A Formal Introduction

With both competitors prepared, Moderator Scarlet swiftly raised her right arm, signaling the start of the match.

"Begin!" she declared.

Contrary to everyone's expectations, neither competitor moved in the first few seconds.

"Oh? Miss Shirley, you're not attacking?" Aziel asked, resting his tachi on his right shoulder.

Unfortunately for him, Shirley had no interest in conversation. 

She silently assumed her fighting stance, approaching as she always did—maintaining a basic posture while stalking her opponent slowly, like a predator on the hunt.

The onlookers reacted in various ways. 

The Valenzians wore mysteriously confident smiles, while the elitists struggled to hide their disdain, wary of angering Aziel if they mocked the woman they assumed would soon be his. 

In their minds, it was only a matter of time before Shirley became Aziel's.