Ashe and the Glass Sword

By KuroKoneko Kamen

A handsome, mysterious lord with silver hair and golden eyes has created quite the stir in Glass Kingdom among the female populace. They’ve granted this man the nickname of ‘Heartbreaker of Glass Kingdom’ due to the fact that he never sleeps with his conquests more than once.

One night while Ashe Smoldris is at a casino an eccentric young woman wearing a unicorn mask appears, and gets into trouble when she plays a game of poker in one of the backrooms and loses. When it turns out the girl doesn’t have the money with her to pay off her debt she almost gets herself sold of as a slave.

In a strange twist of fate Ashe unwittingly ends up saving the princess of Glass Kingdom. Because of his daring rescue Juleka falls in love with Ashe, and starts to watch over him from the shadows. After Juleka saves Ashe from the clutches of the seductress Lady Doriana Gray, Ashe begins to develop tentative feelings for Juleka, but the dark secrets she’s been keeping from him put their bourgeoning love to the test.

Even though Ashe presents himself at the casinos in Glass City as a wealthy lord his true identity is that he’s a slave. His mother sold Ashe to the nefarious loan shark Lord Christian Tremaine to settle her gambling debt. In order to buy his freedom back from Lord Tremaine and his sadistic sons, who enjoy torturing Ashe for imagined slights, he has been whoring himself out to noblewomen.

But what Ashe really wants to be doing is to fight in the coliseum. Nobles bet on the outcome of the matches, and the winner makes a lot of money. Unfortunately, Ashe is a dullard - someone who has been born without magic, and the magical races fight in the coliseum. If Ashe is to stand a chance in the arena against elves, witches, fairies and vampires he’s going to need an enchanted sword.

Ashe teams up with playboy prince Snow Flurris and they travel to Bones Kingdom in search of Rapunzel’s Tower. Rapunzel is the best blacksmith in all of Fantasia. Will Ashe manage to convince the stoic man to forge him an enchanted sword for free?

Warning: This is a fairytale for adults (18+) and contains sex and foul language.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KuroKoneko Kamen
• Release date: Sep 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463815380

KuroKoneko Kamen

Author KuroKoneko Kamen (Black Kitten Mask) has always had an interest in Japanese culture from folktales about yokai (ancient demons) to anime and manga. As a result of being an otaku a lot of her stories are set in Japan or have a Japanese theme. Even when in the midst of a pirate novel expect a samurai warrior to be thrown into the mix. Her latest passion is paranormal romance and she’s written stories where ghosts, demons, and angels find love. Keeping her company as she writes are her several dogs and cats, some of which are rescues (now including a pet turtle someone wanted to make a soup out of). To keep updated on new stories and specials visit the author’s facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/authorkurokonekokamen.

Book preview

Ashe and the Glass Sword

GENDERBENT FAIRYTALES COLLECTION

Book 7

By KuroKoneko Kamen

Copyright 2019 by KuroKoneko Kamen

Cover Design by Leah Keeler

Smashwords Edition, License notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or give away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. All characters are invented. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1:

Diamonds are a man’s best friend, Ashe muttered to himself as his sharp golden eyes tracked the lovely ladies in the casino that were drenched in glittering diamonds. Even as he watched them Ashe felt eyes on him, and he raised his chin a little higher. He knew how good he looked in the latest suit he’d made.

The design of the suit was based on one Ashe had seen a noble wearing. The man had been on horseback at the time and was obviously on his way to the palace. Ashe assumed he was another suitor for the mysterious princess of Glass Kingdom whom no one had ever seen before.

The ladies hungrily raked their eyes over Ashe’s suit that was made out of white silk and decorated with swirls of golden embroidery. The cravat and vest he was wearing were both the same color as his eyes. Completing his posh look was a cane that had an ivory handle shaped like a unicorn’s head.

Lending to Ashe’s already otherworldly appearance was his shoulder-length, platinum blonde hair that looked silver in some lighting. Ashe had pulled his hair back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck using a gold ribbon that was the same color as his eyes.

Ashe knew that he stood out even among the magical races that existed in Fantasia, but his lips dipped into a frown as he thought about how he was a dullard. Dullard was a term used in Fantasia to describe an ordinary human that possessed no magical abilities.

Ashe envied the magical races for their power. If he possessed magic then he wouldn’t be in the shameful situation he was currently in, which was whoring himself out to mature ladies for money.

If Ashe possessed magic he would have also been able to participate in the daily fighting competitions that were held at the Glass Coliseum where all races were allowed to participate. The nobility liked to place bets on the matches and duels that took place in the coliseum. The winners of those matches would make a lot of money as a result.

But Ashe didn’t possess magic, and so here he was at a casino in Glass City trying to find a rich, elderly, er, mature lady to seduce and rob, er, charge an arm and leg for his time with her. Ashe let out a heavy sigh, and assessed the women who currently appeared to be interested in him.

There was a pretty, young elf with pointed ears, long blonde hair, and bright green eyes. She was wearing a dark green dress with the pattern of leaves on it embroidered in golden thread. There was a thick, gold necklace around her neck that must have cost a pretty penny.

Unfortunately, she was way too young. Young women fell in love too easily. And this wasn’t about love - this was about sex. He only wanted to sate a woman’s lust and carnal desire, not her lonely heart.

Ashe’s calculating gaze went to another woman. This one was obviously a witch since she was wearing a black, wide-brimmed, pointed hat on top of her head of red curls. The witch was wearing a black dress with belled sleeves. Ashe shook his head. Again, this woman was too young for his purposes. It was a shame she wasn’t an old crone.

Ashe’s gaze traveled to a demoness, then an angel, and lastly a vampiress. Too dangerous. Too pure. Too…bloodthirsty. Ashe thought to himself, rubbing the back of his neck in a frustrated gesture.

Finally, Ashe met the gaze of a mature human woman that was probably in her late forties. She wasn’t unattractive, though attractiveness didn’t really matter for what Ashe had in mind. What really drew Ashe’s attention was the diamond necklace she was wearing. Ashe decided that he’d ask her for that necklace in exchange for one night with him.

Ashe sidled up to the woman, who was currently standing next to the craps table, and just as she was about to throw her dice he leaned over and blew on her clutched hand causing her to shiver in pleasure. For luck, Ashe said in a deep, husky voice.

The lady giggled in a girlish fashion that made Ashe want to cringe because of how old she really was. But Ashe made sure to keep his expression stoic as she threw her dice, and won. The lady beamed at Ashe, and quickly ordered him a fancy cocktail.

Ashe continued to give the woman company as she played casino craps. He blew on her dice and gave her smoldering looks that had her cheeks turning pink and her breath quickening. It wouldn’t be long before she asked him to accompany her to a hotel, or perhaps even her home.

I’ve got this cat in the bag…or should I say cougar? Ashe thought with dry amusement until a sudden presence at Ashe’s side caused him to jump. He turned to gape at a young woman who’d seemingly appeared out of nowhere, and who was currently stroking the unicorn-shaped handle of his cane. What the hell? Where did she even come from? Ashe wondered.

Ooo. Such exquisite craftsmanship… the girl cooed as she continued to stroke the handle in an admiring fashion.

The eccentric young woman was wearing a white unicorn facemask decorated with a short, golden horn. The mask concealed the features of her face entirely so that Ashe deduced it had to be enchanted for her to be able to see out of it, which meant it was an expensive item.

The young lady wasn’t wearing any jewelry, but Ashe could tell that she was wealthy. Her pink gown was obviously brand-new and made of the finest silk. Ashe also noticed that she was wearing glass slippers. Only noblewomen wore glass slippers that had been enchanted by the witches and wizards that lived in Apple Kingdom to be both comfortable and unbreakable.

Lastly, Ashe took in her physical features. She had long, black curly hair, and when his gaze drifted down to her cleavage he noted her breasts were firm and pert, which could only mean she was much too young for his purposes. She was probably a beautiful woman beneath that mask of hers, which made Ashe briefly wonder why she wore it, but then decided it was none of his business anyways.

She’s much too young…and she seems to be more interested in my cane than in me anyways. That’s a first. How odd. The corner of Ashe’s lip twitched as he tried not to smile. It belonged to my father… he found himself saying inexplicably. His eyes widened in surprise since he’d never told that to anyone before.

I love unicorns, the girl declared.

I never would have guessed, Milady, Ashe said dryly, giving her mask a pointed look.

The woman Ashe had been trying to seduce earlier squeezed his arm to get his attention. Ashe, I need you to blow on my dice again, she said in a whiney tone that irritated him.

Ashe reluctantly returned his attention to his prey. Ah, yes, of course, Milady. Ashe leaned over to blow on her clutched dice.

The strange, dark-haired girl appeared to be easily distracted and her attention was drawn to the roulette table. Out of the corner of Ashe’s eye, he watched her go with a feeling of unease building up inside of him.

The young girl seemed so out of place. What is a highborn lady like her doing in a casino at this hour unescorted? Ashe mused. The girl had an aura of innocence and purity that seemed to make her stand out against the casino’s other patrons. Ashe knew he must have been imagining it, but he thought she was glowing.

Ashe continued to watch the strange girl flit from one game table to the next like a butterfly flitting from flower to flower. The girl curiously leaned over people’s shoulders and watched them place their bets and play the various games. When people won she would clap excitedly and squeal. Ooo!

Ashe snorted. How could the girl be so easily entertained? Ashe frequented the casinos so often that the games had become boring to him. That’s when Ashe noticed that the girl had managed to draw the attention of several men, who were now tracking her with their eyes.

Ashe bristled with irritation when he noted that their lascivious gazes lingered on her curves. She’s way too young for you, old geezers! Ashe thought venomously, and when he caught himself in his thoughts he let out a groan and scrubbed a hand down his face. What am I? Her father?

Ashe watched as the girl approached the back of the casino, and a man pulled a velvet curtain aside for her. The girl obliviously passed through the doorway, and into a hallway. As soon as she’d passed through the doorway the man let go of the velvet curtain so that it concealed the doorway once more. Ashe frowned at this sudden development.

Ashe knew that the backrooms were for private, high-stakes poker games. Had that young lady really been invited to participate in one? Well, she does look rich. Ashe mused. Perhaps, he had nothing to worry about. In fact, why was he worrying about the girl in the first place? He didn’t even know her. She had nothing to do with him.

Ashe diligently turned his attention back to the woman at his side, and resumed his seduction. He tried to put the strange girl with the unicorn mask out of his mind. However…

A girl’s startled cry reached Ashe’s ears and he instantly knew that the girl had made it. Shit. Before Ashe even realized what he was doing he’d left the mature woman behind and had stalked over to the velvet curtain. He pushed the curtain aside, entered the hallway, and spotted an open door.

Ashe approached the room, and saw that three noblemen were currently seated at a round poker table. One of the chairs was unoccupied. The girl in the unicorn mask was currently standing. From the looks of things, she’d been forced to stand since there were two uniformed men on either side of her with a harsh grip on her arms.

What’s going on here? Ashe barked, stalking into the room. All eyes were suddenly on him.

A fat lord addressed Ashe in a haughty tone. "This young lady lost and yet refuses to pay up. You know the rules of this casino. If you can’t pay - you’ll pay another way. If she’s sold off as a slave we should be able to get back the money she owes us."

Sold off as a slave? Ashe nearly swayed on his feet at the terrifying suggestion, but quickly pulled himself together. Ashe tightened his grip on his cane’s handle, and his jaw clenched. Ashe sent a fierce look the young woman’s way. Why don’t you just pay them? Surely, you have the money.

Money? The girl quirked her head at Ashe.

Ashe let out a frustrated huff and waved his hand impatiently at her. You know, gold, silver, jewels, precious gems.

Oh! the girl exclaimed and nodded in understanding. Let me return to the palace and I’ll-

Palace! the fat lord interrupted, and let out an amused, dark chuckle.

The Queen will- the girl tried to continue.

This poor girl is touched in the head, the fat lord sneered. She thinks she knows the Queen! He narrowed his eyes on the girl. You trying to run, girl? You won’t get very far.

"But I do know the Queen. Why won’t you believe me?" the girl insisted with an edge of frustration to her voice that to Ashe appeared sincere.

If you don’t have any gold or jewels then- the fat lord was saying.

Jewels? You mean like diamonds? the girl interrupted.

Indeed, the fat lord said dryly.

I…I can make you some diamonds, the girl blurted out. I just need to- She was unable to finish her sentence when all of the men present except for Ashe began to laugh very loudly.

"Make diamonds!" the fat lord crowed.

Maybe she plans to lay them like the Golden Goose! one of the nobles suggested, a leer forming on his face. Why don’t you lift up your skirt and show us what you can do, girl.

Ashe groaned and scrubbed a hand down his face. The young woman certainly did have quite the imagination and a knack for getting herself into trouble. He didn’t know her but he couldn’t just stand back and do nothing, and allow her to become a slave. How much does she owe? Ashe found himself asking.

Three hundred Gold Apples, the fat lord said with a glint in his beady eyes.

In Fantasia, Gold Apples were gold coins, which had the image of King Reginald of Apple Kingdom engraved on one side, and an apple tree engraved on the other. Silver Roses were silver coins that had the image of King Leopold of Rose Kingdom engraved on one side, and a rose engraved on the other. Copper Skulls were copper coins that had the image of King Gothel of Bones Kingdom engraved on one side, and a skull engraved on the other. Two hundred Silver Roses were equal in value to one Gold Apple while two thousand Copper Skulls had the value of one Gold Apple.

Greedy bastards. I’ll pay her debt, Ashe said, reaching for the coin purse that he always had strapped to his belt. Unfortunately, Ashe’s hand gripped nothing but thin air, and that’s when he remembered he’d left his coin purse at home that night. He rarely needed to have money on him when his aim was to seduce mature ladies, who would pay for all his food, drinks, and for his company. Shit.

Ashe quickly assessed the situation. The three noblemen seated at the table weren’t knights so weren’t armed with broadswords. Instead they had fancy, swept hilted rapiers strapped to their sides. Luckily, the two casino guards also had rapiers strapped to their sides, and not broadswords.

Five against one. Ashe thought and shrugged. He’d faced worst odds. Ashe lamented the fact he hadn’t decided to wear a mask this evening since they were fashionable in Glass Kingdom, and a rotten scoundrel could conceal his identity without looking suspicious. What Ashe was about to do was quite rotten, and lamentably he’d never be able to return to this particular casino.

Oh, well. I can’t believe I’m doing this. Ashe thought as he unsheathed his cane sword and pointed it at the two guards. He didn’t know her. She had nothing to do with him. But he couldn’t let this naïve girl become a slave. Unhand her at once, Ashe growled lowly.

The five men gawked at Ashe in shock. The fat lord started to chuckle darkly. It’s five against one, boy. The odds are in our favor. You’re bad at gambling. The lord stood and unsheathed his rapier. The other two noblemen shared a glance before following suit, standing up from their seats, and unsheathing their rapiers.

I’ll just have to even the odds. Ashe smirked before charging forward towards the fat lord. They swung their rapiers at each other, and their blades clashed with a clang as they both managed to block their opponent’s attack.

With a swift, graceful twist of his wrist Ashe disarmed the fat lord. Ashe could have gutted him at this point, but sent a kick into his stomach instead. The lord let out a grunt of pain, stumbled backwards, and ended up on his ass on the floor.

Ashe leapt up onto the poker table and started to engage the other two nobles in swordplay. One of the noblemen leapt up onto the table and swung his rapier at Ashe in a horizontal slash, aiming for Ashe’s stomach. Ashe blocked the attack, and as the nobleman stepped forward they were almost chest-to-chest. They both tried to overpower their opponent with brute strength. Ashe decided to play dirty, and headbutt the noble, breaking his nose.

You uncouth barbarian! the nobleman cried as he reached up to touch his bleeding nose, and stumbled backwards a few steps. He’d temporarily forgotten he was standing on a table, and ended up falling right off of it.

You fight without honor, Knight! the final nobleman accused hotly, waving his sword in Ashe’s direction.

Whoever said I was a knight? Ashe leapt down from the table and executed an overhead downward slash of his sword. The noble instinctively raised his sword horizontally to block the attack. That’s when Ashe’s sword sliced right through the sword’s blade causing it to shatter.

The nobleman’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped at the sight of his sword shattering, and he was unable to react as Ashe’s sword sliced into his chest. Ashe mercifully pulled his sword back so that the wound wouldn’t be too deep. He didn’t really want to kill anyone. That put a bounty on his head, and would be more trouble than it was worth. Also, if his sadistic stepfather found out about this…he shuddered, just thinking about what Lord Christian Tremaine would do to him then.

Ashe turned to face the casino guards next. They released the girl’s arms, unsheathed their rapiers, and pointed them Ashe’s way. As the guards charged forward they let out a yell before swinging their rapiers at Ashe.

The young lady watched Ashe fighting the two casino guards simultaneously and began to clap due to his prowess. Ooo. Well done, Swordsman. You’re quite skilled.

She’s…clapping. Ashe thought in disbelief, and felt a tinge of irritation that caused his left eye to twitch. This isn’t a performance! This is a life or death situation that she pulled me into! The nerve of this girl!

With a twist of his wrist Ashe disarmed one of the guards and punched him hard across the face, knocking him out cold. Ashe concentrated on disarming the final guard, and once he had he sent a powerful punch to the man’s solar plexus.

Ashe sheathed his cane sword and held his right hand out to the strange girl in an expectant manner. Come, girl. Take my hand. We need to leave.

The young lady hesitated a moment before placing her hand in Ashe’s. My hero, she murmured dreamily to herself.

Ashe tugged the girl along with him out of the room, and down the hall. Once they’d reached the velvet curtain, Ashe pulled it aside and ushered the girl into the main gaming area. Ashe immediately realized that everyone’s eyes were on them as they started to pass the game tables. The casino’s patrons had reprimanding looks on their faces, and Ashe swore inwardly at the fact that the sound of his fight against the poker players and guards had obviously drawn unwanted attention.

Ashe recognized the owner of the casino, who upon spotting them immediately pointed a trembling finger their way. Don’t let them escape! The casino owner’s face had turned bright red in his anger. No one breaks my casino’s rules and gets away with it!

Ten casino guards unsheathed their rapiers and started to approach Ashe and the young lady. Ashe took off running, heading for the front door while tugging the girl along with him. As he nimbly weaved his way around game tables and avoided the casino’s patrons Ashe was surprised that the girl was able to keep up with him while running in those glass slippers of hers.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ashe noted that the human patrons appeared to be appalled by his uncouth behavior while the magical beings appeared to be amused. When two guards moved to stand in Ashe’s path between him and the front door, Ashe quickly unsheathed his cane sword, and fought off the guards that stood in their way.

The sound of heavy, approaching footsteps had Ashe turning to regard a knight dressed in full medieval armor and wielding a broadsword. Shit! A knight. Ashe quickly sheathed his cane sword and bolted for the exit. His cane sword wasn’t strong enough to block a blow from a broadsword, and would be broken instantly.

As soon as Ashe and the young woman managed to make it outside Ashe began to look around for a horse they could steal, er, borrow. That’s when the girl pointed at a magnificent black stallion that was wearing a bridle that had a golden horn attached to it and which made the horse look like a unicorn, at first glance. "Take my horse Nero."

"Your horse? You do realize a horse that magnificent would have settled your gambling debt in a heartbeat, right?" Ashe had to curb the desire to rub his temples with his index fingers since he could feel a headache coming on.

"No. I did not know that, but…I could never give up Nero. He’s my only friend in the whole world," the girl said in an emotional voice that made Ashe want to roll his eyes.

Girls. Ashe scrubbed a hand down his face in an exasperated gesture. He mounted Nero, and reached down to offer his hand to the girl. She took his hand, and Ashe was able to swing her up onto the saddle behind him easily. She’s as light as a feather. Ashe mused before shooting a stern glance over his shoulder at the girl. Hold on tight. The girl obediently wrapped her arms around Ashe’s torso and held on tightly.

Hyah! Ashe squeezed the horse’s sides and they were off, galloping down the street. And not a second too soon.

The front door of the casino burst open and the burly knight from earlier emerged followed by five of the casino guards. The knight mounted a large brown horse and the guards followed suit mounting their own horses. It wasn’t long before the knight and guards were in pursuit of Ashe and the girl.

Ashe glanced over his shoulder and swore like a drunken sailor when he saw that they were actually being pursued. He kicked Nero’s sides again and picked up the pace. The street that Ashe was riding down had glittering, candlelit casinos on either side, but when Ashe abruptly turned onto a side street that area was also filled with gambling establishments.

Glass Kingdom was the wealthiest kingdom in Fantasia because it was a neutral zone where all races were welcome. It was the only place in Fantasia where one could see all the races getting along together, and not trying to kill each other.

In comparison, Apple Kingdom was exclusively for witches and wizards, unless you were a dullard slave. Bones Kingdom was populated by the undead and demons, and they too would enslave any humans foolish enough to wander into their midst. Rose Kingdom was populated by humans, angels, fairies, dwarves and elves. There was no slavery in Rose Kingdom, and because of this some considered it to be a utopia.

The fact that all races were welcome in Glass Kingdom had given rise casinos popping up all over the city. Most of the residents of Glass Kingdom were wealthy, and so to pass the time they either went to the casinos to gamble their money away, or went to the coliseum to bet on duels or on the outcome of tournaments. There was also a racetrack where magical beasts competed against each other. Betting on things was the favorite pastime of those who lived in the prosperous kingdom.

But not everyone here gets to live in the lap of luxury. Ashe thought bitterly as he passed some stately brick townhouses that had colorful flower boxes below each window. Glass Kingdom, just like Apple Kingdom and Bones Kingdom, had slaves.

As Ashe rode hard through the city while trying to lose his pursuers he abruptly realized he had no idea where he was going. Hey, do you work at the palace, girl?

Ah, yes, that’s right, the girl agreed. Good guess.

Ashe took the next right and started to head towards the palace. What’s your name, girl?

Oh, it’s Ju…Julie, the girl stammered suspiciously. And you are?

Ashe. Are you one of the Princess’s handmaidens?

Right again, Julie agreed easily. You’re very good at making guesses about people. Maybe you should become a fortune teller!

"What in blazes were you doing at a casino at this time of night and without an escort?" Ashe growled.

Julie gulped. I…was curious about the city. I grew up living at the palace and have never left the palace walls. I’d only heard about the city, and its casinos and how you could see all the races of Fantasia in one place. Now that I’ve seen the city with my own eyes I have to admit it’s wonderful. Truly amazing.

Wonderful? Ashe echoed skeptically. "I suppose for some it might be."

What do you mean by that? Julie asked as her lips started to dip into a frown behind her mask.

"Well, I’m sure the wealthy enjoy this city, but the poor…they’re usually made slaves when they’re unable to pay off their gambling debts. Ashe shot a pointed look over his shoulder at Julie. You were almost made a slave tonight. Do you think you would have enjoyed that, girl?"

No, Julie said.

The girl’s unconcerned tone irritated Ashe. She was acting like this had nothing to do with her, and nothing could be further from the truth. Do you have any idea what would have been done to you by your new Master? he questioned sternly. He would have raped you. That’s what. Julie started to tremble at Ashe’s cruel, frightening words, but he hardly noticed.

Do you think you would have enjoyed that? Having a stranger between your legs… A dark shadow fell over Ashe’s face, and he shook his head to clear it of bad memories. Stealing your innocence and defiling your purity. I can tell that you’re a virgin.

How could you know? Julie asked.

You don’t act the way most women do around me, Ashe explained. Your new Master would have stolen your virginity tonight if I hadn’t been there to save you, and all because you were foolish enough to go to a casino in Glass City alone without money, and without an escort. Do you understand how idiotic you were to come here, you silly girl? Ashe snarled angrily.

Julie covered her ears with her hands and shook her head. Please, stop. I can’t bear to hear anymore. I understand. You’re right. I was foolish. I’m a silly, naïve little girl.

Ashe was about to open his mouth to say more when he realized that the girl’s hands were trembling, and suddenly felt bad. Perhaps, he’d gone a bit too far. Yes, you are. Just…don’t do something stupid like that again.

Are you a hero of Fantasia? Julie asked tentatively. A member of the Heroes’ Guild?

The girl’s surprising question caught Ashe off guard and he barked out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. Me? A hero of Fantasia? I’m no noble hero. I’m…no one.

Hm, Julie let out a thoughtful hum. You remind me of someone from my past. Someone who rescued me. Someone who was a hero.

Oh? Ashe raised an eyebrow. And what happened to him?

He’s dead, Julie replied in a chill tone.

They were nearing the palace gates when Ashe realized that the knight and casino guards were hot on their heels. They’d never make it to the gates in time and would end up having to fight their pursuers first. Ashe had the gut feeling Julie would be useless in a fight, and decided to turn Nero onto another side street.

Uh, the palace is the other way. Julie felt the need to point out.

I know that, Ashe huffed. We’re going someplace safe where we can lie low until those guards give up on trying to find us and leave this area. I can’t fight a knight armed with only my cane sword.

They headed towards the coliseum that was situated directly next to the palace. Ashe rode around the circular outer wall of the coliseum and suddenly pulled back on the reins once they’d reached a tower. Ashe dismounted Nero and held his hand up to Julie to help her down.

The towers are no longer in use, Julie remarked.

Ashe grinned up at her slyly. Exactly. Julie let Ashe help her get down. Even once her feet had touched the ground he didn’t let go of Julie’s hand. While Ashe pulled her along with him Julie couldn’t help but notice that Ashe’s hand was rough and covered with calluses. This was strange for a nobleman.

Ashe pushed a cascade of ivy aside to reveal a hidden door, which he opened. He ushered Julie inside the tower, and the duo climbed a spiral staircase until they reached a circular room. Julie saw that on the other side of the room was a balcony. A cascade of ivy was partially blocking the view of what lay beyond the balcony, but as the sound of raucous cheers reached their ears Julie knew without a doubt that the balcony overlooked the coliseum’s arena. Ashe led Julie across the room and they both peered past the ivy.

These towers used to be used by the judges, Julie said absentmindedly.

Indeed, Ashe agreed. Now the judges have a special sitting area in the stands to watch the duels from instead.

A match was currently being fought inside of the arena. A witch was facing off against a knight dressed in full medieval armor. The witch was wearing a purple, wide-brimmed hat over a bob of black hair. Her dress was a matching purple color with belled sleeves. The knight was wielding a broadsword while the witch was wielding a scepter that had a ball of amethyst decorating its apex.

The witch slammed her scepter on the ground and summoned her magic power. All around the witch thorny vines shot up and out of the earth and attacked the knight.

Ashe watched the match with rapt attention. Earth magic. How would the human knight counter this attack? Ashe wondered.

The knight fearlessly hacked away at the vines that were attacking him with his sword. Unfortunately, the amount of vines the witch could conjure seemed to be limitless, and more vines kept springing up out of the earth to attack the knight, until-

The blade of the knight’s sword suddenly caught on fire. With his fiery sword in hand the knight attacked the vines with renewed vigor. As the vines were sliced into pieces they caught on fire. An inhuman shriek filled the air that could only be coming from the vines that were burning. The vines appeared to be writhing in pain and they abruptly retreated back into the earth as if afraid of the knight and his fire sword.

A cocky smirk curled the knight’s lips and he pointed his sword at the exhausted looking witch. Do you yield, Witch?

I yield, the witch said with a disappointed pout.

And the winner is…Sir Blaze! The Master of Ceremonies called out in a booming voice from his position in the arena.

Ashe’s eyes widened when he caught sight of the current Master of Ceremonies. The male had live green snakes for hair, and yellow eyes with slit pupils. He was wearing gold vambraces, an armored skirt, and armored boots. I’ve never seen that emcee before.

Oh? Haven’t you heard? The last emcee was eaten, so had to be replaced, Julie said in a blasé tone. The new emcee is a gorgon who has the ability to turn people and monsters to stone, so he should be able to protect himself if things get hairy in the arena. His name is Viper.

The spectators began to cheer the knight’s victory, and Ashe noted that money exchanged hands from those who’d placed bets on the outcome of the match. I envy that knight, Ashe admitted with a wistful note to his voice.

Why? Julie shot him a curious look.

"Sir Blaze possesses an enchanted