Chapter 121 Chapter 121: The Victor’s Badge
\[Lilia\]
As soon as my opponent gave up, the entire weight room erupted in a deafening cheer that reverberated throughout the training gym. I was heavy-breathing in short gasps, sweating furiously as if my body had turned into a faucet that had been left open. My heart bludgeoned against my chest as I collapsed on top of my opponent and then rolled off him, sprawling flat on the ring’s floor. My spirit sailed into the sky with happiness.
I felt sore all over, my body battered in every inch, but it was all worth it. I have never been so proud of myself.
“I did quite underestimate you,” my opponent snorted as he pushed himself up, shaking his head. I could only muster a feeble giggle in response; I was too fatigued to voice a single word.
By the time I noticed Val and Sasha jumping into the ring and sprinting toward where I lay, Sasha dropped to her knees next to me and slowly assisted me in sitting up. Val stood right before my feet, offering his hands, and I quickly took them without hesitating as he pulled me up.
“Great job, sweet cake,” he said proudly, grinning from cheek to cheek and displaying his satisfaction.
“My bones were about to separate from my flesh,” I jested feebly. I turned my attention toward my opponent and walked up to him, extending my hand in a gesture of sportsmanship. I didn't mean to humiliate him, and I didn't want any grievances to develop once we left the ring.
“I didn’t catch your name earlier. I was too anxious about our duel to hear anything,” I said, intending to know his name. I quite liked him; he fought fair and square and, as expected, he didn’t go easy on me.
“Jason,” he replied, clasping my extended hand and shaking it. “I know you. Lilia, was it?” He added as he let go of my hand, and I nodded in response. Jason heeded me with a salute and a subtle dip of his head before he turned his back and trudged into the corner of the ring.
I drew out a long, heavy sigh before I lifted both my hands above my head in victory. The crowd cheered, though I knew some of them weren't pleased that I won. I wagered they were betting on Jason to win the duel. I didn't blame them; after all, this was just like any sport they took leisure in.
“Well, wasn’t this worth a celebration?” Sasha quirked as soon as we leaped outside the ring and walked toward the benches where I had left my things. “I’m thirsty for champagne.”
That wasn't a bad idea. This was my first fight, and I'd won. I think I deserved a little celebration.
“Sasha’s right,” I immediately agreed, nodding my head exuberantly as an idea came to mind. “We can celebrate in my room—a mini victory party just the four of us.”
“Four?” Sasha stared at me with wide eyes as she counted the three of us, then turned her head as if searching for someone else. “You don't mean to invite your opponent, right?”
I couldn't help but chuckle as I shook my head. “No, silly. I mean my other friend, Aya.”
“Oh, cool! The merrier the better!” She sheepishly grinned, quirked her brows, and wrapped her arms around my shoulders, careless about how drenched I was with sweat.
Now that I've known her for a while, I still couldn't believe she's an assassin. She doesn't act like it and always has this carefree attitude around me. Well, not that I care. Assassin or not, she's now one of my closest friends, even if she beats the hell out of me when we’re training.
I shifted my attention to Val and wondered if he agreed with our plan, or if he was free today. This victory wouldn't have been possible without him.
“You’re not busy for the rest of the day, right?” I queried while yanking my tumbler out of my duffel bag and unscrewing the cap.
He looked first at his watch before turning to me with a strained smile. “Well, I have quick business to settle, but don't worry, I'll make sure to join you right after,” he promised, patting the top of my head as I gulped down my water.
“Alright, so it’s settled then,” Sasha chirped while my mouth was still full.
We headed toward the mansion while Sasha did all the talking, animatedly simulating my movements in the ring. She was punching the air and giving me pointers on how I could do better the next time I faced a duel. However, as gratifying as the win was, the exhaustion following the fight made me feel like dropping to the ground and laying there for days.
Val promised to inform the cook about our celebration so we could request any food we wanted and prepare the bottles of champagne Sasha requested. This would be the first time she and Aya would meet. I already had a feeling they would like each other. I just hoped that Kael’s fiancé wouldn't ruin the day for me.
“Looks like I have another bruise to tend to,” Aya groused as soon as she saw me stepping out of the bathroom. Her face fell into a scowl.
I knew what she meant. I had seen my reflection in the mirror; a blot of purpling redness was beginning to emerge from the side of my cheek. Aya had her arms crossed like a mother hen reprimanding her chicks. She had her back directly facing Sasha, and I bet the two of them hadn't been formally introduced yet.
I ignored her admonishments and walked to her side, taking her hand and turning her to face Sasha. “Well, Aya, this is Sasha. Sasha, this is my friend, Aya.”
“Nice to finally meet you.” Sasha stood up from the couch and extended her hand. Aya took it and shook it.
I told Aya about my victory. She seemed genuinely happy, though she clearly wasn't pleased with how battered my body was. I assured her everything was fine.
“Don’t worry, Aya, I wear my bruises proudly like a badge of victory.”