Chapter 29
Luna
She had been secretly roaming the hunting grounds for several days, searching for prey that would secure Calix first place.
Rose had noticed that Lea returned each day with dirt-stained clothes. However, she chose not to report Lea’s suspicious behavior to the Empress.
The reason was simple: every time Lea came back from her outings, she handed Rose a gold coin. Though Lea never explained why, Rose understood it was hush money. And since she accepted it knowingly, she became complicit.
Regardless, Rose no longer felt uncomfortable or resentful toward Lea as she once had. Lea occasionally gave her gifts to pass on to her younger sibling and consistently expressed gratitude, which gradually softened Rose’s feelings without her realizing it.
“Lady Haisley, I’ve selected some outfits for the upcoming hunting tournament. Would you like to take a look?”
At Rose’s question, Lea looked up from the parchment she was writing on. With black ink smudged on her nose and cheeks, she scrunched her nose and replied,
“If you’ve chosen them, I’m sure they’re fine.”
Lea trusted Rose’s sense of style. Since Rose always picked outfits suitable for the occasion, Lea felt no need to review them herself. However, Rose interpreted her response differently.
“…Then, shall I select the accessories as well?”
“That’s a great idea. Thank you.”
After replying, Lea quickly lowered her head again, her expression serious as she continued writing or drawing something.
* * *
A few days later, the hunting tournament commenced. Much like the Empress’s birthday banquet, it was a grand event attended by nobles from across the empire.
At the entrance to the hunting grounds, tents were set up to serve as tea areas for those not participating in the hunt—specifically, noble ladies and young women. They would present handkerchiefs to their husbands or those they favored and cheer them on from there.
If the person they supported won, they too would share in the glory. Though the prize they received from the Empress was modest compared to the winner’s, it was still a significant honor.
However, unlike other young ladies, Lea always participated directly in the hunting tournament. The reason was straightforward: the Empress wanted her to hinder Calix.
In the past, Lea had learned archery and horsemanship with enthusiasm, driven by a desire to please her mother. She insisted on participating in the tournament under the pretense of wanting to test her skills, persuading the Emperor to allow it.
In this regard, she undeniably received special treatment. However, this time, she intended to use that privilege not to obstruct Calix but to assist him.
Lea wore form-fitting black riding pants and a gold jacket—a striking ensemble that suited her well.
As she approached the gathering of participants, nobles recognized her and initiated conversation.
Previously, the nobility believed Lea was the one provoking the Crown Prince. However, after the recent banquet incident, their perspective shifted.
With sympathy subtly growing, Bianca seized the opportunity to spread false rumors about Calix. The nobles began to think that the naive Lea repeatedly fell victim to the Crown Prince’s schemes.
The newfound favor from the nobles, which she had never experienced before, felt both trivial and irritating. They were quick to change their opinions, eager to express sentiments they previously withheld.
Yet, none of them truly regarded Lea as royalty—or even as nobility.
Their fickle and insincere attitudes were tiresome. She no longer wished to cling to such easily swayed affections, nor did she need them.
More than anything, Lea felt a deep sense of gloom. She had ended up being a burden to Calix once again.
‘Stupid Lea, how are you helping him? You’re only making things worse.’
Die, foolish Lea! Oh, right, I’ve already died once…
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