Chapter 55

Sergei’s son, the secondary male lead, once said to the little one:

“My parents fell in love at first sight. From the moment I first saw Your Highness, I lost my heart to you.”

That pure and earnest confession had stuck in Liliana’s mind. At the time, the latter part of his statement had seemed more important, but now she remembered the first part.

“So, are you going to give up?”

“If that is what she wishes…”

Oh, he’s just like his son. The second male lead stepped back gracefully when the little one rejected his confession, not wanting to burden her.

“How about thinking of it this way?“

“What do you mean?”

Sergei visibly perked up his ears. Finding him endearing, Liliana chuckled.

“If she accepted the proposal because of the imperial command, she must have been prepared for marriage regardless of how you feel. So, isn’t there only one thing left to do? Do your best to make her fall in love with you. Dedicate the black fox to her, not me.“

Sergei’s dark eyes trembled.

“How could I possibly…”

Liliana interrupted before he could hesitate further.

“Marquis, this is your chance. Make sure she receives more games than the Spirit King of Light. Make her the most cherished lady in the world!”

As Liliana spoke firmly, a light appeared in Sergei’s eyes. Drawing strength from her words, he nodded vigorously.

“Lead the way. I’ll make sure not to interfere and follow quietly.“

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

After a brief thank you, Sergei dismounted and inspected the trampled grass and slightly hardened soil. Without hesitation, he moved in one direction.

His hunting skills were incredible; there were black foxes or large animals wherever he went.

The cart they had brought was so full of game that the servants had to fetch it five times, and still, there was no space left.

“I’ve researched previous hunting tournaments, and no one has ever caught this much game.”

Liliana exclaimed in admiration. Though her legs were sore from following Sergei, she was too engrossed in his spectacular hunting skills to feel bored.

“Is it enough?”

Sergei asked cautiously, and Liliana waved her hands fervently.

“Absolutely. The heroine of this hunting tournament will be that young lady.”

Assured by Liliana, Sergei’s usually stern face softened, and he smiled warmly. The difference between his usual expression and his smile was so striking that it was breathtaking.

Just then, the signal arrows announcing the end of the hunting tournament were shot in all directions. Liliana was about to suggest they return when Sergei put a finger to his lips and pointed in one direction. A beautiful deer was grazing there.

Expecting Sergei to demonstrate his archery skills one last time, Liliana watched him. But he was looking at her.

“Your Highness, didn’t you say you wanted to hunt?“

“I did, but…“

“I’ll help you. Try aiming with the bow.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Liliana nodded. With the help of a servant, she dismounted.

The deer remained unaware as she approached cautiously and drew the bowstring. Sergei checked the angle of the arrow and nodded. It was time to shoot.

One, two… Liliana counted silently and released the string. At that moment, the deer sensed something and quickly fled.

Liliana stood up, disappointed. But Sergei noticed something and walked over.

“Your Highness, could you come here?“

“What is it?”

Sergei was crouching, examining something on the ground. As she approached, she saw a small gray rabbit struck by her arrow.

To her surprise, the arrow had a pink ribbon tied to it, marking it as her animal.

“Oh my!”

Liliana exclaimed in genuine delight, and Sergei sincerely congratulated her.

“Congratulations on your first hunt. Hitting a rabbit is not easy for a beginner. Well done.“

“It was just luck. But I’m still happy.”

While Liliana beamed, Sergei handed the rabbit to her servant. Finally, there was something to put in the otherwise empty cart.

Compared to the six carts Sergei had filled to the brim, her catch was modest, but Liliana was satisfied.

They saw people presenting their animals to the ladies as they returned to the hunting grounds’ entrance.

As Liliana had expected, the lady with the most animals was the Spirit King of Light.

She squinted at the pile of animals under the statue. It was indeed a lot, but…

“Marquis Vilum, be brave! Alright? Make this an unforgettable hunting tournament for that lady!”

Liliana cheered Sergei on with all her might. Sergei knelt before her and kissed the back of her hand.

“I will never forget your kindness.”

After a courteous bow, Sergei took the cart and headed towards one of the spectator stands. Amid so many people, he found his fiancée without hesitation.

“That’s impressive.”

Liliana marveled innocently.

“What is?“

“Ah, you startled me!”

Liliana clutched her chest in surprise at the voice that came from right beside her ear. Helio looked displeased for some reason, his expression indifferent.

“Do you like someone else’s man?”

At his disgruntled tone, Liliana answered honestly.

“He seems impressive, doesn’t he?“

“What are you talking about?“

“It’s always most entertaining to watch other people’s romances.“

“Ha, what do you know about romance?”

Liliana felt indignant. She might not have experienced romance herself… Wait. She searched her memories but found nothing related to love.

It didn’t seem like there had been any men in her life, yet even if there had been, it wasn’t something she could admit to Helio. So, she decided to leave it at that.

More importantly, she had something to give Helio.

“Your Majesty, did you receive a lot of animals?”

At her question, Helio frowned.

“Who would dare offer me animals?”

She had never heard of anyone presenting animals to the Emperor, so all participants would probably offer their animals to the Emperor if they could, leading to an unfair situation.

Liliana propped her chin on her hand and fell into thought.

“Couldn’t it be done in secret?”

At that, Helio leaned back and stared at her intently.

“Did you catch something?“

“I did catch something.“

“Then give it to me. Right now.”

Just a moment ago, he had scoffed at the idea of anyone daring to offer him animals, but now he shamelessly demanded it. Liliana laughed out loud and gestured to her attendant.

The servant respectfully handed over the game with both hands. The scruffy gray rabbit was presented to the Emperor.

Helio lifted the rabbit by its ears with his gloved hand and laughed heartily.

Everyone around them was startled by the Emperor’s laughter and turned to look. However, Helio and Liliana, oblivious, laughed like mischievous children as they looked at each other.

Helio shook the rabbit in front of her and asked,

“Why a rabbit of all things? Are you offering yourself?“

“Absolutely not.”

Liliana glared at him in response, but Helio still looked delighted. He handed the rabbit to his attendant and escorted Liliana.

They took their seats of honor under the gaze of many people.

Liliana sighed, feeling nervous. The place she sat would naturally have been the Empress’s seat if there were one, and Beatty’s glare felt particularly piercing.

Lucia climbed the high platform again to announce the flower of this year’s hunting tournament. People expected it to be the Spirit King of Light, but the name that came out of Lucia’s mouth was entirely different.

“The flower of this year’s hunting tournament is… Lady Runiel Lloyd!”

Runiel Lloyd was Sergei’s fiancée.

The Spirit King of Light had received five-game carts, while Runiel Lloyd had six and a half. Reorganizing the six carts Sergei had filled had added half a cart.

Helio touched his chin, puzzled.

“That guy isn’t the type to devise such a clever idea.”

At his words, Liliana unintentionally chuckled. Helio, noticing, spoke with approval.

“You’re better than me.“

“Well, it’s thanks to Your Majesty for opening the way. The one who caught six carts of the game is Marquis Vilum himself.”

They laughed again, facing each other. Liliana leaned closer to Helio and whispered.

“Thank you for bringing me to the hunting tournament, Your Majesty.”

Liliana felt she would cherish this autumn as a pleasant memory for a long time.

* * *

The hunting tournament ended successfully. People began to leave one by one to move to the banquet hall for the harvest feast.

However, Beatty remained frozen as if trapped by something.

“That lowly woman…”

Beatty gripped her dress tightly with both hands.

When she first heard that Helio had brought Liliana into the palace as his consort, she tried to accept it rationally. The Emperor was not a man for just one person, and she was confident she would become the Empress.

Even when Helio gave Liliana the Empress’s carriage or personally escorted her at the hunting tournament, Beatty could still rationalize it.

“The Emperor must be wary of our family before bringing me in as Empress, as is natural.”

But Beatty had seen it clearly. Helio brushed Liliana’s hair over her shoulder and smiled tenderly at her as if he found her endearing.

Beatty’s red eyes glowed fiercely.

“That woman is deceiving me and aims to fool the Emperor too.”

Chapter 55

Sergei’s son, the secondary male lead, once said to the little one:

“My parents fell in love at first sight. From the moment I first saw Your Highness, I lost my heart to you.”

That pure and earnest confession had stuck in Liliana’s mind. At the time, the latter part of his statement had seemed more important, but now she remembered the first part.

“So, are you going to give up?”

“If that is what she wishes…”

Oh, he’s just like his son. The second male lead stepped back gracefully when the little one rejected his confession, not wanting to burden her.

“How about thinking of it this way?“

“What do you mean?”

Sergei visibly perked up his ears. Finding him endearing, Liliana chuckled.

“If she accepted the proposal because of the imperial command, she must have been prepared for marriage regardless of how you feel. So, isn’t there only one thing left to do? Do your best to make her fall in love with you. Dedicate the black fox to her, not me.“

Sergei’s dark eyes trembled.

“How could I possibly…”

Liliana interrupted before he could hesitate further.

“Marquis, this is your chance. Make sure she receives more games than the Spirit King of Light. Make her the most cherished lady in the world!”

As Liliana spoke firmly, a light appeared in Sergei’s eyes. Drawing strength from her words, he nodded vigorously.

“Lead the way. I’ll make sure not to interfere and follow quietly.“

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

After a brief thank you, Sergei dismounted and inspected the trampled grass and slightly hardened soil. Without hesitation, he moved in one direction.

His hunting skills were incredible; there were black foxes or large animals wherever he went.

The cart they had brought was so full of game that the servants had to fetch it five times, and still, there was no space left.

“I’ve researched previous hunting tournaments, and no one has ever caught this much game.”

Liliana exclaimed in admiration. Though her legs were sore from following Sergei, she was too engrossed in his spectacular hunting skills to feel bored.

“Is it enough?”

Sergei asked cautiously, and Liliana waved her hands fervently.

“Absolutely. The heroine of this hunting tournament will be that young lady.”

Assured by Liliana, Sergei’s usually stern face softened, and he smiled warmly. The difference between his usual expression and his smile was so striking that it was breathtaking.

Just then, the signal arrows announcing the end of the hunting tournament were shot in all directions. Liliana was about to suggest they return when Sergei put a finger to his lips and pointed in one direction. A beautiful deer was grazing there.

Expecting Sergei to demonstrate his archery skills one last time, Liliana watched him. But he was looking at her.

“Your Highness, didn’t you say you wanted to hunt?“

“I did, but…“

“I’ll help you. Try aiming with the bow.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Liliana nodded. With the help of a servant, she dismounted.

The deer remained unaware as she approached cautiously and drew the bowstring. Sergei checked the angle of the arrow and nodded. It was time to shoot.

One, two… Liliana counted silently and released the string. At that moment, the deer sensed something and quickly fled.

Liliana stood up, disappointed. But Sergei noticed something and walked over.

“Your Highness, could you come here?“

“What is it?”

Sergei was crouching, examining something on the ground. As she approached, she saw a small gray rabbit struck by her arrow.

To her surprise, the arrow had a pink ribbon tied to it, marking it as her animal.

“Oh my!”

Liliana exclaimed in genuine delight, and Sergei sincerely congratulated her.

“Congratulations on your first hunt. Hitting a rabbit is not easy for a beginner. Well done.“

“It was just luck. But I’m still happy.”

While Liliana beamed, Sergei handed the rabbit to her servant. Finally, there was something to put in the otherwise empty cart.

Compared to the six carts Sergei had filled to the brim, her catch was modest, but Liliana was satisfied.

They saw people presenting their animals to the ladies as they returned to the hunting grounds’ entrance.

As Liliana had expected, the lady with the most animals was the Spirit King of Light.

She squinted at the pile of animals under the statue. It was indeed a lot, but…

“Marquis Vilum, be brave! Alright? Make this an unforgettable hunting tournament for that lady!”

Liliana cheered Sergei on with all her might. Sergei knelt before her and kissed the back of her hand.

“I will never forget your kindness.”

After a courteous bow, Sergei took the cart and headed towards one of the spectator stands. Amid so many people, he found his fiancée without hesitation.

“That’s impressive.”

Liliana marveled innocently.

“What is?“

“Ah, you startled me!”

Liliana clutched her chest in surprise at the voice that came from right beside her ear. Helio looked displeased for some reason, his expression indifferent.

“Do you like someone else’s man?”

At his disgruntled tone, Liliana answered honestly.

“He seems impressive, doesn’t he?“

“What are you talking about?“

“It’s always most entertaining to watch other people’s romances.“

“Ha, what do you know about romance?”

Liliana felt indignant. She might not have experienced romance herself… Wait. She searched her memories but found nothing related to love.

It didn’t seem like there had been any men in her life, yet even if there had been, it wasn’t something she could admit to Helio. So, she decided to leave it at that.

More importantly, she had something to give Helio.

“Your Majesty, did you receive a lot of animals?”

At her question, Helio frowned.

“Who would dare offer me animals?”

She had never heard of anyone presenting animals to the Emperor, so all participants would probably offer their animals to the Emperor if they could, leading to an unfair situation.

Liliana propped her chin on her hand and fell into thought.

“Couldn’t it be done in secret?”

At that, Helio leaned back and stared at her intently.

“Did you catch something?“

“I did catch something.“

“Then give it to me. Right now.”

Just a moment ago, he had scoffed at the idea of anyone daring to offer him animals, but now he shamelessly demanded it. Liliana laughed out loud and gestured to her attendant.

The servant respectfully handed over the game with both hands. The scruffy gray rabbit was presented to the Emperor.

Helio lifted the rabbit by its ears with his gloved hand and laughed heartily.

Everyone around them was startled by the Emperor’s laughter and turned to look. However, Helio and Liliana, oblivious, laughed like mischievous children as they looked at each other.

Helio shook the rabbit in front of her and asked,

“Why a rabbit of all things? Are you offering yourself?“

“Absolutely not.”

Liliana glared at him in response, but Helio still looked delighted. He handed the rabbit to his attendant and escorted Liliana.

They took their seats of honor under the gaze of many people.

Liliana sighed, feeling nervous. The place she sat would naturally have been the Empress’s seat if there were one, and Beatty’s glare felt particularly piercing.

Lucia climbed the high platform again to announce the flower of this year’s hunting tournament. People expected it to be the Spirit King of Light, but the name that came out of Lucia’s mouth was entirely different.

“The flower of this year’s hunting tournament is… Lady Runiel Lloyd!”

Runiel Lloyd was Sergei’s fiancée.

The Spirit King of Light had received five-game carts, while Runiel Lloyd had six and a half. Reorganizing the six carts Sergei had filled had added half a cart.

Helio touched his chin, puzzled.

“That guy isn’t the type to devise such a clever idea.”

At his words, Liliana unintentionally chuckled. Helio, noticing, spoke with approval.

“You’re better than me.“

“Well, it’s thanks to Your Majesty for opening the way. The one who caught six carts of the game is Marquis Vilum himself.”

They laughed again, facing each other. Liliana leaned closer to Helio and whispered.

“Thank you for bringing me to the hunting tournament, Your Majesty.”

Liliana felt she would cherish this autumn as a pleasant memory for a long time.

* * *

The hunting tournament ended successfully. People began to leave one by one to move to the banquet hall for the harvest feast.

However, Beatty remained frozen as if trapped by something.

“That lowly woman…”

Beatty gripped her dress tightly with both hands.

When she first heard that Helio had brought Liliana into the palace as his consort, she tried to accept it rationally. The Emperor was not a man for just one person, and she was confident she would become the Empress.

Even when Helio gave Liliana the Empress’s carriage or personally escorted her at the hunting tournament, Beatty could still rationalize it.

“The Emperor must be wary of our family before bringing me in as Empress, as is natural.”

But Beatty had seen it clearly. Helio brushed Liliana’s hair over her shoulder and smiled tenderly at her as if he found her endearing.

Beatty’s red eyes glowed fiercely.

“That woman is deceiving me and aims to fool the Emperor too.”

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