Regrettably, Shallen would soon come to regret his words for the first time in his life. He should have pretended to believe her when she said she was sick.

The day of the much-anticipated hunting festival dawned, and the atmosphere was festive.

The hunting grounds, sprawling across the mountainside and owned by the emperor, were a 30-minute slow horse ride from the palace.

Delegations from other countries formed groups and set off one after the other.

Many nobles had already gathered at the entrance to the mountain lodge, shrouded in deep valleys and fog.

Among the bustling crowd, Kasalyn found herself unwittingly searching for one man.

“Across the continent, when it comes to hunting skills, surely Emperor Parnes is unmatched?”

“Right. Who else can take down a bear with a single arrow?”

Elegantly dressed nobles praised Parnes’ hunting prowess. His skill, it seemed, was extraordinary.

Kasalyn kept her eyes scanning the crowd while her ears were perked up.

“I wonder who Emperor Parnes will gift his game to this year?”

The hunting festival had a unique tradition. Both gentlemen and ladies would present their catch to their spouses or, if unmarried, to someone they admired, as a gesture of affection.

This custom served as a means of expressing fondness.

“Emperor Parnes has gifted game in the past,” Kasalyn mused, finding it hard to imagine.
The meaning behind the phrase “this year” suggested that Parnes had been gifting his game to many people up until now. Kasalyn, however, found it hard to imagine him doing so.

“Don’t even expect it. Every year, His Majesty the Emperor has always donated all his game to the poorhouse. It won’t happen this year either.”

“No, maybe there will be a change this year. Look over there.”

The chattering ladies all turned their heads in unison towards a certain direction.

At the end of their gaze, Parnes was crossing the field with his characteristic sleek and elegant stride. However, the opportunity to admire him was short-lived.

As soon as he appeared, numerous nobles swarmed around him, and Shallen, standing next to Kasalyn, called out to her in an irritated voice.

“Kasalyn. What are you doing standing there idly? Go attend to the queen.”

“I was about to do just that without your prompting.”

Shallen glanced at Parnes and then sneered, implying understanding.

“Don’t tell me you’re also trying to vie for the emperor’s attention among that crowd.”

“I haven’t said anything.”

“Your eyes just did. You were hoping that the emperor would gift you game. Don’t deny it.”

“What do you gain by pushing me into the role of a frivolous and shallow woman?”

Kasalyn’s sharp retort prompted Rose, who was nearby, to grab her hand.

“Sister, you can’t talk like that to His Majesty. He always thinks of the royal dignity. As a maid, you should be careful with your actions.”

“Our queen truly understands my feelings,” Shallen remarked, elevating himself while demeaning Kasalyn. Rose nodded slightly, smiling faintly, the shadow on her face vanishing.

“Now, Kasalyn, you stay close to the queen. Although the area is controlled by soldiers, the forest is still dangerous. Make sure she is safe and well-attended.”

Kasalyn silently complied with his instructions and stood beside Rose.

Shallen finally smiled contentedly and straightened his lips.

“Prepare for departure! Everyone, get ready!”

Just as a soldier was about to blow the horn, someone interrupted.

“Wait.”

Everyone’s gaze instantly converged in one direction.

Approaching with a steady pace, Parnes stopped right in front of Kasalyn.

“Why are you here?”

“Your Majesty.”

“I advised you it would be best to take sick leave.”

Kasalyn clenched the reins tightly, casting her long eyelashes downwards.

Parnes’ face softened from its initially icy rigidity.

“…Don’t look like that. I’m not angry.”

“I’m sorry, but…”

Shallen interjected at this point.

His face was stiff and unyielding as he looked back and forth between Kasalyn and Parnes.

“Sick leave? What are you talking about?”

“As I said. I advised her to rest at the palace instead of attending the hunting festival.”

“Why…?”

“There was a reason for it. Unfortunately, she was caught in a downpour recently due to someone’s actions, which has left her in poor health. I thought the king would have been aware of her condition, but it seems he didn’t notice.”

The exchange revealed a concern and a hidden narrative behind Kasalyn’s participation in the festival, highlighting the complexities of royal relationships and obligations.
Realizing that Parnes’s words towards him carried an underlying implication, Shallen felt a stir of conscience and was simultaneously a bit taken aback.

It was only then that the thought occurred to him that Kasalyn’s request for sick leave might not have been a mere pretense after all.