Capitulo 58

Episode 58

The next day the men’s competition began.

The women’s division had a short history, so it was more like a light social event.

On the other hand, the men’s division had a long history and had a different atmosphere because it was a fight for pride.

Also, since it was the first competition to be held in several years, the participants were very determined.

It’s brutal. Is your father okay?

My mother murmured in a worried voice.

He’ll be fine. My father is not a great hunter to the point of aspiring to first place.

Rather, I don’t know if he is, quite the opposite.

I decided to just swallow this thought in my mind.

I was just telling the truth, but in my mother’s eyes she didn’t seem to like it at all.

I smiled and placed the gift I had hastily prepared the night before in my arms.

It was the law to be more effective if it was delivered in a place where other people could see it.

Aren’t you going to visit my father?

Yes, I am?

It’s the gift. I know you made one.

My mother’s face turned red in an instant.

I’ll go first.

I waved to my mother and stood up.

On the way to where Aster was waiting, the bracelet on my wrist rattled with a rattling sound.

It’s a trick, but just in case I don’t know it.

Before the competition, I once again reminded Raymond not to forget about his prey.

The bracelet was also deliberately worn to see if he would comply and weakened the original’s deterrent.

When we arrived at the waiting room, many women were already handing out handkerchiefs to their families and lovers.

Tatiana was also seen handing a handkerchief to Wilhelm and Raymond.

«But Daniel, why is she doing that there?»

Normally, he would have clung to Tatiana’s love, but he was left alone.

«By the way, I said something strange last time.»

Didn’t he confess that he felt disgusted with Tatiana, who is the center of his life ?

«Still, do you follow her?»

If he does, he will quickly run away wagging his tail.

My expectations for Daniel were just that.

I passed them and headed for the runway where Aster would be.

As the emperor of an empire, he was at the center of power, but there weren’t many people around him.

The strange silence seemed to indicate that he was not welcome here.

Your Majesty.

I purposely called out loudly.

Aster, who was looking at the ground, raised his head and looked at me.

«Oh?»

In front of me a mask-like cold expression I had never seen before.

But in an instant, an elegant smile appeared on her face as if the ice had melted.

Princess, what are you doing here?

Even as he said that, his face was filled with anticipation.

I said I didn’t have anything prepared, but it must have been something I wanted to do.

I received something, so I think I have to give you something.

I took a flower from my arms and handed it to her.

It was a jacaranda flower that I had asked Lily for the night before and it had been cut from the flower garden I was managing.

It’s not as good as a handkerchief, but it’s a flower I raised in my magic practices. The language of flowers is honor and glory, so I thought it would do well.

I felt embarrassed because it was a simple flower instead of an embroidered handkerchief with a delicate design.

But these gifts are meaningful.

I asked my mother to put a conservation magic on it, so it would be convenient to keep it.

She stared at the flower for a while and then cautiously accepted it.

Brightly colored flowers suit him strangely.

Thank you for the gift. I will honor the meaning of the flower.

When Aster, who received the flower, smiled, it looked bright as if it was blooming.

It was different from the smile he sometimes shows. It revealed a more natural and raw feeling than usual.

I am really happy.

Contrary to popular belief, Aster’s smiling face with a flower looked soft and friendly.

He has an attractive face, but when he smiles like that, it feels like the wall has collapsed.

I could feel the eyes of the women around me looking at Aster like that.

Come on, they were interested.

Angrily, I took the flower from his hand again and put it in his jacket pocket.

Her Majesty will bring prey without damaging the flower . I hope he does that.

Soon I heard the sound of preparation for departure, said goodbye to Aster and left the room.

When I returned to the camp, my mother was also there.

My mother looked at me in amazement.

Did you have a good story?

I asked secretly about her relationship with my father.

My mother nodded slowly with a puzzled look on her face. It meant she was positive.

I wanted to ask more, but I held back. It was good not to interfere with this kind of problem. It was just a matter of quietly observing in the future.

If you need anything, tell me later.

Yes…

We talked about what Dad would bring. Objectively, my father had no talent for hunting, so it was questionable whether he could catch big game.

«He’ll get some.»

As we talked for a while, my mother leaned over and whispered softly to me.

By the way, you don’t have a bad relationship with Sir Helen?

Yes? No, we’re fine.

Then why is she looking at you like that?

When I turned my head toward my mother’s words, Helen in a light dress was looking at me with frightening eyes.

I raised my hand and waved it at her.

Helen, over here.

Her blunt face lit up for a moment.

Helen approached us.

Helen came over and bowed to greet my mother.

It’s an honor to meet you, Mrs. de la Torre.

Wow.

My mother looked at me and bowed her head.

Looks like you’re close friends.

You’re doing well.

When Helen faced her as well, my mother’s expression brightened.

She’s Karina’s friend. Well, then, sit here next to me.

She willingly gave up her seat and started asking questions about it.

It felt like she was taking a test by checking meticulously.

I think I’ve asked that question before.

So it was with Aster.

I grabbed my mother’s hem.

This was disrespectful to Helen.

It’s okay, princess. Considering what you’ve been through, I think this is a question that can be asked enough.

Helen’s words left me speechless.

Except for Aster, I didn’t know anyone else could give an answer like that.

Oh my goodness. That’s how Sir Helen thinks, would you like to visit the tower later? There are so many things to see even for a knight.

I am honored to be invited by Mrs. Matthew.

The two were getting along well and began to talk without my knowing it.

When I came to my senses, I quickly interrupted them both.

It was a moment when the hunting contest, which I thought would be dull, became more enjoyable.

* * *

Aster mounted his horse at the ready signal and looked ahead.

He remembered Karina, who used to be shy with flowers.

It would have been difficult.

It had been five years since she ascended the throne.

It was only because of his overwhelming strength and political sensitivity that Aster was able to hold this position until now.

There was no force around Aster to support him.

He had no fiancée.

For this reason, Aster has always been a target of rejection.

«If I had received nothing, I would have talked a lot.»

Actually, I didn’t expect Karina to come prepared.

It was a little disappointing when she said she’d forgotten, but that was it.

But Karina showed up with flowers.

There was just that, and even though she prepared in a hurry, it was likely to become a topic of discussion.

«A bride giving flowers to the emperor.»

Other than that, the gift she chose was amazing. It wasn’t a handkerchief or an ornament, it was a flower that could be crushed at any moment.

Putting flowers on it and saying the words.

She scratched the pride of other competitors and showed confidence in her own abilities.

She was a very funny person.

Although she acted as if she knew nothing, she managed to outwit the opponent at important moments.

She is a flower. Our princess has done some very nice things.

Raymond, who was riding a horse next to Aster, smiled.

Raymond’s eyes focused on the flower. The duke’s camp was noisy in the morning and he never dreamed he would plan something like this.

Isn’t he really that clever? He acted as if he hadn’t prepared anything, and then thought of doing a program like this in the background.

Aster looked at Raymond like this and smiled.

I am in awe of Sir Raymond. I never thought that the level of the princess’s actions would be so low that I couldn’t even read the political meaning.

Raymond’s smooth face twitched at her venom.

A shot rang out, signaling the beginning.

Aster crouched down and led the horse.

To live up to his expectations, an ordinary prey was not enough.