ALL NOVEL Chapter 64
The one who appeared was another conversation partner of Pavellian, Eunice Jenon.
“N-No, Lady Jenon…”
“Lady Eunice seems to have misunderstood something…”
The ladies of the empress faction, who had been mocking Selleana just moments ago, suddenly showed a reverent face.
See this?
The reason they acted so meekly towards Eunice Jenon was simple. Eunice Jenon, set to be Pavellian’s partner for this hunting competition as well as the previous Emperor’s birthday banquet, was currently the closest person to becoming the crown princess. The principle of the strong preying on the weak was evident.
Until I declared my non-participation in the selection contest, these were the same people who couldn’t even make eye contact with me.
Contemptuously, Selleana chuckled at their change in attitude.
“As fellow companions of the crown prince, we have important matters to discuss…”
“Oh my, look at the time.”
“
Uh
, my mother is calling for me.”
“
Hoam
, I’m so tired after coming all this way.”
As soon as Eunice Jenon finished speaking, the ladies of the empress faction made excuses to leave, just like how they dispersed when Selleana intimidated them at the Rondel party.
Why do they always act like this, as if they’ve been brainwashed?
Selleana laughed incredulously at the spectacle. When it was just Selleana, Michi, and Eunice Jenon left.
“Lady Jenon, thank you.”
“
Hmm
, that…! I didn’t do it to help you. I just dislike when people talk behind others’ backs.”
“True, you’re someone who prefers to say things outright, aren’t you? Like during the emperor’s birthday banquet.”
“
Cough
, what do you mean…!” Eunice’s face turned bright red at Selleana’s teasing remark.
“Anyway, you ended up helping me, so thank you.”
“You’re mistaken. I was,
cough
, just passing by.”
“Oh my, Lady.” Selleana exaggerated her reaction, moving closer to her and bowing.
Seeing that, Eunice flinched and trembled at the memory of the emperor’s birthday banquet.
“If you keep coughing like that… the crown prince will find it bothersome.”
“
Gulp
.”
“Didn’t I tell you? The crown prince prefers quiet.” Then Selleana straightened up, placing her finger in the middle of her slightly smiling lips, and winked.
Understanding the hint, Eunice used her hand fan to cool her flushed face. “Well, you’re just the same as ever. I thought maybe you were feeling subdued because of all the unwarranted attention lately.”
“Oh my. Were you worried about me?”
“N-Not really. It’s just that I’ve heard a lot of talk while passing by.”
Selleana swallowed her laughter at Eunice’s insincere demeanor.
She ended up submitting her application for the selection contest after all. Last time, I ended up lashing out my frustration at her…
It seemed she took to heart any advice that came her way and even worried about Selleana amidst everything. Having been the target of one-sided jealousy for the past decade, Selleana couldn’t be fond of her but now found Eunice somewhat endearing.
“Well, I heard from the crown prince.” Eunice stood tall and spoke demurely. “That you recommended me as the partner for this banquet? Tha,
cough,
thank you.”
“You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure.”
“W-What’s with that cheesy smile?”
As Selleana reflexively wore a motherly smile, Eunice looked utterly disgusted. Even that reaction seemed like a hissing cat at this point.
She is cute in her own way, quick to assess situations, and impartial in weighing pros and cons.
Pavellian really doesn’t deserve her.
It was regrettable, given her own preferences.
“You know, Lady Jenon.”
“Yes, yes?”
“The reason I recommended you as the partner to His Highness… was, above all, for the future of Jenon and Elard.”
“The future of Jenon and Elard…?” Eunice furrowed her brows at the serious tone. Eunice frowned at the seriousness of the words.
“Jenon would benefit by not losing political power even if it doesn’t gain the minister position this term.”
“That’s…”
Eunice’s male siblings, the young master of Jenon and the heir of Jenon, were all talented in martial arts and far from minister material.
“And Elard, well. It wouldn’t hurt to make an impression on the future crown princess through this event. Right?”
Eunice Jenon’s eyes narrowed. Calculating the benefits of cooperation between Jenon and Elard, her sharp eyes gleamed.
Oho?
Perhaps Eunice was the only Jenon capable of becoming minister this term. Though it was a choice never to be given to a daughter like her.
“Well, of course, the main reason was that I think Lady Jenon is the most suitable as the crown princess….” Selleana quickly grabbed Eunice’s hands so fast that Eunice couldn’t avoid it. “So let’s do well from now on, okay?”
Besides being grateful to Eunice for willingly dealing with Pavellian, Selleana thought she might actually be a good person.
* * *
It was the next morning. The excitement of the eve’s festivities settled with the morning air, and the clearing, neatly cleaned by servants from the imperial palace, was illuminated only by the high-intensity torches.
In the mist drifting from the lakeside, participants moved busily. Those participating in the hunting competition prepared their gear while their families attended the opening ceremony. The ceremony began as the morning sun rose above the trees surrounding the campsite, clearing the mist.
“I apologize for my late arrival!”
Just as the opening ceremony was about to begin, a man with platinum hair on a white horse appeared, drawing all eyes.
“
Whoa
.”
“He actually came.”
It was none other than Prince Erenst of Laten. Although he seemed to have ridden through the night, his presence exuded freshness.
“I’ll be in the back.”
“Yes, quickly.”
Michi, wearing her disguise glasses again today, slipped to the back of Elard’s group in case of an emergency. Theonis, sensing something, adjusted his stance to shield Michi. Neither Selleana nor Michi noticed.
At that moment, Prince Erenst’s gaze turned in their direction. Searching for Michi beside Selleana, his purple eyes roamed.
…Really, the male lead’s obsession is tiresome.
Reading about it in a novel in a previous life was fun, but experiencing it indirectly was sheer selfishness in itself.
Does he not consider that Michi wants to avoid him?
Well, he could search all he wanted; Michi wouldn’t be found.
Selleana watched as the emperor stepped onto the podium, secretly sticking out her tongue.
“Did everyone enjoy themselves yesterday? I hope no one uses Imperial hospitality as an excuse for underperformance.”
The light laughter following Emperor Tashur III’s joke was polite.
“This year, I hope for many offerings to please Orot as you showcase your valor. Especially with our neighboring kingdom, Laten, participating.”
“It is an honor to join this sacred Imperial event.”
The audience marveled at Prince Erenst’s diplomatic courtesy. His enthusiasm is evident by his early arrival. But those aware of the true reason for his participation were unimpressed.
“Then, Crown Prince.”
“Yes.”
Pavellian stepped forward at the Emperor’s call. In the ceremonial armor of the Imperial Guard, he raised his holy relic, the First Emperor’s Shield. As he lifted it, a halo of light enveloped the shield and extended skyward.
“
Wow
.”
“As expected of the blessing from the holy relic.”
“Beautiful….”
The beam of light fanned out, forming a protective dome over the campsite.
A symbolic protection of the emperor’s descendants, capable of even deflecting magical attacks…
The light veil surrounding them became entirely transparent.
“May the First Emperor’s blessing ensure your safety, and may the brave Nepelsians show their valor.”
With the Emperor’s declaration, cheers erupted. Since obtaining the First Emperor’s Shield at ten, Pavellian had performed this ritual at every hunting competition.
“Now then.”
At Tashur III’s signal, the tower master nodded to the mages beside him.
Bang!
Colorful fireworks, set off by the mages’ devices, signaled the start.
“For the next three days, I wish you all good luck.
With unprecedented fanfare, the hunting competition of Imperial Year 749 began.
“Father. Please stay safe.”
“Yes, Lea. Thank you.”
As participants made final preparations before departure, Selleana handed each of Elard’s men a handkerchief for good luck. Duke Elard attached his wife and daughter’s handkerchiefs together and tied them to his sword’s scabbard as usual.
“Here you go, Theo. Though you’ll receive many from other ladies.”
“Thank you, Lea. Still, yours is special.”
“Here, Peri.”
It was when Selleana offered the last handkerchief to Peredo.
“What’s this?”
Peredo roughly snatched it from her hand.
“
Huh
? Just one?”
“What’s this?”
“That’s…”
Following Peredo’s gaze, Selleana’s lips curled into a faint smile.