〈Well then, see you later. I’ll wish for Duke Richter’s victory.〉
Chelsea said this before pulling Joshua by the arm.
She didn’t forget to respond to the greetings of the nobles they passed by as they walked.
The place they arrived at was a special seat prepared for the royal family.
A location where no one’s gaze could reach, and no sound could be heard.
Only after fully stepping into this place did Chelsea’s smile fade from her face.
She nervously released Joshua’s arm.
“Think before you act, Joshua.”
With a mix of sarcasm in her advice.
“You and I are bound by an unbreakable connection because our parents share the same ideals. At the very least, people think of you and me as one entity. So if you get caught up in some scandal, I’ll be dragged down with you, won’t I? Isn’t that right?”
Without giving him a chance to retort, her words shot out, and Joshua only took a deep breath.
“I didn’t do anything to get caught up in a scandal. The Duchess and I are just friends.”
“Oh dear. I didn’t even say that the problem was you chatting with the Duchess alone, but seeing you get flustered and explain yourself… you must have an idea of what the problem is, huh?”
Seeing Joshua unable to respond, Chelsea smiled softly.
“My dear brother. Whether you have feelings for the Duchess or not is of no importance to me. What matters is that whatever feelings you have, they remain hidden from others. I’ve said it time and again, I want to be kind to my brother.”
The threat laced with laughter was more suffocating than anything else.
Joshua struggled to swallow whatever emotion was rising to the top of his throat.
“...I understand. This time, I was short-sighted.”
“Oh. What a surprise. You can admit it.”
“I’ve always been good at admitting things. I never rebelled against you.”
Well, that was true.
At Chelsea’s nod, Joshua leisurely rested his chin on his hand.
“Still, I will continue to be friends with the Duchess. She’s my first friend, after all.”
“Sure. Do as you please. I actually like the Duchess too.”
Joshua shot Chelsea a surprised glance.
Chelsea, quick to catch on, smiled brightly and looked down.
At the end of her gaze stood Serafina, alone.
Even though she was alone again, she looked indifferent and unbothered.
Ever since that woman became Duke Richter’s partner, Richter had been actively moving around.
And the more Dante Richter moved, the more someone was stimulated.
That someone was.
“I can make Isaac eat dirt.”
“What? What do you mean…”
Joshua tilted his head at the sudden mention of Isaac’s name.
Chelsea, with her usual sly smile, gazed toward the western forest.
“Before the hunting competition starts, Isaac was boasting that he would win. But now, Dante Richter is aiming for victory.”
Could the two even compete?
The moment Dante Richter decided to take it seriously, there would be no one who could stand against him.
It was as if the winner was already determined.
So.
“Oh. Just thinking about Isaac being furious later makes me giddy already. Isn’t this all thanks to the Duchess moving Duke Richter?”
Hahaha.
A clear laugh echoed around.
Joshua stared at Chelsea with cold eyes, shaking his head and closing his eyes.
Indeed, the royal family was tiresome.
〈I have no intention of living in hiding anymore.〉
When would he be able to say such a thing?
Recalling Serafina’s voice that lingered in his mind, Joshua let out a sigh filled with resignation.
* * *
Meanwhile, in the western forest where the hunting was taking place.
Dante stood quietly at the entrance, taking a look around the woods.
He had been attending the hunting competition every year due to the Emperor’s insistence.
This wasn’t his first time entering this forest.
Yet strangely, today the forest looked new. Perhaps it was because he had been counting the days.
He suddenly realized that his new perspective was always connected to Serafina.
〈Come back victorious!〉
Recalling her lively voice left behind behind him, a faint smile naturally appeared on his lips.
And then it happened.
“You’re here again this year. Well, His Majesty truly cherishes Duke Richter.”
A grating voice poked at him.
The smile that had lingered on his lips quickly vanished.
“...”
To the silent Dante, Crown Prince Isaac offered a crooked smile.
“So, where do you plan to stand like a statue this year? I’d prefer if you found a corner to settle in.”
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
At Dante’s cold reply, Isaac’s brow furrowed slightly.
‘These two brothers are both bothersome.’
The deceased Oscar and the Dante before him.
These brothers exuded a strange sense of intimidation. It felt as if every word and glance carried unnecessary weight.
And that touched something within Isaac.
Something felt uncomfortable, unpleasant, ominous...
“Right. Good thinking. Just stay out of the way and don’t be a nuisance.”
Isaac, who had spoken with a growl, moved away irritably.
What mattered now was not that bothersome Duke Richter.
It was about winning first place in the hunting competition and gaining his father’s recognition.
He was confident.
There was no one among the nobles who could rival him.
In fact, since Isaac had participated in the hunting competition, he had always been the one to win.
Moreover.
〈You will definitely win.〉
Yulia’s encouragement also contributed to Isaac’s confidence.
To him, Yulia was like a goddess of fortune.
Even though he wouldn’t be able to give her the title of ‘Lady of the Year’ even if he won, as he couldn’t even get permission for an engagement.
‘First, I’ll give a gift to another noble lady, then take it back and give it to Yulia.’
Just as he had done in the past.
Following behind Isaac were those who would assist him in his hunt.
As he watched the line of retreating figures, Dante clicked his tongue.
Can’t he do anything on his own?
“What a fool.”
The rough words slipped out unexpectedly.
It was unavoidable.
In a way, Isaac was the man who had teamed up with Yulia to stab his brother in the back.
If Dante had been a bit more impulsive, Oscar’s arm would have been gone by now.
Dante’s gaze, roughly brushing his hair back, turned toward a certain direction.
The inside of the forest was dark as pitch due to the dense trees.
It was a place that no one dared to step into, but Dante walked toward it without a moment’s hesitation.
And not long after.
Boom.
A tremendous sound echoed through the forest.
The startled birds took off simultaneously, creating quite a spectacle.
* * *
Three bears lived in one house.
Mama bear, Papa bear.
And one was right in front of me.
...A bear.
Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen a bear.
It seems I’m not the only one seeing a bear for the first time.
“Is th-that a bear?”
“It’s a bear.”
“It’s a bear, indeed.”
The other nobles were equally astonished at the bear that had been casually thrown onto the ground.
The only one who wasn’t surprised was Dante, who had confidently tossed the bear he had brought on his back in front of everyone.
He wiped the blood off his cheek and surveyed the surroundings with an impassive gaze.
When our eyes finally met,
“Serafina.”
Life returned to his previously dead eyes. Without hesitation, he approached me, and I smiled brightly.
“Wow. Congratulations on your victory.”
Yes. This is a victory without needing to see it.
Whether he rolled forward, sideways, or backward, this was undoubtedly Dante’s victory.
Even though there were still about five hours left until the hunting competition ended, it was clear that the victory belonged to Dante.
And.
“The winner is Duke Dante Richter, who has brought down the bear!”
My expectations were spot on.
Amidst the pouring gazes, the announcement of Dante’s victory was made.
Soon, a scream of “No way!” erupted from somewhere.
It was one of the noble ladies who had been betting earlier. Hmm. She was the one who bet that our Dante wouldn’t win.
Oh dear. How pitiful.
...No, in fact, not pitiful at all. Good for him. It’s refreshing. Serves her right!
I suppressed the urge to stick my tongue out at the woman and clapped my hands vigorously.
Clap clap clap.
The resounding applause was echoed by others here and there.
Being surprised was one thing, but doing what needed to be done was another.
Even that noble lady, who hadn’t shown her face in the capital’s social scene for a year, had no choice but to fulfill her duty with a dazed expression.
I savored the applause, feeling satisfied, and whispered to Dante.
“The awards are tomorrow, right?”
“Yes. They will be awarded at the ball tomorrow.”