First took a hit, forcing her to flip back. When she hit the ground, she saw several of the other girls on her side were similarly being defeated. A look of rage crossed her face and she jumped back to her feet.

“Family?” She sneered. “What family?”

With a roar, First’s body started to revert into her beast form. She dropped her weapon and then lunged out, attacking Lydia in full force using her claws instead of her sword.

“Do you think that will change the outcome of this fight?” Lydia asked as she blocked the other woman’s rapid strikes by spinning her spear.

“You think you’ll win this?” First snarled. “Do you have any idea what I’ve been through, what I’ve had to give up? I’ve done everything for my lord, and in return, I will be his side forever!”

“As one of those?” Lydia cocked her eye at the puppet-like women still standing behind a frowning Lord Roth.

“What do you know of it?” She snapped back her claws moving faster and faster. “You’re just a dumb prostitute who never grasped her proper place.”

“I know my place.” She responded calmly. “My place is wherever Master is. As long as I’m by Master’s side, I am happy. That’s why I work so hard. That’s why I fight so hard. It’s all so that I can continue to be with Master, so I’m worthy of being with Master. He makes me want to be a better person.”

“That’s nonsense!” She growled. “You just want something from him! Admit it!”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

Her attacks were growing more and more frantic, and each strike caused blood to run from her fingertips. Her body was covered in sweat, and the fury inside her seemed to be growing more and more, but the more aggressive she became, the calmer Lydia became.

“I admit it…” Lydia smiled, and then her spear glowed as she activated a skill.

There was a strike of lightning as her spear struck out, but she hit with the back of the spear instead of the front. First could only look on in horror as her body flew back, slamming into the ground a hundred meters away. She immediately tried to get up, but her body didn’t respond to her. She collapsed back down as the beast form dissipated. Lydia pulled back her spear and began walking toward First. She didn’t have the same predatory movements as the other woman, but a gentle smile on her face and a calm, confident stride.

“St-stay away!” First screamed, trying desperately to back away, but Lydia only grew closer and closer. “Who-who are you?”

“I want everything from Master, and I will give everything to Master. It’s because I love him, and only him and no one else in this world will ever do. He gives me all of my strength, and he asks for little in return. I honestly wish Master would ask for more, but I came to realize something. Master only asks for what I can give, so if I want Master to depend on me, then I must be able to handle it. I am Master’s. Nothing less, nothing more.”

“I-I can’t lose!” First cried out. “My lord… he’s watching.”

“Do you know what would happen if I lost?” Lydia asked. “Master would hold me, and comfort me, and love me. His love for me isn’t contingent on anything. Wouldn’t you also rather have unconditional love? You keep asking if you’re worth King Roth’s time. Did you ever wonder if he’s worth yours?”

“Y-you…”

Lydia stopped over First, putting her spear against the woman and pushing her to the ground.

“I won, but that doesn’t mean it’s over.” Lydia held out her hand. “You don’t have to be the best there is, just the best you that you can be.”

First hesitated for a second, confusion painted on her face. Then, her hand slowly started to reach out toward Lydia.

“Lydia!” I shouted as King Roth suddenly moved, appearing right behind her.

His blade slammed into Lydia’s back and erupted out the front, impaling her.