The day of the hunt had dawned. The main entrance of the Grand Hall was bustling with carriages and servants. Among the numerous people, Felic admired Delina’s attire as she approached.

“Wow, Miss. Your outfit is truly splendid today.”

As participating directly in the hunt, Delina’s attire was not a dress. Delina, armed with a dagger and a gun at her waist, awkwardly smiled.

“I’ve only worn this kind of outfit in the training ground, so going out like this feels strange. Is it okay?”

“Yes. With this, there should be no problem getting the first-place catch today.”

While Felic fervently praised Delina’s outfit, others who had finished their preparations approached. Belion, who had silently observed Delina’s appearance, stood by their side.

“How about my outfit?”

“It looks like a clown’s.”

“I’ll take it as a compliment.”

While Belion commented briefly on Delina’s outfit, Calix and Zen approached. However, Delina paid more attention to Celine, who was behind them.

“Oh, Delina. Did you say you were participating in the hunt this time? It’s not a dress.”

“…Yes. That’s how it turned out.”

“I see. Since I’m not good at physical activities, I’ll cheer you on enthusiastically and wait for you.”

As everyone participating in the hunt arrived, the movements of servants and knights became faster. Watching Celine’s back as she walked towards the carriage, Delina thought.

‘In the end, I couldn’t figure out exactly what she did to Zen that day.’

However, Delina was convinced. Celine was the one who took Zen’s scarf, and she was the one who caused the changes in Zen’s body.

‘Well, what can I do? There’s no concrete evidence, just suspicions.’

After Zen’s incident, Delina had used her abilities to sneak into Celine’s room disguised as a servant.

However, it was difficult to conduct a proper search in the guise of a servant, and there were no suspicious items that could be doubted as something Celine was hiding.

In the end, all Delina could do was prevent Zen or Calix from being alone with Celine. Fortunately, such an event had not occurred so far.

“Now, Miss, please get on quickly.”

“Yes.”

However, she couldn’t let her guard down. Delina, who had been adjusting her attire for a moment, shifted her steps with a somewhat determined face.

Helium Empire’s Hunt.

As a national event, many nobles gathered at the hunting grounds. They all focused on the platform in the center of the hunting grounds. Soon, someone revealed themselves on the platform. It was Ashed. Then the person beside him spoke.

“From now on, His Highness Hwantaeson will raise the flame announcing the start of the hunt.”

It was a ceremony marking the beginning of the hunt. As Ashed ignited the pillar where the flame would be raised, those beneath the platform began to applaud and cheer.

“Delina!”
After the ceremony and before the official hunt, there was another informal event remaining. It was the time for the noble ladies to exchange handmade handkerchiefs. Among the noble ladies, Aelie was the most excited.

“Hey, what’s with that outfit? Are you participating in the hunt?”

“Yeah.”

“Come on, then you didn’t make a handkerchief, did you? That’s a bit disappointing.”

While expressing regret over Delina’s hunting attire, Aelie proudly showed her handmade handkerchief.

“Alright. Then, I’ll tell you the story behind my beautiful handkerchief instead. Look forward to it, okay?”

“Who are you going to give it to?”

“Well, that’s the thing. Honestly, I haven’t decided yet. So, help me out. Who should I give it to? Lord Lemong or Lord From?”

“Oh, really. It’s so hard to decide.”

Aelie, looking distressed, even tangled her hair as if it were too much. Observing her familiar gesture, Delina suddenly felt the approach of someone coming closer. It was Damien.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

As Damien approached, the surroundings stirred. Those who knew about the public proposal incident at the Marquisate were watching Damien and Delina with keen interest.

“You look beautiful today, Lady.”

“Thank you.”

‘Geez. If you’re going to do it, at least put some emotion into your eyes.’

As Damien once again began his courtship, Delina met Damien’s vacant eyes. At that moment, Damien knelt on one knee and kissed Delina’s hand.

“!”

Damien’s action caused a commotion around. Delina, too, blinked her eyes with a slightly surprised expression. As Damien lifted his lips, he spoke.

“In this hunt, I would like to offer a deer that resembles the pitiful pupils of Lady Aelie. So, please look forward to it.”

‘Goodness.’

Casually uttering a line that one might find in a romance novel from 30 years ago was indeed a skill. When Damien noticed Delina trembling her lips, he rose from his seat and muttered quietly.

“How was the line just now?”

“10 points.”

“Out of 10 points?”

“No. Out of 1000 points.”

The two whispered to each other, and the nobles, who didn’t understand what they were talking about, were busy watching the passionate courtship scene. At the same time, they were aware that someone was watching them.