Koon suggested a short outing to the forest for Cloé’s archery practice.

“To the extent of going outside?”

Even if it was the nearest forest to the imperial palace, it would take at least an hour on horseback. She still didn’t know how to handle a bow properly, so it seemed unnecessary for her to engage in such intensive practice.

Moreover, the fact that the emperor would accompany them made him uneasy, feeling like a busy person was overdoing it.

“For now, it seems you can learn within the palace.”

“Environment matters a lot. Getting used to it is essential. Riding on the open field instead of a carriage. Knowing how to raise your sight in the rushing wind. Knowing how to identify a target in that state. All of it.”

Even though she had tried riding horses as an advanced hobby, for Cloé, who had never led her horse to the hunting ground, this experience was necessary.

“Or, together with Winter…”

“Are you saying you’ll go with another man?”

“…”

“It’s an absurd idea, Cloé.”

Approaching her closely, Koon swept Cloé’s hair aside. As the bright golden strands were tucked behind her ears, her straight jawline revealed a sense of presence.

“Go with me.”

“…”

“With me.”

At that point, she no longer refused.

Suddenly, everyone became busy with the new schedule. Mary handed a basket containing Friedrich’s preserved jar and bread to Cloé.

“Be careful! We’re looking forward to your return.”

“You’ll soon realize. Let’s train together after you come back. Haha!”

The deputy commander also smiled, wishing luck for Cloé’s practice.

Feeling embarrassed about drawing so much attention to a beginner’s practice, she thought that she had to successfully conclude the training now that they had gone this far. At least, she needed to learn how to pull the bowstring.

The two stopped in front of a pitch-black horse. A well-groomed horse waited patiently until the two mounted.

“Come to think of it, it’s been quite a while since I rode a horse.”

It seemed like she had ridden horses a lot when she was young and received education in the royal palace. After her debutante ball, she focused on building manners for social life.

“Should I do it like this?”

When Cloé stood in front of the horse, she hesitated for a moment.

It felt difficult to get on the horse, from adjusting her posture to making a leap from the ground. If only there were a riding stand, it would have been much better.

“Get on.”

Then, Cloé’s body rose suddenly. As if plucked from the ground, she was lifted lightly, and her line of sight rose. Before she knew it, her gaze reached the back of the horse.

Cloé, who fumbled with the saddle awkwardly, finally succeeded in getting on the horse. Next, the large figure of the horse followed behind her.

“Well then, good luck.”

Afterward, Koon effortlessly found the reins and flicked them lightly. The horse, with a sturdy body, moved forward with a resolute sound.
A strong wind blew, piercing through her delicate skin. Sand particles, kicked up by the powerful strides of the horse, struck Cloé’s eyes.

However, Cloé tried to keep her eyes open. Following Koon’s advice, she exerted all her strength to observe the environment around her.

Before she knew it, they had passed through the village and reached the entrance of the forest.

Each time Cloé opened and closed her eyes, the scenery gradually changed. Leaves fluttered weakly in the wind stirred by the horse’s vigorous movement. Puddles changed their shapes with each step of the long legs.

The scent of the forest carried by the gentle wind was sometimes bitter and sometimes refreshing. Additionally, the fragrance transmitted by the person behind, cutting through the wind, was cool and sweet.

The horse gradually slowed down. The child, who had been walking briskly, finally stopped.

Even though the horse came to a halt, Koon still kept Cloé securely bound to his chest.

Whenever she seemed tired, Koon would slow down the horse, and when it swayed, he would firmly embrace her to reassure her.

To survey the surroundings, Cloé glanced at the back of the person she was facing. Her blue eyes intertwined with the red eyes she encountered. The subtle color combination was quite charming.

“It’s awkward if you keep staring like that.”

“…Ah.”

She even forgot that she was secretly watching him. Cloé felt embarrassed that she had stared at him so intently.

“Today, you should focus only on practice. Nothing else.”

“Nothing else?”

“Why, what lovers do.”

His smile flashed for a moment. The face that dominated Cloé’s field of vision quickly lowered.

Gently turning her hand, he grabbed her waist. The sound of her body landing softly on the ground soon followed.

In the meantime, a bow and quiver were hanging over his shoulder. The other hand was left to assist her.

The only spectators in the quiet forest were passing ants and birds perched on tree branches, singing songs.

Since there was no reason to be formal, even holding hands was meaningless.

“…”