Chapter 38
Two horses stood beside Barrett.
One was clearly his steed, but the other was unfamiliar. That meant he had company.
Not Kalen, but someone else…
Randol stared intently at him. Barrett’s face gradually reddened.
“Exactly what business is it that you have?”
“It’s… personal.”
“If it’s an order?”
“Well…”
Sweat trickled down Barrett’s face. He was poor at lying, and his hesitation was painfully obvious.
Randol cast a wide look around him.
Behind Barrett, a young lady in red riding attire, matching the theme of the day, was approaching. And her face seemed familiar.
That young lady… Laura?
“Laura?”
Why did the Crown Prince call her Moora Lady by another name?
Barrett glanced back in surprise, but Randol, having dismounted, placed a finger on his lips.
“Shh. He’s carrying out his mission. Excellent. Count Ross.”
Linking arms with Barrett, he walked toward El.
El’s jaw dropped at being recognized. The sudden thrill, like at a party, bubbled within her.
Randol approached politely.
“It’s been a while, Lady Laura.”
“Ah… hello, Count Gore?”
El greeted him but shot Barrett a reproachful glance, as if blaming him for bringing Randol along. Barrett felt wronged—he had done nothing, yet received such a look.
Randol’s smile widened as he came closer.
“I didn’t expect you to attend today.”
“Neither did I. Somehow, I ended up here. I hope you enjoy the hunt.”
El quickly bowed in farewell and tried to pass by, but Randol stepped ahead of her.
“Alone?”
“Well… I don’t exactly have company.”
“I see. I’m alone as well.”
Barrett looked at him, but Randol brazenly ignored him.
“Shall we look for Duke Elias together?”
Lowering his voice so Barrett wouldn’t overhear, Randol noticed Barrett’s ears perk up. El, however, was leaning in toward him and didn’t hear.
El was mortified. She intended to observe whether Kalen met with other ladies, but this troublesome fellow kept blocking her path.
From Barrett’s flustered expression, El guessed that although both were counts, Count Gore likely held higher status. She forced a polite smile.
“No, I’ll manage on my own.”
“Let’s go together.”
“Really… have nothing better to do? Just go hunting.”
Her voice rose unintentionally.
Randol’s gaze drifted down her neck. The high collar of her blouse partially concealed it, but he guessed the bruise had mostly healed.
“You applied the medicine well, I see.”
El reflexively touched her neck. The mark was gone, yet she instinctively raised her hand at the mention of it.
“Yes, the bruise is completely gone now. No need to worry anymore.”
She replied curtly and swiftly passed him before he could block her again, not looking back as she hurried out of the forest.
Randol, watching her retreating figure, chose not to pursue. If she came this far into Baron Hillie’s hunting grounds, it meant she intended to remain in the capital for a while.
Still, something was off. He didn’t take his eyes off her and asked Barrett,
“Have you figured out who that young lady is?”
“Not yet.”
“Do you expect me to believe that?”
Barrett lowered his head silently. Randol’s lips curved into a meaningful smile.
“Hm?”
“I’m not saying die, but knowing her identity and withholding it counts as insubordination. That’ll have consequences.”
“I accept them.”
“In three days, you will arrange a meal with her.”
“Your Highness!”
“Ensure she comes to the designated location. But do not reveal my identity.”
“No, Your Highness!”
“I shall take my leave, then.”
As Randol departed, Barrett slumped. How was he supposed to get El to dine with Randol? He had no talent for lying and could only let out heavy sighs.
***
The day appointed by Randol arrived.
Barrett, anxiously watching near El’s home, had no idea how to convince her to go to the restaurant. He wracked his brain, then resolved to act boldly. Either succeed or fail—there was no other choice.
A soldier does not avoid difficult situations. He had to confront them head-on.
As he strode toward her house, he locked eyes with El coming out. Barrett froze like a statue, holding his breath.
“Count Ross? What brings you here today? I took all the cabbage yesterday, and I’ll read the letters tomorrow.”
“W-well…”
Sweating profusely, Barrett couldn’t answer. El stepped closer.
“Is something wrong? You’re sweating a lot.”
“I… I’d like you to come with me, just for a moment.”
“Where?”
“I… I’ll explain along the way.”
“Now?”
“Please! Lady Moora!”
Seeing his desperate expression, she couldn’t refuse. She knew he wouldn’t make a request without reason. Slightly wary, she followed.
Once in the carriage, she eyed the still-sweating Barrett.
“Where exactly are we going? Did the Duke summon me?”
“Oh, no.”
“Then the Grand Duchess?”
“No, not her either.”
“Then… where?”
Barrett wiped his forehead, avoiding her gaze.
“I-I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Actually… the Crown Prince—or rather, Count Gore—wants to meet you.”
“Count Gore? Why would he want to meet me? And why are you delivering that message, Count Ross?”
“Lady Moora…”
“I’m sorry. I cannot grant that request. Stop the carriage!”
The carriage halted before fully stopping, and she quickly alighted, walking away without looking back—until Barrett’s solemn voice called out behind her.
“I misjudged the situation. I tried to do something dishonorable. Forgive me, Lady Moora. As a soldier, I acted inappropriately. I will take responsibility.”
He dismounted and bowed deeply, apologizing with such gravity that it was impossible to refuse him outright. After all, he was Kalen’s man, and she didn’t wish to trouble him.
El sighed and turned to him.
“Why does he want to see me?”
“I… honestly don’t know.”
“Aren’t you friends?”
“…”
“You’re not friends, then.”
El pondered briefly. She needed to resolve matters with Count Gore today—so Barrett wouldn’t be troubled again, and she herself wouldn’t have to worry further.
Barrett led her to an ordinary restaurant.
“Count, will you wait outside?”
“You mean, go in alone?”
“Yes. This way, you won’t be inconvenienced any further by this matter.”
She entered, and Randol, already waiting, rose to greet her. His teasing smile was infuriating.
Pulling out a chair, he apologized first.
“Welcome, Lady Laura. I hope my sudden invitation hasn’t displeased you.”
“It was highly displeasing. Using someone’s weakness is hardly gentlemanly.”
“I’ve never exploited your weakness.”
“I mean Count Ross. Surely you coerced him somehow. Otherwise, how could a principled man like him fulfill your unreasonable request?”
El’s direct gaze and assertive tone left him unmoved, but a smile tugged at her lips.
Everyone around her bowed constantly—some out of fear, some to conceal their feelings. Rarely did anyone treat him sincerely. Even her father hadn’t. For a king, the state always came first.
But this young lady was different. She revealed her thoughts openly, moment by moment. How could he not be captivated?
El sat, and he looked at her with a faint smile.
“So, what should I do?”
“Stop having Count Ross carry out such things.”
“Can’t friends make such a small request?”
“I’m getting married.”
“What? Doing what?”
“Marriage. I mean that I am giving up Duke Kalen. I will soon leave the capital, return home, and marry the person my parents have chosen.”
“Truly?”
“I have no reason to lie.”
Randol tilted his head, his gut twisting for reasons he couldn’t name.
