-Wait, what...? -I stammered, almost unable to understand.
Sleeping with a descendant of the valkirea? Really? What kind of shit is that! I was surprised, but quickly came to my senses with a question I couldn't avoid.
-So how did a servant girl find out about something I didn't even know about?
Beatriz sighed, resigned, and looked at me seriously.
- That's what I'm trying to find out, you know I'm only mentioning these things so you'll be more careful. Since your case is a bit special....
-So... what does that mean exactly? -I asked, trying to understand.
I told you that the sex you are born with determines the limit of your level and whether you can learn martial arts or not. But as you know there are also exceptions. Among all that the lineage is the biggest variable and although you are a man you are also a direct descendant of the best valkyrie... -She continued with a slight smile, "If you train with the proper breathing method you too could be a martial artist.
I remained silent, processing the words I had just heard. If what he was telling me was true, then perhaps if I could improve my techniques from my previous life and combine them with the breathing method of this world I could achieve much greater strength than I ever had in my past life.
The idea seemed impressive, but also terrifying. My palms began to sweat, nervousness was taking over. Would I be able to do it? I didn't know, but a part of me wanted to try with all my might.
I looked at Beatriz, who stood in front of me, with a steady, expectant gaze. A flash of uncertainty crossed my mind before I could formulate the words echoing in my mind.
So... can you train me," I asked her with a trembling voice, almost expecting her to reject me or laugh at me.
She stared at me for a long time. She was not the type of person who let her stillness show easily, but something in her character told me she was weighing my words.
Finally, his lips curved into a smile that didn't reassure me in the least. It was an unsettling smile as if it had hidden intentions, I didn't like it, but at the same time I couldn't say that I didn't either.
-I can," she replied, her eyes shining with an intensity I hadn't seen before, "but on one condition. She instantly emphasized
My nerves intensified, and my body seemed to tense all over at what was coming. What kind of condition? Would it be something that would cost me too much?
-What is the condition? -I asked, unable to hide the anxiety in my voice.
Beatriz let out a slight laugh, almost as if she enjoyed seeing me like this and it was obvious considering the character of the boy before I took his place.
-You must do everything I tell you. -He said, his words perhaps with other intentions but it was impossible to refuse.
Before I could answer, Beatriz looked at me with determination, as if she already knew the answer.
-You decide," she added, provocatively. But remember: if you are not able to keep up, then don't even start. After all you are a man, just look for a strong woman, like your mother to support you. He said ironically
-I agree," I replied, my voice firmer than before. It was not because she challenged me that I agreed, but because I really needed it.
Beatriz nodded slowly, her smile on her face as if she had found a way to control me.
-Very well. Then get ready. Because this will start right now...
***
I was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting the last details of my outfit. The maids, or at least, those men in charge of grooming me, worked diligently as they helped me put on the perfectly tailored black suit. The fabric was soft, yet sturdy, designed to not only give a flawless appearance, but also to offer me freedom of movement. My hair was combed carefully, each strand placed with precision. I had to be as presentable as possible, not just for me, but because it was part of the agreement. The fucking agreement I signed with Beatriz to agree to do anything she told me to do.
Beatriz had organized a huge party for my eighteenth birthday, today I was finally legally an adult, back to the subject, she invited all the nobles of the kingdom and her close friends. I had no idea what her intentions were, so I decided not to think too much about it.
By the time the servants finished grooming me, night had already fallen. The warm light from the chandeliers reflected off the marble gleam of the hallway, as two escorts silently escorted me to the large door that separated my room from the main hall. The immensity of the doorway loomed over me. I took a deep breath, a mixture of calm and anticipation. Although it was not the first time I had participated in these events, I had never felt comfortable in high society.
The room before my eyes was something I could never experience in my past life. It was filled with blood and destruction, light from the chandeliers blending with the vibrant colors of the tapestries, floral arrangements, and gold details that adorned the walls. Soft music and scattered conversations filled the air, but everyone's gaze turned to me as soon as my figure appeared in the doorway.
An incredible amount of curious glances passed through me. The nobles, elegantly dressed ladies who competed in splendor, watched me intently, murmuring among themselves. The men, their companions or family members, with sophisticated attire that highlighted their slender figures, remained in small groups, speaking in soft tones, but they did not stop watching me, both men and women looked at me with desire. However, I could not let that affect me. My face remained calm as I slowly descended the stairs, each step calculated, letting the rustle of my clothes and the creak of the steps set the pace for my entrance.
As I reached the bottom of the stairs, the crowd gathered, forming a circle around me, hoping to meet me, to observe me closely. Only then, amidst the expectant stillness, did I see Beatriz advancing towards me. Her radiant figure, her posture firm and confident, dominated the room. Her eyes, shining with a fierceness but also a mixture of pride and expectation.
With a graceful movement, Beatriz raised her hand, and the crowd fell into absolute, expectant silence. Her voice rang clear and deep in the air.
"Ladies and companions," she said, her tone firm and authoritative, "allow me to introduce my only son Damian and thank you all for attending this wonderful event."
Beatriz's words seemed to fill the entire hall, her presence as imposing as that of a leader. The nobles' gazes were completely lost on me, some curious, others wary, as the murmurs grew louder.
A great deal of applause echoed throughout the hall, seemingly endless. The crowd around me seemed to grow without ceasing, the murmurs quickly turning into a shower of flattery and kind words. Some people approached with exaggerated smiles, appearing especially friendly. Compliments were not lacking, some of the women even took the liberty of insinuating unpleasant proposals, which if they reached Beatriz's ears would surely turn this event into a bloodbath.
Over time, the hubbub of those present began to dissipate a little, and the atmosphere changed to the rhythm of the music. It was then that the announcement was made that the ball would begin. Some of the attendees, especially the ladies, lined up in an orderly fashion, waiting their turn to dance with me. The line grew quickly, and although there was no shortage of flirtatious smiles and innuendo-filled words, I tried to remain as polite as possible, without losing my composure.
Most surprising of all, some of them even did not hesitate to propose to me, either with a mischievous smile or with a serious tone that left no doubt about the sincerity of their words. The idea disconcerted me.
The dance continued, and I was still there, smiling when necessary, responding politely but keeping my distance, increasingly aware of what it meant to be a man in this world.
To be continued...