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79 Chapter

Just before the hunting began, the edge of the forest was bustling with those participating in the hunting tournament and their supporters. Caesar led me towards the gathering of horses, handing me the reins of the rippling black stallion, the most agile and robust horse among the House of Crisis’s steeds.

‘Isn’t this… the renowned steed favored by Caesar?’

This horse was so magnificent that the Emperor bestowed a huge estate upon Caesar just for a foal from it. Blinking in surprise while holding the reins, Caesar chuckled softly.

“You may find it easier to move without a mount, but I think you should at least pretend to ride in front of the crowd.”

Having become thoroughly accustomed to the forest, I found traveling on two legs much faster and more convenient than riding a grand horse. However, since I had declared my participation in the hunting tournament at the ball, all eyes would certainly be on me. It would be seen as beneath me to simply walk into the woods, so he meant for me to ride in as much as possible.

“And if you’re going to ride, you should ride the best steed. After all, it’s my daughter.”

Caesar slowly smiled as he tightly grasped the reins of his most cherished horse. His affection for the horse was palpable, making me beam brightly at him.

“Thank you.”

I had become someone who no longer felt awkward receiving such overwhelming kindness.

Riding Caesar’s black stallion, while he mounted a sturdy and agile brown horse that, while not as strong as mine, was still fit and lively, we headed once more towards the edge of the forest.

As I scanned the gathered crowd, I tilted my head.

“By the way, I don’t see Pope El.”

While the holy knights involved in the hunt were visible among the throng, the Pope himself was nowhere to be found.

‘It’s customary for the Emperor and Pope to attend the hunting tournament together.’

Pondering this while observing the Emperor’s shining eyes fixed on the hunting crowd and the vacant throne of the Pope, Caesar opened his mouth.

“The Pope is late because he had a patient that required urgent treatment this morning. He’ll be here soon.”

‘Hmm…’

I furrowed my brows in confusion.

The Pope’s divine power was stronger than any priest in the temple, but it was never offered to just anyone. Usually, regular patients were handled by priests, those of noble blood by vicar priests, and only when a marquis or higher was in critical condition would the Pope intervene.

‘But for a high-ranking individual to fall ill at such a time and require the Pope’s treatment is… quite strange.’

It felt like a memory was on the tip of my tongue. Sitting atop the horse, I absentmindedly ruffled my hair.

‘Perhaps this was mentioned in the original story?’

The truth was I didn’t perfectly remember every detail of “Fairy’s Night.” After all, these memories belonged to a past life, not my current one. What I retained were only the major plot points and detailed settings of significant characters.

‘For now… let’s focus on the hunt.’

There were many things that needed addressing, but for the moment, I needed to concentrate on the hunt. I decided I would ask about the patient when El arrived, and while Caesar went to fetch some items from the barracks, I sat alone atop my horse waiting for the hunt to start.

“Young Lady of Crisis.”

At that moment, a familiar voice calling me from the side made me turn, my expression brightening at the sight.

“Lord Einhart.”

His golden eyes sparkled in the sunlight. Despite his typically cold and expressionless demeanor, a touch of softness lingered for a moment.

“I heard you were participating in the hunting tournament.”

Riding his white horse closer to me, Einhart spoke.

‘So Lord Einhart knows about it too.’

The incident involving Audi at the royal ball had spread like wildfire through the social circle, making this hunting tournament the main focal point. As a result, the gazes of countless nobles were fixed upon me.

“I couldn’t possibly skip the hunt as a knight.”

I nodded with a relaxed smile. As Einhart observed me, he seemed to hesitate for a moment before asking in a low voice.

“Are you planning to reveal yourself this time?”

Though unsaid, I could easily guess what he was wondering.

‘He thinks it’s unusual for me to participate in the hunting tournament when I didn’t want to reveal I’m Mir.’

It certainly would seem odd from his perspective. After all, I had even threatened him not to expose my identity, yet here I was attracting everyone’s eyes by joining the tournament.

‘But I didn’t intend to hide being Mir forever.’

In the face of the upcoming northern wind, my title as the sword king “Mir” was one of my strongest cards. I had no intention of discarding this “Mir” card.

‘The reason I’ve hidden my identity thus far was merely to enhance the drama of the moment I choose to reveal it.’

Right now, I wasn’t concealing my identity in order to abandon it, but to firmly impress it upon the public. The Kashmir Crisis had to stage a magnificent entrance as the hero Mir.

‘This hunting tournament was merely an appetizer to pique the curiosity of the nobles about me and my prowess.’

In my plan, I needed the support of the people, and to gain their favor, a strong image and dramatic events were essential.

‘It feels a bit like being a manipulative director, but… it’s for the nation and its people.’

My plan was, in every sense, for the benefit of the Solatine Empire. While I did not possess grand aspirations to save the Empire, the outcome of all my actions ultimately served its preservation.

“I’m not planning to reveal myself just yet.”

At my quiet whisper, Einhart squinted as if trying to decipher my intentions. I smiled at him as he gazed intently.

“‘Not yet,’ indeed.”

At my significant response, Einhart continued to scrutinize me. As questions formed in his golden eyes, I naturally shifted the topic.

“You are participating in the hunting tournament as well, Lord Einhart?”

Einhart blinked slowly, without complaint, and nodded in agreement with my change of topic.

“Will you be hunting alone, Young Lady?”

“I suppose so. I have no one to accompany me.”

I shrugged my shoulders. The only person I could hunt with was Caesar, but hunting together might disrupt the forest’s ecosystem, so we had tacitly agreed to hunt separately.

Einhart, who had been watching me while playing with the reins, glanced at me for a moment before slowly speaking.

“Then… would you consider hunting with me?”

‘Was he suggesting we hunt together?’

I lifted my brow in surprise at the unexpected proposal. Seeing the confusion on my face, Einhart quickly added in a rush.

“I might not measure up to you, but I promise I won’t be a hindrance. I can help with the hunting or any tasks you need.”

As I blinked at his flurry of words, I sensed he might have thought I would decline, resulting in his mouth drooping. His expression, while still strikingly stoic, somehow resembled that of a forlorn puppy.

“……So it’s a no?”

His sharp gaze softened, and his red lips tightened into a line. The sight of this previously strong beauty looking solemn had considerable impact.

‘What’s this? Is this like finding the master key?’

I stared at Einhart, who was eternally breathtakingly handsome.

‘Having one companion wouldn’t hurt, would it?’

Having a sword expert like Einhart wouldn’t disturb my hunting. Besides, he already knew I was Mir, so I wouldn’t need to hide my prowess. Most importantly, it seemed unnecessary to reject someone who wanted to accompany me so earnestly. It wasn’t like I was enchanted by his appearance.

“It wouldn’t be a problem if you want to.”

At my brief acceptance, Einhart’s face lit up. Despite his usual emotionless demeanor, I found his various emotions fascinating as I took the reins and began to lead.

“However, once we enter the forest, I may not be able to look after you properly, as I’m quite used to operating alone.”

“That’s alright. I’ll do my best to keep up.”

A determined expression settled over Einhart’s face. I felt slightly embarrassed, sensing he was too eager.

“Well then, I look forward to working with you throughout this hunting tournament.”

I smiled lightly and extended my hand towards him. As Einhart hesitated looking at my hand, he carefully took it.

The rough hands of knights met.

From his hands, I felt a sense of ruggedness similar to mine. As we clasped hands in silence, I noticed Einhart’s hand gradually warming up. Thinking I might have held on too long, I quickly shook and released it. As he slowly pulled away, Einhart stared at our joined hands in contemplation before slightly turning his head. The tips of his meticulously groomed silver hair glimmered with a faint blush.

“By the way, I don’t see the Atara Kingdom’s delegation.”

I muttered, glancing around once more.

This hunting tournament had been held to celebrate the visit of the Atara delegation. Thus, they should have been the central figures in proceedings, yet Leo was nowhere to be seen.

“……The Atara delegation, you say?”

Einhart’s expression darkened at those words. I sensed that something was amiss.

Leaning towards Einhart, I whispered, pretending not to notice his discomfort.

“It seems like something may have happened.”

“……Is it something you could share with me?”

He pursed his lips, letting his eyes droop. Confusion spread across Einhart’s face. His hands clenched the reins tightly, almost painfully.

‘He seems like he should be able to share.’

Surely, if it was serious enough to put him in a tight spot, I would not pry. However, given the atmosphere, it seemed something could be revealed. After regularly meeting him on holidays, I’d come to learn that Einhart had a soft spot for sad expressions. I pretended to look disappointed and sighed deeply.

“If you tell me, I promise I won’t share it with anyone… It seems you don’t trust me enough, after all.”

“Absolutely not!”

Einhart raised his voice sharply. As a result, more eyes were drawn to us; it was clear I had made a blunder. Realizing his mistake, Einhart clamped his mouth shut.

“I don’t mean that I can’t trust you, Young Lady.”

He declared earnestly, his golden eyes shining with sincerity. His resolute refusal made me feel a little guilty for having prodded him. After a moment’s hesitation, I lowered my voice.

“Then, would you tell me what happened with the Atara delegation?”

His golden eyes flickered with uncertainty. It seemed like his knightly hands gripped the reins tightly. Watching him hesitate made me feel guilty, but I had to know.

‘My instincts are telling me something’s up. The sword master’s intuition is absolute; it’s alerting me to something important I’ve forgotten surfacing just below the surface.’

“Einhart.”

At my earnest call, he suddenly looked up, his surprised eyes locking onto mine.

The name “Lord Einhart,” which I rarely uttered as it had grown familiar, felt both natural and awkward on my tongue. I met his gaze squarely.

“Please tell me.”

I knew I had to.

As Einhart slightly parted his lips, he sighed heavily. A resolute resolve filled his golden eyes. Leaning closer, he whispered in my ear.

“It seems there will be unrest in the social circle, and we haven’t yet decided if an official announcement will be made, but…”

“Yes.”

“One of the Atara delegates has fallen unconscious due to an assassination attempt involving poison from abroad.”

My face turned to stone.

 

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