“Was what you said about being sick true?”

Shallen, after hearing Parnes’s words, finally took a proper look at Kasalyn. She was subtly paler than usual, and her breathing was unstable, details he had missed thinking she was feigning illness.

Parnes spoke, “It’s risky for her to attend the queen in such a state. And it’s awkward to send her back now that she’s come this far. Perhaps it would be better for her to receive appropriate protection from our ample escort.”

“Thank you for the offer, but this was our mistake. We shouldn’t cause you such trouble.”

“No need to refuse. The king and queen, you both are important guests here to enjoy the event today. Let our royal household take responsibility.”

Others might not catch the deep meaning in Parnes’s words, but at least Shallen did. While verbally appearing to consider the foreign royal family’s situation, he cunningly intended to envelop Kasalyn under his care.

Shallen struggled to find a proper rejection in the midst of many listeners. Refusing hospitality to ensure the guests’ comfort would likely lead to unfavorable talk behind the scenes.

“Listen,” Parnes called, lifting a hand. A servant brought two horses. One was a majestic steed with glossy black fur and a lion-like mane, clearly of superior lineage. The other, slightly smaller, was white and remarkably gentle.

Parnes suddenly reached out to Kasalyn. Confused by his action, she just looked at him with wide eyes.

“Come here.”

“Me? Where to…?”

“If I put you on the knights’ horses, they can’t properly perform their escort duties. And it’s not feasible for you to walk the rough mountain paths in your state. There’s only one solution, isn’t there?”

Hesitating, Parnes lightly picked up Kasalyn and carefully placed her on the small white horse. He then ordered several knights to follow and be ready for any unforeseen situations.

Parnes leapt onto his black horse, grasped the reins skillfully, and reached out to hold the reins of Kasalyn’s horse as well.

This sight sparked interest among the nobles, who whispered excitedly.

Kasalyn glanced back. Shallen and Rose, previously overflowing with composure, now appeared shocked and speechless.

“Today, anyone who catches more impressive prey than I, Parnes, will be grandly rewarded by the royal household.”

Parnes’s bold proposal further fueled the competitive spirit among the nobles. The atmosphere quickly shifted, and Shallen lost the opportunity to take Kasalyn back.

Even trying to signal Duke Ludwick proved fruitless; he either ignorantly or deliberately encouraged Shallen to enjoy the hunt.

Meanwhile, the nobles confidently dispersed in search of game, each hoping to be the day’s champion.

As the sound of fluttering riding clothes, clattering horseshoes, and arrows mingled with the mountain breeze, Parnes guided the horse carrying Kasalyn down the hillside.

Following the flagged path, he slowly descended, relaxing his pace once the surroundings quieted, enjoying a leisurely stroll through the forest, now alone with Kasalyn, in silence.
In the now silent forest, devoid of any watchful eyes, the two were left alone, speechless for some time. The strength in his hands, gripping the thin reins, intensified sporadically without reason. Every time his fingers lightly brushed over the back of her hand to steer, oddly, sweat seeped into her palms.

“You didn’t have to do this,” Kasalyn said.

“Didn’t have to?” Parnes questioned.

“Yes,” she replied, nodding her head while desperately trying to hide her trembling heart.

“Do you think I’m doing this unwillingly?” he asked.

“What if you are?” she countered.

As Parnes delayed his response, dry leaves accumulated over the winter rustled and flew in the wind. Sunlight, filtering through the sparse branches, fell in fragments on their heads.

Quickly closing the distance, Parnes effortlessly lifted Kasalyn and sat her in front of him. With his arms wrapped around her from behind, Kasalyn, realizing that even the knights who had followed them until a moment ago were no longer visible, looked around with bewildered eyes.

She then slowly raised her head to look up at him.

“I should at least keep an eye on you,” he said.

Leaning in as if to kiss her neck, Parnes tilted his head at an angle. Kasalyn’s heart began to pound uncontrollably, but he didn’t touch her.

Parnes then leaned back, murmuring teasingly, “You’re inherently clumsy. If I take my eyes off you for even a moment, you might end up in an accident. It would be troublesome if a foreign maid were found as a cold corpse on such a nice day, wouldn’t it?”

“What do you think of me?” Kasalyn, now sullen, attempted to get off the horse.

But Parnes quickly adjusted the reins and pulled her waist close to him.

“Where are you going?”

“The path here isn’t rough; I can walk,” she insisted.

“There might be a wolf pack nearby. If you don’t want to be swallowed in one bite, stay put.”

“But this is too… embarrassing.”

Holding Kasalyn with one hand to prevent her from falling, Parnes suddenly paused his breath and looked down.