“It’s not like I need to have the Duke’s son with me, but since the Duchess is so worried, there’s nothing I can do.”
Princess Ariel grumbled.
“When there are too many people, all the game will run away. How am I supposed to hunt like this?”
“Still, the safety of Her Highness is the priority.”
“Other people don’t travel around so conspicuously. Is it because I’m a woman? Everyone underestimates me.”
Sigh, it seems Princess Ariel is really upset. But persuasion won’t work in this state, so it’s better to stay silent and not argue.
I glanced at Leia’s face. She seemed to have learned to manage her expressions well now; despite probably being excited and thrilled inside, she maintained a calm and serene smile on the outside.
“Let’s go!”
Princess Ariel boldly shouted and was the first to charge ahead.
Once the six of them galloped off into the forest, I felt as if my legs might give way, and I nearly collapsed on the spot.
It was now out of my hands. With my heart pounding and tension tightening in the waiting area, all I could do was wait. This helplessness was so unbearable. But I had to endure it.
“Bianca, are you okay? You look pale.”
My mother looked at my face with concern. I managed to open my mouth and answer.
“Just, a bit nervous. I hope Ares returns safely and without any injuries.”
Ares’s mother, who had been listening, spoke with a warm voice.
“You truly have a kind heart, Bianca.”
I pretended to be shy, lowering my head and offering a small smile.
Lacking the energy to wander around, I decided to sit down. Looking around, I spotted Metis not too far away.
Well, I need to chat to ease the tension. I immediately walked over to Metis.
“Metis. Did you enjoy the Hermes ceremony?”
“Oh, Bianca. Oberon is determined to win this year; he’s very resolute.”
Metis’s voice carried a subtle hint of pride. She must trust her partner greatly.
If I had said I didn’t want to be with the princess, Ares would have likely refused to guard her, even against the Duchess’s wishes.
However, I believed Ares wouldn’t fall for Leia just because of this hunting event. The ‘pillar’ of the story is essentially focused on Leia’s consciousness, so even if Ares might get the wrong idea, he was still my man.
I continued chatting with Metis while keeping an eye on my surroundings. If I sensed anything suspicious here, I was prepared to rush to the guards immediately.
In the capital, there aren’t many nobles whose faces I don’t know. But since I don’t know every noble, I tapped Metis whenever I saw a unfamiliar face and asked who they were. Metis, being well-versed in the capital’s social scene like me, was very helpful.
Once again, someone unfamiliar caught my eye.
“Look, Metis. Who is that person?”
“Oh dear, you’re really persistent today. Are you planning to create a list of all the nobles in the capital?”
Even though Metis was grumbling about it, she dutifully directed her gaze toward where I was pointing. After squinting and staring for a while, she tilted her head.
“Hmmm… I don’t know this time either. They must be a noble from the provinces.”
“Really?”
I snapped my fan shut with a sharp sound. I needed to cut off any suspicious signs immediately.
“Where are you going?”
“I’ll be back in a moment. I just want to find out more.”
As I resolutely stood up, Metis waved her hands in a gesture of defeat and shook her head.
Regardless, I made my way towards the unfamiliar person.
“Good day. It seems we haven’t met before.”
I greeted the unfamiliar noble with a friendly and polite manner. The suddenness of my approach seemed to fluster them, as their eyes darted around.
“Oh, I apologize. I’ve only recently arrived in the capital…”
“I’m Bianca Uranos from the House of Marquis Uranos. Marquis Uranos is my father.”
As I introduced myself with a graceful smile, the provincial noble finally bowed awkwardly.
“Oh, the esteemed Lady Uranos. It is an honor to meet you.”
“Not at all. If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask for your name?”
The noble seemed embarrassed as they smiled and wiped the sweat from their forehead.
“I will be leaving the capital soon, so there is no need for you to remember my name, Lady. Meeting you is already a great memory for me.”
Oh? They won’t reveal their name?
“Oh my, you still seem unfamiliar with the capital’s etiquette. Since I’ve introduced myself first, it’s only proper for you to tell me your name in return.”
“Oh, really? How rude of me. I apologize.”
I gave a gentle smile and reopened my fan.
There are many eyes around here, so even if this provincial noble is indeed suspicious, they wouldn’t dare cause any trouble easily. Perhaps I should talk a bit more?
“It’s alright. It can happen. So, could you please tell me your name?”
With as much grace and generosity as I could muster, I offered the noble a chance to correct their mistake.
“Hmm, I am Baron Neso.”
“Ah, Baron Neso. If you’ve come from the provinces, it must have been difficult to participate in the hunt alone. I’m curious which family introduced you. I’m sure they are very considerate.”
“Yes, indeed. Haha…”
Hmm. It seems they’re hesitant to speak. There’s something off about this.
However, pressing them directly with “Which family?” might be impolite and could unnecessarily raise suspicions.
There’s no benefit in showing undue suspicion. I should retreat for now and consider other options.
“It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope you take away wonderful memories.”
I bowed gracefully to him and slowly moved away.
Watching discreetly for a moment, I saw him glance around cautiously and then leave. Perhaps it’s time for me to take action.
Since the hunt is hosted by the imperial family, the event is managed and overseen by officials from the palace, particularly from the Court Affairs Department.
Although the high-ranking officials are all nobles, those who handle the mundane tasks on-site are mostly lower-ranking officials, with many being commoners or gentry.
I approached one such official, who seemed overwhelmed by the hot weather and the task of dealing with nobles.
“Thank you for your hard work. I have something I’d like to confirm. Could you assist me?”
The official, though looking a bit tired, responded with a diligent attitude.
“Yes, please go ahead, Lady.”
“I’d like to know if a Baron Neso is participating in the hunt.”
“Baron Neso…”
The official wiped his forehead with a handkerchief and carefully checked the ledger with the list of participants.
“Yes, he is. He manages one of the imperial estates in the provinces.”
“I see. Could you also tell me which family introduced him?”
“Hm, he did not come with a formal introduction.”
“I see. Hmm.”
I began to think deeply while tapping my fan against my palm.
If he manages an imperial estate directly, does that mean he has some connection to the Emperor? Perhaps that’s why he didn’t need an introduction from a prominent family?
I glanced toward the area where the Emperor and Empress were seated. The Emperor was absent, and the Empress was conversing with my mother and the Duke of Stanley.
I had to act quickly, as excessive caution might endanger even Ares, who was accompanying the Princess.
As I approached the three dignitaries, the Empress turned to me first and greeted me.
“Lady Uranos.”
“I offer my respects to Your Majesty, the Empress.”
“We were just speaking about you. I heard you recently gave a handmade gift to the Duke of Stanley?”
“Yes. Although I’m embarrassed by my lack of skill, the Duke of Stanley graciously accepted it due to his kind nature.”
“Hohoho, you don’t need to be so modest, Lady.”
The expressions of the three dignitaries seemed quite pleasant. I felt a bit guilty about interrupting this cheerful atmosphere, but it was necessary.
I removed the smile from my face and, in a rather serious tone, lowered myself before the Empress to ask:
“Your Majesty, I apologize for the sudden inquiry, but may I ask if you know of a Baron Neso?”
“Baron Neso?”
The Empress appeared to ponder for a moment, trying to recall something. However, she soon gave a gentle smile and answered:
“I do not recall that name. Why are you inquiring about him?”
My mother and the Duchess of Stanley also looked at me with expectant eyes. I took a moment to collect my thoughts before speaking.
“I met him earlier and found it unusual that someone who has just arrived from the provinces is participating in the hunt without an introduction from another family. Since he manages an imperial estate, I thought it might be pertinent to ask if Your Majesty is familiar with him.”
My mother furrowed her brows slightly and said:
“Participating in the hunt alone is quite bold and audacious, Your Majesty.”
I tilted my head in response.
“Being merely audacious is one thing, but if he is of ill intent, it could be a serious problem, Mother.”
The atmosphere quickly turned tense. The Duchess of Stanley’s expression grew serious, and she spoke to the Empress:
“Your Majesty, the concern of Lady Uranos is exactly what I am worried about. Especially since the Princess insisted on reducing her guard despite the inconvenience.”
The Empress turned to the palace maid beside her with a stern tone and ordered:
“Find this Baron Neso with the guards and detain him until further notice.”
The maid immediately bowed and withdrew.
I tried to ease the frozen atmosphere with a forced smile and said:
“I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s attention to my humble concerns. However, I hope you do not worry too much. It is merely my own meticulousness that leaves no room for even the slightest suspicion. I fear I may have caused unnecessary anxiety.”
If I had tried to persuade Her Majesty the Empress alone, it would have been incredibly difficult. However, with the support of the Duchess of Stanley and my mother, I managed to move Her Majesty to act smoothly.
Truly, I was fortunate.
An awkward silence fell. As the silence grew longer with no one smiling, a guard hurriedly approached the Empress and whispered in her ear. We politely stepped back a little to give them space.
The Empress’s expression twisted with distress.
“Quickly, find His Majesty the Emperor and bring him here!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Duchess of Stanley was the first among us to speak up.
“Your Majesty?”
The Empress placed her hand on her forehead and closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh before speaking.
“There has been an accident involving Ariel. Fortunately, the Princess is unharmed.”
“Your Majesty!”
The Duchess’s face turned ashen in an instant. However, the Empress continued in a calm voice.
“If someone had been seriously injured, the report would be more severe. Please do not worry. Still, since an incident has occurred, we need to bring His Majesty the Emperor here to ensure safety and halt the hunt.”
My mother nodded vigorously and said:
“Your Majesty is right!”
Seeing the Empress’s orders being carried out, a group of guards moved swiftly into action. The sudden commotion caused the nobles at the waiting area to start buzzing loudly.
