Chapter 11

Tournament Arc: Interlude

In the fortress of Feoh, a secret meeting between its acting regent and a certain mercenary is currently undertaking.

"You failed to assassinate Alicia in the melee! You just wasted our only chance!" Beardsley roared with a slam to his expensive desk. His anger directly pointed at Vult for failing the task he had given for him and his mercenaries.

Vult sneered at the old man's anger. "My men and I could hardly have expected the tournament to turn out that way," he retorted, his tone half-amused. "It seems Lady Luck was smiling upon Princess Alicia."

"You still failed! Don't you know what will happen when that girl reclaims her position? Everything I worked and have done will be undone, my work exposed and so are your men!" "You mean the dirty work we did for you so you could pocket the Arcturus fortune for yourself?!" Vult's sneer grew wider as he spoke, revealing his true feelings about Beardsley and his intentions. The old man's face flushed with anger, but Vult didn't seem to care. "Oh, you think you can make demands now?" Beardsley growled, his eyes narrowing. "I could have you killed for that insolence!"

But Vult just laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "Is that a threat, old man?" he asked, stepping closer. "Because I don't take kindly to threats."

Beardsley's hand twitched, as if he were reaching for a weapon that wasn't there. "I'm not threatening you," he said through gritted teeth. "I'm simply making it clear that your position here is tenuous at best."

"You and what army? Your men are my men. They will always follow me. You? With how fat you have become, I'll bet you'll get a stroke swinging a sword, Hahaha!"

Beardsley's cheeks flushed red with anger, but he forced a cold smile. "Very well," he said, his voice was like ice.

"Then I suppose we have no choice but to find a new plan. Alicia must be eliminated, one way or another." He paused for a moment, then added, "But perhaps there is another option. One that would benefit both of us."

Vult raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "Oh? And what might that be?"

"You see, Alicia's cousin, Princess Prim, is just as much of a threat to our plans. If it were possible to remove her from the picture as well..." Beardsley trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.

Vult considered this for a moment. "I see... So you are suggesting that we eliminate both of them at once? That would certainly make things easier." He paused, contemplating the plan further. "But it also carries with it certain risks. Killing two royals in cold blood will no doubt raise questions and suspicions. It could stir up trouble within the kingdom."

Beardsley shrugged nonchalantly. "We could always blame it on bandits or some other convenient scapegoat. And with the right spin, we might even use the tragedy to our advantage. The people would be looking for strong leadership during such a time of crisis. Whoever steps up to fill that void could find themselves with more power than they bargained for."

Vult narrowed his eyes, weighing the pros and cons of the proposal.

"What about the Goddess Celestine? She is in Feoh and she is rather close to the Ur Princess." Vult is no fool. Assassinating someone dear to Goddess is a death sentence.

"I'll take care of her and her guard, just tell when and where so I can prepare a suitable distraction." Beardsley sneered. Unlike Vult's fear of the Goddess, he never respected the so-called reincarnation of Larentia.

"It's decided then. Me and my men are going to plot the assassination while you distract the Goddess's eyes and ears." Beardsley nodded, satisfied. "See that it's done swiftly and without error. The tournament ends in three more days. We don't want Alicia or her cousin moving out of range before our plans can come to fruition."

"Bah! She just got lucky this time old man. Next time, she won't be." Vult's confident words seemed to appease Beardsley somewhat. "Very well," he said, clapping his hands together. "In that case, I will leave it in your capable hands. Let me know when the time comes, and I'll ensure that everything else is prepared on this end." With that, he dismissed Vult, who left the fortress with a sneer.

Once the man was outside, Beardsley began composing a letter. A letter for the slave trade he kept hidden in Feoh.

Meanwhile...

"Ah... that hits the spot..." Alicia groaned in relaxation as she soaked in the castle baths, a wide open bathroom with multiple pools of water. Alicia's muscles were sore from the melee. She had trained hard, but it was different from actual combat. She had defeated many foes today.

But her thoughts always come back to that infuriating boy, one who tried to take advantage of Prim's innocence.

Speaking of Prim,

Said girl is glaring at her with intensity while sitting on Claudia's lap as the knight washes the pink haired princess. The Goddess Celestine just beside them, soaking and relaxing in the water.

"You should get over it, Cousin," Alicia called out, her tone only half-joking. "He's not worth your time."

Prim huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Easy for you to say," she muttered. "You chased away my friend even after I explained last night, Hmmph!" Alicia sighed, knowing that Prim was referring to Mika. She didn't want to argue with her cousin now, especially when she was already so sore. "Look, I'm sorry if I came on too strong," she said, reaching over to pat the smaller girl's knee. "It's just that... well, I don't trust him, okay? And I don't want you to get hurt."

Prim didn't seem mollified, but she didn't bother arguing further. Instead, her attention drifted to the Goddess Celestine, who had turned to address them. "Would you ladies like to join me for a swim?" she asked with a warm smile. "The water is lovely this evening."

"Thank you, Your Holiness," Alicia replied with a respectful nod.

"I'd love to, but I think I'm going to take a break from the water for now," Prim said, before turning to Alicia with a murmur. "Do you want to go swim with her?" There was an edge to her voice, as if she were challenging Alicia to spend more time with the Goddess.

Alicia hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She rose from the water, grabbing a towel from a nearby rack. "Sure," she said as she stepped out of the pool. "Lead the way."

Celestine smiled kindly and held out a hand, helping Alicia up from the lower step. The two of them waded into a pool deeper than the others, leaving Prim and Claudia alone together. The Goddess was warm and comforting in the water, like a motherly figure. "So, Princess Alicia." Alicia nodded. "It's a pleasure to speak with you again, Your Holiness." She glanced over at Prim and Claudia, then back at the Goddess. "I trust you've been enjoying the tournament so far?"

"Yes, it's been quite exciting," Celestine said, her voice resonant and serene. "And I must say, I'm impressed by your skill in combat today, my dear. You fought with determination and courage." Alicia blushed slightly at the compliment.

"But I have a question for you." Alicia tensed slightly at the Goddess's serious tone. "Of course, Your Holiness. Please, ask."

Celestine looked at Alicia with gentle, piercing eyes. "I wish to know your plans after the tournament. You're at the age already to take back Feoh's rule but I don't think being a ruler is your plan?" Alicia hesitated for a moment before answering, her thoughts swirling. "It's true, I've never been particularly interested in ruling," she admitted. "But I understand that it comes with the role of princess, and I will do whatever is necessary to protect my people. Even if it means taking on the mantle of leadership."

Celestine nodded thoughtfully, her expression sympathetic. "I understand your feelings, child. It is not an easy decision to make. But know this: You have many options open to you." She placed a hand on Alicia's shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "You could seek out allies, perhaps even find a suitor who shares your vision for the kingdom. Or, if you truly wish to remain neutral, there are other paths you could follow."

"Thank you, Your Holiness."

"As such, when the tournament is over, I'm appointing you as my Shield Princess in Feoh." "Your Holiness... I'm honored, but I think you misunderstand," Alicia said, her own hand lifting to rest on the Goddess's arm. "I am sworn to protect Ur and its interests above all else. If you were to appoint me as your Shield Princess in Feoh, I would have to decline."

Celestine smiled gently. "I understand your loyalty, Princess Alicia. And I appreciate your honesty. However, Ur will not be threatened by my decision. It is not a demand or a command, but an offer. An offer for protection, guidance, and friendship."

Alicia hesitated, considering the implications of the Goddess's words. She glanced over at Prim and Claudia, who were deep in conversation.

"And also your birthright. The Arcturus have defended Feoh from the monsters of the North for many years. I have known your mother and mother before." Alicia thought over what the Goddess said, weighing her words carefully. She remembered her mother's stories of serving under the Arcturus banner and fighting alongside them to protect Feoh. It was true that Prim was not her cousin by blood, but rather by marriage. And this offer from Celestine felt more like a request for help than a demand or a command.

Finally, she turned back to the Goddess, her expression resolute. "Your Holiness," she said, "I will accept your offer." A warmth spread through her chest at the thought of continuing her family's legacy and protecting Feoh as its Shield Princess. But there was also a sense of peace that came with knowing she didn't have to do it alone; with the Goddess's help and guidance, she could ensure that Feoh would thrive under her rule.

"Wonderful! Now let's return before Claudia adopts Prim and takes her back to Ken." As they exited the pool, Alicia and Celestine began to dry off while walking back toward the others. They passed by a large ornate mirror, and Alicia glanced at her reflection, noting the muscles in her arms and legs that stood out more than usual from the combat training. Her cheeks were flushed from the warm water, giving her a healthy glow. She straightened her posture, feeling more confident and proud than ever.

"So, Your Holiness, do you have any advice for me as I take on this role?" she asked, meeting the Goddess's gaze in the mirror.

Celestine smiled knowingly. "Of course, my dear. First and foremost, remember that you are not alone. You have your cousin and your trusted knights to guide and support you. Do not be afraid to seek their counsel when necessary." Alicia nodded, taking the advice to heart. "I will remember that," she said with determination. As they continued back to where Prim and Claudia were waiting, Alicia felt a sense of purpose and responsibility settling over her like a warm blanket. She could already see herself leading her people, protecting them from harm, and ensuring that Feoh flourished under her charge.

"And secondly," Celestine continued, her voice gentle but firm, "remember that your duty as a ruler extends beyond mere protection. You must also care for your people's wellbeing. Ensure that they are fed, sheltered, and have access to education and healthcare. It is only by building a strong, compassionate kingdom that you will truly succeed."

As they rejoined the others, Alicia bowed her head respectfully to the Goddess. "Thank you, Your Holiness." Celestine returned the gesture with a warm smile. "You are most welcome, Princess Alicia. I have every confidence that you will make a wonderful Shield Princess of Feoh." A wave of approval washed over Alicia as she felt the weight of the Goddess's trust settle onto her shoulders.

"Don't fuss too much, Prim. Your hair needs thorough washing."

"Muo! Claudia!" Celestine giggles at the sight of her personal guard washing the young princess.

"Claudia, you're not allowed to adopt Prim." "Oh, really? Well, someone's got to take care of her!" Claudia scoffs, giving a dramatic little huff.

They all giggled at the woman's words.

In another place, in a tavern not far from the Coliseum of Feoh...

"Wheeeeeee..." Dante drunkenly slurred. Together with Mika and Lycoris, which she manhandled both, are now celebrating in a random tavern they found, drinking and eating with gusto.

Well... Dante is.

Mika and Lycoris don't drink alcohol and they need to be sober to keep the drunk elf for doing anything she might regret while drunk.

The three companions were in high spirits as they continued to celebrate their recent victory. While Dante happily guzzled down her ale, Mika and Lycoris kept a careful eye on her, making sure she didn't do anything too outrageous. The tavern had become increasingly rowdy as the night went on, but despite the noise and commotion, the three of them managed to find a quiet corner where they could relax and enjoy each other's company.

As they sat there, Dante began to regale them with stories of her past exploits as a paladin. Her voice was loud and boisterous, drawing the attention of those around them. Mika and Lycoris listened intently, their expressions reflecting a mixture of amusement and admiration for their drunken friend.

Shortly, they began sharing their origins for Mika, who is still new to their trio.

Lycoris revealed that she is born Eostia despite her Eastern features. Her mother was a Miko, an Eastern Priestess, who fell in love with a candy maker. Soon afterwards, they got married and had her.

As how she became a swordswoman despite her non-violent background, she would never speak a single word.

Meanwhile, Dante's origin is rather grandiose. She came from a noble family of elves in their homeland, far from Eostia across the seas. She became a Paladin and later, wandered the world due to her thirst for adventure. She's just free spirited and wanderlust for exploration.

As per Mika's origin...

"Waaaaaaaah! It's so sad!" Dante sobbed in a drunken stupor as Mika told his tale. A simple orphan taken by blacksmiths.

Lycoris gave the sobbing elf a flat look before turning to Mika. "Now look at what you did, you made her cry." She grumbled halfheartedly as she patted her sobbing friend's back.

"I didn't know she was that sensitive or weak to such stories while drunk out of her mind." Mika hissed. "How many did she drink already, five? Eight mugs of mead?"

Dante wiped her tears and sniffled, chuckling. "Ahahaha... You're right, Mika... I'm sorry... I... I shouldn't be like that..." She turned to Lycoris, pouting. "You're so mean..." She giggled again, her tone light and airy, barely a hint of her drunken state.

"But enough of that spoilwspowt! Drink!" Before Lycoris knew it, a mug of mead was forced to her. With her unmatchable strength, a drunk Dante forced the Eastern woman to drink while Mika snickered in the background.

Lycoris' eyes snap wide open as the burning alcohol pours into her mouth down to her throat and gullet. She coughs violently, her eyes watering, as she tries to get a hold of herself. Dante laughs heartily, seemingly unfazed by Lycoris's discomfort. "There, there, Lycoris. It's not as bad as mead from home, you know!" She winks at the Eastern swordswoman, her expression teetering between intoxication and amusement.

Mika laughed at her predicament. Big mistake as he was Dante's next victim. With a devious snicker, Dante reaches over and snatches the mug of mead from Mika's hand. Before he can react, she presses it firmly to his lips, forcing him to drink. "Drink up, dear knight!" she slurs, her voice surprisingly clear despite her inebriation. Mika chokes and sputters, coughing loudly into his fist as the alcohol burns its way down his throat. Dante giggles gleefully, enjoying the show.

A friendship was born tonight.

Later...

(Toxins Purged from the system)

Mika woke up to the sound of grunts and moans. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of Lycoris drunk and moaning expression close to his.

Looking down, he saw the cause of the moans. His cock repeatedly impaling the woman, his hips absently moving on its own.

At the sight, something snapped inside of him.

(Perk activation: Aggressive)

Mika reached up with both hands and grabbed Lycoris's wrists, forcing her down onto his cock. Her mouth opened in a gasp of surprise as she felt herself impaled on Mika's length. He growled, the sound low and animalistic, as he began to thrust up into her. With each thrust, he increased the speed and power behind it, driving deeper and harder into her body.

Dante, still drunk but starting to become more aware of her surroundings, looked over as she heard the commotion. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight before her. "Oh... my..." she slurred, a blush creeping onto her pale cheeks. Lycoris, caught off guard by the sudden change in Mika's demeanor, moaned loudly as their hips slapped together in a furious rhythm.

"Mika... sto-stop..." Mika ignored Lycoris's pleas as he continued to thrust into her with all his might. He grunted with each thrust, feeling a primal urge taking over him. His muscles bunched and flexed as he pounded his length deeper into her, feeling her inner walls clenching around him with each movement. Sweat glistened on their bodies, mixing with the alcohol and the fluids that covered them.

"Aaah! Aah! Ah!" Lycoris cried out as his cock repeatedly bottomed in and out of tight cunt. She is very grateful their on a bed right now or the young Mika would be fucking her through the ground by now.

Mika growled low in his throat as he felt Lycoris's warmth envelop him, her inner walls clenching and milking his cock with each thrust. The sensation was overwhelming, driving him deeper into the haze of lust and desire. His hips bucked wildly, his powerful thighs flexing as he took her roughly, claiming her as his own.

"Yes...yes..." Lycoris moaned, her head thrashing back and forth on the pillow. She tried to match his rhythm, but found herself unable to keep up with his ferocious pace. With each thrust, he seemed to gain more strength, more determination to possess her completely. Her breasts heaved as she struggled for breath, her nipples hardening to points beneath her bodice.

As Mika continued to pound into Lycoris, his movements became more frenzied, his strength seemingly inhuman. The bed creaked and groaned beneath them, threatening to collapse at any moment.

Lycoris struggled to keep up, gripping the sheets as Mika's powerful thrusts drove her deeper and deeper into the bed. Her cries of pleasure mixed with the sounds of flesh slapping against flesh, filling the air as their bodies moved together in a primal dance.

"I'm close!" Mika groaned, warning her of his impending orgasm.

"Do it inside, it's safe today." As if fuelled by Lycoris's words, Mika let out a bestial growl and released his seed deep inside her. His cock throbbed as he emptied himself into her warmth, filling her up with hot, sticky cum. The force of his orgasm caused the bed to shift beneath them, nearly throwing them off balance.

Lycoris cried out as she felt Mika's seed spill deep inside her, the sensation overwhelming but oh so good. Her body trembled from the intensity of their shared release, her inner walls squeezing and milking the last drops of his cum from his spent cock. She clung to him, their sweaty bodies pressed tightly together, as their breathing began to slow and their hearts raced.

"Sorry..."

"Shut up and just go to sleep, we'll talk tomorrow." Lycoris was still panting heavily as Mika spoke, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Mika nodded and tried to pull himself out of her.

Tried is the keyword.

"Just... Just stay inside of me for a bit and go to sleep." Mika looked at Lycoris. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was just the heat of the moment, but something made him pause. He glanced down at her, taking in her flushed cheeks and mussed hair, and suddenly found himself wanting to stay nestled inside her warmth.

With a sigh, he nodded and complied, slowly withdrawing his spent cock from her, until only the head remained. Then, with a gentle thrust, he slid back inside, hilt-deep. Lycoris moaned softly, her inner walls clenching around him reflexively.

"There... that's better." She murmured, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her body against his. Using her soft breasts as cushions, he tried to go to sleep.

Suddenly both of them snapped awake.

"Where's Dante!?/ Where's the big titted cow?!" Mika and Lycoris screamed at each other respectively.

Scrambling awake, they tried to find their clothes and search for the missing elf.

Until Lycoris slipped on a puddle of cum.

"Eeep!" Lycoris yelped as she fell on her ass, still naked. Mika turned to her, confusion and concern etching his features. "Lycoris? You alright?" He asked, a slight tremor in his voice. His gaze flickered towards the puddle of cum on the floor.

It was flowing.

Following the current, he found its source. Dante's well fucked pussy.

The elf herself is on the floor twitching and convulsing with fucked stupid grin on her face as semen flowed out of her pussy.

"There she is." Mika flatly stated.

Lycoris gave him a halfhearted glare. "You fucked her too?" Mika raised his hands in surrender.

"Hey! We're all drunk and whose fault is that?" He rebuked back, pointing out Dante's unconscious body.

Lycoris rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile a little. "Fair point," she muttered as she stood up and retrieved her clothes from the floor. "We'd better get her cleaned up, the night is still young."

A few minutes later...

Mika and Lycoris managed to drag Dante's unconscious body into the bathroom, where they stripped her down and filled the tub with warm water. After washing and drying her up, they settled her on the bed they just made love with.

Lycoris sighed in relief before noticing their state of undress. Her eyes then wandered to Mika's hard erect cock.

The same cock that plundered her virginity just now.

"Wanna... do it again?" Mika's eyes lit up at Lycoris's words. His cock twitched in response, leaking a few drops of pre-cum. "Sure, why not?" he grinned, climbing onto the bed and positioning himself between her spread legs. He gripped his erection and guided it towards her entrance. "But this time, I want to make sure I give you something special."

As he pushed forward, he leaned down and kissed Lycoris passionately, their tongues tangling together as he slowly thrust into her. Her body arched off the bed, moaning into their kiss as he filled her once again. She wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling him deeper inside her, their bodies moving together in a rhythmic dance of pleasure.

For the entire night, they made love. Dante, oblivious to the coupling right next to her snored in her sleep.

In Feoh's Knight Barracks...

The barracks is full of activity. A band of Orcs were sighted a few kilometers too close to the walls of the kingdom.

Marion and her fellow knights prepared themselves to ride in the night, scouting the Orc party. As the knights of Feoh gathered in the Knight Barracks, anticipation filled the air. The Orc threat loomed large, and it was up to them to scout out their location and determine the best course of action.

As they ride through the night, a foreboding feeling chilled Marion. Her thoughts went to Mika, her young student and dare she say it, her son.

Unknown to them, danger lurks nearby.

Oooooooooooooooooooh...

Any Questions?