My parents and I made our way to our family’s designated seats. After finally pushing through the crowd and taking our seats, beads of sweat formed on my forehead. A sigh of relief escaped my lips.
As I fanned myself, I looked around to see which nobles were attending this hunting tournament. For now, there was no one particularly suspicious or noteworthy.
Around the shaded area where the nobles were seated, there were guards armed with swords and guns stationed at intervals. With this much security, it seemed that this place would be safe even if something unexpected happened.
Still, my biggest concern was Ariel, the princess. When would the royal family arrive?
Just then, a commotion arose around us. It seemed that the members of the Stanley family, one of the most powerful houses in the empire alongside the royal family, had arrived and were heading toward the seating area.
Ah, what a perfectly arranged seating plan! Given that I was known as Ares’ lover, it made sense that our family was seated right next to the Stanley family!
Unlike other nobles, my parents did not make a big fuss and stand up to greet the Stanley family. Instead, they waited until the family was close enough to be in view before rising gracefully from their seats, exuding both elegance and composure.
“Welcome, Duke Stanley,” my father said, extending his hand for a formal handshake as he greeted Ares’ father.
“Ah, Count Uranos, how have you been?” the Duke replied with equal politeness.
While the fathers exchanged greetings, the mothers exchanged warm smiles and inquired about each other’s well-being.
And then there was Ares…
“Bianca,” he called out.
By now, it had become quite natural for him to greet me with a bright smile and a light embrace instead of a lengthy greeting.
We’ve truly become much bolder! To think we’re showing affection like this in front of so many people!
In that brief moment, I quickly glanced around and noticed that all the nobles in the waiting area seemed to be watching us. Even Leia Saturnos had her eyes on us.
I wasn’t sure how she, who was seated so far away, came into my view. But in that instant, I knew we had made eye contact even from that great distance.
Then, I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Leia wasn’t wearing a light dress like mine! She was in hunting attire! Does that mean Leia is also participating in the hunting competition? My goodness! Is she really going to hunt alongside Princess Ariel? Does she even know how to properly handle a hunting rifle?
My heart felt as though it had frozen over, but I forced myself to maintain a smile.
Of course, Leia would have to be involved when a “pillar” of the story is appearing. It was inevitable.
Trying to sound as casual as possible, I asked Ares, “Ares, it seems that Lady Saturnus is also participating in the hunting competition today. Do you think she’ll be accompanying Princess Ariel?”
Ares’ expression darkened slightly at my words. However, he didn’t turn to check on Leia; instead, he maintained eye contact with me and replied, “Ah, I see. But there’s no need for you to worry about that.”
I nodded almost mechanically. I thought I should probably check how many guards the princess had.
While I was lost in thought, suddenly, large, warm hands cupped my cheeks. The warmth of his touch snapped me back to reality.
“…Ares.”
“You’ve started overthinking again.”
His expression was softly smiling, but there was a trace of sadness in his voice.
Oh no, I made a big mistake. Realizing this, I immediately apologized to Ares.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t focused on you. I was just worried that if Lady Saturnus is accompanying the princess, they might not have enough protection.”
Ares’ golden-brown eyes softened warmly.
“Is that so?”
“By the way, Ares. There’s something I want to give you.”
I seized the moment and held onto Ares. As he looked at me with a curious expression, I ignored his gaze for a moment and pulled out a neatly folded handkerchief from my clutch.
“This is…”
I firmly took Ares’ hand, which seemed to be at a loss for words, and opened it. I then placed the handkerchief, made with all my clumsy efforts, into his palm and gently pressed it into his grasp.
Ugh, I can feel my face burning red without even looking. I might start bleeding from embarrassment. There’s no way I could have given him the handkerchief while looking him in the eyes.
“Well, I’m looking forward to seeing you shine at the hunting competition. And please, come back without getting hurt.”
Before the wave of embarrassment could overwhelm me, I blurted out everything I wanted to say in a rapid-fire manner. My head kept drooping lower and lower. Oh dear.
Ares’ deep, pleasant laughter, like soft sunlight, gently fell upon me from above.
“Haha, a handkerchief made by your own hands. I feel like today is going to bring me the best of luck.”
I managed to raise my head and look at Ares.
Is my face so red that even my eyes have turned red now? Ares’ face also seemed slightly flushed.
He kissed the handkerchief I gave him, and then, very respectfully, kissed the back of my hand as well.
Ah, I’m so glad I decided to give it to him. All the effort was worth it!
“Ahem.”
Oh no, it seems we were caught up in our moment for too long. My mother and the Duchess of Stanley cleared their throats softly, bringing me back to reality. Ares and I quickly separated and composed ourselves, sitting properly next to each other.
The Duchess of Stanley glanced at the still-empty seats reserved for the royal family and spoke.
“From what I’ve heard, Princess Ariel only has three close guards with her. It was originally just two, but they increased it to three because Lady Saturnus will be accompanying her. This makes me quite uneasy. So, Ares.”
After calling Ares, the Duchess furrowed her brows slightly.
“I’m sorry, but I would feel better if you could stay with the princess and assist with her protection. I’m not too happy about you not being able to fully showcase your hunting skills, but it can’t be helped.”
The Duchess of Stanley’s words struck me like a thunderclap, hitting me with a jolt.
The implication that Ares would stay with Princess Ariel throughout the hunt meant that he would also be continuously with Leia!
In an instant, a cold flame seemed to rise in a corner of my heart. Truly, it felt like the whole world was desperately trying to bring Leia and Ares together!
But just as my anger was about to surge, I saw Ares looking at the handkerchief in his hand with a bittersweet and resigned expression.
The burning flame inside my chest fizzled out instantly. The boiling emotions within me cooled down rapidly.
I still have a long way to go. I am still a child who only thinks of herself. It’s not just me who is upset right now. Ares, who received a handkerchief wishing him success from me, surely wants to respond to it more than anyone. Ares, who reacts so sensitively even when I mention Leia’s name, is focused on me.
I closed my eyes for a moment.
Leia will probably experience some inner changes while hunting with Ares today. That could very well be the “pillar” of the novel. It might be an opportunity for Ares to understand Leia’s true feelings, a turning point where the villainess, Bianca, loses her hold on him.
Whether Princess Ariel’s sacrifice itself will be the “pillar” of the story, I don’t know. But if Ares doesn’t go, there won’t even be a chance to verify that.
I recalled the “writer’s” earlier words. The occurrence of detailed events can be changed by the free will of the characters living in this world.
The one event that cannot change is my death. And Ares and Leia’s happy ending.
I have to make a choice.
The incident of “something happening to Princess Ariel” could itself be the “pillar” of the story. But if that event is not the “pillar,” then I will use all my strength to prevent it. Even if I stop it, the true “pillar” will emerge, and the story will proceed one way or another.
If the novel’s “pillar” that appears today is an internal change in the relationship between Ares and Leia, then the hunting competition today can end without any sacrifices!
What is more important?
My desire to completely claim Ares as my own, or saving Princess Ariel from the terrible fate that the “author” has whimsically arranged?
There was no need for long contemplation.
I slowly opened my eyes and gently took Ares’s fingers with mine.
“Ares. Please take care of Princess Ariel and Lady Saturnos.”
“……”
“You’re the best shot in the empire. I’ll feel at ease knowing you’re with them.”
“But……”
“My handkerchief will bring good luck. Who knows? There might be prey hiding along the path the princess takes. Hehe……”
Ares looked at me with a solemn expression, as if trying to see into my heart.
But there was no lie in my words. I genuinely wished for Ares to protect Princess Ariel and Leia safely.
Our love will not last forever. Even though this moment may be more splendid and beautiful than anything else, it will eventually come to an end. There are things in this world far more important than the fleeting emotions of the moment. The lives and safety of others… these are infinitely more important than a love that will soon pass.
Moreover, Ares is not leaving me immediately. There is still time for me to be with him.
I gave a bright, unwavering smile.
“Ares. I understand what you’re worried about, but I won’t make you say it. I trust you.”
“…Are you really okay with this?”
“Of course. Besides, I was the one who initially worried about Princess Ariel. I’m fine with it. So, as the Duchess suggested, please stay close to them.”
“Phew… Alright. Take care.”
Ares, having finally made up his mind, looked at me with a firm gaze and expression before turning to the Duchess.
“I will follow Mother’s advice. It’s unfortunate, but hunting events will happen again.”
“Thank you, Ares.”
The Duchess also seemed to relax, her expression softening.
At that moment, cutting through the noise, a resounding voice from the royal servants announced:
“His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, and Her Highness the Princess are arriving!”
All the nobles seated rose in a collective movement. Accompanied by guards in uniform on either side, the imperial family passed through the bowing nobles and took their seats at the central, elevated platform.
Our family and Ares’s family greeted them with proper courtesy. As expected, Princess Ariel was dressed in hunting attire.
Standing on the elevated platform, His Majesty the Emperor addressed the crowd:
“Since the weather is so fine today, I believe all of you will be able to demonstrate your skills without reservation. I hope you enjoy the festivities to the fullest, making the most of the time available!”
The Emperor’s speeches were always brief and to the point, which was quite refreshing.
From now on, those participating in the hunt could freely enter the forest of the hunting grounds. Others could wander around the waiting area and nearby gardens, enjoying the event like a picnic.
Ares mounted his horse, holding a sleek hunting rifle.
Oh, he looks so fitting in this role; I should remember this well and perhaps draw a picture!
I went outside the waiting area to see Ares off. Beside him, Princess Ariel and Leia were each preparing to depart with three guards.
“Have a good hunt, Ares.”
Ares nodded with a warm smile.
