By Zephyria 
Claude muttered to himself as he carefully examined the white horse tied to the post. With the hunting tournament approaching, he was more on edge than usual.
Then, laughter came from behind. Alexis, dressed in a snug hunting outfit, was brimming with confidence, unlike Claude.
His casual twirling of his longsword seemed utterly relaxed for someone about to go hunting.
“Knowing it’s an annual event, why are you suddenly so nervous? Are you afraid you won’t catch a single bird?”
“What bird? There’s the dignity of a knight commander at stake. I’ll at least catch three or four foxes without breaking a sweat.”
Claude tightened the saddle strap on his horse once more and glanced at the dense forest spread out before him.
In the hunting grounds where the imperial flag fluttered, rare animals that were hard to encounter elsewhere appeared.
In particular, the white fox that inhabits this forest is known for its clean and soft fur, making it highly valuable. He was determined to catch a big one and make a beautiful scarf for Yuria.
After reaffirming his personal goal, Claude lightly patted his horse, which was fidgeting.
“Today, the victory must belong to His Highness.”
“Well, I don’t know. There are so many competitors. It won’t be easy.”
Alexis stabbed his sharp longsword into the ground and tilted his head to expose his chiseled jawline to the world. In the not-so-distant area, participants preparing for the hunt were bustling about, just like them.
Young high-ranking nobles were busy flaunting their expensive clothing and equipment, while some of the guards and knights drafted for today’s hunting tournament were gathering their weapons with solemn expressions.
The number of specially selected participants was roughly around fifteen. The winner of the tournament would receive a prize of three million Salas, along with fertile land in the capital and a small mansion under the emperor’s patronage.
Above all, the most important thing was honor. The one who captured the beast, Basilisk, which was released only once in the hunting grounds, would be declared the winner of the year.
It was a notoriously difficult beast to catch, and there was a superstition that possessing a Basilisk’s fang would ward off misfortune for a year, making everyone desire to be the victor.
This year, the crown prince and the knight commander were also participating. Although it was their first hunting tournament, they had no worries. They were two who had rolled through much harsher places.
“Everyone, stay tense. I will win.”
Yuria interjected into the conversation. She, too, was dressed in form-fitting riding attire instead of a dress. The way she tied her long hair up with a leather strap showed her determination.
“You’re quite determined.”
Alexis smiled as he turned to Yuria.
“Don’t mess around; just stay in the tent.”
“Look at that! Claude always says that!”
“What did I say?”
“I’m participating too! His Highness has given me permission!”
Alexis’s laughter deepened at the sight of the siblings bickering like that.
“Claude, take Yuria with you. Otherwise, she’ll whine for months.”
“Whine? When have I ever done that?”
“Please don’t cause any trouble and stick close to me.”
Claude warned Yuria. Despite his fierce tone, his eyes were busy checking Yuria’s appearance. Seeing her loosely tied boot laces, he clicked his tongue and even knelt down to tie them for her.
Alexis watched them with a satisfied expression before turning his head away.
Behind the camp for the tournament participants, a thin, airy linen cloth fluttered. This was the area where the spectators of the hunting tournament gathered.
Under the leisurely tent were elegant noblewomen and noblemen who were not participating in the hunt, along with the emperor and empress.
For them, the hunting tournament was merely a form of entertainment. They were enjoying delicious food and drinks under the warm sun while speculating on today’s winner.
“This year seems quite difficult. Alright, I’ll bet on Alexis.”
The emperor handed over a wooden token engraved with his name.
“Oh, as expected of a strong contender. Alexis’s pocket is already full. Then I’ll bet on Baron Patrick.”
A nobleman who had been flattering nearby burst into laughter and presented his own name token, which was also tucked away in his pocket. Other nobles began to join in the betting one by one.
“Cecile, which side will you bet on?”
The emperor asked Cecile, who was quietly holding his place.
Since arriving at the hunting grounds, Cecile had not uttered a word and had been sipping on sherry alone. Only then did he force a smile, lifting the corners of his mouth.
“Well, I think I need a bit more time to ponder.”
He glanced at the pouch engraved with Alexis’s name. There were so many who had chosen the crown prince that the red velvet pouch was already bulging with name tags sticking out.
Cecile knew who would win today.
Contrary to many expectations, Alexis would not seize victory this year. He distinctly remembered getting seriously injured while trying to save Yuria and having to give up midway.
Cecile stood up and personally placed a wooden name tag into the pouch. He then turned his head and scanned the surroundings closely.
In the corner, Leo, who had been waiting for his master’s orders, nodded with a solemn look in his eyes. In Leo’s arms was a bottle of wine that Cecile had brought separately from the palace.
Cecile quietly moved. The place he headed towards was the area where the hunting participants were gathered. He approached a young nobleman who had an unusually large number of servants.
“Sir Roewen.”
“Oh, Lady Cecile.”
“Is everything going well? I came to encourage you.”
Baron Roewen struck a pose, showing off. His newly tailored hunting outfit was a rich, vibrant red, looking exceptionally luxurious.
“As you can see, there are no problems. I’ve made all the necessary preparations for today.”
“I wish you the best of luck. I’ve placed my bet on you.”
“Really? Haha, well… I must win for Lady Cecile’s sake! I will definitely bring you a Basilisk’s fang!”
Roewen threw his head back, laughing heartily, exposing his throat. His boisterous laughter drew the attention of those around him.
Cecile hid his irritation and smiled with his characteristic eye smile.
What does he think he can win? While it was true that Roewen was skilled in horseback riding and archery among the nobles, he was not a winner either.
In fact, he was the main culprit behind injuring Alexis. Under the empress’s secret orders, he shot a poisoned arrow at Yuria, which Alexis ended up taking instead.
He distinctly remembered that it was dismissed as a mistake that could happen in the hunting grounds, and he received no punishment.
“…I’m quite looking forward to it.”
Cecile had to make a considerable effort not to glare at Baron Roewen. Fortunately, knowing the full story meant he could intervene before any accidents occurred.
“Leo.”
He beckoned his attendant. Leo, who had been waiting a few steps away, quickly ran over upon hearing his call.
“I’d like to offer you a glass of wine as a token of my wishes for your victory. Would that be alright?”
“Would there be any issue? It’s an honor.”
Roewen bent one knee and exaggeratedly expressed his gratitude. Cecile snorted and poured the wine himself.
The beautiful glass was filled with dark red wine. Although he had an important task ahead, for the nobles who drank wine like water, this was merely a palate cleanser.
As he kindly handed over the filled glass, Roewen drank it down without suspicion. It seemed the extra wine that had smeared his lips suited him quite well.
“Indeed, the palace wine is exceptional. The aroma is truly exquisite.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Cecile turned the remaining bottle upside down. The wine that flowed from the long neck stained the ground red.
“Oh no, such a precious thing…!”
“I told you, it’s a drink wishing for victory. Normally, you should only drink one glass and pour the rest into the ground. The goddess of the earth will drink this wine and bestow upon you the energy of victory.”
Cecile had perfectly erased all evidence. The sleeping agent mixed in the wine now remained only in Baron Roewen’s stomach. Given its strong concentration, he would likely fall asleep helplessly in about ten minutes, even with his robust physique.
“I didn’t expect you to care for me so much.”
“You serve the empress with utmost devotion. I’m merely repaying you as a son. I believe you will bring back good results.”
A subtle exchange of glances occurred. Roewen understood Cecile’s meaning and grinned slyly.
“Trust me. I will never disappoint the empress and Lady Cecile.”
Roewen kissed the back of Cecile’s hand as if in reverence. The sensation of his slimy lips sent chills down Cecile’s spine, but he maintained a picturesque smile and let Roewen do as he pleased.
In the distance, the sound of a horn echoed. It seemed the hunting tournament was about to begin. Roewen turned around, filled with confidence. After mounting his sturdy horse, Cecile also turned away.
The smile that had filled his face vanished like a lie. He returned to his usual prickly and sensitive expression and scanned the surroundings apathetically.
“…….”
In the distance, he could see Alexis, Claude, and Yuria mounting their horses. Although they were quite far away, Alexis’s figure was clear.
He felt that Alexis’s head was somehow turned in his direction. His expression was likely bleak. Cecile paused for a moment and looked in his direction.
Alexis. I wish for your victory. I will bear all the dirty stigma, so I hope you always live in glory.
Please, this time, come back without getting hurt.