TLVGAJ 70

~Chapter 70~

<The 243rd Imperial Palace Hunting Tournament>

A few days after Emily left the mansion.

I trudged into the venue decorated with banners.

‘Ugh, why are there so many events I’m forced to attend…?’

I grumbled the whole way to the palace—of course, only inside my head.

I had overlooked something: once the original story began, there would be many mandatory events.

It was almost as if the weather itself shifted with the story, turning warm just in time for such gatherings.

As a high noble, I had to attend all of them.

“Seeing Albert again…”

All I wanted was to relax in my estate, but life as a high noble was no easy thing.

While I was frowning, the chick divine beast perched on my shoulder spoke:

[Hey. If you don’t want to come, just don’t. Why drag yourself here while complaining?]

“…Tsk.”

I shook my head.

“There are things you animals can’t understand about humans.”

[What? Did you just call me a rag?]

“……”

…Does it even know what a rag is?

[In all my life, I’ve never been insulted like this by a saint. Guess I’ll just disappear…]

“If I brought you here because you said you were bored, then at least behave quietly, okay?”

[…]

The divine beast twitched, then huffed and turned its head away, sulking.

I muttered to myself:

“Aaah, I don’t want to greet him.”

Did I really have to greet Albert?

It was the hunting tournament; he was surely busy preparing. Greeting him wasn’t necessary, right?

‘…Yes. I’ll skip it!’

Resolved, I sat quietly, watching the preparations.

Nobles filled the venue, carrying bows and swords.

‘So this is what an old Western hunting tournament looks like.’

Watching the lively scene felt unexpectedly fun, almost like sightseeing.

Young ladies glanced around and sometimes offered handkerchiefs to the men they liked.

Of course, the most popular was Albert.

Turning my head, I saw him surrounded by ladies, receiving countless handkerchiefs.

‘Can all those even fit on his sword?’

His sword hilt was small, yet he politely tied each handkerchief to his scabbard.

‘And after the tournament, he’s supposed to return one handkerchief to the lady he favors most…’

Looking elsewhere, I spotted three men.

Albert’s half-brothers.

They stood apart, attendants helping them prepare.

• 1st Prince Cedric held a sword.

• 2nd Prince Freddie held a bow.

• 4th Prince Jamie held a spear.

Then it hit me.

“Ah, right…”

I suddenly remembered the original plot that would unfold today between Albert and these brothers.

“…Sigh.”

So much for staying quiet.

Even if I avoided greeting him, I couldn’t avoid this.

【The hunting tournament will begin shortly. Contestants, please complete your preparations.】

Albert stood still while his attendants checked his cloak and tightened the laces on his boots.

But his mood wasn’t good.

He had seen Irene sitting in the stands earlier—yet she hadn’t greeted him once.

Not that he expected warmth, especially after their recent argument. He didn’t even expect her to like him.

All he truly wanted was for her illness to be cured.

Still…

‘Even so.’

Even so, not greeting him at all?

He thought they were at least close enough for a simple encouragement.

“Your Highness.”

“Ah.”

A young lady approached timidly, offering a handkerchief.

“Please win today’s tournament. I’ll be cheering from afar.”

Blushing, she handed it to him.

Albert accepted.

“…Thank you.”

But deep down, he was waiting for Irene.

Every handkerchief he received only deepened his disappointment.

“…Haa.”

With a sigh, he tied the handkerchief to his scabbard.

He was angry even at himself—for being so easily swayed by her again.

Always pushed and pulled by Irene.

Then, a familiar voice rang before him.

“Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

He almost dismissed her, saying he was busy finalizing preparations—but the words caught in his throat.

Because the one standing there, smiling at him, was Irene Hartmann.

For a moment, he couldn’t breathe.

Having just thought of her, it felt as though she had caught his inner feelings.

Not noticing, Irene smiled:

“Sorry I’m late with my greeting. The road was blocked, you see. Haha.”

“……”

“But I still wanted to give you my support.”

She extended a small item toward him.

A white handkerchief.

Unlike the others’ embroidered gifts, Irene’s was plain, pure white.

Albert gave a hollow laugh. Truly, she was unpredictable.

Coming late even though she had arrived early. Giving such a plain handkerchief when others gave ornate ones.

If it had been anyone else, he would have ignored it.

“I hope you win today’s hunting tournament. And… I apologize for raising my voice last time.”

Albert slowly reached out his hand.

He accepted it more preciously than any other he’d received.

“…Thank you. With this, I feel I can win.”

“And also…”

Irene didn’t leave. She stepped closer.

Albert, startled, stepped back.

Her fragrance washed over him—the scent of roses from her long black hair. His head swam.

Leaning close, she whispered by his ear:

“Your Highness. During the hunt today, be careful when you face the boar.”

Albert’s brow twitched.