The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 44

Schedule: Tuesday and Friday

Chapter 44

“Let’s go, Lucy.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Despite her injured hand, Selena carried her bow and quiver—if only for appearances—and left the barracks. Arriving ten minutes early at the south entrance of the Peran Forest, she found it deserted. Perhaps it was the early hour, or maybe because this area was primarily a hunting ground for beginners.

“It’s quite empty. Let’s wait here for Her Highness,” Selena said, positioning herself by the entrance sign. This was the perfect spot to observe anyone coming and going, as it was the only way into the hunting grounds.

‘Now, when will Her Highness arrive?’

Lost in thought as she gazed into the forest, a snap of fingers near her ear startled her.

“—?!” Selena’s shoulders jumped, and she spun around.

“Hello, Lady Irving.”

Noel stood there, his bangs falling naturally around his face, his hunting attire impeccable. A vibrant aura surrounded him, like a halo of colorful blossoms.

“We finally meet.”

“Oh… Hello, Your Grace,” Selena stammered, dipping her head in a slightly awkward curtsy. Although they were participating in the same hunt, this was the first time they’d actually faced each other, despite Selena having spotted him alone in the banquet hall previously.

Noel’s gaze fell upon her bandaged hand. “Are you hunting today, my lady?” he asked, his voice soft and kind.

“Yes.”

“With your hand injured, you shouldn’t overexert yourself,” he gestured towards her bandaged right hand. “What if the wound reopens?”

“I’ll be fine. I’m tougher than I look,” Selena replied with a brave smile, adjusting her quiver. “Besides, I’m hunting with Her Highness today,” she added, leaving unsaid the implication that she’d likely be safe.

A faint smile touched Noel’s lips, but then his expression turned serious as he reached into his jacket pocket. “Still, be careful. Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. Especially in a forest like this.” He withdrew something and placed it in Selena’s left hand.

She opened her hand to find a small, silver whistle, about the size of her little finger. “Why are you giving me this…?”

“If you need help, blow it. I’ll hear you and come running,” Noel explained gently, tapping the whistle in her palm. “It’s a whistle I used in battle. It carries quite well.”

Selena lowered her gaze, examining the whistle closely. Small scratches marked its surface, evidence of its use.

‘He used this in battle? It must be something he treasures.’

To lend it so readily… Selena blinked, a mixture of gratitude, apology, and a touch of burden in her eyes. She offered the whistle back to him.

“I’ll be alright. Isn’t it important to you, Your Grace?”

“It is, but I couldn’t possibly let you go into the forest alone with your arm injured. Keep it with you and return it later.” He gently closed her fingers around the whistle, then tilted his head, his clear blue eyes meeting hers. “Enjoy your hunt today, my lady. And be careful with that right arm.”

“Oh…”

“I should be going now.”

As she watched Noel’s retreating figure, Selena called out, “Th-thank you, Your Grace…!”

Noel turned slightly, a bright smile on his face, and gave a brief nod before continuing on his way.

Moments later, Gabriella and Dominique appeared in the spot where Noel had stood. Gabriella, dressed in her hunting attire, looked slightly surprised to see Selena in a regular dress. “Oh my, Lady Irving. Your attire…?”

“I seem to have forgotten my hunting clothes,” Selena explained with a sheepish smile.

Dominic seized the opportunity. “Perhaps Lady Irving should rest today? Hunting without proper attire might be uncomfortable.” Though his words sounded considerate, Selena wasn’t fooled. She’d seen the frown that had creased his brow upon seeing her. This was merely a ploy to have Gabriella to himself.

With a bright smile and a firm voice, Selena replied, “I’ll be fine, Sir Dominique. This dress allows for plenty of movement. Thank you for your concern.”

“Of course. If you find yourself struggling, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“I will.” The two exchanged strained smiles, their eyes cold. Only Gabriella, oblivious to the underlying tension, clapped her hands cheerfully.

“Then, for Lady Irving’s sake, let’s hunt near the entrance today.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness.”

“Don’t mention it. Let’s have some fun, the three of us.”

“Yes!” Selena responded brightly, smoothly positioning herself between Gabriella and Dominique, effectively blocking him from the princess’s side. “Lady Irving, Sir Dixon, let’s go.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

The three of them, each harboring their own private thoughts, entered the southern part of the Peran Forest together.