Wow, this pressure is no joke.
Finally, the day of the hunt has arrived.
The hunting bet will take place in a barren forest within Conler territory. This place, covered with barrier stones, could be called a beast colony.
Huge trees bow ridiculously at us.
No matter how wild the trees are, they were bizarre and unevenly grown. The bleakness of the forest enveloped me.
I stood in front of the forest, taking a deep breath and exhaling loudly. If I didn’t breathe like this, I might faint from tension.
“Get a grip, Mary Conler!”
What grueling and arduous training I’d undergone for this hunting bet today. In addition to archery, I had to train by squeezing out mana I didn’t have as if I were squeezing a dry towel.
After all the physical training with the Knights of Conler, I was ready to collapse in my bed when I returned to the mansion. However, Logan, who was waiting for me to head to my bedroom, took me to study.
His argument was that although physical training was important for growth, it was no reason to neglect my studies.
I couldn’t refute it, so I took his class with my eyes half closed.
So I’m physically and academically perfect right now!
…How great would it be if I could say that?
Hestia, who was in charge of my archery training, praised me generously, saying that my skills were almost as good as hers.
Even Gilbert, who doesn’t speak much about my education, praised me, saying, “When did you grow up like this?”
But the problem was my mana.
After Aiden raised his eyebrows at my disastrous mana level, Gilbert, Theodore, and even Rex shook their heads in disbelief.
Even Grand Duke Estin, who had watched my archery practice with a satisfied expression, had turned away before I could finish my mana training. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.
Lucas was concerned, Hestia reassured me not to worry, and Logan urged me to study to fill the knowledge gap.
I feel queasy just thinking about it.
In a comforting, childlike voice, Grand Duke Estin visited me in my bedroom that evening and informed me that I had the option of ending the hunting bet at any time.
It seems like he wants to lighten the load I’m carrying rather than wanting me to give up.
‘I am certain that I will defeat Cameron. This is the beginning. Don’t worry, father; consider this victory to be a flower that I placed on the path you will take.’
Grand Duke Estin, who had been listening to me, hugged me tightly.
I meant it. Grand Duke Estin was a man who, despite having his feet punctured by numerous thorns, would walk along a thorny path while smiling as if he were doing so on a flowery path.
No, he’d be clearing thorns from his path with his hands, thinking we’d walk it someday.
I don’t like that.
I hope everyone at the Grand Duchy of Conler strolls along a flower-lined path, even though that may be dull and cliché.
I hoped that this victory would be one of the flowers that will bloom on that path. That’s why I had to win.
So heart, don’t be too loud.
I made an effort to remain calm, but my heart was racing like crazy. Hestia, who was standing behind me, either knowing or not knowing my heart, gathered my hair into a high bun and hugged me tightly after telling me not to leave Theodore’s side.
We tried to keep it quiet, but because it was a bet between the royal and ducal families, everyone knew. The time and location, however, remained a secret.
No, even if they knew, they were not brave enough to cross the border and watch the hunt. As a result, only a small group of people gathered.
“Miss…”
Lucas approached as Hestia wrapped her arms around me. He had a hurt expression on his face. Hestia let go of me, and Lucas hugged me this time.
After that, Gilbert and Aiden approached and gave me hugs. Gilbert even attempted to hug Theodore, but Theodore rebuffed him angrily.
Everyone hugged me tightly and warned me to be careful. My shoulders were damp after Rex had hugged me. Someone might think I am going somewhere far away.
Lastly, Grand Duke Estin appeared and approached Theodore and me.
Grand Duke Estin bowed and extended his arms to embrace Theodore and I simultaneously. He spoke to us in a sincere voice and gave us a warm embrace.
“I don’t need flowers on my path,” he said in a low voice. “They’re a nuisance, and they get dirty when you step on them.”
“…….”
That was a story we discussed that night.
“Nevertheless, if the flowers come from you and Theodore, I will walk while holding them.”
Theodore, who was unable to comprehend the underlying meaning, looked perplexed. I embraced Grand Duke Estin once more.
Theodore stopped trying to figure things out and hugged me and Grand Duke Estin instead.
“Come back safely.”
Theodore and I nodded.
“Wow, this is scary.”
I turned to face the sarcastic voice and noticed Demimore and Cameron. I was both relieved to see Demimore again and irritated to see Cameron’s face.
I was curious about Demimore’s expression because I had never heard his thoughts after deciding to go on this hunt.
When our eyes met, Demimore’s expressionless face cracked a small smile. It happened so quickly that I questioned whether or not I had seen incorrectly.
“Uh, did you bring an extra pair of underwear?”
“What?”
“Just in case His Highness needed it.”
Theodore responded to Cameron’s sarcasm.
Although Cameron appeared to be extremely upset by Theodore’s remarks, he quickly turned around, possibly because Grand Duke Estin was standing behind Theodore or out of fear that Theodore would strike him once more.
Others quickly diverted their attention when Cameron turned around so blandly. I was fidgeting, too, when someone nudged me in the back.
“What?”
Suddenly pushed forward, I turned around with a strange noise.
Gilbert was the one who pushed me. Gilbert lowered his head and spoke softly in my ear.
“Go talk to Demimore and then come back.”
“What?”
“I’m sure he’s surprised that you’ve suddenly made a bet with him, so I think you should try to talk to him. You don’t have to make an excuse.”
Gilbert’s words made sense. I nodded my head towards Gilbert, but my body didn’t move easily.
Gilbert continued to push me as I remained still.
I suddenly took a step forward and started to move slowly in the direction of Demimore. But what should I say when I get there?
Once I got to Demimore to talk, my mind went blank like blank paper.
Actually, I wanted to send a letter to Demimore separately after the date and location were confirmed but I lacked the courage to do so.
‘What if he gets hurt?’
I stopped at a thought. I couldn’t tell what Demimore was thinking or what mindset he had when he was told to participate in this bet.
I stood at a neutral distance, neither near nor far, and looked at Demimore as he swung his sword away from Cameron.
I was alarmed to see Demimore swinging his sword, but I walked slowly toward him as though I was possessed.
Demimore, who was wielding a sword, soon found me nearby and smiled brightly.
I know it’s selfish, but I felt relieved when I saw Demimore’s smile.
“Demimore…”
“Long time no see, Mary.”
Demimore looked around before he grabbed my wrist and dragged me to a big tree next to him. His beaming smile had turned into a wistful look. I followed him without resistance.
“Did you prepare well?”
Once we were out of sight of the public, Demimore questioned me. I cautiously nodded.
He started asking me questions like, “Are you ready to shoot arrows? Have you coordinated with Theodore? Do you have any conflicts?” His voice was like cotton candy—so gentle and sweet.
I’m embarrassed to look him in the eye after hearing this voice, although I’m not sure why.
I simply nodded my head in response to his inquiries without responding verbally.
“Mary, why do you look so pale?”
Demimore grabbed my shoulder as if he was worried about me.
Demimore stared at me, so I quickly turned my head to hide my expression from him.
A breeze passed by while we were playing cat and mouse, carrying Demimore’s scent in my direction.
