He hesitated. He hadn't expected to be challenged with the blade, let alone by someone he trusted as an ally. Nonetheless, he knew that something about this world had changed him, and that his usual strength and speed had been adjusted somewhat. The Moogle assigned to him had warned him about this, indicating that it was a result of the two jobs he'd been assigned.

Perhaps, then, it was best that he spar a little with 'Marth' once more, just to adapt to these changes.

"If that is your preference," he replied, drawing his blade and shifting his stance. He rolled his shoulder to throw his cloak back, baring his arm and the insignia emblazoned upon it. "You have my thanks."

For a woman, she was strong, and incredibly skilled. By now he'd figured that Marth couldn't be her real name, but he did not know what other name by which she should be addressed. When she gave it, perhaps, he would call her as such.

He gave her a moment to prepare herself, and once he was sure she was ready to meet him, he shifted his weight. Chrom lunged forward, swinging his blade to meet hers.