The red-haired lady answered while shaking her head.

At her words, who was no different from the leader of the group, others began to chime in one by one.

“That’s right. Forget hunting, he doesn’t even bring back a single rabbit?”

“Really, it’s a waste of the title ‘monster hunter’. Sometimes I wonder if he’s truly as strong as they say.”

“Ah. Perhaps he just gives orders from behind while the knights do all the fighting?”

Ahaha.

Ladies and gentlemen alike, everyone laughed openly while criticizing the duke.

Somehow, feeling that those blatant laughs were directed at herself who first spoke up, Lady Tuinua felt even more offended.

‘No matter how I think about it, it seems Lady Richter will become this year’s Lady.’

He’s supposed to be the monster duke, isn’t he?

Until now he was unmarried, but now that he has a wife, couldn’t he actively participate in the hunting festival?

Noticing Tuinua’s thoughts, one lady covered her mouth with a fan and narrowed her eyes.

“Then, shall we make a bet?”

“A bet?”

“Yes. If Duke Richter’s wife becomes this year’s Lady, I’ll give you this necklace.”

The necklace she pointed to was adorned with dozens of diamonds.

At the sight of the item that looked worth at least a house, Lady Tuinua’s eyes widened.

“What if Duke Richter’s wife doesn’t become this year’s Lady?”

“Then you won’t attend any social events in the capital for the next year. How about it?”

What? Not being able to attend any events for a year?

It might not seem like much, but for a noble lady of marriageable age, it was quite a damaging condition.

But.

“Alright. I accept. But let’s change the condition.”

Lady Tuinua accepted the bet. It wasn’t because she coveted the diamond necklace.

“The condition?”

“If Lady Richter becomes this year’s Lady, you won’t participate in any events for a year. How about that?”

It was about putting those annoying capital nobles in their place.

“Alright. Let’s do that then. No backing out later, okay?”

“Of course. I hope you’ll keep your promise too. Everyone watching will be our witnesses.”

At the sudden spectacle, a crowd of onlookers had gathered without anyone noticing.

The two women who locked eyes flashed bright smiles at each other.

Unlike their curved lips, intense sparks flew from their eyes.

I can hear everything, you little ones.

As Dante had briefly left his seat at the Emperor’s summons, I was standing alone, looking blank.

Fortunately, no one came to pick a fight.

Although I could feel glances here and there, and hear whispers, that was all.

Whether they gossip or not.

It didn’t really affect me, so I just stared into space, zoning out.

The only thought that came to mind was that it was a nice day.

There’s quite a temperature difference between the north and the capital. Ah. How will I endure the northern winter?

As I was idly scratching the back of my neck while having such thoughts.

“If Lady Richter becomes this year’s Lady, you won’t participate in any events for a year. How about that?”

That absurd conversation reached my ears.

Seriously. Why are they making bets about an unrelated couple?

It was ridiculous, but I found myself secretly rooting for the freckled lady.

If one of them had to win, I hoped it would be the lady who highly valued Dante’s abilities.

Soon after, Dante returned from his private audience with the Emperor.

“Oh dear. I left you alone.”

“It’s fine. I think standing alone is more comfortable than facing His Majesty.”

“That’s true.”

Dante agreed seriously, as if he had received some unnecessary scolding.

Haha.

I laughed lightly and linked my arm with his.

“Serpina?”

“People have been gossiping as they please since earlier. Saying our relationship is bad, and that I was abandoned and standing alone.”

“…Who dares.”

For a moment, Dante’s eyes turned fierce. I shrugged at his voice, gritting his teeth.

“Not anyone in particular, just everyone. So think about it. If you’re away from me trying to be considerate, imagine what I might go through. What if I get so lonely, miserable, angry, and irritated that I grab someone passing by the collar? Right?”

“…You’re right. You are correct.”

Ahem. At his quick acknowledgment, I smiled, puffing out my chest.

Dante smiled back lightly.

At the same time, I could feel the surroundings stirring. Why are you all in an uproar over seeing someone else’s husband smile?

I firmly linked arms with Dante and swiveled my head to scan the surroundings.

The nobles who were glancing this way quickly averted their eyes like guilty people when they met my gaze.

They’re all really funny.

“Ah. And there was an interesting story while you were gone, Dante.”

“An interesting story?”

I told him about the bet I had overheard.

Dante’s expression turned cold as he listened to the story.

He seemed displeased that we had become the subject of people’s amusement.

“So, have you really never hunted at the hunting festival before?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Why not?”

“I didn’t feel the need. I don’t desire the glory given by the imperial family, and if I hunt, everyone will just say ‘as expected of a monster’ anyway.”

“I see.”

I nodded at his perfectly understandable reason.

“But this time, I’m thinking of participating.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yes. Now I have a reason to.”

A reason? What does he mean…

“I should win and bring glory to my wife, shouldn’t I?”

I started at the whisper close to my ear and covered my ears, looking up.

His face, backlit by the sun, looked handsome even from below and extremely serious.

“Will you really win for me?”

“Yes. If that’s what you want.”

I rolled my eyes and looked around.

There were still glancing gazes. Mouths muttering something among themselves.

Among them were the two ladies who had made the bet earlier.

Winning the hunting festival…

I answered, lightly bumping my forehead against Dante’s shoulder.

“Deal! I totally want that. Make sure to win and present me with the award in front of everyone!”

Shortly after, the relaxed-looking royalty took their seats, and the hunting festival began with the Emperor’s congratulatory speech.

The men participating in the hunting festival headed towards the western forest with vigorous shouts.

Among them, Dante stood out distinctly.

“Wow. Just looking at his back, our Dante is already number one.”

“I know. You can definitely feel the difference.”

“Right? As expected, the male lead is different in every… Oh, goodness! You startled me!”

I belatedly noticed the presence of a stranger and jumped in surprise.

Clutching my pounding heart, I turned my head to find a familiar face.

“…Your Highness, the Prince?”

“Yes, Duchess. Have you been well?”

The Second Prince greeted me politely but playfully.

“By the way, I’m hurt. It seems my friend has forgotten that we agreed to speak informally.”

“I believe we agreed to do so only in private. This isn’t a private setting, is it?”

“That’s… true.”

His bright smile was so refreshing that I didn’t have the energy to say anything more.

“Your Highness, aren’t you participating in the hunting festival?”

“Hunting doesn’t suit me, and I’m even less interested in participating in the festival. I don’t like drawing unnecessary attention.”

Ah. I think I understand.

“You want to stay hidden as much as possible, don’t you?”

“Yes. My goal is to be as inconspicuous as possible.”

“But if you’re by my side, won’t you stand out tremendously? Look, everyone’s already glancing this way.”

My back feels like it’s on fire.

This was a different kind of attention from when I was standing alone or arm in arm with Dante.

“Oh my. It seems we’re too noticeable to live in hiding.”

“Please exclude me from that ‘we’.”

I drew a firm line.

“I no longer intend to live in hiding. Dante is going to win the hunting festival later and present me with the award.”

At my nonchalant explanation, the Prince’s eyes widened. However, the voice that actually responded came from behind him.

“My goodness. Did Duke Richter really say that?”

When did that woman arrive?

“Greetings, Your Highness the Princess.”

“It’s been a while, Duchess.”

The Princess smiled warmly and quickly linked her arm with mine.

“I’ve really missed you.”

Oh. What’s with this novel skinship?

“Me too, Your Highness.”

Determined not to lose, I also held onto her arm firmly.

Hohoho.

Artificial laughter was exchanged.

“By the way, is it true that Duke Richter said such a thing?”

“Yes, it’s true. He said that now that he’s married and has a partner, he’ll win and bring me glory.”

“…Really now!”

With a short exclamation, the Princess buried her face in her fan.

Hehehe.

An eerie laugh seeped through the fan.

…Mom, I’m a bit scared of this woman.