After a long journey, the carriage arrived at the entrance to the imperial hunting grounds. There, not only the Grand Duke's carriage but also those of other noble families had arrived.
The place was more crowded than expected, as each family had the privilege of bringing their acquaintances along in addition to those who had received a direct invitation.
I got out of the carriage and approached Nife. It wasn't to pressure her.
Of course, I was dying to nag her, but wasn't it too early to tell her? Even if they were to get married, I didn't want to become a sister-in-law who only harassed her.
My face darkened on its own, and Ruin ran towards me with a worried look on his face.
“Sister, did you get carsick in the carriage?”
I shook my head quietly.
“You go to His Highness the Grand Duke for a moment. The ladies have something to discuss.”
“With Nife?”
"Are you going to call me Nife in front of people? Just call me Lady Sasha."
Ruin was momentarily taken aback by my words, but then nodded, perhaps remembering that there were a lot of people here.
“Then, I will step aside.”
Ruin politely stepped aside, and I stood before Nife. Nife was smiling brightly, but there was a hint of nervousness. It felt like she was afraid I'd eat her, and I felt uneasy.
“Lady Sasha.”
“Yes, yes! Your Highness, the Grand Duchess.”
I sighed and gently took Nife's hand. Why? It felt like I'd suddenly aged decades. I whispered so no one, including Ruin, could hear.
“How about Ruin?”
At my words, Nife smiled awkwardly. She seemed to understand the intent of my question, but seemed at a loss for an answer.
“Isn’t it going well?”
Nife spoke with a pout and a stern tone.
“You hope it doesn’t go well, right?”
I looked down at the hand I was holding, Nife, and sighed again. My heart was deeply troubled.
Thinking back to the incident with Count Sasha a while ago gave me a headache. I even thought, "If I'd known this would happen, I wouldn't have gone to such lengths."
"I don't know myself. I had a public fight with your father not too long ago, so I wonder if it's okay for me to be like this with you...?"
“Oh, Your Highness, the Grand Duchess too.”
Nife quickly smiled brightly and put her arm around me.
"Your Highness, all you had to do was summon Ruin. I'll take care of the rest."
But when my face still didn't brighten, Nife brought her lips close to my ear and said.
“Don’t worry, I won’t lift a finger until Ruin says it’s okay.”
At those words, I was startled and turned my head. The innocent smile on Nife's face, still close by, was so unnerving that it almost felt out of place.
I finally put some distance between myself and Nife by pressing my index finger on her forehead.
“Don’t tease adults.”
When I spoke sternly, Nife pouted and made a sour face.
“Yes, good. I’ll have Ruin be your escort for the party after the hunting competition.”
At that, Nife's face brightened instantly. It was as if she hadn't realized I would be so helpful. In fact, even as she said those words, I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do.
“Really?”
After I nodded and left the room, I walked towards Julian. Nife called out to me and followed me at a brisk pace.
"Your Highness, my friend is ready. Do you trust me?"
Nife clung to me and spoke softly. "I've been saying I'll get along with Ruin, but I feel like I've been following him around like crazy for a while now. Am I mistaken?"
The hunting competition was divided into two groups: participants and spectators. Spectators literally climbed a high platform and watched the competition from a safe location.
Each participant received an arrow wrapped in a different colored band. Members of the imperial family stood out from the crowd, wearing ornate gold bands.
Julian, Ruin, and I, attending in the name of the Duchzan, received arrows adorned with black bands. They didn't look like anyone else's, but they weren't particularly striking either. It was a color that revealed the Emperor's view of the Duchzan.
"Hmm..."
I smiled and looked down at the ribbon wrapped around the bow. Julian's expression was blank, as if he had no thoughts. Everyone in the room was glancing at him, wondering what was on his mind.
After all, Julian was the Grand Duke of Duchzan. The man known as the monster-eating Grand Duke. It was only natural that everyone would be interested in his obedient listening to the Emperor.
But I hated that obvious thing.
I reached out and brought my hand close to Julian's face. Julian looked at me with a heavy gaze.
“Madam, why are you doing that?”
“I’m afraid your face will feel hot.”
My one hand wasn't enough to cover his face, but I still wanted to block his gaze, even if it was just for a fraction of a second. Julian smiled faintly at my gesture. Then he took my hand and kissed the center of my palm.
I felt my surroundings' voice suddenly growling, but it didn't matter to me. All that mattered was that kiss, the feeling of his cold mask and warm lips all at once. As I clenched my fists and pursed my lips, he playfully said,
“I told you why you didn’t kiss me.”
“I was worried. I guess it’s okay.”
I reached down and placed my hand on his shoulder, whispering. Julian smiled and whispered back, echoing my tone.
“It’s okay, you’ll cover it all with your little hands.”
I found myself dazed by Julian's incredibly affectionate and sly words. Then, suddenly, I realized he was joking with me.
“You’re kidding me!”
I let go of Julian and turned my back on him. At that moment, my eyes met Ruin's. He stared at me and Julian with bewildered eyes. Then, as if he'd seen something he shouldn't have, he smiled awkwardly and looked away.
“Ru, Ruin.”
I called out to my younger brother, stammering, but Ruin's ears turned red and he started talking to the random Young Master standing next to him.
“Ah, Young Master Grody. The weather is nice.”
“Yes? Oh, yes.”
“It’s perfect weather for hunting.”
My call seemed to go unheeded. I could only return to Julian's side with a bewildered expression.
Why do I feel like I've been so shameless in love, and then my family found out?
I was too embarrassed to raise my head. Julian asked me, as if he couldn't understand me.
“Madam, why are you doing that?”
Why is this man, who is so perceptive, so clueless in this situation? I shook my head quickly. I didn't forget to think of a quick way to change the subject.
"It's nothing. But don't forget that I promised to show you my archery skills today."
“Yes. Don’t forget that, either.”
We faced each other, smiled, and rode side by side. Julian's horse was flawlessly black from mane to hoof.
His solid appearance matched so perfectly that I couldn't help but think he was awesome. My gaze was on the muscular black horse for a long time, my eyes sparkling as I spoke.
“Please give me a ride next time.”
“If you beat me in this hunting contest, I’ll give you a ride.”
I scoffed at the arrogant suggestion and asked confidently.
“Do you think I can’t win?”
Even while we were giving and receiving, everyone close to us was looking at us.
Those watching from the stands felt the same way. Perhaps it was because we didn't seem like a couple who'd entered into a political marriage solely for power. I could hear them whispering.
“The Grand Duchess of Duchzan is so fearless.”
"More than that, a married couple participating in a hunting competition together? Your Highness, you're being too lenient with your wife."
I turned my head sharply and looked at them. Those who had been standing with their heads together coughed loudly and hurriedly mounted their horses. They were so hasty that some of them stumbled on their horses.
Whether he was rambling or not, I felt good. It was nice to hunt for the first time in a while, and it was nice to have Julian join us. The fact that I didn't feel any resentment even when I heard such nonsense seemed to be because Julian was there with me.
And above all, today was the day Prince Cain was sure to be humiliated. That was what I liked most.
No matter how foolish and short-tempered Prince Cain is, he will not start a fight as soon as the hunting competition begins.
This was an imperial event. No matter how much planning was done, it wouldn't be easy. It was certain the event would proceed when the knights deployed throughout the hunting tournament were a little tired and their guard was a little lowered.
So, I still had time to enjoy the hunting competition. When the signal sounded, I pointed toward the dense forest.
“Go over there!”
I kicked the horse's rump first, shouting at Julian. A cool breeze ruffled my tied-up hair.
I crouched lightly and picked up my pace. I wanted to survey the hunting grounds faster than anyone else. A horse followed me closely.
Of course, it was Julian's words. I turned my gaze back to Julian. Then, Julian spoke in a stern voice.
“Look ahead.”
I smiled refreshingly at the nagging, as if I'd been waiting for it. Julian's voice was beside me, the wind blew ahead, and the horse ran as I wished, as if it were my own body.
It's been a long time since I've felt this good. That's what I thought as I slowly relaxed the reins.
'It's a deer.'
Ahead of me lay a deer's footprints. They were quite deep, as if the deer had jumped at the sound of people running. I stopped my horse and turned to look at Julian.
Julian must have seen the footprints too, as he brought his index finger to the corner of his mouth and lightly pressed his philtrum.
The place was more crowded than expected, as each family had the privilege of bringing their acquaintances along in addition to those who had received a direct invitation.
I got out of the carriage and approached Nife. It wasn't to pressure her.
Of course, I was dying to nag her, but wasn't it too early to tell her? Even if they were to get married, I didn't want to become a sister-in-law who only harassed her.
My face darkened on its own, and Ruin ran towards me with a worried look on his face.
“Sister, did you get carsick in the carriage?”
I shook my head quietly.
“You go to His Highness the Grand Duke for a moment. The ladies have something to discuss.”
“With Nife?”
"Are you going to call me Nife in front of people? Just call me Lady Sasha."
Ruin was momentarily taken aback by my words, but then nodded, perhaps remembering that there were a lot of people here.
“Then, I will step aside.”
Ruin politely stepped aside, and I stood before Nife. Nife was smiling brightly, but there was a hint of nervousness. It felt like she was afraid I'd eat her, and I felt uneasy.
“Lady Sasha.”
“Yes, yes! Your Highness, the Grand Duchess.”
I sighed and gently took Nife's hand. Why? It felt like I'd suddenly aged decades. I whispered so no one, including Ruin, could hear.
“How about Ruin?”
At my words, Nife smiled awkwardly. She seemed to understand the intent of my question, but seemed at a loss for an answer.
“Isn’t it going well?”
Nife spoke with a pout and a stern tone.
“You hope it doesn’t go well, right?”
I looked down at the hand I was holding, Nife, and sighed again. My heart was deeply troubled.
Thinking back to the incident with Count Sasha a while ago gave me a headache. I even thought, "If I'd known this would happen, I wouldn't have gone to such lengths."
"I don't know myself. I had a public fight with your father not too long ago, so I wonder if it's okay for me to be like this with you...?"
“Oh, Your Highness, the Grand Duchess too.”
Nife quickly smiled brightly and put her arm around me.
"Your Highness, all you had to do was summon Ruin. I'll take care of the rest."
But when my face still didn't brighten, Nife brought her lips close to my ear and said.
“Don’t worry, I won’t lift a finger until Ruin says it’s okay.”
At those words, I was startled and turned my head. The innocent smile on Nife's face, still close by, was so unnerving that it almost felt out of place.
I finally put some distance between myself and Nife by pressing my index finger on her forehead.
“Don’t tease adults.”
When I spoke sternly, Nife pouted and made a sour face.
“Yes, good. I’ll have Ruin be your escort for the party after the hunting competition.”
At that, Nife's face brightened instantly. It was as if she hadn't realized I would be so helpful. In fact, even as she said those words, I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do.
“Really?”
After I nodded and left the room, I walked towards Julian. Nife called out to me and followed me at a brisk pace.
"Your Highness, my friend is ready. Do you trust me?"
Nife clung to me and spoke softly. "I've been saying I'll get along with Ruin, but I feel like I've been following him around like crazy for a while now. Am I mistaken?"
***
The hunting competition was divided into two groups: participants and spectators. Spectators literally climbed a high platform and watched the competition from a safe location.
Each participant received an arrow wrapped in a different colored band. Members of the imperial family stood out from the crowd, wearing ornate gold bands.
Julian, Ruin, and I, attending in the name of the Duchzan, received arrows adorned with black bands. They didn't look like anyone else's, but they weren't particularly striking either. It was a color that revealed the Emperor's view of the Duchzan.
"Hmm..."
I smiled and looked down at the ribbon wrapped around the bow. Julian's expression was blank, as if he had no thoughts. Everyone in the room was glancing at him, wondering what was on his mind.
After all, Julian was the Grand Duke of Duchzan. The man known as the monster-eating Grand Duke. It was only natural that everyone would be interested in his obedient listening to the Emperor.
But I hated that obvious thing.
I reached out and brought my hand close to Julian's face. Julian looked at me with a heavy gaze.
“Madam, why are you doing that?”
“I’m afraid your face will feel hot.”
My one hand wasn't enough to cover his face, but I still wanted to block his gaze, even if it was just for a fraction of a second. Julian smiled faintly at my gesture. Then he took my hand and kissed the center of my palm.
I felt my surroundings' voice suddenly growling, but it didn't matter to me. All that mattered was that kiss, the feeling of his cold mask and warm lips all at once. As I clenched my fists and pursed my lips, he playfully said,
“I told you why you didn’t kiss me.”
“I was worried. I guess it’s okay.”
I reached down and placed my hand on his shoulder, whispering. Julian smiled and whispered back, echoing my tone.
“It’s okay, you’ll cover it all with your little hands.”
I found myself dazed by Julian's incredibly affectionate and sly words. Then, suddenly, I realized he was joking with me.
“You’re kidding me!”
I let go of Julian and turned my back on him. At that moment, my eyes met Ruin's. He stared at me and Julian with bewildered eyes. Then, as if he'd seen something he shouldn't have, he smiled awkwardly and looked away.
“Ru, Ruin.”
I called out to my younger brother, stammering, but Ruin's ears turned red and he started talking to the random Young Master standing next to him.
“Ah, Young Master Grody. The weather is nice.”
“Yes? Oh, yes.”
“It’s perfect weather for hunting.”
My call seemed to go unheeded. I could only return to Julian's side with a bewildered expression.
Why do I feel like I've been so shameless in love, and then my family found out?
I was too embarrassed to raise my head. Julian asked me, as if he couldn't understand me.
“Madam, why are you doing that?”
Why is this man, who is so perceptive, so clueless in this situation? I shook my head quickly. I didn't forget to think of a quick way to change the subject.
"It's nothing. But don't forget that I promised to show you my archery skills today."
“Yes. Don’t forget that, either.”
We faced each other, smiled, and rode side by side. Julian's horse was flawlessly black from mane to hoof.
His solid appearance matched so perfectly that I couldn't help but think he was awesome. My gaze was on the muscular black horse for a long time, my eyes sparkling as I spoke.
“Please give me a ride next time.”
“If you beat me in this hunting contest, I’ll give you a ride.”
I scoffed at the arrogant suggestion and asked confidently.
“Do you think I can’t win?”
Even while we were giving and receiving, everyone close to us was looking at us.
Those watching from the stands felt the same way. Perhaps it was because we didn't seem like a couple who'd entered into a political marriage solely for power. I could hear them whispering.
“The Grand Duchess of Duchzan is so fearless.”
"More than that, a married couple participating in a hunting competition together? Your Highness, you're being too lenient with your wife."
I turned my head sharply and looked at them. Those who had been standing with their heads together coughed loudly and hurriedly mounted their horses. They were so hasty that some of them stumbled on their horses.
Whether he was rambling or not, I felt good. It was nice to hunt for the first time in a while, and it was nice to have Julian join us. The fact that I didn't feel any resentment even when I heard such nonsense seemed to be because Julian was there with me.
And above all, today was the day Prince Cain was sure to be humiliated. That was what I liked most.
No matter how foolish and short-tempered Prince Cain is, he will not start a fight as soon as the hunting competition begins.
This was an imperial event. No matter how much planning was done, it wouldn't be easy. It was certain the event would proceed when the knights deployed throughout the hunting tournament were a little tired and their guard was a little lowered.
So, I still had time to enjoy the hunting competition. When the signal sounded, I pointed toward the dense forest.
“Go over there!”
I kicked the horse's rump first, shouting at Julian. A cool breeze ruffled my tied-up hair.
I crouched lightly and picked up my pace. I wanted to survey the hunting grounds faster than anyone else. A horse followed me closely.
Of course, it was Julian's words. I turned my gaze back to Julian. Then, Julian spoke in a stern voice.
“Look ahead.”
I smiled refreshingly at the nagging, as if I'd been waiting for it. Julian's voice was beside me, the wind blew ahead, and the horse ran as I wished, as if it were my own body.
It's been a long time since I've felt this good. That's what I thought as I slowly relaxed the reins.
'It's a deer.'
Ahead of me lay a deer's footprints. They were quite deep, as if the deer had jumped at the sound of people running. I stopped my horse and turned to look at Julian.
Julian must have seen the footprints too, as he brought his index finger to the corner of his mouth and lightly pressed his philtrum.
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