Chapter 53
“I suppose it’s time to get up.”
“Everyone, rise!”
The Empress, who had been fidgeting nervously under the First Imperial Concubine’s gaze, brightened at her words and quickly stood from her seat.
As the Empress and the First Imperial Concubine rose, the other noblewomen began bustling about. Some even let out secret sighs of relief. I also rose from my seat, following their example. The First Imperial Concubine slowly approached me.
She truly was a woman who had survived at the pinnacle of power for so long. In that brief moment, she seemed to have composed her emotions. A faint, deliberate smile appeared at the corners of her lips.
Her gaze toward me was still icy and sharp enough to cut through flesh.
“It seems I underestimated you, young lady.”
“That is too kind, Your Imperial Concubineship.”
I placed my hand over my chest and lightly bowed toward her, as if receiving praise. The seasoned woman showed no emotion on her face, but even she couldn’t hide the slight twitch of her eyebrows.
“There’s an old saying that ‘a protruding stone gets struck.’ I hope you will not prove that saying true.”
“Whether I become the protruding stone or the one striking it is uncertain. But I shall keep your advice close to my heart, Your Imperial Concubineship.”
Her eyebrows twitched dramatically, far more than before. Her lips, adorned with a perfect touch of red, twisted slightly.
“We shall see.”
Her words, spat out like chewing them over, carried a deadly sharpness. If a voice alone could wound, it could tear my body apart.
From her perspective, I had unearthed a scandal she would have preferred buried forever. My actions reminded the noblewomen of her generation of a long-forgotten incident.
She turned and brushed past me, her voluminous skirt flaring with her strong movements. The women following her, including the Empress, hurried after her.
“Well, I never thought I’d witness such a spectacle.”
As the First Imperial Concubine disappeared, Countess Rustin approached me. Her wrinkled face was full of delight.
Bwoo-
Before she could continue speaking, the trumpet sounded again, announcing the Emperor’s arrival at his resting place. Countess Rustin’s face showed a hint of disappointment at the interruption.
“I would have liked to speak with you more, young lady, but given the location, it is unfortunate.”
“Indeed. I am quite disappointed as well.”
Marchioness Engrail approached between me and Countess Rustin. Beside her was Baroness Bizdel. Engrail’s eyes, filled with goodwill, were directed toward me.
“If you have time, please visit the Engrail estate. I think you and the young lady could form a meaningful connection.”
I held my skirt lightly and bent my knees slightly in a polite bow toward Marchioness Engrail.
“If you extend the invitation, I would be delighted to visit, Marchioness.”
“Very well. I will send someone soon. I shall be waiting, young lady.”
“I shall also wait, Marchioness Elient.”
Baroness Bizdel grasped my hand firmly. It could have been rude between those not familiar, but I smiled and held her hand in return.
I had no intention of dampening Baroness Bizdel’s clear desire to become closer. She would eventually make a name for herself in high society with her own talents. There was no harm in forming a bond now.
“That will be all for us.”
Marchioness Engrail’s words prompted Baroness Bizdel to reluctantly release my hand.
“Then, we shall meet shortly, Countess Rustin, young lady Elient.”
“We shall meet shortly, Marchioness Engrail, Baroness Bizdel.”
“We shall meet shortly.”
After exchanging farewells with Countess Rustin, Marchioness Engrail smiled and departed. Baroness Bizdel, following her, glanced back at me several times.
“It seems Baroness Bizdel likes you very much.”
“Is that so?”
I did not respond with agreement nor denial.
“You are truly a peculiar person, young lady.”
I gazed at her silently. There was no trace of displeasure or aversion on her face. She looked at me with a curious interest instead.
“Will you accept my invitation as well?”
“I would be glad to.”
“I look forward to it. There is much I wish to discuss with you.”
“Likewise, Countess.”
Countess Rustin smiled, satisfied with my reply. From a nearby distance came sounds of admiration and cheer—apparently, the game caught during the morning hunt had been released.
“Shall we take our leave as well?”
“Please, go ahead. I will follow shortly.”
Smiling, the Countess departed first. A refreshing breeze blew from behind, lifting my wide-brimmed hat. I adjusted it to prevent it from flying off and began walking.
Act 11: Shower of Rain
As expected, the power struggle among the women had mentally exhausted me. I did not want to go where everyone was gathered just yet. I needed a place to rest alone for a while.
Many horses rested where they had been waiting. Some appeared injured, likely from the hunt.
The caretakers, unaware of my presence, tended to the wounded horses. I passed them by and searched among the many horses for a familiar brown mare.
Neigh!
The horse shook its head happily upon seeing me. I approached and stroked her mane. The coarse texture of the horse’s hair brushed against my palms.
“You must have been bored alone.”
Thanks to my fondness for riding, I often enjoyed horseback riding. This horse had been purchased along with Rant’s horse.
Though a bit older, she had been the dam of a foal chosen by Rant, so I had bought her without hesitation. She had only been used for walks around the estate’s garden, so there were no issues.
“I would like to take this one.”
One of the caretakers approached at my call and bowed.
“Are you Lady Elient?”
“And you are?”
“I am Bern, responsible for the royal horses.”
“And Jackson?”
All the horses here had owners. Usually, attendants accompanied family horses to hunts. Jackson was one of the Elient family’s horse caretakers. I looked around but could not see his face among the many attendants.
“The Marchioness’s horse was injured, so he stepped away briefly.”
I frowned instinctively. If the horse was hurt, the rider might not have been unscathed either. I asked reflexively,
“Is the Marchioness alright?”
“She is fine. It seems she was slightly scratched by a branch while riding.”
I exhaled a sigh of relief without realizing it. My hand instinctively went to my chest, startled by the concern for her. The Marchioness had clearly taken a deep place in my heart without my noticing.
It was not an unpleasant feeling. Although the sense of him being my father had not fully struck me yet, he had certainly entered the realm of family.
I considered visiting him but shook my head. The Marchioness was surrounded by many attendants—it was not the time to mingle with the crowd. I had endured enough people for now.
“Release the horse.”
“Yes.”
At my command, he skillfully untied the reins and handed the horse to me. I mounted with his assistance.
“I shall return in an hour.”
Gripping the reins, I spoke to him. He only bowed in response. I nudged the horse with my heel, and it obediently moved according to my will.
We passed the waiting horses and headed toward a secluded area surrounded by trees. Though part of the mountain, the hunting grounds had been cleared and maintained by foresters and knights, making it safe for a solitary stroll.
Sunlight streamed through the branches, creating shafts of light. Occasional cool breezes and the chirping of birds revived my weary spirit.
I thought it would be nice to walk here with Rant someday. Perhaps I would ask the Emperor for permission to come alone with him, maybe even for a picnic with packed lunch.
“Neigh!”
As I tugged the reins to explore another path, I heard a voice calling me. Turning toward the sound, I saw the Crown Prince running toward me, silver hair streaming. His face showed shock—or perhaps fear—as he shouted,
“Bii, get off the horse—”
Hiiing!
Before he could finish, the usually calm horse reared, making a loud noise. I clutched the reins tightly to prevent myself from falling.
Hiiiiiing!
“Bii!”
I could hear the Crown Prince shouting, but the horse’s screaming outmatched it, piercing my eardrums. The horse galloped wildly, and I clung to its back.
“Bii—!”
He called my name, but I could not turn my head. All I could do was hold on and avoid falling.
The horse raced through a dense forest. Branches whipped past, scratching me, but fear dulled the pain.
I had faced death twice already. Death itself did not frighten me—the fear was leaving those behind.
I lost track of how far we ran. The horse panted heavily but did not slow. It ran dangerously, teetering as if it might collapse.
Thud.
The leather strap of the reins tore, loosening my grip. Glancing up, I saw the rein connecting to the bit had snapped. Reflexively, I gripped both the rein and the horse’s mane tightly.
Hiiiiing!
