Beautiful Scar

Chapter 31

The remaining days before the voyage, Scarlet released her men from their duties and ordered them to return to their hometowns and villages. Take the time off. Spend times with their wives and families and to return afresh on the day of the expedition.

Hence the training session with Captain Scarlet became lesser and less crowded until remained Officer Lucas and the five suitors. The training hall felt more spacious and echoes started to vibrate through the walls, more so with the tunes of Scarlet's barking orders and nitpickings.

It was unfortunately more thorough than before.

Today was the last training session with Captain Scarlet, at least before they embarked overseas.

The five suitors had been training shirtless, revealing growing muscles and toned bodies. They were unsure whether the habits of Scarlet's men were growing onto them or that of Scarlet's.

The weather had been heated and they believed the upcoming days over the salty water would be even worse, especially in the high noon.

Even Scarlet discarded her mass uniform and sparred with them with nothing but her wrapped chest-torso and pants, wielding blades and her own self with ease almost like an exotic dance performer.

However, the suitors were gritting their teeth, holding their bodies off the ground, with arms shaking. The clock ticking was growing louder but did not ease the pain and sweats accumulating.

"And...stop".

The men collapsed on the cold floor.

Scarlet calmly stashed her pocket watch. She rolled her eyes at the suitors she had to groom of.

They had improved.

Neville and Zuber were more toned and quicker in their pace.

James and Jakel had packed more muscles, even turning heads of maidservants and nobleladies.

And Dylan was surprisingly quiet these days. He didn't raise his voice and uttered things which would tick Scarlet's temper. He only muttered complaints under his breath. He sighed and groaned in exhaustion but that was that.

Well, less headache to deal with, thought Scarlet.

But they were all still...weak. Weaker than her men, weaker than her. Weaker than the Princess.

No matter, there was the training on the ship during their sea-faring to come.

"Well done, Gentlemen", finally Captain Scarlet spoke. Praised. "You've completed your one-third of the training".

"One-third?" Dylan breathed in disbelief. He should've known it was too good to be true. His body aching, breathing ragged.

"We still have near two months for this Battle Royale to end, there are still long ways to go for any of you lot to be worthy to stand by as the future Queen's Consort", Scarlet said as a matter of fact.

James' expression was paler compared to the rest. He didn't know how he kept up with Scarlet's regime but even if he had made it this far, he was far from being used to the Captain or the Warrior's way.

He almost whimpered hearing her remarks. How much torture must he endured?

And the additional tasks Captain Scarlet curated for him.

"Let's be off then, clean up yourselves and we convene with the Princess and her Lady Companions in the town market", Scarlet ordered.

The suitors saluted albeit tiredly. But they found the strength to make haste and leave the training hall.