“Now, who is the lucky one to be the Duchess’s partner?”

As the First Prince urged Idel to announce quickly, she raised her head, scanning the people around before fixing her gaze on a man.

The man who caught Idel’s gaze pointed at himself in disbelief and asked, “Really… Is it me?”

“Yes, it’s Prince Rainian.”

Seeing Rainian become her hunting partner after being her dance partner, Idel’s lips curved into a relieved smile. She had hesitated, worried about becoming partners with a stranger, but fortunately, it turned out to be Rainian, just like during the last ball.

“No, did Prince Rainian become the Duchess’s partner again? Weren’t they partners at the last ball too?”

“That’s right. Prince Rainian and Duchess Elyos… The connection between them seems quite special.”

When the First Prince exclaimed with an astonished expression, Queen Lisandro, who had been silently observing with a meaningful smile, added a significant comment.

At that moment, Idel glanced at Kaeron with a face that seemed to say ‘Aha.’ In reality, on the night of the ball, when Kaeron returned to the lodgings, he had tormented her all night.

Answer. You won’t dance with any other man without my permission.

But… It was an unavoidable situation…

Thinking his condition was momentarily bad due to his complexion, she had misunderstood. There was no way the person persistently pressing her was someone in pain.

The answer I want is not an excuse.

Suddenly rising above her lying on the bed, he kissed her cheek and neck, forcing her to respond. Because of that, she couldn’t gather her wits.

It was a brief and light bird kiss, like a bird tapping its beak, but the deep emotions in his eyes were by no means light.

Got it! I won’t dance with anyone else at the ball.

The answer is wrong.

Wrong…?

I’m not saying don’t dance. I’m saying don’t dance with any other man besides me. I don’t want to see you dancing with another man… I never want to see that again.

…!

As Kaeron grumbled with a stern face, Idel widened her eyes. Then, she soon burst into a bright smile. It was because his appearance, seemingly tormented, reminded her of his portrait from his childhood that she had seen at the ducal residence.

Got it. I promise. I won’t dance with anyone else from now on.

Idel spoke with a beaming smile, and Kaeron’s expression seemed to loosen a bit, but he still wore an uncomfortable face.

I don’t like that your first dance partner’s position was taken away… It doesn’t please me.

I think the last one is more important than the first.

‘I hope my last will always be you…’

She earnestly wished for that. Even now, in this moment…

After reminiscing, Idel approached the frozen Kaeron. Wrapping her hands around his clenched fist, she opened her mouth with a warm voice.

“In fact, I’m so sad that I can’t be with you.”

“…….”

As Idel honestly expressed her feelings first with a warm face, Kaeron’s icy expression gradually softened.

“To add, I don’t attach much significance to this being my first hunt. The designated partner as well. So, don’t be too upset either.”

“That’s…”

As Idel made a jest-like remark, Kaeron looked embarrassed. Remembering that he used to be upset for not becoming her first dance partner, his face turned slightly red.

“Let’s go hunting together next time. And then… and then too.”

With lifted footsteps, Idel whispered softly into Kaeron’s ear.

“My last partner will only be you.”
After that, seeing her transparently smiling figure, which was utterly adorable, all the lingering bitterness in Kaeron dissipated.

Kaeron, who slowly nodded, took Idel’s hand and walked towards Rainian. He addressed Rainian with a short but firm request.

“Please take care of the Duchess.”

“Don’t worry.”

In Kaeron’s eyes, which had regained the usual unwavering expression, there was a firm trust. However, that trust was not directed towards Rainian.

“Have a safe journey.”

“You too.”

Filled with steadfast trust for each other, Kaeron and Idel exchanged farewells with their respective words. The relationship between the two, which had felt somewhat uneasy until now, seemed more solid than ever.

Despite being pleased with the change, a corner of Rainian’s tender heart felt a bit bitter. He tightened the reins in his hand.

“Now, the hunting competition will begin shortly.”

After the partner drawing, all the participants in the competition mounted their horses.

“Of all people, the Duke and his partner…”

‘There’s no such thing as luck.’ Ophelia muttered, grumbling, as she approached the Duke’s side, passing Idel and Rainian. She cheered them on.

“Take care, both of you. See you later.”

“You too, Ophelia.”

“Don’t rush your words, and be careful.”

In response to Rainian’s customary nagging, Ophelia waved her hand vaguely, as if indicating that she understood.

“The rules of the hunting competition are to capture a fox with a ribbon of a designated color on its neck within the specified area marked on the map.”