The young lady with red hair twirled her hair and replied.
In response to her words, which were akin to those of a leader, others chimed in one by one.
"That's right. Not only does he not hunt, but he can't even bring back a single rabbit!"
"Honestly, the title of beast hunter seems too good for him. Sometimes I really wonder if he's even strong."
"Oh. Could it be that he just talks a big game while the knights do all the fighting?"
Ahahaha.
Whether it was the young lady or the young lord, everyone openly mocked the duke, laughing.
For some reason, that blatant laughter felt directed at her, the one who had first spoken, and Tinea's pride was further wounded.
'No matter how I think about it, it seems like Lady Richter will be this year's Lady.'
Isn't he supposed to be a monster duke?
He had been unmarried until now, but now that he has a wife, wouldn't he actively participate in the hunting festival?
One of the young ladies, noticing Tinea's thoughts, covered her mouth with a fan and narrowed her eyes.
"Then, shall we make a bet?"
"A bet?"
"Yes. If Lady Richter becomes this year's Lady, I will give you this necklace."
The necklace she pointed to was adorned with dozens of diamonds.
Tinea's eyes widened at the sight of what looked like the price of a house.
"And if Lady Richter does not become this year's Lady?"
"Then you, my lady, will not attend any social events in the capital for a year. What do you think?"
What? Not being able to attend any events for a year?
It might seem trivial, but for a noble young lady of marriageable age, it was quite a significant condition.
However.
"Alright. I accept. But let's change the terms."
Tinea accepted the bet. It wasn't just because she coveted the diamond necklace.
"Change the terms?"
"If Lady Richter becomes this year's Lady, then you will not attend any events for a year. What do you think?"
It was a chance to put the arrogant capital nobles in their place.
"Alright. Let's do that. No changing the terms later, okay?"
"Of course. I hope you keep your promise as well. Everyone watching will be witnesses."
Suddenly, a crowd had gathered, and onlookers had increased without anyone noticing.
The two women exchanged bright smiles as their eyes met.
Despite the sweet smiles, sparks flew from their eyes.
* * *
I can hear everything, you know.
For a moment, Dante had left due to the emperor's summons, and I was standing there alone, staring blankly.
Fortunately, no one approached me to pick a fight.
Although I could feel glances from here and there and hear whispers, that was all.
Let them chatter or not.
It didn't bother me much, so I just stared into space.
I couldn't help but think the weather was nice.
The temperature difference between the north and the capital is quite significant. Ah, how do they endure the northern winter?
As I scratched the back of my neck, such thoughts crossed my mind.
"If Lady Richter becomes this year's Lady, then you will not attend any events for a year. What do you think?"
That absurd conversation reached my ears.
Why are they making a bet among themselves about something that has nothing to do with them?
It was ridiculous, but I found myself secretly rooting for the freckled young lady.
If one of them had to win, I hoped it would be the young lady who appreciated Dante's abilities.
Before long, Dante returned after his private meeting with the emperor.
"Oh, I left you alone."
"It's fine. I think standing alone is more comfortable than facing His Majesty."
"That makes sense."
Perhaps he had heard some unnecessary nagging, as Dante nodded seriously.
Haha.
I lightly laughed and linked my arm with his.
"Serafina?"
"People have been talking nonsense since earlier. They think our relationship is bad, and that I'm abandoned and standing alone."
"……How dare they."
In an instant, Dante's eyes turned fierce. I shrugged at his gritted voice.
"Everyone, without exception. So think about it. If you leave me alone, thinking you're being considerate, what kind of state will I end up in? I'll be incredibly lonely, sad, angry, and annoyed. What if I grab the collar of someone passing by? Right?"
"……That's true. You are right."
Ahem. With his quick acknowledgment, I puffed out my chest and smiled.
Dante returned my smile lightly.
At the same time, I felt the atmosphere around us stir. Since when did people get so flustered seeing someone else's husband smile?
I tightened my grip on Dante's arm and quickly scanned the surroundings.
The nobles who had been glancing over turned their eyes away as soon as they met mine, like guilty parties.
They're all really funny.
"Oh, and while you were gone, there was an interesting story."
"An interesting story?"
I told him about the bet I had overheard.
Dante's expression turned cold as he listened to the story.
It seemed he was upset that we had become the subjects of people's amusement.
"So, is it true that you've never hunted in the hunting festival until now?"
"That's correct."
"Why not?"
"I never felt the need. I don't seek the glory the royal family offers, and it's obvious that if I did hunt, everyone would just say, 'As expected, a monster.'"
"Ah."
I nodded in understanding.
"But this time, I think I will participate."
"Really?"
"Yes. Now I have a need for it."
A need? What does that mean...
"I must win and dedicate the glory to my wife, right?"
I was startled by the whisper that came close, covering my ears and looking up.
His face, backlit by the sun, looked handsome from below and incredibly serious.
"Are you really going to win?"
"Yes, if that's what you want."
I rolled my eyes and surveyed the surroundings.
Still, there were glances. People murmuring among themselves.
Among them were the two young ladies who had made the bet earlier.
Winning the hunting festival...
I lightly tapped Dante's shoulder with my forehead and replied.
"Deal! I totally want that. You must win and present me with a gift in front of everyone!"
Not long after that, the leisurely arriving royals took their seats, and with the emperor's speech, the hunting festival began.
The men participating in the hunting festival headed towards the western forest with loud shouts.
Among them, Dante stood out the most.
"Oh wow. Just looking at his back, I can tell Dante will be first."
"Right? You can definitely feel the difference."
"Isn't that right? A man is just different... Oh, what a surprise!"
I was startled to suddenly notice a stranger's presence.
Holding my racing heart, I turned my head to see a familiar face.
"……Your Highness?"
"Yes, Duchess. I hope you have been well."
The second prince greeted me politely yet playfully.
"By the way, I'm a bit disappointed. It seems my friend has forgotten that we agreed to speak informally."
"I thought we only agreed to that in private. This isn't private, is it?"
"Well... that's true."
His smiling face was so refreshing that I couldn't muster the energy to argue.
"Are you not participating in the hunting festival, Your Highness?"
"Hunting doesn't suit my temperament, and I'm not particularly interested in participating in the hunting festival. I dislike drawing unnecessary attention."
Ah. I think I understand.
"You want to hide as much as possible."
"Yes. My goal is to remain as inconspicuous as possible."
"But if you stay by my side, you'll stand out tremendously, you know? Look, everyone is glancing over right now."
My back felt hot.
This was a different kind of gaze than when I stood alone or when I stood with Dante.
"Oh dear. It seems we are too noticeable to live in hiding."
"Please exclude me from that group."
I drew a firm line.
"I have no intention of living in hiding anymore. Later, Dante is going to win the hunting festival and present me with a gift."
At my nonchalant explanation, the prince's eyes widened. However, the voice that followed came from behind him.
"Oh my! Did Duke Richter really say that?"
When did she arrive?
"I greet Your Highness."
"It's been a while, Duchess."
The princess, who smiled warmly, quickly approached and linked her arm with mine.
"I really missed you."
Oh. What is this new kind of skinship?
"I missed you too, Your Highness."
Determined not to lose, I held onto her arm tightly.
Hohoho.
Fake laughter was exchanged.
"By the way, is it true that Duke Richter said such a thing?"
"Yes, it's true. Now that he's married and has a partner, he said he would win and dedicate the glory to me."
"……Really!"
With a short exclamation, the princess buried her face in her fan.
Hehe.
A sinister laugh escaped from behind the fan.
...Mom. I'm a bit scared of this woman.'''