Trap shooting is definitely a more difficult discipline than fixed target shooting, but for Noah, it's a bit different.
Fixed targets are inanimate objects; they don't move or make any sound. So for Noah, shooting fixed targets truly relied only on feeling and intuition. But trap shooting is different; a moving target that makes sound is much easier for Noah to pinpoint.
Hintleyya started shooting first. At first, it was one target at a time. Hintleyya steadily broke the clay pigeons, stable and deadly. Her dynamic vision was not bad, and her reactions were quick, so ordinary trap shooting was not difficult for her. After perfectly completing the trap shooting, Hintleyya's score was undoubtedly perfect.
Then it was Noah's turn. She once again pushed her wheelchair to the appropriate position, then set up her bow and arrow, drew the bowstring, and then fell into absolute stillness, like a statue. The moment the clay pigeon was launched, she went from extreme stillness to extreme speed; the release of the arrow and the shattering of the clay pigeon happened almost simultaneously. Seeing this result, Hintleyya finally showed a relieved expression. Indeed—as long as the target was moving, Noah could lock onto it normally.
Hit—Hit—Hit, not a single miss. Noah's shooting technique was like art, accurate and elegant. Despite having no sight, she could lock onto the flying targets through various means. Noah's lips curved slightly, enjoying the rare pleasure of shooting. This time, she didn't even need the mechanical voice to report the score; she already had enough confidence to confirm her perfect score. After all, the sound of the target shattering had already reached her ears.
After finishing everything, Noah finally let out a sigh of relief and put down her bow and arrow. Before she could share her joy, she was hugged by Hintleyya, who was beside her. "Isn't that amazing! I'm really impressed with you!"
"Alright, alright, it's quite normal..." Noah said with a hint of embarrassment. "I originally wanted to take you out to relax, but I didn't expect to be comforted by you instead."
"Eh? Take me out to relax?" Hintleyya only then realized Noah's reason for bringing her out. "Ah... you mean me always staying in the cat cafe..."
"That's right, didn't I tell you? If I find employees staying in places like this for a long time, I'll talk to them. I even thought you were under some kind of stress." Noah said with a smile, "But it looks like there's nothing to worry about."
"To relieve my stress, you brought me to an archery range?" Hintleyya had initially thought Noah was just talking, but she never expected her to actually be so good to her employees—"And who brings employees to a place like this?"
"But you said you knew a bit about shooting—if I didn't bring you here, I could only take you out to eat, but eating with your boss would still be a bit stressful, wouldn't it?" Noah said. "But coming to an amusement venue is different, right?"
"What kind of entertainment venue is an archery range...? You could at least take me to a bowling alley, right?" Noah's words made Hintleyya laugh. "And just because I know a bit about archery doesn't mean I'm crazy about it. If I could choose, I'd rather go to an amusement park or a circus?"
...Then, I'll take you next time." Noah smiled helplessly. "We shouldn't just be boss and employee; we're also friends, right? You can tell me a few days in advance, and if there's nothing I can't reschedule, I'll arrange the time."
"Boss, you're just too kind." Hintleyya was a bit helpless. "But why not take advantage of it? How about I take you to an amusement park next time?"
"Hmm, sure. But I might not be able to play some of the rides, I hope it won't spoil your fun." Noah nodded, agreeing. "I'm really looking forward to it."
Hintleyya's lips unconsciously curved upwards. Being noticed and cared for indeed felt good. She had no friends or family in Kazimierz and had always lived quite carefree, thinking herself free-spirited. But at the moment of being cared for, she still felt a warmth.
However, when she thought of her identity and the purpose of being by Noah's side, her heart would inexplicably sink. If she could, she really didn't want to deceive Noah, but if she revealed her identity, the other person might be afraid, right? After all, the Shieldless League's reputation wasn't very good. Hintleyya gazed at Noah. To Hintleyya, Noah was a good boss. To Platinum... Noah was her target.
A target who could receive an assassination order from the Shieldless League at any moment…
Although it might be wishful thinking to try and kill Noah with her own abilities, after all, Kuro was always by her side, and there was also that blonde corporate slave. How could she possibly… kill someone like Noah?
Thinking of this, Hintleyya couldn't help but let out a slight sigh of relief. It wasn't that she wasn't trying, but the enemy had a Gundam. Humans had their limits, and it was unwise to force something that couldn't be done.
At least for now, there were no irreconcilable conflicts between them, so she would enjoy this for now.
"Speaking of which, Hintleyya, where did you learn your shooting style?"
"Oh, that? I learned it at home when I was little, and then I met my master when I grew up," Hintleyya replied casually. "But I learned it very poorly; I mostly relied on my talent to get by. So, it's not really something to refer to."
"Is that so?" Noah nodded, a little puzzled. "It's quite interesting, actually. Although it's just a feeling, isn't your archery technique very similar to mine?"
"Is it?" Hintleyya asked, puzzled. "How is it similar?"
"Ah… my current technique has changed somewhat, as I have to adapt to my own situation. But my family's traditional archery technique is basically the same as what you use, Hintleyya—though for now, I can only confirm it by listening," Noah explained. "However, because I can only rely on listening, there will certainly be some errors—so you don't need to take it to heart."
"I see…" Hintleyya recalled Noah's archery. At the time, she hadn't noticed because Noah's posture was perfect, but Noah's archery style did seem to have some similarities to her own. However, Hintleyya quickly dismissed this thought. After all, Noah's archery style was the famous Kielanlet family's traditional technique; the possibility of it being connected to her own was too small.
She drew the bowstring once more—
"Since we're already here, want to play one more round?"
"Yes, I'd be happy to."
Noah also drew her bow, just like Hintleyya. The moment the clay pigeon flew out, two arrows almost simultaneously struck the target, shattering it into pieces. A smile played on Noah's lips. "This time, mine was a little faster."
"Nonsense, mine was definitely faster."
The two argued about whose arrow was faster, but the true meaning wasn't about comparison; it was simply about enjoying the fun of archery.
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