[ He gets an immediate raising of eyebrows at that from the redhead sitting across from him. Shinjiro had always been right in saying that she might hide it better but she possesses a streak just as competitive as Akihiko's under the right circumstances.

Her tone gives away none of that of course, just the faint steely glint in her eyes. ]

Are you underestimating me, your grace?

[ It's understandable, she supposes. As much as she might personally disagree with it, women didn't usually fight with swords back then and even if they did, well... He doesn't exactly know that it's not only a sword that she has in her arsenal, should the need arise... ]

I do not mean to deny the talent you possess, your grace... however you could do no such thing to me. Rest assured.