The Stupid Cannon Fodder is Stunning Today

Chapter 39: Hangs Upon The Cheek Of Night

This chapter is brought to you by Rewrite The Stars from The Greatest Showman. 

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She was beautiful and handsome and clever and cunning and--and... stunning. 

Jovette was stunning in many ways, but it wasn't merely her beauty, nor the fact that she was shining like the most gorgeous jewel on the dance floor in her blood-red and golden dress, that made her stunning. 

She was mesmerizing at a glance, and the moths decorating her hair hinted at the danger beneath her elegant gestures. The way she would smile and wow the audience like she was meant for this life dazzled the viewers at the party and distracted them from the fact that she could kill them. 

Never before had Rowan seen her embody the grace of an assassin to this degree. She was a Calypto, he knew, but this was the first time he had ever been so aware of it. 

She, who was known to be gentle and kind to Tobus' ruthless and apathetic demeanor was more alike to her cousin than anyone ever expected. 

After all, House Calypto was a den of killers first and Vesna's agents second. 

Jovette wasn't any different if the one who raised her was Tobus. 

She spun around the dance floor with her father. 

Lord Calypto was as handsome as ever. There were few wrinkles on him and he still looked as if he could kill a group of armed men easily. 

Everyone's eyes were focused on the pair, admiring the picture both of them made. 

The music came to a soft and slow tune, and Tobus switched out with his uncle. 

 A rhythm started to play in the background. The strings launched into a rapid melody. The flutes blew out high-pitched notes that should have been terrible to listen to--yet, it was not. 

Rather, the song was fitting as the second ritual of the coming-of-age for the Claypto Heir started. 

Tobus drew his daggers from their sheaths. 

Everyone in the room gasped. 

Jovette's protector had pointed his blade at her.

She took the sudden challenge with perfect fineness, drawing her own daggers from the folds of her skirts. 

There were discreet and hidden pockets masked by the layers. 

Ingenious. 

She smirked at her opponent, and in turn, his lips curled into one of satisfaction.

There was whispering in the audience at the sight. 

A loud beat of the drum sent the two cousins dashing forward. 

They parried and struck at each other with purpose. There was choreography for a ceremonial fight, and then there was... this. 

A contest of will mixed in with a bit of danger. Both combatants were efficient, their moves meant to kill rather than display.

Jovette flipped herself over Tobus' shoulder, and Tobus spun around and kicked at her arm.

She dropped a blade, and the tension in the room rose. 

Tobus slowly walked forward, emerald green eyes glowing under the light as they watched Jovette like prey. 

He lunged and Jovette narrowly dodged a dangerous slice to her neck. There was a quick exchange of blows, with Jovette fending off Tobus with a single dagger.