Chapter 1621: Chapter 1621

“Jenkins already has his own power base. If I’m to join him, I must earn his trust. I never believe in mere verbal agreements.”

Miss Windsor said as she defended herself.

Alexia had mentioned this before, and Jenkins had expressed his disbelief at the time. Now, Miss Windsor was using the same reason to deflect Hathaway's questions, but Hathaway wasn't buying it either.

“Really? Is it just for the sake of a partnership? Merely to earn his trust? Saying that makes you sound like a shameless opportunist. But I have a feeling that's all just an excuse. What you really want is—”

Hathaway condemned her, her voice sharp as she thrust her sword forward with both hands in another precise and vicious lunge. She looked absolutely furious.

Miss Windsor was ready for it, taking a small step back. Seizing the momentary opening as Hathaway recovered from her lunge, she deflected the blade with her own, then slid forward, driving the wrist of her sword-hand toward Hathaway’s chest.

“You want him! We're about the same age; did you think I couldn't see it in your eyes? Jessica Windsor, life isn't that simple! Do you have any idea how much work I put in to help Jenkins become the man he is today?”

“I will repeat myself. I made that proposal solely for the sake of our partnership.”

A lie, Jenkins judged from where he stood off to the side.

“I don't believe for a second it's just about a partnership. You're lying.” For origınal chapters go to NoveI(F)ire.net

The red-haired girl declared bluntly, then slammed her side into Miss Windsor, who immediately toppled backward. Hathaway stepped forward again, catching her around the waist with her free left hand. She spun on the spot, cradling Miss Windsor just before her head could hit the ground.

Lying in Hathaway's embrace, Miss Windsor looked up, her face flushed, at the red-haired girl, whose own face was beaded with sweat in the gaslight. The blush was born from both the shame of having her true feelings exposed and the exertion of their duel.

She suddenly struggled free from Hathaway's hold, snatched up the sword she'd dropped, and backed away, once again raising her weapon in a defensive stance.

“So what if I have ulterior motives? All is fair in love and war. You two aren't married yet. I'm telling you what I intend to do beforehand, which I believe is more than fair.”

Miss Windsor declared, her forceful words a shield for her embarrassment.

“Love? And what would you know about love?”

Hathaway retorted sarcastically, mirroring Miss Windsor's posture by gripping her sword with both hands, its tip pointing to the sky.

“I think I do. At least, I believe I do. I may not have met him many times, but I know what kind of person he is. I don't think I will ever meet a better man. I made up my mind the moment he saved me in that alley.”

“So you're confusing gratitude with love?”

Hathaway's words were deliberately provocative. Her breathing was even, the recent exchange having barely taxed her strength—a stark contrast to Miss Windsor, who was panting heavily.

“Perhaps that's your interpretation. I know my actions are questionable, but at least I'm not doing anything behind your back. I've told you my intentions. I like him, so I will pursue him, and I will do so fairly. It may not be proper, but it isn't wrong!”

Miss Windsor shot back without hesitation. Both women lunged forward simultaneously, their swords clashing violently. This time, Jenkins was certain he saw sparks fly.

He stood awkwardly in the corner, unsure whether he should reveal himself. Chocolate, on the other hand, who had been drowsy just moments before, was now wide awake, perched on Jenkins’s shoulder and watching the two human women fight with keen interest. It loved this kind of drama.

“I am merely informing you, not asking for your permission. Hathaway Hersha, you are not Hathaway Williams yet. You have no right to condemn me.”

They were nearly nose to nose, their blades locked in a true test of strength. Jenkins had every reason to believe Hathaway wasn't using her full power; he refused to believe she was weaker than Miss Windsor.

“Jessica Windsor, you can say that now, but you will soon find out just how many people will condemn you for this.”

Hathaway said coldly, well aware that she wasn't the only one who would object. This wasn't a matter that concerned her alone.

“And you think Jenkins will fall into your bed so easily? Do you have any idea how much effort I...?”

As if spurred by some infuriating memory, Hathaway shoved forward with a sudden burst of strength, sending Miss Windsor stumbling back. Drawing her sword back with both hands, she unleashed a flurry of three rapid thrusts. Miss Windsor was completely unable to block them, and three new tears appeared in her collar, her sleeve, and the fabric over her right arm.

“For him, I would give up everything—everyone—except Briny! If he forced me to choose between Briny and him, I would wish them both happiness and then kill myself. Our relationship may be twisted, but I am willing to give my all for him. Jenkins is my very soul.”

The red-haired girl lowered her sword, her words clear and her expression deadly serious. Her soul-baring confession made Jenkins, who was despicably hiding and eavesdropping in the corner, flush with shame.

“I may not have a soul as passionate as yours, Hersha, but I would willingly give my life for Jenkins.”

Miss Windsor lowered her sword as well. Her words came slowly, but they were filled with determination.

“He is the first man I have ever truly wanted. My eyes have been on him ever since his duel at the ball last year. I am not some girl swept away by a foolish crush; I know exactly what I am doing. That is why I chose to support his bid for the throne with all my strength when I learned of his ambition. He deserves it all. And I... I have the right to pursue love for myself.”

“How tedious. You are not worthy of being my rival.”

Hathaway simply dropped her sword. Without a second glance at Miss Windsor, who looked rather disheveled with the dozen or so tears in her clothing, she turned and walked off the training grounds.

She departed without a backward glance, completely missing Jenkins, who had all but melted into the shadows of a corner. Hathaway's hearing was remarkably sharp; had she not been so preoccupied, she would have undoubtedly heard the sound of his deliberately stifled breath.

Soon, a crestfallen Miss Windsor also departed. Only then did Jenkins emerge from his hiding spot. He stared at the two discarded training swords, a complicated mix of emotions churning within him, along with the growing feeling that he was making a bigger and bigger mess of things.

“But I really didn't do anything this time...”

He thought, distressed, but he also had to agree with Hathaway. He absolutely could not allow the pool of future "Mrs. Williamses" to expand any further. If he did, his mother, Mary Williams, would surely give him an even greater headache.