Chapter 53
After a long ride, the carriages arrived at the entrance to the royal hunting grounds. The area was bustling with activity, not only from our carriage but also from the many others belonging to various noble families.
People who received direct invitations from their respective houses were allowed to bring guests, making the gathering larger than expected.
I disembarked and approached Nife, not to pressure her but to speak with her. Although I felt an overwhelming urge to give her a piece of my mind, it was too early to be overly critical. Even if they did marry, I didn’t want to be the overbearing sister-in-law.
My expression must have darkened because Louis rushed over with a worried look.
“Sister, did you get motion sickness?”
I shook my head quietly.
“Go to His Grace for a moment. I need to talk to Nife.”
“With Nife?“
“Will you call her Nife in front of others, too? Address her as Lady Sasha.”
Louis hesitated briefly but nodded, remembering the crowd around us.
“Alright, I’ll step aside.”
Louis bowed respectfully and retreated, leaving me standing in front of Nife. She smiled brightly but seemed nervous, perhaps worried I would scold her.
“Lady Sasha,“ I began.
“Yes, Your Grace,“ Nife replied quickly.
I sighed and gently took Nife’s hand. For some reason, I felt as though I had aged several decades. Whispering so only she could hear, I asked,
“How are things with Louis?”
Nife gave an awkward smile, clearly understanding the implication of my question but unsure how to respond.
“Is it not going well?”
Nife pouted slightly and spoke in a sulky tone.
“You want it to not go well, don’t you?”
I looked down at our clasped hands and sighed again, feeling conflicted. Considering the recent incident with Count Sasha, it was no wonder I felt uneasy. I even regretted my previous actions.
“I don’t even know myself. I openly argued with your father not long ago, and now I am talking to you…”
“Oh, Your Grace,“ Nife said, slipping her arm through mine and smiling cheerfully.
“You only called Louis. I’ll handle the rest.”
Seeing my continued concern, Nife leaned close and whispered,
“I won’t lay a finger on him until he says he likes me, so don’t worry.”
Her words startled me, and I turned my head sharply. Her innocent smile created an odd dissonance.
I eventually pressed my finger to Nife’s forehead to distance us.
“Don’t tease your elders.”
I said sternly, making Nife pout again.
“Fine, after the hunting tournament, I’ll ask Louis to escort you to the party.“
Nife’s face lit up instantly, surprised that I would go that far. Despite my words, I still wasn’t sure if this was the right course of action.
“Really?”
After I nodded and walked towards Julian, Nife followed closely behind.
“Your Grace, my friend, is ready too. You trust me, right?“
Nife’s warm words and consistent presence made me feel like she had been shadowing me since she started trying to get closer to Louis.
* * *
The hunting tournament divided participants into hunters and spectators. Spectators watched safely from high platforms.
Participants received arrows marked with colored bands. The royal family members received golden bands, making them stand out. Julian, Louis and I received arrows with black bands, a neutral color that neither stood out nor blended in. The choice of color indicated the emperor’s ambiguous stance towards the Grand Duke of Zan.
“Hmm…”
I smiled as I looked at the band on my arrow. Julian remained expressionless, seemingly unconcerned about the curious glances directed his way. He was, after all, the Grand Duke of Zan, known as the fearsome Grand Duke who obeyed the emperor’s orders.
But I hated that this was expected.
I reached out and placed my hand near Julian’s face. He turned his heavy gaze towards me.
“Duchess, what’s wrong?“
“I’m worried your face might sting.”
My single hand was not enough to shield his face, but I wanted to protect him from prying eyes as much as possible. Julian smiled faintly and took my hand, kissing the center of my palm.
The murmurs around us grew louder, but I paid them no mind. The contrast between his cold mask and warm kiss was all that mattered. As I curled my fingers and moved my lips, Julian teased,
“You said you wouldn’t kiss me here?“
“You seem fine,“ I whispered, lowering my hand to his shoulder. Julian smiled and whispered back,
“I’ll be fine as long as you cover me with your little hands.“
His sweet words made me feel dazed for a moment. Then, I realized he was teasing me.
“You’re teasing me!”
I withdrew my hand from Julian and turned away from him. At that moment, I made eye contact with Louis. He looked back and forth between Julian and me, visibly flustered, before awkwardly laughing and averting his gaze.
“L-Louis,“ I stammered, calling out to him, but his ears turned red, and he started talking to any young nobleman nearby.
“Ah, Lord Grody. The weather is quite nice today, isn’t it?“
“What? Oh, yes.“
“Perfect weather for hunting.”
It was as if he couldn’t hear me at all. Feeling embarrassed, I had no choice but to return to Julian’s side.
Why does it feel like we’ve been caught doing something we shouldn’t by a family?
I was too embarrassed to lift my head. Julian, seemingly confused by my reaction, asked,
“Duchess, what’s wrong?”
How could someone usually so perceptive be so clueless now? I quickly shook my head, ready to change the subject.
“It’s nothing. Just remember to show me your archery skills today.“
“Of course. And you don’t forget either.”
We smiled at each other and mounted our horses side by side. Julian’s horse was pitch black from mane to hooves, perfectly matching his solid demeanor. Watching the muscular black horse, I couldn’t help but be impressed and said excitedly,
“Let me ride it next time.“
“If you beat me in today’s hunt, I’ll let you.”
His arrogant proposition made me scoff, and I confidently retorted,
“You think I can’t win?”
Even as we exchanged banter, everyone nearby was watching us. The spectators in the stands were no different. They likely found it surprising that our marriage was more than just a political alliance. Their whispers reached my ears.
“The Grand Duchess of Zan is fearless, isn’t she?“
“Participating in a hunting tournament together? His Grace is too lenient with his wife.”
I sharply turned my head to glare at them. The whispering nobles quickly mounted their horses, some fumbling in their haste.
Regardless of their gossip, I felt great. I was excited about the hunt and thrilled that Julian participated with me. Their idle talk didn’t bother me, likely because Julian was by my side.
And most importantly, today was the day Prince Cain was sure to be humiliated. That thought pleased me the most.
Even though Prince Cain was foolish and impetuous, he wouldn’t act immediately after the hunt began. This was a royal event, and no matter his schemes, executing them wouldn’t be easy. He would likely wait until the knights patrolling the area grew tired and lowered their guard slightly.
So I still had time to enjoy the hunt. When the signal sounded, I pointed towards the dense forest.
“Let’s go that way!”
I shouted to Julian and spurred my horse into action. The calm wind whipped my tied hair into a mess.
I leaned forward, urging my horse to go faster. I wanted to scout the hunting grounds ahead of everyone else. As I rode, another horse kept pace with mine.
Naturally, it was Julian’s horse. I glanced back at him, and he sternly said,
“Watch where you’re going.”
I laughed brightly at his expected reprimand. With his voice in my ear, the wind in my face, and my horse moving as if it were part of me, I felt a joy I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I noticed something as I loosened my grip on the reins to slow down.
‘A deer.’
Fresh tracks indicated a deer had recently passed, likely spooked by the approaching riders. I halted my horse and looked back at Julian.
He had also noticed the tracks and brought his finger to his lips, lightly pressing his mouth.
TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.