บท 23: Now both our chests are exposed

Arthur, still seated in his opulent chair, gazed pensively down upon the sprawling arena below.

The crowd's collective murmurs and cheers echoed through the colossal stadium, creating a vibrant backdrop to the imminent showdown.

His sharp, calculating eyes remained fixed on Asorth, the enigmatic warrior who stood at the center, her presence magnetic and foreboding.

Asorth's eyes, like sapphires reflecting moonlight, bore into Arthur's, their intensity almost beckoning him to descend. He couldn't ignore the challenge that hung in the air, a challenge that seemed to tug at his very core.

"I'd like to avoid injuring my own harem…but if it's something unavoidable, then I have no choice," Arthur pondered silently, the weight of responsibility heavy upon him.

With a determined breath, he rose from his grandiose throne, the burnished metal ornately carved with intricate patterns.

Mona, standing just behind him, voiced her concerns in a hushed tone, her eyes never leaving Asorth's imposing figure. "Are you going down there already?" She inquired, her voice carrying the sincerity of a trusted ally. "Will you be battling her all by yourself? I can help you…".

"No need, just stay here and don't cause any problems".

Arthur's decisive words hung in the air, commanding attention as he turned to address Sina, his loyal confidante.

"Make sure they don't do anything to interfere with the match," Arthur instructed, his voice firm but tinged with a trace of concern.

He walked away, every step echoing with determination, the eyes of Eldoria's women locked onto him, their collective anticipation almost tangible.

Sina's demeanor softened, a subtle smile playing on her lips as she watched Arthur's retreating figure. "Looks like master has made up his mind," she remarked.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the room, Raiden, her arms defiantly crossed, couldn't help but voice her frustration.

"Who's this woman anyway, and why does Master Arthur have to fight her? I don't why but it's pissing me off." Her lips pouted, and her brows furrowed in annoyance.

Isla, standing beside Raiden, maintained her characteristic composure. Her gaze remained fixed on the arena below, her eyes shimmering.

"She's strong, I can't tell … but master Arthur is stronger," she affirmed, her voice carrying the conviction of unwavering loyalty.

As the women of Eldoria awaited the unfolding battle, their unity and trust in their master served as an unbreakable bond amidst the tension that filled the air.

"Can I kill her already?... I wanna kill her." Mona's fervent declaration sliced through the tension like a dagger.

Her eyes, a tempest of unbridled determination, remained locked onto Asorth's distant figure. Clutched close to her chest, her sword seemed to hum with eager anticipation, ready to be unleashed.

Sina, observing the trio, couldn't help but feel a shiver of unease course through her. She understood all too well why Arthur had kept these formidable women close to him. Their loyalty was unquestionable, but their volatile spirits were a force to be reckoned with.

...

Meanwhile, Arthur's measured steps led him on a deliberate path toward the arena. The surroundings transformed as he approached, the stadium's grandeur becoming more apparent with each stride. Rows upon rows of eager spectators although they couldn't fill the seats, their voices a rising crescendo of excitement.

As Asorth, his enigmatic adversary, came into clearer view, the atmosphere grew charged with anticipation. Her poised stance, sword held with graceful authority, conveyed a quiet confidence that echoed across the arena.

As Arthur advanced toward the arena, the bustling ambiance of the surroundings seemed to momentarily fade into the background. It was then that Luna, a warm smile gracing her face, appeared before him, her presence radiant and comforting.

With a single step, Luna closed the distance between them, her figure fitting snugly against his, their closeness conveying an unspoken bond between mother and son. Her eyes, filled with concern, locked onto his with a subtle intensity.

"Are you disappointed that mummy lost?" Luna inquired, her voice a hushed whisper, her lips dangerously close to his face, sending a shiver down his spine. Her instincts were as fierce as her love for him.

Arthur's gaze, initially fixed on Asorth in the distance, shifted slowly back to his mother. He sighed, his expression a blend of understanding and affection. "I can tell you lost on purpose," he murmured, his arms encircling her waist, pulling her closer into a reassuring embrace.

His voice was a soothing balm, meant to ease her worries. "Stop being so overprotective… I can take care of myself".

He whispered in her ear.

"Someone is trying to enter the village, probably a thief coming for the crops… you should go check it out." Arthur uttered before letting go and continuing his advance.

Luna stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest, her russet hair stirred by a gentle breeze that rustled through the tall grass.

The remnants of Arthur's breath, a subtle, almost electric sensation, lingered on her earlobe, igniting an unexpected blush upon her cheeks.

Her wide, sapphire eyes struggled to make sense of the tumultuous emotions swirling within her.

Arthur, undeterred by Luna's momentary hesitation, pressed on, marching purposefully toward Asorth.

His voice, commanding , carried the weight of his impending challenge to her. "Asorth," he bellowed with conviction, "I can tell from the way you're looking at me, you really want to battle me".

Arthur, in a display of bravado, began to peel off his shirt. The muscles beneath, sculpted and glistening in the waning light. The fabric surrendered with a soft sigh.

"Why not… I get to battle the next chief, I consider it an honor." Asorth responded, slightly raising her sword.

'Ever since I was raised here… I always wanted to see what the prophecy was about, a young man, worthy enough to earn the love of every Eldorian, it seemed impossible, but the longer he stayed in the village, the more these woman show affection towards him… if that is my faith too… then I refused to fall for a man weaker them me.' She spoke in her mind, her eyes covered with determination.

Once Arthur was done pulling off his shirt, he stood there, a few distance away from Asorth and he spoke.

"Now we are even… both our chests are exposed." He spoke.