The Only Way to Break the Curse is Through Contact with You - Chapter 65
#65
After that day, it became Diart’s responsibility to teach me archery. Although Duke Feischer was visibly annoyed, as he had taken away the precious time that he could have spent with his daughter, he couldn’t break Diart’s stubbornness.
Whether it was because of his effective teaching of my natural talent, or perhaps due to the close bond I had with Diart, my skills improved by leaps and bounds.
During that time, Diart consistently presented divorce cancellation documents, and Duke Feischer suggested accompanying me to Violet House. They would cross paths without saying a word, engaging in silent battles with their eyes, and Duke Wheaton did nothing to stop them but rather encouraged the tension-filled daily routine. It was noisier and busier than ever.
Meanwhile, the imperial hunting competition approached.
“How does it look? Does it suit me?”
I asked while examining myself in the mirror, and Lily nodded enthusiastically with sparkling eyes.
“It’s perfect! You look amazing!”
After being reincarnated into this world, I wore pants for the first time in a long time. It felt a bit awkward, but it was much lighter than the cumbersome and voluminous dresses. When I tied my hair up, my movements became much smoother.
Both Lily and Annie were excited and admired my hunting attire, but one person had an unsatisfied expression. Diart slowly scanned my outfit with a displeased look.
“Isn’t it too tight? It seems uncomfortable.”
“It’s comfortable. It’s not that tight.”
Admittedly, it did cling tightly to my legs, as if I were wearing skinny jeans from my past life. But the fabric was stretchy, so it was much more comfortable.
“It seems like your body line is too exposed.”
That may be true. However, when riding a horse, it was natural to wear form-fitting clothes to minimize wind resistance. That’s why equestrian attires exist. There was no way this big-boned man on the battlefield couldn’t possibly be unaware of that. The reason for Diart’s displeased expression was obvious.
Lover… No, we’re not lovers yet. I quickly erased the word that naturally came to mind and took a step closer to the mirror out of embarrassment. Even in my own eyes, the way my body was fully exposed seemed more sensual than a revealing dress. So, it was unlikely to appeal to Diart’s possessive and obsessive heart.
I thought it was ugly when men interfered with a woman’s attire, but it wasn’t bad. In fact, it made me feel somewhat good…
‘Is this my type?’
At that moment, Diart, who had been silently staring at me, approached while taking off his coat. Startled by his action, I stepped back. Lily and Annie seemed to retreat with flushed faces. I wondered why they were cheering with sparkling eyes and clenched fists.
‘What are you cheering for?!’
In an instant, Diart closed the distance between us, draped his coat over my waist, and tied the sleeves. Unlike me, who was dumbfounded by the sudden transition from sophisticated hunting clothes to the fashion of an ordinary hiker climbing the mountain, Diart looked satisfied.
“It’s so much better.”
“You’re not asking me to stay like this, are you?”
Diart nodded with a raised eyebrow, affirmatively.
“Were you always this kind of man?”
Surprised, I asked, and Diart furrowed his brows. It was an expression that seemed to say he didn’t understand what I meant.
“Were you always this jealous and stubborn?”
Lately, he had been showing a different side from the original Diart, which was confusing. The Diart I knew wouldn’t embroider or bring me bad dishes just to accommodate my preferences. Nor did he read dozens of romance novels and ask what part I liked exactly.
He was cold and indifferent, claiming to want the female lead, but his love was closer to possessiveness. In the original story, he had never acted so cute.
“Sometimes, you seem like a completely different person to me.”
“Isn’t it natural to change in front of the woman you like?”
Look at this. You’re not the kind of man who would say such awkward words without even blinking an eye, okay.
I turned my back, hiding my flushed face with my hand, and hurriedly left the room. I could hear Diart’s low laughter as he followed behind me.
At the entrance of the mansion, Duke Feischer and Duke Wheaton, as well as the knights and servants, all had their mouths agape at my outfit. I confidently accepted Diart’s extended hand and was escorted into the carriage.
* * *
The hunting competition took place in a hemp forest near the capital. Although it was called a hunting competition, it felt more like a small-scale war, with each noble family establishing their own camps and knights inspecting their weapons.
“A hunting competition is just like a war.”
Diart explained absentmindedly as he watched the other families raising their flags and setting up their camps, just like the Wheaton family did.
“It’s a place to showcase the strength and abilities of each family. The more excellent prey you catch, the higher the honor for your family.”
Wasn’t it just for fun? It seemed more serious than I thought, and I felt a little scared. Could I survive here with just a few days of archery practice? The mixture of fear and worry must have showed on my face. Diart chuckled softly.
“You’ll be safe as long as you’re by my side. And there’s a separate hunting ground for the noblewomen.”
“Yes. They said the area with the white ribbon tied around it was the hunting ground for noblewomen. It’s home to small animals that aren’t too dangerous.”
Lambert interjected and explained next to me.
“I’m looking forward to the madam’s hunting skills.”
Lambert laughed coolly and raised his thumb. Then, in the distance, the sound of a trumpet was heard.
“The emperor is calling.”
Duke Wheaton, who was talking with Duke Feischer about the topography of the forest, turned his head and said.
“He must be announcing the start of the hunting competition.”
“Let’s go. Don’t leave my side.”
Diart, who had his hand wrapped around my waist, whispered in my ear and led me forward.
As we headed towards the imperial plaza, nobles who had arrived before us turned their heads and looked at us. Married couples had to bring their partners, so there were several familiar ladies present. As we passed by, amazed and envious gazes followed us.
The expressions of the ladies were especially worth seeing, and I can see why. Roeni Wheaton, who was abandoned by her father and unloved by her husband, stood in between Duke Feischer and Duke Wheaton and was accompanied by the knights, so it was no wonder that people were surprised.
Moreover, with Diart sticking close to my side and escorting me with his arm wrapped around my waist, it must have been a confirmation of what they had only heard in rumors.
I couldn’t help but smile at their surprised gazes and exclamations. It seemed that my appearance looked quite wicked, like that of a villainess. I saw some ladies and a few noblemen flinching.
When I arrived at the throne room1not a literal throne room. “상석” in Korean culture refers to a high-ranking or respected seat; traditionally, it holds significance in various settings, from seating arrangements in meetings to the layout of spaces, surrounded by only three imperial dukes, Leticia, who was next to the emperor, greeted me with a friendly nod.
I returned Leticia’s greeting and locked eyes with Crown Prince Jarvis, who had been staring at me while I was coming up to the throne room, and drew a smile.
Then, when I turned my head at the hand that pulled my waist, Diart was staring at me but then shifted his gaze to Crown Prince Jarvis. His jaw tightened as though he was gnashing his teeth.
* * *
Translator
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
[email protected]
Eu me sinto feliz pela fl, mas sinto um pouco de pena da Roeni original
Thanks for the update 🇧🇷 😸 🥰