Capitulo 57

Episode 57

«He, but me, I can’t be the winner… … .»

It’s true that the princess won. I heard the story ahead of time, so don’t worry and go upstairs.

Eventually, I put Helen on my back and climbed the stairs.

The looks on people’s faces were so stinging I couldn’t stand it.

Aster congratulated me as I walked up to the podium and said.

«Congratulations on winning, princess.»

«But I only caught one rabbit.

«Didn’t you risk your life to get the wolf’s attention and save the Grand Duchess? I’ve heard of similar cases before. When I looked at the rewards back then, the princess was the winner.»

At that moment, I thought deeply. It seemed to refer to the hunting competition held at the academy in the graduation year.

There was a time when, like today, a beast suddenly attacked during a hunting competition.

At that time, Tatiana turned her gaze to herself to protect everyone.

Of course, because she went out without weapons, the men who loved her went ahead and killed the beast.

And there was a story of Tatiana winning the championship by finding phrases she didn’t know existed and giving them extra points.

«At the time, I thought it was silly.»

I met Tatiana’s eyes for a moment. She had a smile on her face, but her eyes said otherwise. So I smiled.

Thank you, your Majesty.

Aster handed me the prepared trophy and asked for a handshake. Cheers and applause erupted.

I smiled awkwardly and waved at them.

I still didn’t feel I had won.

* * *

After receiving the trophy, my father and mother ran up to me.

I hoped you would beat Sur Helen and win! Well done, Karin.

Father looked slightly excited.

My mother, who was standing next to him, had a happy expression on her face, but it was strangely different.

This prize was awarded at the risk of your life, and I don’t know if I should be happy.

She still had an angry look on her face.

At that moment, I couldn’t even understand why I went out.

You don’t have to die like that. You did well, though.

Seeing me, my mother sighed and told me the story of going out to investigate.

The magical powers of the beasts disappeared without a trace. There may be people behind the scenes who helped.

Is anyone out there looking for Tatiana?

It was strange that there were people in this world who could hold a grudge against Tatiana.

Helen isn’t Tatiana’s friend either, so it wouldn’t be surprising if there were other people like her.

I changed the subject to change the mood.

By the way, what did my mother catch?

Me? I caught two foxes. I’ll give one to you and your father, so take it.

The animal-type beast skin had the ability to resist magic, so it was quite expensive.

Among them, fox fur was more precious because it had a nice color.

But there was something more important than that.

Did you take two this time?

Oh?

My mother had a talent for hunting, but it bothered me a lot. So, I tend to hold on to whatever I want and rest.

In a hunting contest held a few years ago, my mother only caught one kill which was my share.

It was right after she divorced my father.

The atmosphere was great back then.

The hunting festival was not held since the following year, and I thought it was lucky.

Mmm.

My father and mother averted their eyes and looked away.

I didn’t want to intrude on my parents’ relationship for anything, so I decided to pretend I didn’t know.

It was the specification that made the situation even more awkward by coming out for nothing.

So I can’t give you what I caught.

UH?

Dad looked very confused. Of course he knew he was going to get it.

I’m going to visit her majesty for a moment.

Avoiding the people who were trying to talk to me, I quickly made my way to Aster’s barracks.

The knights guarding the outside recognized my face and bowed to greet me.

His Majesty told you to enter.

I entered under the guidance of the attendant who came to greet me first. Aster removed his colorful coat and wore a light shirt.

As he leaned on the table and reviewed the report, it looked like a painting.

Your Majesty, Princess Pioneer has arrived.

All right, send her in.

Aster’s voice was different from usual. When the chieftain left, he put down the report and looked up.

The man I saw looked a little angry, but when I remembered what he had done at the hunting ground, I had no choice but to shrug my shoulders.

Are you here?

No, he must have been angry.

Yes.

Aster sighed deeply and said.

I’m sorry for making you angry. I didn’t mean to do that.

He wiped his face several times with his hand and offered me a seat. And there were no words.

Aster finally opened her mouth when the warm herbal tea came out and it was half empty.

Like the last fire, the princess doesn’t think too much of herself.

… I’m sorry.

You don’t have to apologize to me.

She shrugged and leaned back deeply in the chair.

This is something the princess should apologize to herself for. Because she threw herself into a dangerous situation without countermeasures.

It was a cold voice, but it was true.

This was a forest where magic didn’t work. I couldn’t even use my humble magic.

However, I gambled risking my life to save Tatiana, no one else.

I will be more careful in the future.

This is not a story about respect for one. I want you to put yourself first.

Having said that, Aster sighed again.

I’m sorry to say something like this, I must have been excited after you won first place.

No. I know Aster is talking about me because he cares about me.

I was not offended by his words.

Aster was really worried about me. Besides, he doesn’t know what to do right now because he’s sorry, right?

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but smile. I said with a mischievous laugh.

You still won’t accept my gift, will you?

Gift?

Aster looked at me with wide eyes as if he was surprised. I guess he didn’t know he would be chased by me.

Still confused, he mumbled a little.

I thought you’d give it to the duke, of course.

Father has already received one.

Ah, the mistress of the tower participated.

He nodded as if he understood.

When I saw Aster who returned to his usual relaxed face, I felt like I wanted to provoke him more.

Oh, don’t get me wrong. Because I was planning to give it to Aster from the beginning.

Aster’s face, which had regained his composure, began to change again. I laughed out loud as he slowly turned red.

Finally, Aster buried his face in both palms.

So you won’t refuse the gift, will you?

Aster nodded. But he still hadn’t lifted his head.

(Awsssss how cute Aster)

* * *

Ugh, I’m tired.

After talking to Aster, I went back to the Duke’s quarters.

After washing up, changing into comfortable clothes and resting, Helen came to visit.

Sir Helen?

Yes. Please wait outside for a while.

Have you come to ask questions because you are not satisfied with this decision?

Oh, I knew beforehand that she was fine. …. In fact, for her, she lost because of the wolf she didn’t even catch, so it was just embarrassing.

I put on my shawl and walked out of the barracks.

Princess.

Helen, who was waiting leaning against the tree, was as comfortable as I was.

What’s going on?

Oh, that…

Scratching the back of her neck, she opened her mouth carefully.

If it’s not rude, I want you to accept the prey I caught.

You do?

In hunting, it was customary to give this to a lover or family member.

Confused, no words came out.

Helen, more surprised than I was by my reaction, came over and waved her hand.

No, I have no special feelings or anything like that. Well, normally I wanted to get along with the princess, but this time, I want to get along?

Finally, she turned red to the tip of her neck and shook her head.

I guess my reaction wasn’t very good.

I opened my mouth quickly, feeling sorry.

I’ll take it!

Yes?

She had a look of disbelief.

She seemed to think I would be rejected.

It’s a gift. I’ll take it well.

Miss, if it’s a burden, you don’t have to take it.

It’s the first time I’ve taken this. Thank you so much.

Helen burst into tears as she took his hand with a faint smile.

I thought not receiving the gift was a big deal.

Well, I want to give something in return, but I only caught one.

I had already given it to Aster, so there was nothing left.

If I had known it would be like this, I regretted not working harder to catch something.

That’s okay. I didn’t ask for that.

…

Helen was worried and smiled slightly.

I’ll tell you next time I have a request for you.

Yes, I definitely will.

When the conversation ended, an awkward air flowed between us.

I didn’t have any friends, so I was at a loss because I didn’t know what to do in a situation like this.

«I don’t know, but would it be okay to invite her to my house?»

The thought of inviting Helen made me feel lighter.

Then, I’ll invite you to my house next time. It’s natural for friends to invite each other.

Helen opened her eyes and looked at me.

Is she really inviting me?

Of course I am. This is the first time I’ve invited a friend, so it might be awkward, but understand.

Helen’s expression softened as if she was happy with the invitation.

Maybe this time, I thought I could get a nice person.