Chapter 51

Liliana was incredibly busy, with barely a moment to catch her breath. She needed to keep rare animals out of the hunting grounds while finding alternatives to satisfy the nobility.

Moreover, the Harvest Festival had countless other matters to attend to. She had to organize the attending families, appoint knights to ensure safety during the hunting competition and decide on decorations and food for the court banquet.

Though Lucia helped, she seemed to want Liliana to learn the job herself, offering assistance by correcting Liliana’s initial choices.

Thanks to her frantic running around and several sleepless nights, about a month before the Harvest Festival, things were finally falling into place, and the schedule was relatively stable.

It was around this time that Helio offered to teach her archery.

“I’ve thought about it for a long time, but I think we should allow the black fox.”

Liliana brought up the Harvest Festival as soon as Helio arrived at the Emerald Palace in the middle of the night.

Considering that when she first arrived in the empire, she had jumped out the window to avoid spending the night with Helio, this was a vast improvement.

Helio was relieved she wasn’t nervous around him anymore, but he also felt slightly disappointed. Her tense, defensive demeanor had been quite endearing.

“The black fox… Why that, of all things?”

Helio asked, pretending not to know the answer even though he had a good idea. Liliana seemed to understand his intention and gave him a sideways glance but didn’t ignore his question.

“The black fox is a rare animal, and its beautiful fur is popular among the nobility. Even better, the black fox’s habitat is within the empire, so we don’t need to import it, which saves costs. Its long history of being cherished adds to the nobility’s prestige.”

Helio flopped onto Liliana’s bed and stretched his neck lightly.

“Not bad.”

“And I have another suggestion. There’s a statue I want to create…”

Seeing Helio respond positively, Liliana couldn’t hide her excitement and prepared to present her next idea.

However, Helio pulled her to sit beside him on the soft bed before she could continue. Liliana wobbled for a moment before settling down.

“Submit it in a report.“

“I will. I just wanted to tell you in advance.“

Liliana’s straightforward but oblivious remark made Helio sigh and rub his forehead.

“I came here to relax with you.“

“Oh…”

Liliana blushed in embarrassment. She had been so absorbed in the Harvest Festival preparations that seeing Helio made her think of it and want to discuss it.

As she touched her reddened cheek and lowered her head, Helio reached out to her. His large hand gently stroked her cheek with his thumb.

“Well, it’s good to see you so enthusiastic.”

Liliana lifted her head slightly and smiled brightly. Their relationship had changed a bit since their conflict.

Helio treated Liliana more gently, and in return, Liliana’s wariness of Helio had lessened. It was clear she was genuinely happy when he praised her.

Helio leaned back further on the bed, almost lying down, but he never looked lazy, even in such a relaxed position. Liliana always found that amazing.

“Are you okay with this?“

“With what?“

“You’ve planned this event down to the last detail. If just seeing my face makes you think of the Harvest Festival, your passion must be immense. But will you be satisfied with just watching?“

Helio’s question widened Liliana’s eyes as if asking, ‘How did you know?‘ She bit her lower lip before slowly starting to speak.

“Well, actually, I have a favor to ask.”

Helio nodded arrogantly.

“Go on.“

“Before the event, I’d like to walk around the hunting grounds. It would be fascinating to see the animals I’ve arranged roaming around.

Helio’s brows furrowed. His reaction puzzled Liliana.

He had asked if she would be satisfied just watching, so she assumed this much would be a given.

However, Helio was thinking the exact opposite of her.

“You still aim too low.”

Helio sat up straight and pinched Liliana’s nose. She recoiled, covering her nose with both hands, but there was no escaping.

To Helio, she was like a fearless hamster, convinced that her much larger owner wouldn’t harm her despite his immense size.

Helio reluctantly gave the answer himself.

“Say you want to participate in the hunting competition.“

“Participate, not just observe?“

“That’s right.“

“How could I possibly participate in a hunting competition… I don’t know how to use a sword or a bow.”

Liliana didn’t say she didn’t want to, but she was hesitant. The hunting competition typically involves martial skills for nobles and knights.

However, Helio was unfazed.

“You can learn now.“

“But there’s only a month left!“

“You just need to pretend. You’ll be right next to me anyway, so there won’t be any danger.”

Liliana thought Helio was joking. He often enjoyed teasing her and watching her reactions.

But this time, he seemed serious, and he seemed capable of solving any issue she brought up.

“Are you serious?“

“Do you think I would joke about this?”

Liliana immediately looked skeptical. Helio found her expression amusing and chuckled.

“That was a joke.”

Liliana couldn’t help but laugh, too. Helio listened to her laugh happily before making a suggestion.

“I’ll teach you how to use a bow.”

But Liliana immediately refused.

“I want to learn from Hesdin.“

Helio’s mood darkened instantly. He raised an eyebrow, showing his displeasure.

“From that nerd?“

“He’s not a nerd. Hesdin can do anything.“

“I can do anything, too. I just haven’t had the time to teach you because I’m too capable.”

Liliana puffed out her cheeks in exasperation. Helio continued regardless.

“I’m making special time to teach you now. So, I’ll teach you archery, just so you know.”

Liliana deflated her cheeks but still looked at Helio suspiciously.

“Will you get mad if I fail? Then I don’t want to learn.”

Helio burst into laughter at her boldness. He bit his lower lip, amused.

“Well, I won’t get mad, but I might tease you.“

“Oh, geez.”

Liliana sighed deeply, but she couldn’t hide her amusement. They bantered and joked for a while until they finally fell asleep side by side in the early morning.

* * *

The month flew by. When things seemed to calm down, Helio insisted on teaching Liliana archery, making her schedule as packed as a forest.

Helio took Liliana to the training grounds whenever he could, and Lucia often chased after them, telling Helio not to bother the busy Liliana.

That month, Liliana stood at the starting point of the hunting grounds, looking down at her palms. Her once smooth hands were now calloused from the bowstring.

As Helio approached, Liliana quickly hid her hands.

“What’s wrong?“

“Nothing.“

“Let me see.”

Helio grabbed Liliana’s retreating hand, thinking she was hurt. Seeing nothing, he looked puzzled.

Liliana awkwardly pulled her hand back and mumbled.

“I got calluses. I was just wondering if it’s okay for the Empress Consort’s hands to be so rough.“

“I like it.”

Helio dismissed her concern. He held her hand tightly.

“It’s easier to hold now. I used to worry they would break.”

Liliana glanced around, startled. The knights nearby surely heard, but they kept their faces expressionless, staring straight ahead.

“People can hear you.“

“Who would dare say anything about me holding my Empress Consort’s hand?“

“But…“

“Actually, it’s not bad if they talk. The more people envy you, the stronger your position becomes.“

Helio’s voice was confident. He had lived his life amid jealousy and ultimately emerged victorious. No one could threaten his position now.

He also encouraged Liliana to walk the same path. Liliana’s hesitation was brief; she took Helio’s hand. He smiled contentedly.

After the tedious opening speech for the hunting competition, Liliana mounted her horse with the help of an attendant. As she lifted her head, her high ponytail swayed behind her.

The hunting attire made her feel secure in the saddle. Liliana, who already knew how to ride, gently patted her horse’s back with a calm expression.

Before heading to the hunting grounds, the knights performed a parade for the spectators. The audience watched with great interest.

Seeing well-muscled horses and knights in fine hunting gear marching under a shower of flower petals was spectacular.

Liliana, too, was captivated by the parade.

“Ahhh!”

With loud screams from the women, a shower of flowers—or rather, a flower storm—began to rain down from the sky. So many flowers and handkerchiefs fell, making it hard to see anything else.

Then, a brave woman shouted loudly.

“Lord Sergei! I love you!”

Sergei? Sergei Vilum?

The father of the second male lead?

Liliana also craned her neck to get a better look at Sergei.

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.