Clorinde, the Champion Duelist, and the Duke of the Fortress of Meropide find themselves growing closer after working together on the fortress's security system. With shared values and intense missions, the two must navigate difficult situations whi...
Clorinde could barely contain her excitement as she prepared to step onto the stage. Today wasn't just about winning the tournament—it was about getting one step closer to finding out who Wriothesley liked. Was it her? Or was he just naturally playful and teasing? The question lingered in her mind as she carefully readied her weapons, arriving at the arena early.
Navia and Furina were already there, deep in conversation. Furina looked tense, clearly anxious about their upcoming match. "I don't know," Furina admitted, her voice betraying her nerves. "He seems like a monster."
Navia, ever supportive, placed a hand on Furina's back, trying to encourage her. "You've made it this far, Furina. You should be proud, no matter what happens."
Clorinde approached her friends, her presence bringing a sense of calm. "And that's coming from someone who once doubted her own abilities," she said with a soft smile, resting a reassuring hand on Furina's shoulder. "You are a formidable fighter, and even if you lose, you should be proud of everything you've accomplished."
Furina took a deep breath, her posture relaxing slightly. "You're right. We've come a long way," she admitted, allowing herself a small smile.
Navia, relieved to see Furina calming down, turned to Clorinde with a raised eyebrow. "I never got to ask—where were you yesterday?" she asked, her tone half-scolding but playful.
Clorinde shrugged, a bit embarrassed. "My alarm clock broke. I overslept."
Navia laughed, shaking her head. "Well, I guess that can happen to the best of us."
The three women shared a moment of laughter, the tension momentarily easing. But in the back of Clorinde's mind, the stakes of the day's matches loomed large. She was eager, not just for the thrill of the fight, but for the answers that might follow if they won. Today was about more than just victory.
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More and more ships arrived and anchored around the arena, the excitement growing as the crowd gathered to witness the last three battles. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators eagerly awaiting the final matches. The judges made their appearance, with Childe looking the most excited.
As the medical boat took its position, ready for any injuries that might arise, Neuvillette stood and addressed the eager audience. "Today, we will crown a winner," he announced, his voice clear and commanding. "I am eager to see which two teams will stand victorious after the first round of combat. Please, a round of applause for all the teams that have made it this far."
The crowd erupted into cheers, the sound echoing across the water. Former contestants, now spectators, cheered from the sidelines.
As the noise subsided and the tension settled back over the arena, Clorinde glanced toward her friends, Navia and Furina, who were preparing for their own match. She felt a twinge of concern but quickly snapped her focus back to Wriothesley, who was standing next to her, already keyed into the plan.
