The day winded to a close after a few more intense battles. Rasheena's bout had continued, and to the surprise of no one, she emerged the victor. Several match-ups followed up, but none were as exciting as the first few that kicked off the tournament. Revah's battle had been postponed until tomorrow. She, Pan, and Runald were going to take the stage, as well as being the favorites to win their matches.
Each victor from the first day carried the prestige of winning in the form of increased popularity. Kanae, Arenade, and their family tried to get to Nelly, but he was too far deep in a mob of friends and colleagues. Between girls who wanted to get to know him better and boys looking up to him, he was quickly turning into a heartthrob in Knights' Academy.
It was just too bad Nelly was spoken for.
Kanae's eldest daughter, Teana, descended from the sky. Everyone parted away. She landed right next to Nelly, linking an arm with him immediately.
"I'm huuunngry! Let's go get some grub." Teana groaned.
"In that case, how about we eat out as a family?" Kanae offered.
Nelly and Teana spun around and gasped. Arenade ruined the moment when she shoved Kanae aside. The proud mother planted both hands on her adopted son's cheeks.
"You kicked ass out there, Nelly! I expected nothing less of my son!" Arenade exclaimed.
"Ugh… Thanksh… now can you let go of my fashe…" Nelly pleaded, unable to escape her vise.
As soon as Arenade stopped doting on him, Kanade and Suvee grabbed a hand each from him.
"We saw your fight! You were so cool!" Suvee cheered.
"I expected nothing less of my brother." Kanade nodded, mimicking her mom in praise.
"What about me? What about me? You guys have anything good to say about your big sister?" Teana pointed to herself.
"You were great, too. I knew you were strong, but I didn't know you were that strong!" Mikki complimented.
"Heh. My bloodline is secured with a granddaughter like you. You're going to be an unstoppable broodmother one day!" Moira motioned Aisha closer to Teana to pat her on the head.
Teana puffed out her chest and smiled.
They left Aidenhall as one big family to eat out in the city. Few restaurants boasted large enough tables to accommodate them. Fewer still could fill their bellies. Esta, knowing Radevic like the back of her hand, showed them to a busy place in the middle of the city named Dire's End. It was a restaurant that regularly purchased slain dire beasts from adventurers to butcher for sale. The owners of the establishment were a family of dark elves, who took pride in flaying the meat off the bones of terrifying monsters.
Although Dire's End wasn't the most upscale establishment, the rustic aesthetic and simple architecture gave the impression of a homely tavern that made them feel right at home. Empty upturned barrels served as seats, and large wooden boards were laid over stools to be tables. Several taxidermies of dire beasts furnished the restaurant floor. Trophy heads hung precariously from the rafters, too.
Food came plentifully, and the air quickly smelled gamey like the wilderness these beasts had come from. Kanae spared no expenses to feed her family.
"Meat! More meat!" Feraline demanded while chomping down her fourth roasted cockatrice thigh. A pile of bones rested on its plate beside her.
"Feraline, please mind your manners. You're making a mess!" Kanae sighed.
"Haha! I don't even know any hobgoblins that can match her appetite. Here, kid. Have mine." Aisha pushed her plate across the table, and Feraline didn't hesitate to eat someone else's food.
"Mom, I think Dawn is getting hungry. Do your boobs have milk?" Suvee came up from behind her with the baby cradled in both arms.
"No, of course not. I haven't had milk for years!" She turned to Arenade for help.
"You think I have any?" Arenade glared at her for even thinking about it.
A middle-aged dark elven woman, one of the owners of Dire's End, came up to their table and put down a waterskin sloshing with liquid.
"Suvius mammoth milk. On the house." The proprietress matron nodded before walking away.
"Thank you!" Kanae called back.
"I wanna feed her!" Suvee snatched the milk and returned to her seat.
At one side of the table, Moira, Mitty, Teana, and Mikki were catching up. On the other, Arenade was gossiping to Esta and Nelly. Kanade and Suvee were taking turns playing mom to Dawn, and Feraline continued scarfing away at any food near her. Kanae leaned back in her seat and smiled. This made everything she did worth it.
The front doors to Dire's End burst open. A large harpy woman entered, followed by a human man and a hulking lamia woman. Kanae recognized them immediately— Sivvy Brenhallow, the Knight of Red; William Bellevue, the Knight of Azure; and Garuda, the Knight of Umbre in-training.
"You guys are gonna love this place. They got the freshest and tastiest bones I've ever swallowed," Sivvy said on the way in.
"No, Red… Like I said, if I swallow bones like you do, I'm going to choke to death!" Will groaned.
"With that attitude, yeah." She laughed.
"Looks like we crashed a party." Garuda grinned.
Kanae and Esta excused themselves to join their colleagues at an adjacent table. They also ordered a ton of food, but of an unusual kind. Sivvy ordered bones, Garuda ordered raw meat, and Will, the odd one out, watched in horror with the only normal plate of food as his companions gorged their meals.
"Five Knights of Colors in one place. This is quite the sight. A welcome one. Ivory and Gold couldn't make it?" Esta asked them.
"Gold went to hang with a friend, and Ivory's handling last minute paperwork with Archbishop Patrice about the prisoner swap. The one that involves Darren and the high elves," Will leaned in and whispered.
"Boring politics. When the Ortesian diplomats arrive, you should just kill them all." Garuda's tail flicked excitedly at the idea until Kanae's glare shut her down. "Er, sorry…"
The tension vanished when Feraline trotted up Sivvy with a plate of smoked venison.
"Sharing is caring," Feraline said.
"Awww. This is Amethyst and Silver's kid, right? Thanks, squirt! But I've got more of an appetite for what the meat's attached to. I'll take these off your table for ya." Sivvy reached over to take the plate of bones off the other table, then swallowed one whole in front of the drakeling girl.
"Food?" She cocked her head, grabbed a bone, and was about to do the same until Kanae stopped her.
"Let's stick to eating meat and save bones for when you're older," Kanae said, ushering Feraline back to her sisters.
"By the way, are the rest of you joining the tournament?" Esta asked.
All three affirmed that they were going to fight. Kanae only knew about the under tournament. Archbishop Patrice personally handled the participants of the upper counterpart. She was certain most, if not all, Knights of Colors were going to fight.
"I'm not really jumping at the fact that Petyr Stormcloud's fighting though." Will sulked, having already accepted defeat.
"Petyr might be one of the strongest there is, but she isn't invincible. I hope I get a chance to trade some punches with her, but the archbishop is keeping the match-ups a secret." Red threw her head back and groaned.
"Do you know?" Garuda asked Kanae.
"Nope. I'm in the dark, too." Kanae shook her head.
The rest of the night continued with plenty of boasting and gloating about who was going to win. When everyone's bellies were about to burst, they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. Teana and Nelly headed back to the Aidenhall dorms together. Aisha joined the Knights of Colors trio to be with Will. Arenade relinquished Kanade and Suvee to Kanae to watch over, so she could hurry back to her mansion in Brighton where the goblins awaited for another round.
More people turned out for the second day of the under tournament than the first. Word of mouth about how exciting it was spread quickly. A lot of people probably thought initiate and juniors knights had little to show for. The participants yesterday proved the opposite. The introduction of special guests like Rasheena also spiced things up.
Today, Nelly and Teana were seated with family in the VIP booth. Kanae was sparing some time to sit with them before heading down to proctor the matches. Her daughter Pan was due to fight later, and Revah's match had been moved up since Rasheena took over previously. She spotted Petyr coming into the booth, locked eyes with her, and then opted to sit away from the rest of them.
Kanae got up to join the high elf.
"I sat away for a reason." Petyr clicked her tongue.
"I'll be out of your hair in a few minutes. How's training Runald been?" Kanae asked.
"The boy is diligent, I'll give him that much. But he tries too hard. Feels he has too much to prove. I tried to beat it out of him, but some people just cling harder than they should," she explained.
But what did Runald have to prove?
"Alright, where is he? I probably shouldn't as proctor, but I'll go talk to him real quick," Kanae said.
"Hmph. Hearing from you might be what Runald needs. He's at the east entrance, waiting to be called out. Make sure he wins. It would be an embarrassment to me if my training fails him." Petyr waved her off.
Kanae descended from the booth and flew across the arena as seats were still filling up. She found Runald leaning against the tunnel, muttering to himself. He seemed so distracted, she was able to sneak up to him beyond his notice.
"Come on, Runald. Get a grip. You got this. Reginald is good, but he isn't Nelly or Teana. I'm going to have to fight them later if I win anyway…" Runald said to himself.
"You're overthinking things." Kanae poked his cheek.
"AHH!" He jumped into the air. "Oh, it's just you… Don't scare me like—"
Kanae scooped Runald into her arms and planted a deep kiss on him. He melted in her embrace. She pinned him against the wall and shoved her tongue down his throat. Their crotches rubbed together, and he grew erect in an instant. When they parted, he was deeply red and his eyes were spinning.
"D-Damn it, Kanae! I'm about to fight. I can't go out there with… this!" Runald gestured to his erection.
"Well, I have just the thing to fix that." Kanae lifted her skirt.
"I shouldn't. I have to focus on this fight," he said.
"Petyr told me you had something on your mind that was bothering you. I came to cheer you up. So, what is it?" she asked.
Grimacing, Runald averted his gaze.
"You can tell me! Or, I can tease it out of you." Kanae hovered around him.
"I… I don't feel… worthy of you," Runald said, turning red again.
"What? I like you, and you like me. Isn't that enough? You turned your back on your house to stay here."
"Arenade is your empress-consort. Noah is heir to Highgreen. Mitty's a famous adventurer in his own way. And Titan has a big dick. What do I have? Nothing. I'm just a high elf that was mean to you and in over his head. I thought if I can win this tournament, I can be someone for you," he explained.
Kanae cupped Runald's face and sighed. Then, without warning, she pulled his pants down, pinned him against the tunnel again, and slipped his dick into her pussy.
"W-Wait, what are you doing?!" Runald cried.
"I'm proving to you that you're mine whether you feel the same way or not!" Kanae thrusted her hips forward.
"What if someone walks in on us! Stop! Ahh… Ooohh… you're squeezing me so hard…" He winced as she picked up speed.
Kanae whipped her tail below and opened its slimy prongs to massage his balls. Runald's face contorted in pleasure.
"You don't have anything to prove. There's no need to put yourself on a pedestal against others. I'm going to fuck your doubts out of you!" Kanae exclaimed.
"You'll drain me dry before my match even starts— ahhh!" Runald shuddered, hugging her tightly and blowing a thick load.
"Feeling better?" she asked.
"Uugh… A little…" He buried his face between her breasts.
Bellowing horns signaled that the second day of the tournament was about to begin. King Turren and Archbishop Patrice were already giving another speech outside. Kanae got off Runald and produced a wand to clean them both up. Fortunately, their quick romp was enough to get him soft.
"I'll leave you to your thoughts. I need to go out there first," Kanae said.
"Kanae, wait!" Runald shouted, and she turned around to face him. "There's something important I want to tell you, I… erm…" He tried to muster up the courage but ultimately failed to. "I appreciate you checking up on me. Thanks."
Kanae chuckled. She wasn't blind to Runald feelings. His youth and lack of experience made him waver.
"You win your round today, and I'm bringing you back to Amethyst Hall to have sex as a reward. All. Night. Long." Kanae winked.
"Supreme One, save me… Look what you did again!" Runald sprung another erection.
Kanae made it outside just as the king and archbishop had finished their speeches, welcoming the spectators and the contestants alike. Just like the first day, Patrice handed her the voice-amplifying magic scroll.
"It is my pleasure to once again introduce the competitors to the arena on the second day! Runald Aespir and Reginald Court!" Kanae announced.
Both elves entered from the opposite side of each other. Runald had a bit of a waddle to him. The crowned Battlemage Reginald donned chainmail and wielded a half-stave. His class was a cross between melee fighter and spellcaster, capable of seamlessly transitioning between the two mid-combat, as well as weaving magic into their martial skills.
"Begin!" Kanae shouted.
Right away, Runald seized the initiative and ran straight for Reginald. The Battlemage, however, transformed his staff into a long spear made of arcane magic. He thrusted it forward, and Runald dipped to avoid it. Reginald just as quickly morphed the spear into a sword for a shorter reach. Arcane clashed with steel as their blades connected. Runald shield-bashed his dark elven counterpart.
"Pillar of Flames!" When Reginald staggered back, he incanted a spell that made the ground erupt with fiery columns.
Runald did an unthinkable move. He flung his shield. Reginald barely conjured a frontal barrier. The round shield embedded into the protective arcane barrier, causing cracks to snake all over it. Meanwhile, Runald raced around the Pillar of Flames and appeared at his opponent's flank.
Battlemages boasted the best of both classes. Ranged spells and area of effect magic combined with the resilience of a frontline combatant. Runald, as a Swordsman, had to set the pace for the fight. Otherwise, Reginald would control too much and eventually wear him down. Petyr must have taught him to always stay close, and as Runald struck again—
"Compel Duel!" Runald yelled.
Reginald gasped. When the dark elf tried to put distance between them, his body refused to listen and stayed put to meet Runald's challenge.
Kanae had seen Compel Duel used by Camilla once. It forced opponents caught in range to fight the initiator for a short time. Reginald couldn't escape.
"Got you," Runald said, thrusting his longsword forward.
"Tch. Mana Bomb!" A magical circle carved into the ground beneath their feet instantaneously— and exploded.
Both combatants went flying, but Runald landed as a smoking mess on the ground. On the other hand, a magical barrier surrounded Reginald. He was unharmed, but at a steep cost. Sweat dripped down his face in streaks.
"Almost out of mana, huh?" Runald picked himself on unsteady legs. "The thing about being a Battlemage… is that you only have a fraction of the mana… an actual crowned Mage does."
"I'm not the one about to keel over, Runald." Reginald chided.
"Doesn't matter if I am. I got a new mentor lately. She says that it doesn't matter how hard I get beat. I better 'get the fuck up and keep fighting' anyway. I'm more scared of her than you." He smirked.
"Pft. Yeah, we know all about the traitor training you. The former Knight of Gold. You high elves flock together. It's no surprise. I'm going to knock you off your high horse right now— Arcane Flurry!" The Battlemage transformed his half-stave into a curved sword and slashed the air, sending magical projections forward.
Runald picked up his round shield, blocked the first few blades, dodged the rest, and then made a run for Reginald. The remaining Arcane Flurry chased after him, homing in on where he went. As the Battlemage prepared to meet Runald head on, Kanae recognized that he hoped the pincer move would finish him.
However, Runald threw himself to the side. Arcane Flurry couldn't turn in time, and Reginald put up another magical barrier to defend himself against his own spell. Each hit cracked more than the next. Runald got to his feet and flung his shield again, this time smashing through the barrier and knocking Reginald out.
The spectators were in disbelief, but their shock lasted only for a brief second. They burst into cheers soon after. Kanae landed to check on Reginald, but Runald beat her to it. His opponent was just coming back to consciousness, hand pressed to the bump on his forehead.
"You're pretty good…" Runald grinned, offering him a hand.
"Nnh… Yeah, you're not so bad yourself…" Reginald accepted, and they both helped each other stand.
Kanae rested a hand on their shoulders, casting Flash Heal to restore some of their injuries enough to not fall over. The clerics rushed in to provide stronger healing magic. They put Reginald on a stretcher, but Runald declined their aid. He stayed with Kanae for a little while longer.
"How did I do?" Runald asked.
"Petyr would tell you that your performance was adequate. I, on the other hand…" Kanae leaned in to whisper in his ear, "I'm going to ride you so hard tonight, you won't be able to stand the next day to face Nelly or Teana."
"You've got to stop doing that!" He sprung another erection and vainly tried to keep his legs closed.