Chapter 6

All the participants were divided into two teams: the blue team, which included the imperial family, and the red team, led by the two dukes.

The attendees were a diverse group, as there were no strict criteria for the division. Individuals simply picked a ribbon of their preferred color and fastened it to their wrist.

However, since not everyone intended to participate in the hunt, the specifics didn't matter much.

Those keen on taking part in the fox-hunting competitions ventured off to join the hunt, while others who chose not to engage in the chase remained at the fairgrounds, stationed along the lakeshore.

The event will unfold throughout the day. As evening descended, the games would then be concluded, as the victor was determined, and the auction would be kicked off.

The auction items ranged from stallions of the highest pedigree to a variety of inventions and exotic imports.

Since this event offered non-noble traders a unique chance to shine, the stalls were quite diverse, and aimed at piquing the interest of the nobles.

A diverse crowd of men and women, their hunting guns draped over their shoulders, bustled around the area, engaged in lively conversations, laughter, and movement.

Of course, many of the guns were just replicas that closely resembled the real deal.

Given the theme of the festival, various items that could provide enjoyment were available for purchase, while those equipped with authentic firearms embarked into the woods earlier in the day.

As for me, I was now under the guidance of the female lead and the would-be sister-in-law (?), learning the ropes as a novice participant. We each tied red ribbons around our wrists, naturally.

“It seems all the celebrities have gathered. But it appears that most people are more intrigued by the auction than the hunting trophies.”

“They don't have much choice. By the way, do you know what was auctioned last year?”

“What was it?”

“A love potion.”

“Oh, really?”

"Absolutely. And you know what's even more interesting? It sold for eight hundred ducats.”

Let's see, ten gold coins per ducat... That was indeed a pretty profitable scam. As I feigned shock, Adriana burst into laughter.

“Nobles seem to have an unexpected affinity for superstitions. I can't imagine Sasha ever doing something so silly. Do you know who won the bid? Alsie, do you remember?”

“… was...”

"Huh? Sorry, please say it a little louder.”

"… it was me. You probably didn't see it because you left early…"

A brief pause followed her admission. Alfonsina lowered her head, her face flushed with embarrassment, as she revealed her secret.

Adriana stared at her friend with a mixture of surprise and disappointment, her pink eyes reflecting her emotions.

“Did it work, though?”

I asked mischievously, breaking the tension. Both young women turned their attention to me, and Alfonsina mumbled for a moment before smiling and shaking her head.

“No… My mother found out, and all I got was a scolding. I couldn't find a way to secretly give it to the duke...”

“What a shame. If you still have some, can you lend it to me? I'll use it exclusively for the hotel. If every guest falls in love with our hotel, we'll be overflowing with profits.”

The awkwardness in the air dissolved as laughter filled the space. Adriana playfully patted her friend on the shoulder, and Alfonsina covered her mouth with her hand as she giggled.

Yet, underneath the laughter, I felt a twinge of sadness.

I could imagine how desperately Alfonsina must have been trying to win the affection of our Bear back then. From my perspective, her efforts were endearing rather than foolish.

I finished off the remaining olive, wiped my hands, and got up from my seat.

“Where are you off to, Sasha?”

"I thought I'd also contribute some energy to the competition."

I grinned and slung the ornamental hunting rifle, which had been leaning against a chair, over my shoulder.

It seemed like they thought I was joking, as they both smiled and stood up, grabbing their decorative guns.

“Does Sasha know how to ride a horse?”

“Of course, I do. How about we have a friendly horseback riding competition?”

“We should be fine as long as we don't stray too far.”

And so, the three of us left the outdoor table and made our way toward the area where the horses were waiting.

* * *

The wind rustled through my hair, refreshing and invigorating.

After a wild ride through the forest, relishing the scent of the woods and the warmth of the sunlight, I eventually reached a tranquil clearing where a gentle stream flowed.

All the while, I had left behind the sounds of Alfonsina and Adriana's laughter. It's not like they would venture this deep into the woods, anyway.

Straining my ears, I could hear a mix of barking dogs, the rhythmic beat of hooves, and the distant crack of gunshots. It seemed like someone had spotted a target. Perhaps Benya was there too?

He did mention not wanting to be alone, so maybe if I joined in and showcased my skills, he wouldn't be sulking, albeit belatedly...

“Arf! Arf! Arf!”

Suddenly, a dog burst from the underbrush behind me, barking furiously and causing me to rein in my horse. And then came a voice:

“I thought it was a fox, but it turned out to be a snake. What a useless hound.”

I turned my attention to the scene unfolding behind me. A white horse with a flowing golden mane had come into view. Riding that horse was none other than the prince himself, Knoxus.

He was dressed in a tight-fitting black hunting suit that accentuated his athletic physique. With hunting boots and a leopard leather cape, he resembled a black panther on horseback.

His deep purple eyes, a shade darker than his brother's, assessed me from head to toe with a hint of resentment.

“Your Highness.”

It was my inquisitive neighbor from the special room – Prince Knoxus.

His unique taste was evident in his appearance – he was like a black leopard prowling the woods. His gaze remained locked on me, and the faintest hint of a sneer tugged at the corners of his lips.

“I had been anticipating this moment, and it's rather pleasant to finally see you. Your riding stance is quite distinctive. Did you learn it from the Serpentes?”

“I picked it up in Vibrato. How have you been, Your Highness?”

“I'm always well. Thanks to your generous contribution, I've had quite an enjoyable time lately. I acquired this horse using that money.”

Should I offer my congratulations? I maintained my smile as he observed my expression, his own visage guarded.

He directed his attention to a particular point, and I noticed his dark eyebrows twitch ever so slightly.

“Are you dealing with a bandit?”

"What?"

“Why does your face look like that?”

Seems like both friends share some similarities in their perceptions. Juan and Knoxus responded in surprisingly similar ways.

It turned out that all the fuss this morning was unexpectedly useful. I raised my hand, feigning a gesture to cover my forehead.

“It's just... I was reorganizing some things and accidentally bumped into something. I can be a bit clumsy.”

As I looked away, evasively answering his question, he slowly guided his horse closer to me. In a very grave tone, he murmured:

“You seem to have a talent for organizing things with your forehead.”

“Rather than that... I must admit, it's a bit slippery.”

It was true. I had gotten up in a somewhat groggy state, stumbling over to the dressing table... Ahem.

"Where?"

"Your Highness?"

“You mentioned slipping. Where did you bump into something?”

His tone was insistent. Glancing at him through lowered eyelashes, I was taken aback by the sharp intensity of his gaze.

Hmm, he's really running with this. While I was jesting, I hadn't anticipated such a persistent response. It seemed that the seeds I planted during our previous interaction had indeed taken root.

“Why does that matter, Your Highness? I-I'm already mortified enough. Discussing such matters with Your Highness...”

“It doesn't matter what you're like. The real question is, how did you end up like that?”

“That's why I mentioned being clumsy as the reason.”

There was a brief pause. As the forlorn dog, scorned as a useless hound, whined and retreated, Knoxus regarded me with a perplexed expression for a long moment.

Finally, he managed to summon the courage to speak up with the words I had wanted him to say.

"Is it because of me?"

Thankfully, I didn't have to sift through words to answer that loaded question unnecessarily.

Just in the nick of time, the sound of approaching hoofbeats reached our ears, and someone fittingly intervened with an air of seriousness.

“Your Highness, what's going on over there… Wait, what?"

Even though your camaraderie was relatively short-lived, seeing you both like this is quite odd. It's like observing a go board with black and white pieces placed side by side.

Knoxus continued to watch me closely, his attention undeterred by Juan's appearance.

Juan, in turn, shifted his gaze between the two of us, his expression a mix of curiosity and disapproval. Then, he directed his frown toward me and began questioning me in an accusatory tone.

“Did you secretly become a skilled horse rider? Or was it odd from the beginning if you don’t know how to? And what happened to your forehead?”

Even though my forehead was concealed by makeup and bangs, people seemed strangely fixated on it. Why were others so intrigued by where I had bumped into? Did they enjoy speculating?

It was starting to seem true that the stronger one's guilty conscience, the stronger their tendency to see things in a certain way became.

If I kept feeding into their expectations, the narrative would become twisted on its own.

“It's nothing. Ducal Prince, was this your hunting technique?” (Me)

“Your horseback skills are impressive regardless.” (Knoxus)

“Are you two working together for this competition today?” (Me)

Juan rolled his eyes as if he had reached his limit... I didn't know how many steps I had gone before a voice rang from behind me.

“Hey, have you forgotten your position entirely while mingling with the Serpentes? What kind of safety is this…” (Juan)

“No need to worry. My awareness of my position never wavers. Even if I wish it would.” (Me)

“No, seriously, you're insane…” (Juan)

“Juan, that's enough.” (Knoxus)

“Your Highness, but…” (Juan)

“Enough. Sasha?” (Knoxus)

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