A Reversal of Unrequited Love - Chapter 65

Though slightly startled, Hyacinth soon calmed her racing heart and placed her hand on his silver hair, indulging in her desire. Even as she tousled it, Ethan did not resist. Upon closer inspection, his ears and face were flushed.

The sunset light that settled on Ethan’s face spread to Hyacinth’s. She more carefully combed through the silver strands.

Hair that sparkled even more in the sunset. As radiant and beautiful as the rainbow she had longed for as a child.

That evening, after returning from the ‘A Girl’s Prayer’ event, Hyacinth clung to Cory and lamented.

As she whispered seriously that she loved shiny things so much and thought that she was a crow in her previous life, Cory let out a big yawn. Then, with a look that said, ‘You can caw all you want, I’m going to sleep,’ he curled up and fell asleep.

* * *

With her experiences from both her previous and current lives, Hyacinth did not doubt the winner of the jousting tournament. Unless there was a significant variable, Ethan would surely win. With the famous court knight, Sir Jedith, absent, victory seemed certain.

However, the moment one becomes complacent, believing everything will proceed smoothly without any variables, is when variables tend to appear.

Fate is indeed capricious; three days before the jousting tournament, Hyacinth saw Sir Jedith returning to the court. Declaring his participation in the jousting tournament, he, like a true court knight, requested Hyacinth to be his lady. Hyacinth promptly refused, but Tyche immediately became abuzz with excitement.

Sir Jedith’s intentions were not impure. As soon as he learned the truth, he apologized to Hyacinth with a sincerely remorseful expression.

However, the social circles of Tyche, which loved scandals and were obsessed with melodramas, were not about to let such a prime piece of gossip slip away. They eagerly gossiped while keeping expectant eyes on Duke Trisel and Lady Laurel.

They hoped the two vigorous youths would provide new topics of conversation.

But Hyacinth Hener remained calm. Ethan Erentis, who heard the full story from Hyacinth, also remained calm.

…He appeared calm, at least until the jousting tournament began.

Amidst the watchful eyes of the King and Queen, the jousting tournament commenced in a grand fashion. Colorful flags fluttered, completing the cheerful festival atmosphere. Sitting beside her friend Diane, Hyacinth carefully adjusted her hair, which was adorned with fresh flowers Ethan had gifted her the day before.

“Who do you think will win, Hyce?”

At Diane’s cheerful question, all nearby eyes turned to her.

“I don’t know who will win.”

Hyacinth calmly lied. In truth, she had a premonition of who would win. Her past experiences had whispered it to her.

“But there is a knight I hope will win.”

“Ah~. Cleverly dodged!”

“What do you think?”

“Aren’t there only two contenders for this year’s championship?”

Among the previous jousting champions, only two were participating in this year’s tournament: Duke Trisel and Sir Jedith.

Everyone vividly remembered the overwhelming prowess of the silver-haired youth who had won the championship a few years ago.

“So, who did Tyche place their bets on?”

At Hyacinth’s question, everyone around, including Diane, burst into laughter.

“His Highness, Duke Trisel.”

“Really?”

“Of course, Lady Laurel.”

The Viscountess in front of them answered with a laugh instead of Diane.

“The power of jealousy is formidable.”

“…Is that so, madam?”

“Indeed. I am very much looking forward to today. I wonder if the jousting tournament will end before noon.”

Usually, the tournament ends around sunset. Even with fewer participants this year, it would be difficult to finish before noon.

As Hyacinth tilted her head in puzzlement, the Viscountess opened her fan. It seemed she was smiling behind the embroidered fan.

“Would you like to bet, my lady?”

“No. I also hope it ends before noon.”

“I see.”

Just as the Viscountess turned back with a smile, the majestic sound of horns announced the opening of the tournament. Hyacinth adjusted her posture reverently.

Ethan’s jealousy.

She blinked and tilted her head slightly. Even when she explained the situation regarding Sir Jedith, Ethan had not shown any unusual reactions. He listened to her calmly as usual and thanked her for informing him.

He did not appear jealous, which made Hyacinth feel slightly, just slightly, disappointed.

“Hyce, Hyce.”

Diane tapped her arm. Thanks to that, Hyacinth refocused on the scene unfolding below. A knight in silver armor sat gracefully on his horse. A red ribbon was tied to his helmet.

Another knight was approaching from the opposite side.

And so, after a brief moment of reconnaissance…

Hyacinth blinked in surprise. Despite paying attention, in the blink of an eye, one of the saddles was empty. The silver knight, who had won the match at an astonishing speed, disappeared inside.

Before the audience could even applaud, the next match began. The Viscountess in front of Hyacinth chuckled softly.

Ethan Erentis did not give his opponent even a moment to breathe.

Watching the match end swiftly, Benjamin clicked his tongue. Next to him, Crown Prince Arthur was slowly savoring his wine.

“Shouldn’t we stop that?”

“Why?”

“I can hear the sound of many prides being broken from here…”

Normally, a match would be decided after one bout and two or three rounds of probing and attacking. But right now, Ethan Erentis was defeating everyone in the first bout.

“Leave him be. He’s eager to reach the finals. Stopping him would only have a counterproductive effect.”

“The finals…”

“If the tournament proceeds as expected, Jedith will make it to the finals.”

It’s not surprising. Caleb grumbled next to Benjamin, who sighed.

“No matter what, isn’t it too brutal? Is it okay to show such a side to Hyce?”

“Hm?”

“Hyce will like it. She usually finds jousting tournaments particularly boring.”

The youngest, who was rebutted by his two older brothers, made a stupid face and then belatedly realized.

And as their two cousins guessed, Hyacinth was very pleased.

The jousting tournament seemed like it would end within the morning, and Ethan Erentis’ jealousy was palpable from a distance.

She hadn’t realized because he kept such a calm face.

She watched the semi-finals, which started much earlier than usual, with great delight. Thanks to the whimsical god of fate not interfering, the winners of the semi-finals were as everyone had predicted.

Duke Trisel and Sir Jedith.

As soon as the two semi-final matches ended, Hyacinth glanced up at the sky. Since the sun hadn’t yet reached its highest point, she repeatedly thought it was a good thing she hadn’t bet with the Viscountess.

After a brief break, the horn signaling the final match sounded again. The chattering spectators fell silent all at once. Not even the sound of applause could be heard. Everyone was quiet with tension, and then.

The jousting tournament ended in just two bouts.

The winner, sitting alone on his saddle, slowly removed his helmet. Clear, transparent sunlight shone on his slightly damp face. Ethan Erentis, who had just shed his boyish looks, had cheeks that were flushed red.

His breath ragged in the gusting wind. His broad chest rising and falling. His ash-gray eyes searching for her everywhere. Hyacinth raised her arm and waved. The moment the silver knight’s eyes accurately found her, she blew him a kiss.

Then Ethan smiled.

Brightly, without a shadow. As if a winter fairy had discovered sunlight for the first time.

It was the largest smile he had ever shown, curving even the corners of his eyes. His pure and clear laughter, like that of a child, made Hyacinth’s heart race helplessly. She wondered if she had been struck by the arrow of the god of love because, right now, that young man in her eyes was so, so…

It seemed she wasn’t the only one shocked by that smile.

A simultaneous gasp erupted from the seats where the noble ladies and young noblewomen were sitting. Confused, Ethan withdrew his smile and tilted his head. The gasps grew louder. Looking down at the bewildered man, Hyacinth eventually covered her eyes with her palm and burst into laughter.

“Friend, handsome men are rare. Got it? Remember that, okay?”

Diane, beside her, spoke while rhythmically punching her arm. It was a gesture full of sincerity.

The golden tiara, the prize, naturally went to Hyacinth.

At least for today, she too would be able to wear a tiara in Tyche. To shine the brightest at the ball after the tournament, Hyacinth had done her best to look her best. Ethan, who came to pick her up, was also dressed to the height of fashion.

Looking up at Ethan, Hyacinth smiled brightly. She liked his current appearance, but the dusty and sweaty look from earlier had left a lasting impression on her. His flushed cheeks, his ragged breath, and his tousled hair were all intriguingly sensual.

Meanwhile, Ethan was holding her hand, gently caressing only the tips of her fingers. Just before entering the ballroom, he kept staring at her and fiddling with her hand, causing Hyacinth to narrow her eyes.

“You don’t mind dancing with me, do you, Ethan Erentis?”

Ethan was startled. Hyacinth almost thought the world was turning upside down because of how strongly he denied what she said as a joke.

“Then?”

“Just, at the ball, you with others…”

“Hmm?”

“…You can dance. Feel free to do whatever you want. But today… well, I thought it might be okay if I felt a little jealous too.”

As he spoke, his voice became more hesitant. Hyacinth took a step forward and slipped into the space between Ethan’s arms.

“If you don’t want me to dance with others, you should keep asking me to dance, my dear Duke Trisel.”