''I know the feeling, although with the blade, you're more careful. It hurts when you're cut, so you avoid it more. It's not for everyone, but it seems a...cleaner and quicker way of dealing with someone than just hitting them. But then, circumstances don't always give us a choice in how we defend ourselves yes?'' he said referencing her scar.
"Ofcourse, but, knowing the way at which one comes at you can be effective in countering it, if you know your enemies moves before they do." She spoke softly, rubbing her cheek, then taking a drink. "Perhaps one day I'll be able to pick up more on chess. Maybe someday, I might prove to be a challenge for you."
''As with everything my dear, practice makes perfect. You practice matrial arts or fencing or chess, you will improve. Of course you will be defeated to begin with, but, so long as you recognize where you went wrong or how you lost, then you will improve. You will eventually become a match for your opponent.'' He took another sip, ''and you are correct, knowing your enemies before you fight them is an incrediable advantage, but knowing everything about them is far better than just knowing their strengths and weaknesses. Often times people think that to best your opponent is the way to win, the reality is you need to defeat your opponent. Ensure that you and them will never fight again...that is victory''
"A true victory.. if only it were so easy. I try my best, while I may be adept in.. getting 'hostiles' to lay down their arms and ensure they won't pick them back up, my skills are limited. Victories like that are few." Nicole took another drink, almost emptying her glass. "He'll, it's probably going to get me into trouble with command one of these days, but I'll weather it. What's the worse they can do? Throw me out? I'll do it on my own then, heh... I'd have a wider spectrum to operate on. But I highly doubt I'd be discharged for doing something like that. Probably get a months worth of duty though."
She seemed entertained at the ideas popping up in her head, not the least bit concerned about the consequences of her, rather peaceful actions as a Navy pilot. "Still, there are those who won't lay their weapons down. They are the ones I must be prepared for."
''Of course. Trying to talk criminal's down is a good thing, solving problems before they turn nasty is fine. But yes, there are times, more often than not it seems nowadays, when talk is fruitless and one needs to grit their teeth and do what needs to be done as quick as possible. So don't be ashamed of trying to talk first, any commander worth his salt would keep you on.'' He topped up his glass and emptied the rest into hers. ''It's good'' he said talking about the Sake.
"It is, I love it, you wouldn't believe the collection I have at home. All these kinds of glasses, bottles and such things.. All that expensive stuff you'd think I spend all my pay on it." She did admire her collection of things, despite it not being much, she enjoyed what she had. "First time trying it?"
"Kusari holds many secrets, be careful of which ones you pry at, dear. Lest the underworld of New Tokyo swallows you and I have to bring down a dreadnought to get you out." She giggled, unsure if amusing her friend but clearly amusing herself, now becoming visibly drunk, while she may act perfectly sober, her guise only gets so far. Her speech slurring every so often, easily amused.
He laughed. ''But that's what Bretonians do, get into trouble and expect Liberty to get us out'' It was at this point he realized that she was drunk, quite drunk at that. He knew because he was as well. And it takes a drunk to know a drunk. Getting home was going to be very interesting.
"Ohh come now, that's not true, we're just the distraction for the knockout blow you'll give!" She laughed needlessly, but not caring as she was having a good time. She finished her glass, with the stupidest but most cheerful smile on her face.
![[Image: K21Vaai.png]](https://i.imgur.com/K21Vaai.png)
