The look in Laskan's eyes as he spoke those words was truly that of an arrogant conqueror.
It was only then that I realized once again that he was a war hero and that he truly had the power to make those words come true.
His family already had great power, surpassing that of a mere noble family in the empire, and approaching a kingdom.
Suddenly, a certain realization struck me. Was it a premonition, or just a vision? A vast, vast plain and sea passed before my eyes.
He was a man who would gladly submit to me, whether in the South or the East if it was revealed that I was not the Princess.
He gently hugged my waist and lifted me onto the horse. As I climbed on, I saw that it was 'Renal', the Duke's huge black steed.
Even though it was a tamed horse, I felt a tremendous thump every time it snorted and hit the ground. I was startled and grabbed the horse's scruff.
“Hey, aren’t you going by carriage?”
“It would take at least three or four hours to get through this long procession by carriage.”
Almost as soon as I heard that voice, I swooped up onto his horse.
As I flinched in nervousness, muscular arms held me firmly from behind.
I was startled once by the heightened view, and again by the feeling of his solid chest right behind me.
“Are you okay?”
“Uh, yeah, maybe, yeah...”
“You’ll be there before dinner time. I know it’s uncomfortable, but please lean on me and rest.”
I nodded. Not knowing what was going on in my head. I just felt like I was too close to him.
I could feel his breathing, his inhalation and exhalation, through our skin touching. My ears felt hot as if they were going to burst.
The road to the residence seemed both too long and too short.
I actually managed to get to the summer palace before dinner time, thanks to Laskan's skillful horsemanship as he steered through the crowded carriages.
I thought it might be half impossible, but he was truly amazing. Personally, it was a very unfortunate thing.
“Your Highness, what on earth is this..."
In front of the western wing, the maids stood waiting anxiously, then opened their eyes wide when they saw me and Laskan.
They thought I was with the minor lord, but it was surprising to see me return with Laskan.
It was burdensome to see their eyes sparkling so much. The questioning would probably continue as soon as Laskan returned... It seemed that I was wrong to be on time again today.
“Come in and rest.”
He said this as he gently placed me down in front of the summer palace. I handed him back the cloak that was still covering me.
I was dirty because of the dust and dirt that was on my body, but he didn't care and just wrapped it around his body. I guess it was to make sure I didn't feel embarrassed.
“Right. What about the stuff I bought?”
“I will have a porter send it to you tomorrow morning.”
He said that as he gently squeezed my hand one last time and then let go. As I hesitated to let it go like that, Renal snorted and started to whine.
Smart guy. He knew like a ghost that I was secretly flirting with his master.
“...Then see you soon.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Please assist Her Highness well.”
He nodded his head in greeting to the maids.
I waved my hand and saw Laskan off. As he moved away, the tension eased and all the fatigue that had built up came rushing back to me.
I looked at the endless stairs and despaired. I didn't want to walk at all on my own feet.
Well, I came here by carriage for several days and went to the village without even getting a proper rest...
“Your Highness. What on earth is going on? How did you meet the Duke?”
Thalia grabbed my arm, her eyes sparkling. I pinched her nose.
Thalia, you little brat. Even though Dmitry told you to go back, why are you leaving me behind like that? Thalia must have read the reprimand in my eyes and slumped her shoulders sullenly.
“The Marquis said he had something to say to you alone.”
“And ‘that Young master’ was looking for you urgently.”
“Irina, that’s a secret...!”
Thalia whispered, hitting Irina's side.
The next morning, the porter that Laskan had said he would send arrived.
I checked inside just in case, and everything I needed was there. There were traps, herbs, and most importantly, Tilata's notes.
The maids, who had been opening the bag together out of curiosity, suddenly looked worried when they saw the iron trap popping out.
Since the theme of this competition was to evaluate strength and bravery, using traps seemed like a rather unseemly move.
But victory was not a matter of method, but of results. No matter what method was used, the winner's crown was ultimately awarded to the one who caught the more valuable animal.
I didn't even step foot on the training ground during the fairly given preparation time of the day. Veronica probably slept and ate there.
Instead, I studied Tilatha's notes so well that I could recite them word for word without missing a single page.
Tilatha's notes were full of everything. They even detailed what poisonous plants were in Zarantello Antaria.
Instead of going to the training ground, I tried to imagine the terrain in my head by walking along the forest path. Later, I even hinted that maybe Thalia should go to the training ground...
To others, it may look like I'm taking a leisurely walk or reading a book.
So the day passed and the morning of the competition finally dawned.
I went into my soft bed, slept well, and ate a lot. Thanks to not overdoing it, my physical condition was the best it’s been in a while. My mind was also quite at ease.
As Laskan had said, hunting was neither my specialty nor something I was good at. There was nothing to be ashamed of if I failed.
In fact, I might have the advantage over Veronica in terms of mentality.
I changed into my hunting clothes and put Tilatha's bag on my shoulder. Irina practically begged me to carry something other than that dirty bag...
In the end, it was hard to find a bag more practical than this. It didn't matter how pretty it looked since I was going to be rolling around the mountain anyway.
The starting point of the competition was the back gate of the Summer Palace, in front of the bridge leading to the third island.
The sunshades had already been pitched, and beneath them, ladies and examiners were sitting at tables.
All examiners, including Laskan, were not allowed to meet or contact the contestants alone until the competition ended tomorrow.
“Be careful, there is mud underneath.”
Enoch said this, holding my hand firmly as I got off my horse.
I looked up, glanced at the tents, and then slowly led my horse toward the center.
"Your Highness."
Lady Veronica, who had been waiting, bowed slightly and bowed. Her red hair was tied up high.
Her face was beautiful as always, but her expression, which should have been confident, looked a little off today.
“Lady Veronica. I hope you have a good match.”
She managed to answer belatedly.
“...Yes, Your Highness”
I wanted to ask what had happened, but then the Emperor stood up. It was the first time I had seen him, either publicly or privately, since his collapse.
Fortunately, his sickly appearance was nowhere to be seen, and his face was as dignified as usual.
After a somewhat complicated look passed by, the Emperor raised his head and opened his mouth to face the nobles.
“Today, at this place, I hereby announce that the competition for succession has officially begun. The two of you swear to compete on the principles of fairness and justice, and to unite in good faith.”
“I swear.”
Veronica and I knelt down and said so. The Emperor looked at the nobles and shouted again.
“You who are present here are witnesses and examiners, and you swear to remember and respect today’s results.”
“I swear.”
With so many people speaking at the same time, it felt like bees were buzzing.
As the Emperor raised his hand, the quick and belated voices gradually died down.
“Then the competition will begin.”
Finally, the Emperor declared the start of the race. Veronica and I stood at the starting line, each leading our horses.
To be honest, I still had trouble getting on and off a horse by myself. This time, Enoch helped me get on the horse.
I was a little embarrassed because Veronica was watching me closely. She sat up so nicely in one go.
Anyway, when the third horn sounded, it was the beginning. I patted the horse's neck once. Immediately after, the first horn sounded.
"Your Highness."
Veronica, who was watching the forest path alongside me, suddenly opened her mouth. I was a little surprised and tried to turn my head away because I didn't know she would talk.
But Veronica was a little faster at stopping it.
“Just listen to it.”
"What..."
“Can you run a horse at full speed?”
“...Maybe.”
Then the second horn sounded. With a pleasant breeze.
She moved her horse, bringing it slightly closer to me. From a distance, it might have looked like a gesture to calm the sullen horse.
Veronica whispered softly.
“You must get through the second island as quickly as possible.”
“Why?”
“Because that place is dangerous for Your Highness. To be exact, only for Your Highness.”
“...”
I almost looked in her direction. Dangerous? Just for me?
It was only then that I realized once again that he was a war hero and that he truly had the power to make those words come true.
His family already had great power, surpassing that of a mere noble family in the empire, and approaching a kingdom.
Suddenly, a certain realization struck me. Was it a premonition, or just a vision? A vast, vast plain and sea passed before my eyes.
He was a man who would gladly submit to me, whether in the South or the East if it was revealed that I was not the Princess.
He gently hugged my waist and lifted me onto the horse. As I climbed on, I saw that it was 'Renal', the Duke's huge black steed.
Even though it was a tamed horse, I felt a tremendous thump every time it snorted and hit the ground. I was startled and grabbed the horse's scruff.
“Hey, aren’t you going by carriage?”
“It would take at least three or four hours to get through this long procession by carriage.”
Almost as soon as I heard that voice, I swooped up onto his horse.
As I flinched in nervousness, muscular arms held me firmly from behind.
I was startled once by the heightened view, and again by the feeling of his solid chest right behind me.
“Are you okay?”
“Uh, yeah, maybe, yeah...”
“You’ll be there before dinner time. I know it’s uncomfortable, but please lean on me and rest.”
I nodded. Not knowing what was going on in my head. I just felt like I was too close to him.
I could feel his breathing, his inhalation and exhalation, through our skin touching. My ears felt hot as if they were going to burst.
The road to the residence seemed both too long and too short.
***
I actually managed to get to the summer palace before dinner time, thanks to Laskan's skillful horsemanship as he steered through the crowded carriages.
I thought it might be half impossible, but he was truly amazing. Personally, it was a very unfortunate thing.
“Your Highness, what on earth is this..."
In front of the western wing, the maids stood waiting anxiously, then opened their eyes wide when they saw me and Laskan.
They thought I was with the minor lord, but it was surprising to see me return with Laskan.
It was burdensome to see their eyes sparkling so much. The questioning would probably continue as soon as Laskan returned... It seemed that I was wrong to be on time again today.
“Come in and rest.”
He said this as he gently placed me down in front of the summer palace. I handed him back the cloak that was still covering me.
I was dirty because of the dust and dirt that was on my body, but he didn't care and just wrapped it around his body. I guess it was to make sure I didn't feel embarrassed.
“Right. What about the stuff I bought?”
“I will have a porter send it to you tomorrow morning.”
He said that as he gently squeezed my hand one last time and then let go. As I hesitated to let it go like that, Renal snorted and started to whine.
Smart guy. He knew like a ghost that I was secretly flirting with his master.
“...Then see you soon.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Please assist Her Highness well.”
He nodded his head in greeting to the maids.
I waved my hand and saw Laskan off. As he moved away, the tension eased and all the fatigue that had built up came rushing back to me.
I looked at the endless stairs and despaired. I didn't want to walk at all on my own feet.
Well, I came here by carriage for several days and went to the village without even getting a proper rest...
“Your Highness. What on earth is going on? How did you meet the Duke?”
Thalia grabbed my arm, her eyes sparkling. I pinched her nose.
Thalia, you little brat. Even though Dmitry told you to go back, why are you leaving me behind like that? Thalia must have read the reprimand in my eyes and slumped her shoulders sullenly.
“The Marquis said he had something to say to you alone.”
“And ‘that Young master’ was looking for you urgently.”
“Irina, that’s a secret...!”
Thalia whispered, hitting Irina's side.
...I don’t need to say more. It was probably Dmitry’s trick. By the way, if that guy ‘Young Master’ joins Veronica’s side later, won’t they join hands and move on?
Even just thinking about it gave me goosebumps at the rather plausible assumption. This can't be done. I have to do better so that I can't think of anything else.
Even just thinking about it gave me goosebumps at the rather plausible assumption. This can't be done. I have to do better so that I can't think of anything else.
***
The next morning, the porter that Laskan had said he would send arrived.
I checked inside just in case, and everything I needed was there. There were traps, herbs, and most importantly, Tilata's notes.
The maids, who had been opening the bag together out of curiosity, suddenly looked worried when they saw the iron trap popping out.
Since the theme of this competition was to evaluate strength and bravery, using traps seemed like a rather unseemly move.
But victory was not a matter of method, but of results. No matter what method was used, the winner's crown was ultimately awarded to the one who caught the more valuable animal.
I didn't even step foot on the training ground during the fairly given preparation time of the day. Veronica probably slept and ate there.
Instead, I studied Tilatha's notes so well that I could recite them word for word without missing a single page.
Tilatha's notes were full of everything. They even detailed what poisonous plants were in Zarantello Antaria.
Instead of going to the training ground, I tried to imagine the terrain in my head by walking along the forest path. Later, I even hinted that maybe Thalia should go to the training ground...
To others, it may look like I'm taking a leisurely walk or reading a book.
So the day passed and the morning of the competition finally dawned.
I went into my soft bed, slept well, and ate a lot. Thanks to not overdoing it, my physical condition was the best it’s been in a while. My mind was also quite at ease.
As Laskan had said, hunting was neither my specialty nor something I was good at. There was nothing to be ashamed of if I failed.
In fact, I might have the advantage over Veronica in terms of mentality.
I changed into my hunting clothes and put Tilatha's bag on my shoulder. Irina practically begged me to carry something other than that dirty bag...
In the end, it was hard to find a bag more practical than this. It didn't matter how pretty it looked since I was going to be rolling around the mountain anyway.
The starting point of the competition was the back gate of the Summer Palace, in front of the bridge leading to the third island.
The sunshades had already been pitched, and beneath them, ladies and examiners were sitting at tables.
All examiners, including Laskan, were not allowed to meet or contact the contestants alone until the competition ended tomorrow.
“Be careful, there is mud underneath.”
Enoch said this, holding my hand firmly as I got off my horse.
I looked up, glanced at the tents, and then slowly led my horse toward the center.
"Your Highness."
Lady Veronica, who had been waiting, bowed slightly and bowed. Her red hair was tied up high.
Her face was beautiful as always, but her expression, which should have been confident, looked a little off today.
“Lady Veronica. I hope you have a good match.”
She managed to answer belatedly.
“...Yes, Your Highness”
I wanted to ask what had happened, but then the Emperor stood up. It was the first time I had seen him, either publicly or privately, since his collapse.
Fortunately, his sickly appearance was nowhere to be seen, and his face was as dignified as usual.
After a somewhat complicated look passed by, the Emperor raised his head and opened his mouth to face the nobles.
“Today, at this place, I hereby announce that the competition for succession has officially begun. The two of you swear to compete on the principles of fairness and justice, and to unite in good faith.”
“I swear.”
Veronica and I knelt down and said so. The Emperor looked at the nobles and shouted again.
“You who are present here are witnesses and examiners, and you swear to remember and respect today’s results.”
“I swear.”
With so many people speaking at the same time, it felt like bees were buzzing.
As the Emperor raised his hand, the quick and belated voices gradually died down.
“Then the competition will begin.”
Finally, the Emperor declared the start of the race. Veronica and I stood at the starting line, each leading our horses.
To be honest, I still had trouble getting on and off a horse by myself. This time, Enoch helped me get on the horse.
I was a little embarrassed because Veronica was watching me closely. She sat up so nicely in one go.
Anyway, when the third horn sounded, it was the beginning. I patted the horse's neck once. Immediately after, the first horn sounded.
"Your Highness."
Veronica, who was watching the forest path alongside me, suddenly opened her mouth. I was a little surprised and tried to turn my head away because I didn't know she would talk.
But Veronica was a little faster at stopping it.
“Just listen to it.”
"What..."
“Can you run a horse at full speed?”
“...Maybe.”
Then the second horn sounded. With a pleasant breeze.
She moved her horse, bringing it slightly closer to me. From a distance, it might have looked like a gesture to calm the sullen horse.
Veronica whispered softly.
“You must get through the second island as quickly as possible.”
“Why?”
“Because that place is dangerous for Your Highness. To be exact, only for Your Highness.”
“...”
I almost looked in her direction. Dangerous? Just for me?
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