Laine still did not say a word, merely keeping his attention on the duel.
Vasquez realized how troublesome his opponent was; the Sword Master could no longer afford to be elegant. With a textbook side roll, his exquisite silk formalwear was stained with dust, and using that roll, Vasquez opened up distance between himself and the Fur-Wearing Rhinoceros.
Booing erupted from the stands at once.
"Coward!"
"Spineless wretch!"
"Kill it, kill it!"
The Sword Master was clearly affected. He very deliberately glanced at the noble lady on the stands, then decided to try again. This time Vasquez wielded the red cloth with both hands, taunting the Fur-Wearing Rhinoceros. This Fierce Beast's rage had not yet faded; seeing its opponent still provoking it made it even more furious. The beast turned around, venting its wrath to the fullest, dragging a large iron ball as it broke into a full run.
