In worlds resembling medieval Europe, men typically held the upper hand. Since ancient times, their natural roles as hunters and aggressors forged stronger bodies. Different social duties also meant men often learned combat skills more readily.

So males were usually far stronger—a common truth across most races.

But for humans, this only applied after puberty. Before that, during childhood, many girls were terrors boys feared. They matched little boys in scrappiness and knew better how to charm adults.

Remember that tiny girl who chased you down every street, leaving you helpless?

Kaelen might leave this village years from now. He could forget countless things about this place—but he’d never forget the girl who’d once sent him fleeing with his hands over his head. Maybe by then, grown into a proper man, he’d laugh it off and reminisce about simpler days.

But right now? He lacked that grace entirely.

Undefeated losses. That was Kaelen’s record here. Just recalling it made him want to scream. So much so that the boy—who’d never stuck to anything before—now trained relentlessly in magic and martial arts. He’d show that infuriating girl who the real leader of the kids was.

Sadly, all his effort crumbled before Nevia like dry twigs.

In a way, he was almost pitiable…

Fuming Kaelen resembled an angry… lamb? Nevia certainly found him harmless. He was pure entertainment in her dull isekai life—no computers, no manga. She’d even lost her one joy, fighting, after her mother banned it when she became a girl.

Thank goodness for Kaelen. A human punching bag delivered straight to her door? Why refuse?

Watching Kaelen’s flushed, furious face, Nina stepped back—but not to fetch adults. Instead, she studied Nevia and Kaelen with bright curiosity. This fearless little princess hoped they’d clash harder. She wanted Kaelen to thrash Nevia properly. After all, Nevia always defied her. And…

*Hmph.*

Auntie loved Nina enough. She didn’t need a daughter.

Nina watched as Kaelen charged Nevia again, only for Nevia to raise her fist toward his head.

"Ahh—!" Kaelen skidded to a halt, flailing his arms wildly. Nevia dodged every swing, even landing a few sly punches on his ribs.

Though small now, Nevia carried memories of countless life-or-death battles from her past life. Her skill dwarfed ten-year-old Kaelen’s. And physically? Before puberty, girls weren’t weaker. Nevia’s constant mountain-climbing even gave her better stamina—and strength—than the bookish, would-be mage Kaelen.

This one-sided fight bored Nina. It leaned entirely against her hopes.

"Stop." Nevia suddenly blocked Kaelen’s eyes with her palm.

Oddly, he froze. Pathetically covering his face, fresh bruises bloomed under his fingers. He pretended not to care—but the pain must’ve been sharp. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stopped so easily.

"Kaelen, we’re nobles, right?" Nevia asked sweetly.

"Hmph." He nodded proudly. He hated Nevia, but he couldn’t deny that. Family pride ran deep in him.

"Then let’s settle this the noble way."

Unease prickled Kaelen’s skin. That smile felt dangerous.

"The noble way?"

"With our brains." Nevia tapped her temple.

"No." He refused instantly. Every "deal" from her ended with him losing. He wouldn’t fall for it again.

"Kaelen," Nevia sighed, disappointment dripping from her voice, "a true noble keeps his dignity. Without it, you’ll never be worthy of the title."

Kaelen’s tongue-tied. Nevia had lived centuries; her wit crushed his childish arguments. Even as a魔王 who preferred fists, she knew when words won battles.

"I won’t be tricked again." His voice held stubborn certainty.

"My mother just said nobles should be graceful—not filthy and bruised…"

"Don’t blame me for that!" Kaelen’s temper flared anew.

"Not my fault." Nevia shrugged. "Every time, you started it. I only defended myself."

Kaelen scowled but stayed silent. She was right. He always threw the first punch—poor boy, he didn’t even know the word "provocation," or he’d recall Nevia’s sly whispers.

"So let’s end this uncivilized, unnecessary fighting."

"What do you mean?" Kaelen’s thoughts tangled in her words.

"A more noble contest to settle our feud." Nevia winked.

"But…" Kaelen frowned. Something felt off, but he couldn’t pin it down.

"I don’t want Mother scolding me for coming home dirty. Do you?"

Kaelen pictured his gentle mother’s sad eyes. He couldn’t bear that. He nodded slowly.

"Fine."

"What’s the contest?"

"You’ll see." Nevia turned mysterious. "But if you lose, you obey me from now on."

"And if *you* lose?"

"Then I obey you." She agreed readily. Games needed hope of winning—or opponents quit.

"Okay." Kaelen accepted. The stakes felt fair.

"Wait here."

Nevia walked back toward the riverbank, leaving the boys behind.

Nina followed eagerly. "Noble contests" usually meant duels—but these kids weren’t ready for bloodshed. What could it be? Painting? Music?

In this world, men trained for battle from childhood—even nobles. Arts were frivolous luxuries in a realm where strength ruled. Women, seen as broodmares and political pawns, learned "charming" skills instead to please future husbands.

Few men resisted a dancing maiden’s allure.

Nina never guessed Nevia skipped those lessons. She’d trained to fight like the boys—only her mother’s strictness kept the village from being turned upside down.

(Though it nearly was already.)

They stopped by the river.

A narrow stream glittered under the setting sun, clear water dancing over colorful pebbles.

Nevia crouched, picking smooth stones from the bank.

"What’s she doing?" Nina whispered, utterly baffled.