The chief attendant of the Lisandro Imperial Palace, in charge of the progress of the hunting competition, explained the detailed rules of the competition to the participants.

This hunting competition, involving ten teams and twenty male and female participants, divided the Imperial Palace’s hunting grounds into ten zones. On the map, the boundaries of each zone were marked with designated colors.

Inside each zone, there was only one white fox with a ribbon of the predetermined color. The team that first found and captured that fox among the numerous others would be the winner.

“Now, let the hunting competition begin!”

With a short gunshot signaling the start, the curtain of the hunting competition rose.

The 10th zone assigned to Idel and Rainian was located at the farthest distance. Despite the unfavorable allocation, they could freely gallop their horses as they had to cover a long distance.

“Shall we check the map here for a moment?”

“Sure.”

Responding to Idel’s suggestion, Rainian slowed down the pace of his horse. Idel, who stopped her horse, took out the map and examined it carefully.

“It seems like we’ve almost arrived at Zone 10. If we keep going at the current speed, we’ll arrive soon.”

“This zone is also new to me… I apologize for not being much help.”

Although Rainian had excellent shooting skills, he wasn’t fond of hunting in normal circumstances. Therefore, the geography of Zone 10, located deep in the imperial hunting grounds, was unfamiliar to him.

“Don’t mention it! I heard that Prince Rainian is outstanding in hunting. I consider myself lucky to have such a skilled partner.”

Recalling the words Ophelia had told him, Idel praised him with a sly smile.

“Moreover, I don’t know how to hunt at all. Since I’ll be looking at the map, please be sure to capture the targets when you spot them, Prince Rainian.”

“Understood. After successfully finishing the competition, I’ll present the spoils to Duchess Idel. The fame of a white fox’s fur is quite reputable.”

The white fox’s fur, exclusive to the Lisandro Empire, boasted top-tier quality. It was one of the precious luxury items coveted by noble ladies.

Initially, Idel, who expected to be pleased, stiffened at Rainian’s words. After hesitating for a moment, she cautiously asked Rainian.

“Is there any way to capture the targeted fox alive?”
“Do you feel uneasy about taking the life of a fox?”

“Yes… Thinking that the life of a fox is sacrificed not for human survival but for pleasure… it weighs heavily on my heart.”

Idel lowered her eyes with an awkward expression. Rainian’s gaze, watching her, seemed even more profound, as if deeply moved.

Perhaps other noble ladies who participated in the hunting competition wouldn’t have been able to express such thoughts. Many women opposed hunting, finding the act of killing animals terrifying and pitiful.

However, Idel opposed fox hunting because its purpose was not for human survival, like hunting deer, boar, or chickens, but for human entertainment and amusement.

As food became abundant, hunting was no longer about survival. Rainian also empathized with the change in the justification for killing in hunting, as pointed out by Idel.

“I hadn’t thought about it during my participation in the hunting competition. Once again, through Idel’s broad perspective, I’ve come to realize.”

“You’re too kind. I’m truly grateful to Rainian, who always listens to my opinions and thinks deeply.”

“Well, let’s try to find a way to capture the fox alive this time, following Idel’s opinion. If we can lead it into a dead-end, it might be possible.”

Idel’s complexion brightened at Rainian’s words. Seeing her smile widely with joy, Rainian, too, responded with a gentle smile.

‘I hope this brings her happiness…’

He always wished to see her brightly smiling like this. Just witnessing her like this filled Rainian with a feeling that tightened his heart.

“Now, shall we continue our journey?”

“Sure. By the way, Duchess Idel, you’re quite skilled at riding horses. Your posture is excellent. Have you had a good teacher?”

“Ah… Yes. I had a good teacher.”

In response to Rainian’s question, Idel answered, envisioning someone in her mind. At the same time, a warm feeling spread across her face, and a soft smile naturally formed on her lips.

Just with her reaction, Rainian felt like he knew who the teacher was. The eyes that had sparkled with dewdrops until just now instantly darkened like the surface of a lake covered with clouds.

“…The Duke.”

“Yes. He personally taught me.”

“…With the Duke…”

‘Are you happy?’

Rainian hesitated to say the rest of his words. He had already guessed her answer to this question.

Hoping for Idel’s happiness and wanting to become the starting point for the relationship between her and the Duke, Rainian felt conflicting emotions when he saw the Duke’s figure, burning like a flame, toward her.

“…Pathetic.”

Rainian, as if mocking himself, brushed his hair aside. In response to his self-deprecating murmur, Idel tilted her head in confusion.

“Rainian, I didn’t hear you well. What did you just say…?”

“It’s nothing. Let’s start again.”

As if trying to dispel the conflicting emotions in his heart, Rainian shook his head from side to side and began to speak. Hoping that the wind brushing against his cheeks would clear his complicated thoughts, Rainian increased his speed, putting strength into his calves.