regimen, and others wanted to try their luck in a duel, but it was their leader Chrodechild who had to keep them all in line; I didn't mind the attention, but this had to do with the false chronicles.
It seemed that the audience with his lordship had ended and now the young people of the castle were going to visit the arcane academy to learn more about the chronicles, Chrodechild knew I was interested in that and she escorted me to the place.
Chrodechild: I must thank you personally; you have a gift for lifting the spirits of others.
Yuuki: Don't worry about that, princess, I'm a bit of a busybody.
Chrodechild stops the moment she hears me call her princess and she analyzes my expression, after a moment of seeing my normal carefree expression she gives a small smile.
Chrodechild: You really are a man of many talents, how did you know?
Yuuki: Believe it or not, I have a knack for detecting blue blood, and it works best on women; in other words, I'm a living princess detector.
Chrodechild: je You were really are something else.
While Chrodechild was amusing herself with my irregularities, I took a copy of the Rokushiki manual from my storage and gave it to her, Chrodechild was somewhat confused, but she took it without hesitation.
Chrodechild: What is this?
Yuuki: That it's a gift; it contains the technique I was using before, plus others that might be useful.
Chrodechild: This is... a lot, to give us your secret techniques.
Yuuki: As I said before, I didn't create those techniques; I found that manual on one of my many trips. Accept this little help from me, and when the time comes to return to your homeland, be sure to call me, or not, I'll be there anyway because I'm a busybody.
Chrodechild: then I will accept this as a symbol of trust.
After delivering the Rokushiki manual, we arrived at the academy, and there Chrodechild refused to go any further, we separated there and when I entered the building I understood why she had that attitude.
Inside the academy, something was happening, a dispute within the noble family, from what I heard, and leaving details aside, this was the situation: the Emperor of Janam had three empresses, those are rookie numbers, to make matters worse, the three of them were basically enemies; that would never happen in my castle.
I decided to conceal my presence and observe from the sides, the conflict that arose was that an empress, Shaira, wanted to give the chronicle to the boys of the castle because they would make better use of it, and the other empress, Rizwan, wanted to keep the chronicle because it was valuable study material.
Frankly, Rizwan had the right answer and it was the most sensible action, but in the end she parted ways with the chronicle, but she sent one of her subordinates along with the chronicle.
Even if she were sending a subordinate with the chronicle, the fact that Janam chose to lend what was an artifact not fully understand, told me there was a second or even third chronicle here at the academy, but even if that were true, it's not like that's a problem.
I left the building and when the others left I acted as if I didn't know what happened inside.
Yuuki: Hey guys, I'm late for the information session about the chronicles?
Seig: You just missed it, but don't worry, a scholar will be coming with us to the castle so you can ask him anything you want.
Shaira: umm Is this man also a member of your group?
Marica: Something like that, he is Yuuki, he helped a lot in the battle against the order.
Yuuki: oh I only showed up when things were winding down and just lent a hand, it's not a big deal.
I gave Marica a look that said it was better not to say more, but the empress wasn't very convinced.
Shaira: I am the leader of the army of Janam and I have seen many experienced and talented people, I can see that you are not a normal warrior, not even your appearance is normal.
Yuuki: Is that a compliment? The truth is, I've traveled a lot, met skilled people and dangerous monsters; if anyone else were to go through the same thing, he wouldn't be normal either.
Shaira: Anyway, I'm eager to see what you can do on the battlefield.
Yuuki: Of course, I'll help in any way I can.
That was the end of our trip to Janam, and although I didn't have the opportunity to try the local cuisine, it was an interesting and informative trip, during the return to the castle, I asked several questions to the expert on chronicles; his name was Mubal.