Chapter 48. Fox Hunt (1)
The silence dragged on to the point that Mio felt her stomach twisting.
If it was going to be like this, Geoffrey should’ve just let her ride in Grand Duke Urcheka’s carriage.
Her backside was trembling so much it felt like it might burst into flames, and the motion sickness made her dizzy. The worst part was that there wasn’t a single thing to eat in this carriage.
Meat pie and dried beef seemed to flicker before her eyes.
“Even if I regret it now, it’s already too late…”
As she sat there pouting alone, Geoffrey finally spoke.
“Grand Duke Urcheka is a man whose intentions you can’t easily grasp.”
What is he talking about now?
Mio barely resisted the urge to scoff. Of all people, Geoffrey was the last one who should be saying that. As he looked down at her sulking profile, he continued.
“He already has a fiancée in the duchy.”
“…?”
Mio still couldn’t understand what he was trying to imply. What did the grand duke’s fiancée have to do with her?
“I’m saying it would be better if you didn’t get too close to him.”
“…Ah.”
Mio let out a small sigh and closed her mouth.
Is he saying the grand duke is not someone to be close to because his intentions are unclear and he’s already engaged? Or is he warning me not to flirt with another woman’s betrothed?
Either way, Mio felt wronged. After all, it was Geoffrey who had created her false identity.
It’s not like I chose to become the grand duke’s cousin myself.
She hadn’t wanted to be associated with a man that powerful in the first place.
And of course, she had never planned to seduce him.
After a short pause, she lifted her head.
“As I’ve said before, I don’t have any feelings for Grand Duke Urcheka. He’s technically my relative on paper and your guest, so…”
Since he was a grand duke, she had no choice but to treat him with courtesy.
But why do I feel like I’m explaining myself to a lover after I’ve done something wrong?
The sensation was strangely uncomfortable.
Rattle!
The carriage jolted violently, and her body shook in all directions.
“…Oh dear.”
She lost her balance, almost bouncing up to the roof before collapsing back down.
“…”
The sudden shock left her dazed. She flailed her arms, trying to grab on to something, and her hand landed on something firm. Startled, her eyes widened when she realized she was sitting on Geoffrey’s thigh.
There is no humiliation like this.
Shivering, Mio gave him an awkward smile.
“The carriage is shaking quite a lot, isn’t it?”
She tried to stand up, but for some reason, her body didn’t move. Only then did she notice the strong arm wrapped around her waist.
“Thank you for catching me, Your Grace. I’m fine now—I’ll go back to my seat.”
“Are you planning to hit your head on the ceiling every time the carriage shakes? Just stay next to me.”
“That’s a little—”
Before she could finish, the carriage lurched again, sending her pitching toward the floor. The next thing she knew, she was seated right beside Geoffrey, her face draining of color.
Too close—our thighs might touch!
She pressed herself toward the window as much as she could, but there was still no space. Geoffrey glanced at her face.
“Why do you look like that?”
“I must have gotten too excited thinking about coming to the hunting competition with you today and lost sleep.”
That much was true.
Though she couldn’t admit that her excitement was actually fear.
“You should try to get some rest.”
Geoffrey reached out and brushed her bangs aside. Mio flinched at the unexpected touch and shook her head.
How could I sleep when you’re sitting this close?
But just as before, his voice might as well have been a spell. Her head slowly began to bob side to side.
“Stubborn for no reason…”
Barely a few minutes after saying she wouldn’t sleep, she had already dozed off. Then she mumbled while waving her arms weakly.
“Rabbit, come here! Hurry!”
Was she being chased in her dream? She even bit her lip firmly. Geoffrey lowered his head and whispered into her ear.
“Shh. You’re safe here.”
He carefully caught her floating wrist and laid her hand on her lap. Whether she heard him or not, her muttering stopped.
Instead, something soft fell against his shoulder. Her smooth silver hair spilled over his arm. With a flick of his fingers he could have pushed her away.
“…Hmph.”
Well, she behaved, so I’ll overlook it once.
She had given him the answer he wanted.
So, she was being polite to Alexei for no particular reason.
When Geoffrey imagined Alexei’s disappointed expression after being rejected, he felt unexpectedly satisfied.
That notorious flirt probably isn’t used to being turned down…
Still, Geoffrey’s warning had been sincere. Alexei was not only engaged but dangerous in many ways.
Then loud barking erupted nearby, and the carriage began to slow.
“Looks like we’re almost there.”
Mio, still deeply asleep and unaware of anything, smacked her lips. Her soft pink lips caught his gaze.
“…Tch.”
A memory from long ago flashed vividly, and his tight cravat suddenly felt suffocating.
How can she sleep peacefully after turning me into this?
“Wake up!”
Irritated for no real reason, he shook her shoulder sharply. Mio jumped up in shock.
“Huff! Is everyone safe!?”
“…It would help if you woke up properly.”
“Oh… it was a dream.”
Mio stretched her arms wide, her expression dazed.
Surprisingly, my shoulders and neck don’t hurt even though I slept sitting up…
“…W–what is that?”
She happened to glance out the window and froze. A pack of hunting hounds with gleaming teeth filled her view. Only then did she realize exactly where she was.
“Welcome to the fox hunt.”
Geoffrey, now putting on his gloves, spoke casually. Mio snapped fully awake.
The carriage had stopped, but her shoulders were still trembling.
What if I turn into a fox in the forest!?
She could easily imagine collapsing while being chased and mauled by hounds.
How ridiculous—I’m actually participating in a fox hunt.
She had been too focused on building new connections and forgotten something important.
How pathetic. I have no excuses.
Being hit by sharp arrows was terrifying. She remembered small woodland friends collapsing with arrows sticking out of them. She could only watch helplessly as the warm bodies of fluffy rabbits grew cold.
We even shared apples together…
“It’s time to get out. Gather yourself.”
“Ah—sorry.”
Geoffrey had already stepped down and was waiting for her. Mio shook off her dark thoughts and grabbed her gloves.
I can’t back down now, after coming all the way here.
She placed her hand in Geoffrey’s and slowly stepped down from the carriage. But her determination dissolved almost immediately.
What is all this…
A group of nobles in similar riding attire sat on horseback, chatting lightly. And surrounding them were what looked like over a hundred hunting dogs, worked up with excitement before the hunt. Their large ears twitched, and drool dripped from their mouths. The sight sent chills down her arms.
“Now we mount.”
A servant brought the reins of two horses.
Trying not to show how nervous she was, Mio puffed out her chest. Geoffrey’s horse was a magnificent black stallion, while hers was a smaller bay mare. As the two of them rode forward into the crowd, the chatter died down.
“…Duke Caspian.”
The nobles greeted them one by one and cleared a path. Many of them stared curiously at the woman beside Geoffrey. Geoffrey had never brought a lady with him before.
“Do you know who she is?”
“I heard she’s a distant relative of Grand Duke Urcheka.”
“So that’s why His Grace joined the hunt today.”
Alexei Urcheka had only recently arrived in the Caspian Empire, but his reputation had already spread widely. Mio tried to keep her back straight despite the whispers loud enough to hear.
Gossiping openly—isn’t that a bit lacking in dignity?
Geoffrey slowed his horse, and Mio did the same.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness. Duke Caspian and my cousin have arrived.”
The grand duke, who had already been chatting comfortably with the emperor and empress, waved at them. Mio couldn’t help admiring how composed he looked.
He looked unreal before, but seeing him like this… he really is the grand duke.
She waited, trying to figure out when she should speak, but Geoffrey’s horse stepped forward first.
“Thank you for preparing such a wonderful welcoming event.”
“You’re a grown man now—there’s no need to fuss over something like this. By the way, you look well these days. And this young lady must be the grand duke’s cousin.”
The empress’s eyes landed on Mio, and she quickly bowed her head.
“I greet Your Majesty and Your Highness.”
“My, what lovely silver hair. No wonder the duke is so taken with such a beautiful face.”
“…!”
Mio froze in place at the empress’s shocking statement.
