Gon's Harem System
Chapter 143: Not so shy

Chapter 143: Not so shy

The training yard had left its mark on Gon, his skin slick with a sheen of sweat, mud caked into the creases of his boots

He’d barely stepped into his chamber, the door creaking shut behind him with a groan, when he kicked off his boots, the muddy soles thudding against the stone floor

Gon peeled off his tunic, wincing as the damp cloth tugged at his skin, tossed it into a corner with a soft, wet slap

He splashed cold water from a basin onto his face, the icy shock jolting his senses awake, droplets trickling down his jaw, pattering onto the floor

A sharp knock rattled the door, the sound abrupt, jarring, cutting through the stillness like a blade

Gon froze, his hands dripping, a low growl of irritation rumbling in his throat

He shook the water from his fingers, the droplets scattering with faint plinks against the stone, wiped his face with a rough cloth that smelled faintly of mildew

The knock came again, insistent, he muttered a curse under his breath as he stalked to the door, yanking it open with a creak of protesting hinges

A guard stood there, his broad frame filling the doorway, his armor clinking softly as he shifted his weight

The man’s face was weathered, his helm tucked under one arm, his voice carried the clipped tone of duty

"My lord, your mother, the Duchess, wants you downstairs," he said, his breath puffing out in a faint cloud in the cool air

"She’s got a visitor to greet."

His dark eyes flicked over Gon’s disheveled state, but he said nothing more, stepping back with a slight bow

Gon’s jaw tightened, a grumble escaping his lips as he tossed the cloth aside, the fabric landing with a muted thud

"Always her damn visitors," he muttered, his voice rough with annoyance, the words half-swallowed by the creak of the floorboards as he turned back into the room

He snatched a fresh tunic from a chair, the linen crisp against his damp skin as he tugged it on, the faint rustle of fabric blending with the distant drip of water from the basin

His fingers fumbled with the laces of his breeches, still stiff from the morning’s damp, he shoved his feet back into his boots, the leather cold, unyielding

Gon trudged downstairs, his boots still damp from the training yard, the faint squelch of mud echoing with each step on the polished stone floor

He rounded the corner into the sitting room, pausing as he spotted his mother perched on a cushioned chair, her auburn hair pinned neatly atop her head

Beside her sat a noblewoman, her silken gown shimmering faintly in the morning light streaming through the tall windows

The two women turned their heads in unison, their conversation halting as Gon entered

"Good morning, Mother, my lady," Gon said, dipping his head in a quick, respectful nod

His voice was still rough from sleep, but he managed a polite smile, brushing a stray lock of dark hair from his eyes

His mother’s face lit up, her eyes crinkling with pride

"Ah, Gon, there you are," she said, her tone warm but edged with a familiar boastfulness

"Lady Elira, you’ll be pleased to know my son here is the duchy champion. Undefeated in the last tournament, no less."

She gestured toward him with a flourish, her embroidered sleeve catching the light

Lady Elira, her sharp features softening, let out a delighted coo

"Oh, how marvelous!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands together

Her voice was melodic, tinged with the practiced charm of courtly life

"A true warrior, then. You must be so proud."

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze appraising Gon with keen interest

Then, with a subtle tilt of her head, she pointed to a couch across the room

"That’s my daughter, Lira, over there. Quite the beauty, isn’t she?"

Gon’s eyes followed her gesture

A girl sat alone on the plush velvet couch, her hands folded neatly in her lap

She was striking, long chestnut hair cascading over her shoulders, framing a delicate face with wide, hazel eyes that flickered nervously toward him before darting away

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, she seemed to shrink into the cushions, the picture of shyness

Gon felt a spark of intrigue, she was indeed beautiful, her quiet demeanor only adding to her allure

"Lira, dear," Lady Elira called, her voice lilting with encouragement, "come meet Gon, the duchy champion."

She turned back to Gon, her smile widening

"Why don’t you show her around the estate? I’m sure she’d love to see the grounds, you’re just the man for it."

Gon straightened, a grin tugging at his lips

The prospect of spending time with the lovely, bashful girl was more appealing than trudging back to the muddy training yard

"I’d be happy to," he said, his tone brightening

He glanced at Lira, catching her hesitant gaze

"Follow me, if you’d like."

Lira rose from the couch, her movements slow, deliberate, as if each step required effort

She smoothed her pale blue gown, avoiding his eyes, murmured a soft, "Yes, thank you," barely audible over the crackle of the hearth

Gon’s mother beamed, Lady Elira gave an approving nod as the two stepped toward the heavy oak door leading outside

Lira trailed behind him, her head bowed, the epitome of demure obedience

The moment they crossed the threshold, the door thudded shut, sealing their parents’ chatter inside, Lira stopped short

Gon turned, expecting her to linger shyly, but instead, she lifted her chin, her hazel eyes locking onto his with a sudden, piercing clarity

"I don’t need a babysitter," she said, her voice sharp, dripping with a snarky confidence that sliced through the morning air

The timid girl from the couch was gone, replaced by someone entirely different, bold, unapologetic, her posture straight, commanding

Gon blinked, caught off guard by the transformation

His mouth opened slightly, words failing him as he registered the shift

The flush on her cheeks was no longer bashfulness but a faint flush of defiance, her lips curved into a smirk that rivaled Milo’s for sheer audacity

"What?" she pressed, crossing her arms

"You thought I’d just flutter around after you like some lost lamb?"