It was the first time for Veronica to see a woman who was fighting with a man barehanded. She was wearing a black top covering her chest and black shorts. Her waist was wrapped with a brown leather belt.
Her short silky hair swung as she moved swiftly at her opponent's left side. Before he could react, her hand struck the lower part of his chest.
Khuuff!
The guy bent on his knees. He couldn't afford to stand anymore. Before he could take a breath, the woman's feet hit his head. With a 'plop' sound, he collapsed on the ground. He lost consciousness.
The audience cheered. It was like they were all supporting the woman. Veronica's ears buzzed. She covered her ears. She noticed some men were collecting money.
She pulled Arthur's sleeve. When he leaned closer, she asked, "Why are they taking money from people?"
Arthur explained, "In this kind of place, watching fighting isn't enough. You have to bet on one of the players who fight inside the ring. If the person you choose loses the game, you lose the bet and pay a penalty. And the winning player wins the money."
"This is great. But why did you bring me here?" She was curious because he always avoided taking her to dangerous places unless it was the only option.
After a pause, he replied, "That's because you want to learn how to fight. I want to support your decision."
"You…" Veronica was stunned. She knew how stubborn her husband was. She didn't expect him to agree with her decision so soon.
Arthur saw her visibly confused face. He held her shoulder and continued, "If you like this fighter, I'll hire her as your teacher. She is the best fighter in this place. You can spar with her."
Veronica grabbed his arm. Her hands were trembling in excitement. "Want! I want to learn!"
Arthur smiled. He talked to a guard and the guard took them to a less crowded place. It was a room with a table and chairs. Behind the table was the woman who fought a while ago sitting with her legs on the table.
She chugged down a mug of beer and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Well, well, what a pleasant surprise for Master Arthur to come to my domain." Her eyes landed on the woman beside him. "And he brought a girl here. Are you on a date? What kind of man chooses a place like this for a date? You are unbelievable."
"My wife likes this kind of place. So, I brought her here," Arthur replied.
The woman was stunned when she heard that. She lowered her legs and sat straight. "Come again?"
Veronica nervously smiled at her and introduced herself, "Hello, I'm Veronica. Arthur is my husband. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The woman laughed in disbelief. "The pleasure is all mine, Mrs! I'm Roxana and I own this place. Please take a seat. I'm not ill-mannered enough to keep my guests standing while I'm seated."
After they sat across from her, she asked Arthur, "When did you get married?"
Arthur's reply was short. "It's been a few months."
Roxana couldn't be more surprised. "You are so secretive. I personally think that's a good thing. I mean all the girls would cry to death if they heard about your marriage. And look at you marry a red-haired beauty. I didn't know she was your type."
Veronica bashfully smiled. She dyed her hair before going out of the tower. Merlin's potion was effective. It lasted longer than she thought.
Arthur took a look at the shy Veronica. His voice was filled with indulgence when said, "It's not about type. It's about her."
Roxana stared at him in amazement. "Oh, now you know how to shower your love. Dang it! I never thought I would see this day. I could certainly bet that I would marry before you."
"You, Roxana? Marry a guy?" Arthur didn't believe her words.
The woman in question shrugged. "I know. Marriage isn't for me. I didn't imagine marriage was your thing either."
Arthur took Veronica's hand and squeezed it gently. "People change when they meet the right person."
Roxana held her palm. "All right! Enough of that. You are making me jealous. So, what brings you here? I'm sure it's not for a formal introduction. We don't have that kind of relationship."
Arthur bluntly said, "I came to hire you as my wife's teacher."
Roxana blinked. "I beg your pardon?" Her puzzled eyes focused on Veronica.
This time, Veronica told her, "I want to learn how to fight like you. Please take me as your student."
"What in the…" Roxana was confused. "Is this some kind of joke?" Ever since the couple came, they kept throwing her off balance.
Veronica tightened her fist. "I'm serious. I learn a bit of sword fighting but what will happen if I don't have a sword when I'm in front of an enemy? And I was amazed how brilliantly you can fight."
Roxana sighed. 'I'm going to have a headache,' she thought.
Then she took a deep breath and explained, "Honey, with just that, you cannot learn fighting. You need conviction. I'm glad that you want to learn to fight and not rely on your husband, but I can't help you unless you show me your resolve."
Veronica nodded. She found his words reasonable. "Then I can only challenge you on a duel."
Arthur heard his wife and was startled. "What? Ni…"
"Fight me in the ring. Bring your sword," Veronica cut him off and challenged Roxana.
Roxana stared at the woman in front of her without blinking. She was a fighter. She liked nothing more than someone asking her a duel. Gradually, a smile spread on her face.
"Since you are asking politely, my answer is 'yes'."
Arthur could only see the situation unfold. He couldn't stop his wife or Roxana.. 'Did I make a mistake bringing Nica here?' He was confused about whether he should blame himself or not.