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Chapter 86

The hunting competition had a few simple rules.

First, it was divided into two halves, with a break in between to allow participants to rest.

Second, for fair competition, only the standard weapons provided by the imperial household could be used.

And despite being the Princess's only knight, Lucas had been assigned a rather menial task.

Delivering the standard weapons—arrows and swords—to the participants.

"..."

"..."

Of all people.

Frowning, Lucas handed the weapons to the Duke and spoke.

"Best of luck."

Kayden nodded lightly and accepted the weapons.

Seeing the Duke looking so unbothered, Lucas couldn't help but make a snide remark.

"You're not planning to hit that bastard with these weapons, are you?"

"That bastard?"

At the Duke's puzzled look, Lucas let out a dry laugh.

He continued, as if to say don't joke around.

"Emilia's ex-fiancé. He's proudly displaying the Romains crest on his tent over there. It's like he's begging you to notice him."

The Duke had even confided in his father about Emilia's ex-fiancé.

So he must have known the bastard was here, but...

Lucas fell silent as he studied the Duke's expression.

He really didn't know?

He asked again to confirm.

"Then you didn't know that bastard threatened Emilia on the day of the Princess's tea party?"

---

After the weapons were distributed and the participants took time to prepare—

A middle-aged man, looking anxious, paced in front of the Prince's tent.

Just then—

Rustle.

A servant came out and quietly said.

"His Highness will see you now."

The middle-aged man—Marquess Monstera—entered the tent with hurried steps.

Inside, Prince Aron was seated with a displeased expression.

But no one was more anxious than Marquess Monstera himself.

Aron shifted his gaze and looked at the Marquess.

"Marquess, what is it?"

"W-well, Your Highness!"

The Marquess glanced at the servants nearby.

"Speak freely."

"It's about Her Highness the Princess!"

At the Marquess's excited tone, Aron's lips curled.

"Ah, yes. How was she when you saw her? Do you like her?"

Aron asked with a probing look.

The Marquess's eyes went wide.

"O-of course!"

He was more than pleased.

He had faithfully served the Empress and the Prince, doing all sorts of dirty work behind the scenes.

And he'd reaped considerable profits from it.

But this time—what a reward.

The prize the Prince had given him was beyond anything he'd ever imagined.

The Marquess recalled the Princess standing on the podium.

Given that even the frail Prince before him was handsome, he'd had some expectations.

But he'd never imagined she'd be so beautiful.

Her flowing silver hair, her melancholy eyes, her delicate frame and demure demeanor—

She was the very image of the woman he'd dreamed of since his youth.

In contrast, his late wife had been insufferable.

She'd always tried to climb above him, grating on his nerves.

Still, once he'd raised his hand to her, she'd become obedient.

In any case, he was grateful she'd died early, allowing him to take a new wife.

And that his second wife would be such a beautiful princess.

She was young too—he could mold her to his liking.

Having confirmed she was exactly to his taste, he grew even more impatient.

Because of an unexpected participant.

"B-but the Duke of Valen has entered."

That was why the Marquess had come to Aron in such a hurry.

"Ah."

Aron nodded knowingly.

"I was a bit surprised when I heard too."

"Th-then, could our plan..."

At the suggestion that his plan might be in jeopardy, Aron asked coldly.

"Are you doubting me?"

The Marquess broke out in a cold sweat and waved his hands.

"Th-there's no way I would doubt Your Highness... I'm just a little worried..."

"Shut up."

At Aron's sharp tone, the Marquess fell silent.

In truth, Aron had also been displeased when he learned the Duke of Valen had registered late.

He was a very strong contender.

Aron had counted him out since he'd declined, but now he'd suddenly signed up.

Naturally, one suspicion arose.

Was the Duke of Valen participating because he knew about Selena?

Of course, Aron had already warned his sister when he delivered the news.

"Ah, if you want to send word to the Duke of Valen again, go ahead. Though your only knight might be found dead somewhere the next day."

At that, Selena had turned pale and nodded.

He'd had people watching her, but there was no sign she'd sent any message.

And from what he could see today, she hadn't even told her knight.

Aron narrowed his eyes and tapped the desk.

He'd always planned to throw his sister to Marquess Monstera. The hunting competition was just for added dramatic flair.

That was why he'd set things up so the Marquess couldn't lose.

But something still felt off.

Aron said irritably.

"Let's wait and see for now."

"Huh?"

At the Marquess's bewildered expression, Aron's face soured further.

He looked at the clueless man with contempt.

"After all, the prize will be announced after the first half of the competition."

The winner's prize was always announced during the break between the two halves.

If the prize was too tempting, competition could become dangerous—and if it was underwhelming, the participants would lose motivation.

So there was no rush—after checking the Duke's haul in the first half, he could decide whether to offer the Princess as the prize.

Still looking anxious, the Marquess was dismissed with an irritated wave.

"If it doesn't work out this time, I'll throw the Princess to you at the next hunting competition. Now get out."

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