Secrets: Priestess

Chapter 70 Rest
The sun is shining brightly.

In a dilapidated courtyard on the outskirts of the northern district, Klein punched and retracted his fists amidst the sounds of shouting.

Gawain was stern and corrected Klein's movements from time to time.

Not far from the two of them, Claire, with her long hair tied into a ponytail and wearing a knight's training suit, placed a barbell on her collarbone and performed squats while counting.

Squats, straight-leg deadlifts, jumping, and other movements one after another made Claire's breathing become heavy, and her vision was gradually obscured by sweat.

During the repetitive practice, Claire's movements remained meticulous and maintained a certain rhythm.

She kept in mind the key points Gawain had emphasized to her. Her current strength and physique already surpassed those of a knight, but these basic movements could correct and improve her muscle instincts and force-generating habits.

Correct the muscle memory caused by irregular practice, so that when practicing the style's movements, you can combine the advantages of your own qualities into the fighting skills with the greatest efficiency.

Basic movements, fighting style movements, sparring with Gawain, and interspersed rest and relaxation, filled Claire's training time with Gawain with high intensity.

"First, master the Abbott style, which emphasizes strength and physique, and then consider adding the Sterry style, which emphasizes footwork..."

"The movements of a school are more than just martial arts or fighting techniques; they also contain comprehensive training cores based on different philosophies. Some schools can cooperate with each other to achieve twice the result with half the effort, but other schools' conflicting philosophies can ruin you..."

Much of what Gawain taught her was practical experience that was difficult to fully comprehend simply by studying texts. This not only transformed Claire's martial arts skills, but also deepened her understanding of what it means to be a "combatist."

After a day of practice, Claire, supported by Sharon, boarded the carriage. Relying on her Sequence 8's exceptional physical fitness, she practiced harder and longer than Klein.

So Klein had already been picked up in advance by Leonard in a carriage.

Claire was picked up by Sharon in the carriage that originally belonged to Meazza.

This carriage, which originally belonged to the family, underwent major modifications for ease of use. In addition to removing all the decorations on the carriage, the Meazza family emblem on the carriage was replaced with the police system logo.

The curtain at the front of the carriage was lifted and hung next to the window. Claire leaned back in her seat, looked at Sharon and said with emotion, "You are the second woman I've seen who drives a carriage so steadily."

Sharon, who was holding the reins, was wearing a simple long shirt and trousers, a black vest, and a men's brimmed hat. From a distance in the night, he looked like a thin male coachman.

But at such a close distance, Claire could still see Sharon's obvious feminine features.

Sharon's tone rose slightly. "Emperor Roselle once said that those who grow through hardship are proficient in various skills. But I'm not the first one? Who was the first one?"

Sharon always has a strong will in strange places.

Claire sighed in her heart and said, "Liliana. You've seen it."

Sharon said "Oh" softly.

The carriage was moving slowly under the street lights.

She suddenly heard Sharon ask:

"I have a set of massage techniques for relaxing muscles. Would you like to try it when you get home?"

Claire's expression was filled with deep doubt. "Does massage really work?"

"It's a very formal massage technique that's used in conjunction with combat training. The key points of the movements are very detailed, and there are detailed explanations for all types of fatigue and discomfort."

Sharon was afraid that Claire wouldn't believe him, so she cited various examples and explained in detail some of the key points of the techniques and their corresponding effects.

Listening to Sharon's exaggerated words, Claire felt even more tired and heavy, as if someone was drawing a meat pie for her when she was hungry.

When Sharon's mouth was dry from talking, Claire hesitated and said, "Then... go back and try?"

"Okay," Sharon agreed, speeding up the carriage slightly. Back home, Liliana was still in the kitchen preparing dinner. Claire took a bath, changed into a loose robe, and went back to her bedroom.

After a while, Sharon pushed the door open with a pile of bottles and jars in her hands.

Looking at those bottles and jars of unknown ingredients that were clearly newly blended, Claire asked suspiciously, "What are these?"

Sharon placed everything on the dressing table and said with a faint smile, "Secret recipe and secret technique."

Claire's eyes became wary and scrutinizing. After a moment's thought, she said, "Forget it."

"You don't need these." Sharon said hurriedly: "Let me massage your back first."

Sharon stood by the bed and pushed gently along both sides of the spine.

Claire couldn't help but tense her back.

"Relax." Sharon rubbed her palms into a circle. Although there was a layer of clothing between them, her technique still made Claire gradually relax.

It was quite comfortable... Claire lay on her stomach, feeling like she was sinking.

"The more relaxed you are, the better the effect will be." Sharon chatted with a smile, gradually increasing the strength, making Claire feel a tingling sensation as if her sore muscles were being massaged away.

Lying on the soft pillow, Claire turned her head to the side and wanted to speak, but Sharon somehow pressed on both sides of her lower back, causing her to shiver.

"You're doing unfamiliar movements during training, which has caused this area to become a little stiff." Sharon explained at the right moment, dispelling Claire's renewed shyness.

After Claire had adjusted for a while, Sharon changed his technique and moved towards the shoulders and neck.

The robes in these areas were lifted, and without the barrier of clothing, Sharon's palms could feel the touch more clearly. But at this moment, Claire had adapted to the rhythm of Sharon's massage and could calmly enjoy the comfort and relaxation.

When Sharon stretched Claire's arms, Claire still had the mood and energy to talk to him: "You can use a little more strength."

Seeing that Claire had gotten into the mood, Sharon took the opportunity to say, "Would you like to try the ointment? It's very relieving..."

Claire hummed softly. When she heard Sharon's words, although she was not as resistant as she was at the beginning, she still refused because it was almost dinner time. "Forget it this time."

Sharon didn't try to persuade her anymore. She finally pressed Claire's calf. In order not to arouse Claire's emotions, Sharon moved the massage area downwards.

But just as Sharon was holding Claire's ankle.

Claire was so sensitive that she couldn't help but curl her toes, and suddenly pulled her legs out of Sharon's hands!

Sharon tilted her head back just in time to avoid being kicked in the nose by Claire.

Sharon glanced at Claire calmly. She didn't expect Claire's reaction to be so intense!
"That's it." Claire herself hadn't expected to be so sensitive after someone grabbed her ankles. She straightened her loose robes and pretended nothing had happened. "It's time for dinner."

Sharon turned around to pack her things, "Then you go down first, I'll put everything away."

"Ah."

Claire opened the door and walked out. Being alone at this moment made her feel calmer, and she felt that her tired and heavy body was indeed much lighter.

Except for the little episode at the end, the overall effect was better than Claire had expected.

Even a little addictive...

Claire let out a long breath.

(End of this chapter)