Happily Ever After

Chapter 36

(Y/N) POV

"Milady, I cannot possibly do that. I-"

"It's alright, Claude. I don't plan on killing your master," I assured him. "Besides... you're the one who's going to do it for him anyway."

I noticed their eyes widen in shock at my remark for a fraction of a second before returning back to their usual state. Alois and Claude were quick to hide it, but definitely not quick enough.

"Ahem," Alois cleared his throat. "A duel... is that what you want?" Alois asked.

"Precisely." I nodded in agreement.

"What's on the line then?" Alois tilted his head on the side.

"The truth."

"The truth?"

"If I win, you will tell me everything."

"And if you lose?"

"We shall never speak of this ever again. I shall turn a blind eye and continue playing pretend, as if nothing happened. I won't ask any further questions."

Alois paused and thought about my offer for a minute. "Alright. Deal."

"Good. Meet me at the fencing room in fifteen minutes. See you there."

~•~

"Seems like somebody took their time." I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

Alois entered the fencing room all geared up, complete with the needed equipment for today's activity.

"Looking great, (Y/N). I haven't seen you dressed up like this for years." Alois eyed me up and down. "Do you still remember how to use a sabre?" He cocked his head to one side.

"Of course I do. I train three times a week. How about you?"

"Absolutely. Claude has been giving me extra lessons."

"Excellent. We shall start at the count of ten," I announced.

Alois and I stood back to back. Then, we proceeded to take ten steps forward before facing each other.

"One."

Step

"Two."

Step

"Three."

Step

"Four."

Step

"Five."

Step

"Six."

Step

"Seven."

Step

"Eight."

Step

"Nine."

Step

"Ten."

Begin!

At the count of ten, I turned my back to face Alois and immediately charged at him. I aimed and swung my sword with elegance and control.

"My, my. Looks like someone's feeling bold today," Alois said while dodging my attack skilfully.

Shing! Clash! Whoosh!

"Not bad, Alois. Not bad at all. Although I can't help but feel as if you're holding back. Go on and come at me like a real man!" I demanded. 

Clang! Whoosh! Swish!

"Relax, (Y/N). I'm still warming up. The real fun begins right... now!" Alois suddenly lunged forward, almost catching me off guard. Good thing I had developed fast reflexes through years of training, so I was able to avoid the blade in time and launch a counterattack seconds later.

Clash! Clang! Shing!

"Nice moves. Didn't expect that earlier. You almost got me," I admitted. "Close, but not close enough."

Whoosh! Clank! Clash!

Alois charged at me once again. This time he was faster, his movements becoming more and precise by the minute. In response, I decided to face him head on instead of dodging. We both stood our ground, refusing to back down.

Shing! Swish! Clang!

I gradually started to match his pace, while still maintaining poise and precision. I wasn't really the barbaric type of person when it comes to duels or battles. The basic fencing techniques did not seem to greatly affect him, just as I expected. So, it was time to step it up. 

"Whoa, whoa. Easy there, tiger. What's gotten into you, hmm?"

Clank! Clash! Whoosh!

I paid no heed to Alois. I didn't need any further distractions at the moment. My eyes were set on the price, mind and body focused on winning this battle as if my life depended on it. 

Shing! Clang! Clash! 

All this time... all this time everything was merely a stupid charade! It was nothing but a web of lies and deception. I'm sick of it. I'm so sick of it! 

Why did he lie? Why didn't he tell me? Is he hiding something from me? I cannot distinguish the truth from the lies anymore. 

Was everything just a pretence? The hugs, the kisses, the concern, the affection, the kindness he had displayed towards me — was it all just a big fat lie? Does he even love me like he said last night, or was that also a downright falsehood?

Whoosh! Swish! Clank!

"(Y/N), stop keeping your head above the clouds," Alois said, his voice pulling me out of my thoughts. He almost made my sword slip from my fingertips, but I was able to prevent it from happening. 

Tightening my grip on the handle, I lunged forward and swung my blade once again. I launched an attack one after another. Each one was faster than the later, leaving no opportunity for Alois to counter them. 

Shing! Clash! Whoosh!

As time went on, I felt my stamina slowly decreasing. 'I won't last for long,' I thought. Because of this, I was left with no choice but it finish the fight once and for all.

Clang! Whoosh! Swish!

Clash! Clang! Shing!

Whoosh! Clank! Clash!

Come on... just a little more. One more push... one more strike. You can do this, (Y/N)... you can win this!

Shing! Clang! Swish!

And with a final swing, I got him right where I wanted — down on his back and a blade on his throat.

"Finally... I got you."

~•~

Apologies my lovely readers if the fighting scene isn't very detailed. This is my first time writing one and I still need more practice. Anyways, I hope they get better in the future. Have a good day/night everyone!