The Courtesan

Chapter 102

ELAYNE

“BEGIN!”

Facing an opponent almost two times my size, I was forced to think on my feet. The duelling ground was smooth, providing the first handicap. The fact that the opponent carried a longsword with long limbs and good sword control provided the second handicap.

I was barely dodging at that point. His sword came like a gale, hammering on my sword like raindrops that rained a ton. I hated to admit it but if Kalvin hadn’t given me lessons on how to strengthen my grip, I would’ve lost the fight earlier. Overall, the situation looked hopeless.

However, it soon clicked. I didn’t need to look for obstacles; the opponent himself was a veritable obstacle.

Lowering my center of gravity, I aimed for his legs. Using repeated short strikes and occasional withdrawal, I made him extend his legs making it incredibly easy to trip him. Using that, I won the match, just barely. I walked back to where Lion and Tyler waited.

“Good match, my lady.”

“Lion, why is that even though I won, I feel… inadequate?”

“I don’t know?”

“Never mind. Let me rest my eyes a bit”

“Would you like a massage, my lady?”

“Keep your hands off me, Kalvin.”

“I can’t. Seeing you fight was incredibly arousing.”

I hadn’t noticed him behind them because the hood he wore blended right into the surroundings. He placed a light peck on my lips and stared right into my eyes. In response, I pulled his ears.

“Ow! I’m sorry!”

“Tyler, why is this arsehole here?”

“He insisted on seeing you after his match. I suppose it’s because he couldn’t hold it in his pants anym-”

Tyler doubled over from getting his stomach elbowed by Kalvin. Lion snickered, watching the show freely from the side while fetching me water.

“Thankfully, the next fight is tomorrow. I don’t think I can take much longer.”

“But my lady, you are terrifying. You just started learning how to fight months ago. How are you this good?”

“Well, to be a courtesan, you need to have good stamina and a fit body that stays attractive. Exercise and a healthy diet was always a must for good quality. Oh, flexibility was also compulsory. You can say the bed is also a form of battlefield. I think that must be the reason why.”

“C-Courtesan?” Lion choked.

“Oh… I shouldn’t have said that. I must now pass away.”

“Wait, no my lady, I’m not judging you, I’m sure you must’ve had your reasons…”

“I had my reasons. In the end, I didn’t get to make do on them. Isn’t that disappointing, Kalvin?”

“No matter what you say, you will not return to that life.”

“I am not looking to return. It was very traumatizing. But, you invalidated my efforts. That’s what is burning me up.”

“... Can we please not have this argument? You need to rest.”

“Fine. I will not argue with you now. Let’s go back. Lion, help me up.”

“Yes, my lady!”

Lion raised me from the chair and I stretched my limbs. Tyler was still silent.

“Do you judge me?”

“No… merely figuring things out.”

“Well, that’s a relief. It would be a terrible inconvenience if you two stopped liking me. I quite like you both, you see.”

“I’m also very jealous…” Kalvin muttered under his breath but we all still heard him. I rolled my eyes and leaned on him.

“Let’s go.”

We walked like that back to the carriage. On the way, he kept whispering into my ears and I was sure the others could hear him.

“You smell very arousing right now.”

“Shut up Kalvin.”

We climbed into the carriage and departed. The rest of the competition was often spectated by Susanne and the poor king. Those two were really the only hardworking members of their family.

When we reached the house, we had an unexpected guest. There was a royal carriage by the gates which also bore the emblem of another house; it was the queen.

“I thought you said she was gone!”

“I never knew she would come back this early!”

“She’s watching us, I just know it! Get down first and I’ll take the carriage in.”

“Alright. Please stay out of her sights.”

He alighted from the front and Lion took the carriage through another entrance back into the house. He parked it out back and when I was about to get down when I heard another voice.

“My son really thought he could fool me. I knew he’d try to pull something like this so I waited here to catch you. I know you’re in there.”

“W-What are you talking about your majesty?”

“My son’s lover is inside that carriage, is that correct?”

“O-Of course not!”

I slapped my forehead. Lion, could not for the life of him, tell a good lie. It seemed like the queen knew this too because she stomped up to the carriage and wrung the door open.

“You’re my son’s lover? Who are you?”

“Good day, your majesty. I’m an attendant to his highness. I’m also participating in the competition. I was a little exhausted so his highness was kind enough to let me ride with him. I’m sorry if I’ve caused any confusions.”

Her eyes were narrow with suspicion but she let me alight. I could feel her scorching gaze as I walked into the house.

Just a few paces more and I’ll be in the house.

I could still feel she was there, watching me as I walked. It was only two more steps before I could enter the house when I heard her again.

“WAIT! STOP RIGHT THERE.”

She stomped over to me until she was staring me right in the eyes. It was dejavu when she felt up my chest. The others were surprised and scared stiff; I could even see Lion getting dizzy.

“I had the faint suspicion that you were a woman because of the way you walked. You can go in.”

“Thank you your majesty.” I smiled, going in.