The Courtesan

Chapter 110

ELAYNE

The last day of the competition. As I moved my rank up from fifth to second, I was set to fight the third ranked for the opportunity to participate in the last fight. As I watched the third ranked compete with the fourth ranked, I asked myself just one question.

How the hell did I get this far?

The one with the third rank was incredibly fast, delivering strikes like his hands were shadows. The fourth rank had a broadsword, swinging it around a large area, deflecting any fast strikes. It was a hard tie and the two were busting out a lot of tricks that looked better than any I had in hand. 

“This is such a good fight. I should recruit them into the army,” Lion mused out loud, nodding with approval. Tyler was silent, he had been since the day before. I already forgave him but he didn’t forgive himself. 

“Lion, what are my chances of beating any of them.”

“Third rank, about 50 percent. Fourth rank, about 75 percent.”

“So much faith in me.”

“One, I trained you. Two, My lady, these men are no match for you. His highness already talked of how you kept him on his toes during a spar. You are more than capable of defeating these men.”

“... Alright.”

“Iiiiiif you want to drop out of the competition though, I can arrange that.”

“Why would I want that?”

“You seem a little intimidated. I wanted to help out.”

“I am fine, thank you.”

“There’s really no shame in giving up, my lady.”

“I said I’d do it, bloody hell!”

“Alright, alright, there is no need to get defensive. Look, the fight is wrapping up. If I’m right, third rank is going to win.”

“Fourth rank is not that weak.”

“Swinging around that broadsword has made his arms weak. He would lose.”

“Third rank has been using rapid fire moves. He is also exhausted.”

“Want to place a bet?” 

“I’d rather not. You get fired up too easily.”

“Tch, you’re no fun.”

I made the right decision not to bet with Lion because Third Rank in a surprising burst of strength. It looked like he was hiding his strength till the very end. That sneaky man was going to be my next opponent, after he was given time to rest. 

During this time, I finally see Kalvin after two full days of going MIA. He looked very exhausted yet still had that cheeky smile when he walked up to me. 

“Hello beautiful” he whispers, standing close to me. 

“I assume you’ve been very busy. You look like you can fall at any moment.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got legs as strong as a tiger’s. I came to see you before I went back.”

“Still on the case of the church?”

“That and I’m making many preparations.”

“What for?”

“I’ll tell you everything when it’s time. I want to make it a surprise.”

“Fine but make sure to rest.”

“I like that you care so much for me.”

“It’s the barest minimum for a courtesan to care for her sponsor.”

“... You’re doing this intentionally, aren’t you?”

“Yes, yes I am.”

He sighed, shaking his head while I hid a smile. 

“Why is Tyler standing so far away?”

“I can’t tell you that.”

“He only does that when he’s guilty. What did he do, Ariana?”

“He didn’t exactly do anything. Just strange circumstances. There’s nothing to be worried about, Kalvin.”

Frowning deeply, he signals for Tyler. I roll my eyes as he walked up to us. 

“Your highness.”

“You’re normally sticking so close to her that you make me jealous and now, you’re standing far away? What did you do?” 

“I offended my lady.”

“And I forgave you. This honestly isn’t as big of a deal as you two are making it out to be. Just forget about it.”

“If it concerns you, it’s a big deal. What happened, Tyler?”

Tyler narrated everything that happened and from the change of expressions Kalvin had, I knew he was about to blow everything out of proportion. Color me surprised when he didn’t say anything and just walked away. Tyler’s face drained of color when this happened. 

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t do anything to her, don’t worry.”

“You don’t understand my lady. His highness’s silent anger is always the worst. He might not kill her but he would make her wish she was dead.”

“I know Kalvin. He cannot be that petty.”

“My lady…”

“... Oh… I’ll go stop him.”

I ran in the direction that Kalvin had left but I was too late. I couldn’t find him anywhere. There wasn’t even a royal carriage in sight. Lion jogged up to me, informing me that it was almost time for my fight. 

“Lion, I need you to find Kalvin and tell him I said he has to be present for my fight or he won’t be allowed into my bedroom ever again.”

“That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?” he chuckles. 

“Find your master and tell him that! Don’t you dare miss my fight too!”

“My lady! You’re being too cruel!”

I ignored him and jogged back to the arena. Tyler handed me my weapon and I jogged up to the stage amidst loud applause. I could hear the distinct voices of women screaming and a brief glance did reveal that I might have an extremely loud group of female fans. 

“I’ve seen through your tricky style. That will not work on me,” my opponent says with a sneer.

“What a shame. I was really hoping it would.” I shrugged, taking a stance. 

“The church asked me to take good care of you. The saintess especially said to tell you that she has always hated your arms.”

“What a coincidence. I’ve always hated her hair.”

“You will die here today.”

“I have quite a lot of goals lined up for myself so can I just not die? Thank you.”

The judge raised his arm and we brandished our weapons. 

“READY! SET! FIGHT!”