Chapter 5
Rather than responding right away, Knoxus fanned himself with the checks and simply observed my playful demeanor.
It was as if he was staring at something unexpected, attacking without giving him time to fix the situation, even though no fixing was necessary.
It was as if he had bitten into a bittersweet bait, realizing that it was actually a sugary delight.
“… I look forward to meeting you at the hunting festival.”
And so, my long-unseen neighbor from the special room departed from my office. I returned the checkbook to its original place and stretched out my arms.
* * *
When it comes to fantasy world hunting festivals, one might imagine a gathering of warriors from all corners of the realm, spirits, and wizards showing off their skills, mysterious priests, and even hidden demons lurking in the dark forests for a grand event of their eradication.
Perhaps romance might bloom amidst the dangers of the dreaded Valley of Screams.
However, this world's perspective was far from such fantastical imaginings. It was a world that leaned towards unnecessary realism.
Ahem. The age of warriors brandishing cold weapons had long passed, and the most perilous creatures one could encounter in the early autumn forest were poisonous snakes, irate brown bears, or packs of wolves that were gradually losing their dominance to guns as time progressed.
There was no room for anything remotely romantic here.
While it was called a hunting festival, it bore little resemblance to the concept. It was more like a charity party where the elite of the empire congregated to foster camaraderie.
There was a prize for the team that caught the most foxes, but it was essentially a fun game, akin to a cricket or boxing tournament. Poor foxes…
“If only my eyesight were better, I'd have brought home trophies every year.”
Lethias's declaration left the entire group momentarily dumbfounded, except for Benya, of course.
"Are you sure about that?"
"What?"
“That if you had perfect eyesight, you’d be hitting the bull's eye every single time.”
“I didn’t say I'd hit every single time... Didn't I just say I would've won?”
Benya refrained from verbalizing anything further, his slight upward curve of the lips conveying a hundred words in itself.
Thus, Lethias found himself in a fit of annoyance even before we reached the venue.
“Are you suggesting that even if my eyes were fine, I'd still end up with the same result?!”
“I never said that. You’re the one thinking like that, Hyung.”
“Hey, you brat! Are you really my brother?”
Regardless, observing the festively adorned venue by the lakeside, basking in the warm autumn sun, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and vitality.
We mingled among the other wagons, moving in and out between the festively constructed structures.
“It's... our first time being together like this.”
Alfonsina, her cheeks tinged with a blush, spoke in hushed tones. Her sleek black hair was braided elegantly to one side, her attire comprising a black jacket paired with a white plaid skirt in hunting garb.
Her words carried an air of restrained cheerfulness. She exuded an aura that seemed capable of skillfully reloading a hunting gun with her petite hands.
Of course, it was unimaginable for Alfonsina to actually fire a weapon.
"Really? Is this your first time together like this?"
“Yes, that’s correct… Until last year, my family and I attended separately.”
Indeed, that must have been the case. I sneaked a sidelong glance at the nonchalant fiancé. Lethias, his mood seemingly restored, stood at a distance, enthusiastically waving back at those who greeted him.
I had worried that he might mistake someone for a bear and take a shot at it, but I was relieved to see him in high spirits.
Their matching outfits as a couple seemed to agree with them. Of course, I had chosen Alfonsina's attire, but…
“Is your forehead all right?”
Benya's voice jolted me, and I cleared my throat before looking up.
I couldn’t understand why I felt so flustered once more. Ever since that night before... No, beyond that, why did he seem so fresh today?
How could a coat and Sherlock Holmes-like hunting cap look so dashing to him? A pipe would complete the picture.
“Sasha?”
"Yes, I'm fine. Of course, I'm fine. I’m just being a little clumsy."
He replied with a sigh, raising his hand to gently touch the bruise on my forehead. I had concealed it with makeup, but the faint bluish tinge was still evident.
It had happened while I was bustling around since dawn and inadvertently bumped into the edge of a dresser drawer. Ahhhh, I was relieved no one had witnessed that mishap.
Not that it was a big deal or anything.
Benya's concerned gaze lingered on my forehead for a moment, then drifted lower, catching sight of something glinting at the hem of my red cloak. A faint smile graced his lips.
“You're wearing it. The necklace.”
“It's also a talisman.”
"A talisman?"
“Yes, a talisman. It's supposed to keep me safe, right? I mean, I was wearing it when that happened.”
Just then, someone approached us.
“Benya.”
"Your Highness."
It was Assad. Of course, dressed in a blue hunting suit with a regal purple cape, he looked every bit the epitome of a hunting deity.
A golden halo seemed to crown his sun-kissed hair, and his deep purple eyes took on a tinge of blue violet, perhaps due to his attire. Those eyes ceased scanning the surroundings and settled on me.
“You're here. What an unexpected pleasure.”
I wish you wouldn't say that with such sincerity, Crown Prince. I bowed my head, attempting to conceal the mixture of joy and reluctance that always surged within me whenever I encountered him.
"Your Highness, it's an honor to be a part of this national event.”
“The honor is ours. After all, what's the point of such an event without these shining talents? Don’t you agree, Benya?"
“Your words are wise. It's already quite apparent which team will emerge victorious this time.”
“Shouldn't you at least let my team have the upper hand in a situation like this? We should monopolize this exceptional talent for ourselves. But what's your older brother up to?”
“Ask him yourself. I'm tired of repeating the same thing.”
Lethias, being true to his nature, had wandered off and was now frolicking with a group of hounds. Well, not literally rolling on the ground, but it certainly looked like he was.
It was unavoidable. Lethias had been an animal lover since he was a child, particularly fond of dogs. In fact, he could be called a dog enthusiast. I often wondered why he didn't have a pet dog in the Duchy.
Suppressing a wry smile, I rested my hand on Alfonsina's shoulder. She appeared to be somewhat taken aback by her fiancé's antics.
“Alsie, do you like dogs?”
"Yes? Ah, yes. I do like them."
"Well, that's a relief. Lethy-oppa is fond of dogs too, which is why he's like that. Would you like to go and pet them?”
Alfonsina hesitated briefly but perhaps bolstered by my playful encouragement, she cautiously approached her fiancé. She knelt down beside the scruffy bushy hound and began stroking its fur.
It was a heartwarming and relaxing sight. Lethias, who had been encircled by the dog with droopy ears hanging over its shoulders, paused and glanced back at her.
“Alfonsina, do you like dogs?”
“Yes, I've actually loved them since I was little…”
“Really? I had no idea. Why didn't I know until now?”
Perhaps because your conversations didn't exactly delve deep into such matters. As I watched with a proud smile, a peculiar sensation made me turn my head.
When I shifted my gaze, I found the remarkably handsome Crown Prince and the enigmatic allure of the Serpente’s Prince both watching me, side by side.
What's going on? Why are you both staring at me like that? If I didn't know you better, I'd almost say you look dazed.
“Is there something the matter, Your Highness? Benya?”
I inquired playfully, but the two men quickly averted their gaze, not offering any explanation. Well, these...
“All the carefully selected stallions this time are of the highest quality.”
“They say a good rider doesn't discriminate against their horse.”
“I've always felt that, but you have an unusually high level of confidence.”
“Only Your Highness is thinking like this.”
So, are you two just conversing amongst yourselves? I am indeed skilled at horseback riding. Tsk, I guess I need to show off my abilities...
“Your Highness, Ducal Prince! Everyone's here. My, did Sasha come with you too?”
Of course, our heroine. Is her siscon of a younger brother also tagging along?
Adriana's long hair, similar to mine, was neatly braided down her back, adorned with a delicate tiara on top.
Her elegant dress cascading straight down was paired with a light blue cape, similar to what many women were wearing here.
In fact, it seemed like most of the women had chosen such an outfit, making Alfonsina stand out more.
“Sasha, you're here… And is that Alsie?”
Adriana's gaze halted its sweeping search and settled beyond my shoulder. More specifically, on a couple engrossed in conversation while happily petting a couple of dogs.
Her twinkling pink eyes widened as she expressed her surprise.
"Wow… She's changed so much that I almost didn't recognize her. It's like she's a completely different person now. Did you have a hand in that transformation too, Sasha?”
“I can't take credit for that. But on another note, doesn't the Princess look splendid today? You appear like a fairy from the heart of the forest.”
“Ahaha, thank you. But I think the comparison is better suited for you, Sasha. I was wondering if we'd cross paths today, but I'm glad the Prince brought us all together.”
Meanwhile, the other Ducal Prince, Juan, shot us an annoyed look after briefly acknowledging the Crown Prince and Benya.
Posing as if he was watching his older sister, his gaze flickered to me—or rather, to my forehead.
Just then, Lethias let go of his fiancée's hand and gently released the dog that had been draped over his shoulder. He let out a booming shout in our direction.
“Come on, Your Highness, dear Prince! What are you waiting for?! Aren't the festivities about to commence?!”
Laughter and jeering erupted from the group of men surrounding him, clearly enjoying this light-hearted affair. Assad winced, a pained expression crossing his face, while Benya tried to avert his gaze, as though attempting to distance himself from his older brother's antics.
And so, the festival began.
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