Preparing for the Tournament pt. 2

The next day, Bar decided he needed a break. Namely, from Alice.

“Are we not going to the library to study?” she asked as he started walking in the opposite direction after class.

Bar shook his head, “No, I need to run some personal errands today,” he used as an excuse.

Alice frowned, before nodding. “Okay. I will see you tomorrow then.”

Bar nodded and turned around, breathing a small sigh of relief.

Next, he needed to decide where to head. I can't go to the dorm, or she might find out I lied. I don't wanna go to Ander's, since my arms hurt enough already from all the dueling practice. As he walked down towards town, Oh! I'll just go to Dolly's. I don't think Joan is working there today, but I can at least hide there for a while.

Walking in, there were only a couple patrons so far, and only one girl was working.

The girl, who was thin with black hair, and probably close to Belle's age, walked up to him, “Hello there mister student. Would you-”

She was interrupted by a voice coming from the back. “Oh, Mio, he's mine!”

Bar looked over to see Dolly rushing over to him, giving him a big, breast-smashing hug. “Dolly!?”

Mio seemed somewhat surprised, but gave a smile and walked back to her customers.

Dolly, pulled on his shoulders, whispering in his ear, “I'm glad you came to see me again. Can you wait a bit? I need to finish a few things first.”

Bar was about to protest but stopped when he saw her seductive smile. “Umm...”

Dolly ushered him over to a table. “I'll come get you when I'm done,” she explained, before hurrying to the back again.

After a minute, Mio came over, this time with a beer. “Compliments of Dolly. I was surprised, she doesn't normally give out alcohol on the house.”

Bar blushed a bit, before taking a swig.

“Are you banging her?”

Bar choked on his beer at the surprise question, causing Mio to laugh.

“Haha, I thought so by how she acted,” she explained. She pulled down her outfit a bit, revealing some smaller, but perky looking breasts. “You wouldn't be interested in me too, would ya?”

Bar coughed, “Sorry, I already...”

Mio sighed. “It's okay. I don't wanna piss off Dolly, anyway.”

After Bar finished drinking, Dolly came over, dragging him up the room they had been in the first time he had been there.

“I'm so glad you came again, I thought maybe last time was a fluke, but you really-” she was cut off as Bar grabbed her hands, stopping her from undressing.

Dolly seemed confused. “What's wrong? Are ya not ready yet? I can get you...”

Bar shook his head. “No, I didn't come here to...”

Dolly raised an eyebrow.

No...I shouldn't say that. “I wanted to talk with you first.”

Dolly seemed even more confused. “You wanna talk with me? I ain't that interestin'.”

Bar shook his head again. “That's not true. Tell me, um...about how you came to run a tavern like this.”

Dolly looked at him for a moment, but then shrugged, sitting down on the bed, where Bar joined. “Well, I use to work here just like any of the other girls. My parents threw me out when I was seventeen, so I had to find work somewhere...”

“Your parents threw you out? That's horrible...” Bar said. Of course, mine might disown me in the future too...

Dolly, however, laughed. “Well, it mighta been my fault. I was, uh... 'seeing' a guy my parents didn't approve of. Of course, once I got thrown out, I tried to go to him, but he'd already found a new girl and didn't want me anymore.”

Bar grimaced.

“After that, I tried to get work at a brothel, but they said I wasn't pretty enough, so I-”

Bar shook his head, “I find that hard to believe.”

“Haha, if only there was more guys like you in the world,” she smiled, grabbing his cheeks. “Well, after they rejected me, the prior mistress took me in, and when she retired she gave it to me to run.” She let out a big sigh, “Of course, what with rent going up, and us having trouble attracting customers, we ain't been doing so well. I worry about the girls, I don't want them to have to lose a job, not many options when the brothels won't take ya.”

Bar wasn't sure what to say to that, so instead he just wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly in a hug.

Dolly seemed surprised at first, but then hugged him back, understanding his intent. “Haha, thanks, I appreciate it.” She leaned back, holding his shoulders, “You know what I would appreciate more, though...”

Bar nodded, leaning in and kissing her, which caused Dolly to blush. He then pulled down her clothes, licking her breasts as she moaned in pleasure. She reached into his pants, grabbing and squeezing his member, stroking it as it poked out from under his pants.

Smiling seductively, Dolly laid down.

Bar went to get on top of her, but then stopped. Shoot, I really shouldn't be doing this. He thought of Joan and Claire. Actually, wait...Joan said she would be okay with Dolly, and Claire said she'd probably be fine with anyone, so...maybe it's fine?

Dolly giggled, “What's wrong? You're supposed to have second thoughts the first time we do it, not the second.”

Bar nodded, “Actually, um, I still want you to marry me...”

Dolly blushed, turning her head, “I already told you...”

“Yes, but I still want too...” Bar said.

Dolly sighed, “How about this...since you're a student, if you still want to when you graduate, I'll agree. Until then, just think of me as...your tavern girlfriend.”

Bar thought for a moment. Hmm. I probably won't change my mind, so that's basically a yes, right? He nodded, then continued undressing.

“Haha, you almost make me think you want too...” she explained as Bar pulled her outfit off, and then her panties.

Seeing she was already drenched, Bar stuck his member in, pounding into her repeatedly as Dolly grabbed the headboard, moaning in pleasure.

“Just like last time, you're so into it...” she said.

Bar slowed down, bracing himself over her so he could make out with her, which she eagerly joined in on.

After a couple minutes of this, she asked, “Please end it, I can't take much more...” as her face was glowing red.

Bar nodded, picking up the pace and quickly finishing.

After he released into her, she grabbed his head, stuffing it into her breasts and holding him closely for a few moments as they caught their breath.

This time, she took the initiative and kissed him, before sliding off the bed.. “Alright, I better get back to work, poor Mio's all by herself down there.”

Bar nodded, and they quickly got dressed. As they entered the tavern area, Mio smiled and waved at them, while Dolly gave him another kiss on the cheek and ran over, so he exited the tavern.

Since it hadn't been that long (and he felt awkward staying at Dolly's afterwards) he decided to walk around the city a bit, something he hadn't gotten much opportunity to do.

After a while, he heard a voice call out to him. “Bar!?”

Turning around, he saw Claire, who was leaving a carpenter's store.

Bar smiled, “Surprised to see you here.”

“You too,” Claire smiled back. She fidgeted a bit, seemingly unsure about how close she should get to him.

“What are you getting at the carpenter's?” Bar asked.

“Nothing today, I just wanted to see the prices on...” she trailed off, before blushing, “...on some things we might need in the future.”

Bar nodded, “I'm glad you're always thinking of these things.”

Claire coughed and blushed, “Of course! Someone needs too. You and Joan would be lost without me.”

Bar scratched his cheek. “You're probably right,” he said, before grabbing his hand in hers.

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“Bar! We shouldn't,” she said, grabbing her hand away.

Bar apologized, “Oh, sorry, I just...”

Claire held her hand and smiled, “No, I'm glad, I just don't want someone to see us. If you want, we can...walk back together. I think it's almost time for dinner.”

Bar nodded, and they headed back to his dorm.

As they walked, Claire seemed to squirm a bit.

“What's wrong?” Bar asked, noticing.

Claire blushed, “Sorry, just whenever I'm around you, I get...” she trailed off, not making eye contact.

Bar thought he knew what she was getting at. Looking around, he pulled her into an empty alley nearby.

“Wha-” she started, before Bar planted a kiss on her lips. After her initial surprise faded, she reciprocated, getting up on her tiptoes and forcing her tongue into his mouth.

After a couple minutes of making out, Claire gently pushed him away. “I'm really happy, but we can't risk anyone seeing us...”

Bar nodded, so they straightened their clothes and headed to the dorm.

As they walked back, Claire asked, “Why were you in town, Bar? Were you working at the wood chopper again?” Claire asked.

Bar shook his head, “No, I just wanted to avoid Alice.”

Claire looked thoughtful. “She's definitely going to try and get engaged to you.”

“I don't know. I get why you think that, but something about it just feels...off...” Bar suggested.

“Is it just because you don't like noblewoman?” Claire suggested. “I know how you feel, but I don't think you should just write off someone because they're a noble. Look at me, right?” she added, raising her eyebrows repeatedly.

Bar smiled, “That's true, I guess I'm just as bad as them if I judge all nobles the same way.”

The next day, Bar tried to act more friendly with Alice. When classes were over, before Alice could say anything, he turned to her and asked “Ready for club?

Alice seemed taken aback at first, but then smiled, a bit softer than her normal grin. “Of course, you don't even have to ask.”

Once they started practicing, Alice seemed more into practicing than normal. So much so, Bar actually was getting more hits in than normal, as Alice seemed to be less reserved than during their usual practices.

“What's wrong?” Bar asked, before trying to catch his breath.

Alice, also red and trying to catch her breath, smiled and shook her head. “Nothing, you're just improving...”

Bar thought for a moment. Am I? I guess with all this practice, I might be getting better.

A few more days passed, and on the second last day of classes for the week, Bar nervously brought something up at the dinner table.

“Um...is it okay if I invite Alice over tomorrow for dinner?”

Joan looked surprised while Claire smiled (Belle was just looking between all of them nervously).

“I don't mind, but...are you now getting along with her?” Joan asked.

Bar nodded. “I...decided to give her the benefit of the doubt, and we've been getting along fine. I think...I think we might be able to include her. In the 'Plan' I mean.”

Claire nodded, “If you think she's fine, I'm good.”

Joan also nodded, “I still have my suspicions, but I'll accept if you think it'll work out.”

They all looked at Belle, who poked her fingers together, “She always compliments my cooking, so...” she said with a smile, causing the others to laugh.

During a break in class the next day, Bar leaned over to Alice. “Do you want to come over for dinner again? As thanks for always practicing with me for the tournament.”

Bar's decision was reinforced as a good idea, as Alice immediately broke into a smile. “Of course! Your servants cooking is always a treat.”

After classes finished, they studied in the library together awhile, before heading over for dinner.

As they entered Bar's dorm, Claire and Joan were already sitting at the table, while Belle was once again cooking some stew, looking up and giving them a smile as they entered.

Joan and Claire stopped whatever they were discussing, both looking up at Alice as she entered. “Good to see you again,” Claire said.

Alice looked at her, a bit surprised. “You too...dorm mistress.” She then looked at Bar, who was sitting down next to Claire, and then walked over and sat next to Joan.

Belle poured the five of them bowls, bringing them over while they ate (they had moved the tea table over ahead of time so all five could sit together).

Alice, for her part, was mostly quiet, while Claire and Joan occasionally made small talk with each other, or Bar.

Once they finished, Alice excused herself. “Thank you again, I best be heading back.”

They were a bit disappointed when she left.

“Hmm, I thought we acted fine,” Claire said, thinking intently.

Joan nodded, “We did. She seemed like she didn't want to...engage with the situation.”

“It's weird, she seems to act differently here than she does when we're at club, or in the library,” Bar explained.

“Hmm...maybe she only wants to be around you,” Claire said, grabbing her cheeks with a slight blush.

Bar shook his head, “There's others at club, and theirs other people studying at the library for that matter.”

Belle chimed in, “Um...maybe...she doesn't like us specifically...” she said, looking embarrassed.

Bar was incredulous, “How could anyone not like you three?”

They all blushed, looking away.

Joan added, “No, Belle might be right. If her attitude changes around us, that could be the case.”

Well, that won't work...

The next day was the last day off, and six days before, the upcoming tournament. Bar was supposed to be going on a date with Joan, as it was her turn, but she was being coy about where she wanted to go.

After they ate breakfast, Bar asked, “So, are you going to tell me now where we're going?”

Joan gave a knowing smile, “Just a bit longer. Actually, that reminds me. Belle, Claire needed some help with shopping today. Would you mind assisting her?”

Belle looked between her and Bar. “Umm...shouldn't I be staying here, at my masters? Especially if you're leaving...”

Bar shrugged, “I mean, Claire is my fiance, so she'll be your master in the future, too.”

Belle thought for a moment, as if deciding whether or not that explanation checked out. After a few moments, she ultimately decided it did, before nodding and taking her leave.

“Alright, now are-” Bar started to ask, before Joan interrupted him with a kiss.

Bar reciprocated, but stopped after a few moments. “Joan, why are...I mean, I love kissing you, but...”

Joan shook her head, dragging him off to the bedroom. “We're having sex all day.”

Bar's eyes widened in shock at the blunt declaration. “What...I mean, that sounds amazing, but don't you wanna go out?”

Joan stopped, turning around while blushing. “I do, but...lately, we haven't been doing it every night, and when we do it's usually only once, since you're so tired from classes and club...” she said, poking her fingers together like Belle often did.

Bar blushed too, “I'm sorry, I'm just putting a lot of effort in, and...”

Joan shook her head, “No, please, it's not like I'm unhappy, I just...since we have the day to ourselves, I want to do it as much as we can.”

Bar, getting over his surprise, started to smile, “Alright, if you insist.”

Joan smiled back, quickly taking off her maid outfit and stripping off her bra.

Bar greedily started licking her nipples, grabbing her buttocks under her panties, and rubbing his rising member in between her legs.

“You better take these off before you hurt yourself,” she joked, sliding off his undergarments. Bar took off his shirt as Joan leaned down, putting his member in her mouth. Joan rapidly moved her head back and forth.

“Joan, I'm about to...”

Hearing this, Joan took it out of her mouth. “No, no, in here...” she said, sliding off her panties, and putting her hands on the bed, butt facing him.

Bar inserted it from behind, grabbing her breasts and squeezing, while ramming his hips into her butt with each thrust.

Joan was almost shouting in pleasure. “Oh, yes, Bar, please...” she said, face falling into the bed as she couldn't support herself anymore.

Bar grabbed her waist and with one final thrust, came inside her, holding onto her for a few moments until he was finished.

After she caught her breath, Joan rolled around and sat on the edge, pulling Bar in for a deep kiss.

After going several more rounds, Joan eventually fell onto the bed, unable to move much from the exhaustion.

Bar, also almost at his limit, fell down next to her, stroking the sweaty hair out of her face. “You satisfied?” he teased her.

Joan smiled, letting out a chuckle, “I'm pretty sure any woman would be after that,” she replied, before cuddling up next to him. “I want more, just need to rest a...bit...” she trailed off, head on his chest as she lightly fell asleep.

Bar wrapped his arm around her, closing his eyes. You know, even if we might have some troubles ahead, I'm really lucky, aren't I?

With this thought hanging in his mind, he too, fell asleep.

Bar was abruptly woken by a knock at the door.

Wha... he thought, mind still half asleep. Joan was still sleeping on his chest, holding onto him.

Another knock came at the door.

“Hold on...” Bar muttered, gently shaking Joan.

The door swung open, “Bar, your shoes are still here, are you-” Claire said, swinging the door open. She grew red seeing them naked together on the bed, looking down and slowly closing the door.

“Claire...” Bar tried to say, but she had already left.

Joan was waking up, giving him a kiss, asking “Bar...what's wrong...is it dinner time?”

“Well, probably, but..” Bar started, before shaking his head.

They both washed up and got dressed, before heading out.

Claire was sitting at the table, still red, intent on her soup. “Next week, you're spending all day in my room.”

Bar blushed a bit, but nodded, while Joan giggled.

After eating, Claire went into the bedroom with Joan, while Belle had tea with Bar, who kept eyeing the bedroom curiously.

“What's wrong?” Belle asked, noticing his glances.

“Umm...do you know what they're doing in there?” Bar asked.

Belle blushed. “I'm...um...I'm not supposed to say,” she said, curling up a bit.

Bar raised an eyebrow. “You're going to hide something from your master?”

Belle nodded, “You said that Claire was technically my master too, and I promised not too.”

Bar facepalmed, causing Belle to giggle. Of course...

After a while, they both came back out, Claire blushing and grinning excitedly, while Joan was nodding approvingly.

“What? Am I allowed to know now?” Bar asked.

Claire quickly shook her head. “No, you have to wait,” she explained, sticking her tongue at him.

The next day, with class resuming, Bar was worried that Alice might be upset with him, but she was her normal self, smiling and dragging him to dueling practice as normal.

With the tournament only five days away, the dueling club was very active, with all members, even the ones normally ghosting, showing up. While some were chatting excitedly, many were squaring off, and the sound of swords clacking together filled the room.

As usual, they warmed up with some exchanges, before going at it more intensely. While Bar still didn't feel like he was on her level, he did feel like he had been improving, and their strike total wasn't so weighted in her favor anymore.

As Bar and Alice dueled, many of the members standing around watched them, until they had a small crowd.

Not this again...Bar thought, remembering their duel at the enrollment party. Actually, I guess I'll be dueling in front of a lot of people at the tournament.

Snapping his mind back to the task at hand, as he barely parried a low sweep from Alice, he took a quick step and rapped her on the leg.

Alice clutched her leg in pain for a moment, but then smiled. “Let's take a break.”

Bar, who was panting heavily, nodded.

Rolf, who had been watching, came over and slapped them both on the back. “Haha, you two are great. That's our tournament finals right there.”

Bar raised an eyebrow, “What about you, prez?”

Rolf shook his head, “I'll do my best, but I'm skeptical I'll beat you young'uns.”

“We're only three years younger...”

Rolf laughed again, before heading over to instruct a couple of other dueling club members on proper posture.

Alice smiled, “Let's do our best to make sure that's the case.”

Bar nodded, smiling back.

The rest of the week pass quickly, a whirlwind of dueling practice (people were meeting at the club room even when it wasn't an official club day), until the day before the tournament.

Sitting in his dorm room waiting for dinner, Joan was sitting across from him, while Claire was rubbing his shoulders.

“You got this, you got this,” Claire reassured him. “Bring home that sword!”

Joan smiled and nodded in agreement. “I look forward to watching you.”

“Sorry, Belle, I'm only allowed to bring one servant in...” Claire said, looking over.

Belle, who was frying some chicken, smiled and shook her head. “It's quite alright. I've already seen your skills first hand.”

The other three awkwardly smiled, remembering the circumstances of how she'd come to join them.

Claire sat down next to him. “You're quite sure Alice has been acting normally, right? Well, at the academy, I mean?”

Bar nodded. “She's probably just uncomfortable with people she doesn't know as well. Or at least, that's my theory.”

Joan looked thoughtful, “Are we presuming she is still considering you for engagement?”

Bar shrugged. “Maybe? I'm still wondering if it's something else.”

Claire sighed and shook her head, “It's plain as day to me she likes you.”

Bar looked at her, “How do you know, though?”

Claire looked angry, poking him in the cheek, “How do you think I know?”

“Sorry, sorry...”

Belle brought the plates over, setting them down. “Well, I'll be glad to cook for her anytime.”

Bar laughed, “Haha, you're cooking is amazing. Maybe she just wants me so she can have you cook for her?”

Joan nodded, “A good servant is definitely a good asset. I'm actually a bit jealous of how good you are...”

Belle blushed, but smiled, focusing on her chicken, while the other discussed their favorite dishes of hers.