The small party ends shortly right before evening. I knew how hard they worked to prepare this, so I insist on cleaning it up. They all objected at first, but because of my hard-headed persistence, they eventually give in. Well… it’s not like I’m cleaning up alone. Theron offered to help, though her true intention is clearly to eat Yuri’s leftover pastries.
As I’m picking up the empty porcelains and plates, somebody snatches it all from my hand. Looking up, it’s Killian.
“Eh? Why are you here?” I ask.
Before he can answer, a group of maids appears and clean up the rest. Killian passes the empty porcelains and plates to them.
“Allow us to clean this up, my lady.” The head of the maid offers, hands placed behind her back.
“I can do it.”
“My lady, His Grace will be furious if he knew my lady cleaned these.” She reasons. Well, knowing Dad, she has a point.
“…Alright. I’ll leave these to you.” I say, giving her a pat on the shoulder
‘Father’s on a trip to the capital today! I can finally walk around the market after so long!’ I happily skipped, wearing a black cloak with its hood covering almost to my nose to avoid being seen. The smell of delicious barbeque and worth-drooling pastries strikes my nose. Loud voices from merchants promoting their goods and people chattering make the night market lively. This is the atmosphere I’ve been wanting, the total opposite of being trapped in the house. While I was walking around with a chicken skewer in my hand, a familiar topic reached my ear. “Have you heard? There’s another murder case here!” A woman says, carrying a basket of steamed bread – a merchant I assume. “It was a countess, right? They say all her jewelries and valuable items were gone.” The other one says, carrying another basket containing green vegetables. “Murder and rob cases have increased rapidly in this area. Why aren’t the imperial family taking any action?”
“My lady, Lord Julian is here.” Killian knocks on the carriage’s door where my little sister is waiting. “Come in.” She answers. As Killian opens the door, I’m dazed by the lady in front of me. Airis is sitting with her hand on her chin wearing a grand red dress with silver-gold diamond jewelries on her hair, fingers, wrists, and ears. “Airis… Your dress…” I stutter, shocked as to why she chose such a striking color out of everything. I thought she said she wishes to go with a non-striking look? “Mom ordered this dress for me for tonight’s banquet. I absolutely can’t turn her down.” “I swear your head is gonna end up with a huge hole tonight.” I laugh. “Sigh… Don’t even talk about it. I’d even attract animals with this kind of red.” I let out another small laugh and enter the carriage. ***** “My apologies, my lady, but maids and knights are not allowed to enter. They have a separate
I sigh in tiredness and fade up. Before I enter the forest empty field – where the hunting competition opening banquet is held – Mina told me that Azher was searching for me. He must have something to say before the ceremony started. Hence, I spend half of my energy wandering around in this extravagant dress. But I don’t spot Azher anywhere! “Is he playing with me or something?” I murmur, biting my lip. “Turn around.” Just by the voice, I instantly recognize the person behind me. I turn around, already prepared with an irked look. “Now you see him.” Azher smiles angelically. “Thanks for the exercise. I feel very healthy and energetic now.” I say, smiling with full sarcasm. He lets out a breath. “You’re really joining the hunt?” “For the three hundred twenty-seven times today, yes.” “A lady has never joined Ardiane’s hunting competition.” “I’ll be the first. There’s no law forbidding women from participating.”
“Ah, Damien…” Julian nods. “It wouldn’t have been easy to break from prison and pass the banquet’s inspection. Who assisted you?” He asks. “Shut up! A playboy like you doesn’t deserve to live in this world!” “Why?” Julian asks again, fanning the flames. Oh, he’s good at triggering Damien’s temper. “You shameless bastard! Stole another’s fiancée and dare to act innocent?!” “I don’t believe Lord Julian should be hearing this from somebody who stalked and threatened Lady Yurisina, attacked Lady Airis, and releases a monster, harming everyone present.” Azher slips in, siding with Julian. “From the sound of it, you’re the criminal. And for your information, Yuri was single at that time.” Julian purposely adds. Suddenly, Damien laughs maniacally. “I just had a greater idea! Rather than just killing your precious sister, how about I kill every single noble here?” “Sure thing. But before you succeed…” Azher points his bloody sword towa
After Airis slew all the monsters, the magic barrier breaks. All the knights and guards outside come in to assist the scene – helping the injured and putting down the fire before they spread elsewhere. Rather than worrying about myself – clothes and face stained with both the monsters and my blood – my concerns are solely focused on Airis. ‘She… risked her life for everyone’s sake.’ The shock I felt due to the stunt she pulled hasn’t faded yet. Knowing her, I expected she won’t sit still and will try to help, but I didn’t think she would go that far until risking her own life. How can such a bold and brutal lady exist? Since Felix’s identity as a liv had been revealed, he used his magic to repair all damages and Airis’ torn dress, as well as heal her injuries. After that, he quickly disappears from the scene – to avoid uncountable questioning. And because of that, all attention is poured abundantly on Airis. Nobles are buzzing around her like bees and
“Phew…” A sigh of relief exits my mouth as I lock the door right after Aiden, Julian, Mom, and Dad left. They all nagged and babbled about the same thing – me slashing regeneratable salamander-like monsters. I understand they’re worried, but one earful is more than enough. Thankfully, my family owns a mansion here. If not, several noble ladies will surely barge into my room tonight. Right when I’m about to change my clothes, someone roughly bangs on the door, as if wanting to break down the door. “My lady! Open the door this instant, or I’m tearing it down!” Killian threatens, still banging. I let out another sigh, knowing what is waiting for me. Very much pitying the door, I open it. “I already received numerous earfuls. So, please-” *Plop.* Without saying anything, he drops his figure at me, hugging me tightly. His face rests on my shoulder. “I know you want to push me away, but can we stay like this just this once? Please…?”
“I just had the most dreadful nightmare! I think I sweated cold sweats during sleep because of it.” “The Magic Tower accidentally cast a spell which caused the whole eastern region to experience winter the whole year!” I tell Theron of my nightmare. “So?” “What’d you mean so? No durians!” “…You’re too obsessed with durians.” Theron states, continue swallowing the slice of cakes. “Why not? They’re delicious!” “I don’t understand how you stand its strong smell.” “Its smell is indeed strong, but I don’t find it unpleasant.” I say. In my previous life, I lived in a family who are crazy about durians, whether it’s the raw fruit, desserts, or tempoyak – anything related to it. So, it’s only natural for me to be a fan too. “Whatever.” “What time is it?” I ask, getting out from my blanket. “Midday.” “M-Midday?!” I bounce out of bed and immediately take my towel. The hunt must have begun!
I look through the uncountable pilling letters dedicated to me on my study desk. They’re 3 types of letters. First, business letters. By ‘business’ are reporters’ requests to interview me about the incident during the hunting competition. Second, letters from nobles, wishing for my already-happened recovery. Lastly, the ones I dislike the most, parties, gatherings, and banquets invitations. Witnessing many more unopened envelopes, I sigh. My brain doesn’t want to read, but my heart feels guilty if I don’t. Haa… I wonder at the sight of my brain and heart fighting. “Why don’t you give these to Miss Yuri for firewood?” Killian suggests. He’s standing beside my chair, with me on it. “Good-” *Bam-!* Unable to finish, someone suddenly slams open my door, startling both me and my knight. “My lady! What is this?!” Mina shouts tensely, shoving a paper bag right in front of my face. It’s decorated with… pink and red love? With my name widely wr