Villainous Husband, the One You’re Obsessed With Is Over There - Chapter 28

Chapter 14.2

Just when I was feeling a little reassured, I suddenly stiffened my back.

‘…No, did Duchess Nerma also read my mind?’

How transparent was my expression?

As I stared at her, astonished, Duchess Nerma smiled sheepishly and opened her mouth. She continued to explain.

“We’re only going to start hunting in the afternoon when the weather gets a little cooler. Oh, that’s right. How about going to see the hunting grounds after they tidy up a little? It’s a privilege of hunters that aren’t given to the prey.”

Those words caught my ear.

“Really? Hmm, shall we do that?”

“After the hunt is over, the chosen ones would eat and drink together and stay up all night without sleep. There’s music, alcohol, and decadent food. Your Majesty will surely enjoy it.”

‘…If I am still alive.’

Next, I asked what tasks I had to do on the day of the summer solstice festival. After listening to the explanation, it seemed that all I had to do was observe the living sacrifices. It was a relief that I didn’t have to cut the cow’s belly by myself.

For blessings, it seemed to be something I had to prepare. Like on the wedding day, the Priest will bless the Emperor and me, and then there’s a prayer to be said. Since there was no temple dedicated to the God Actilla, I thought I would not engage in ritualistic activities at all, but that was not the case. As it turned out, being a priest of the Actilus Empire wasn’t a profession, but rather an honorary post was given to the retired director of etiquette.

Well, there was nothing much I had to do for dinner. Sharing food is as easy as listening to a brief explanation.

‘That’s a relief… I won’t lose much time.’

I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Duchess of Nerma.”

“Please say it.”

“What do you think it will take for me to imitate an archer in a month?”

At my words, she eventually opened her mouth after a moment of consideration.

Huu…

“Well… stamina?”

“So, I don’t need to spend too much time on fundamentals right now and start with that first? All right, I’ll try that.”

Even if I feel like I might die and have a really terrible time, I have to go out and exercise tomorrow as well…

Okay, let’s think positively, Angelica.

If I work hard now, wouldn’t it help when I run away later?

ﾟ· : * ✧ * :· ﾟ

The next day.

Sylvia Jacques was lying on the red carpet like she had been two days before. However, the person in front of her was different.

It wasn’t the good-natured, weak-hearted empress who resembled a scared rabbit.

The splendid golden hair fluttered like the flames of a fire as the blood-red eyes that gleamed sinisterly beneath the long, delicate lashes stared at her. It would be difficult for her to expect from him the same mercy as The Empress. In fact, she wasn’t the one who asked for the audience, but rather, the Emperor directly called her. It seemed that The Empress had told him what had happened to her the other day. Sylvia was already guessing this was going to happen.

“I heard you said you wanted to enter as the Empress’ handmaiden?”

“That’s right.”

“Do you not know where your place is?”

His words indicated that she was the youngest daughter of a family who fell into becoming prey while trying to frame the Empress. Sylvia was incredibly nervous at the Emperor’s questioning voice, which was muffled and cold.

“…Yes.”

“There are conditions.”

“That means if the conditions are met…”

As long as she could make a place to put her feet on, she could meet any number of conditions.

“…Become the hunter at the summer solstice festival.”

Sylvia’s face, which had brightened for a moment, congealed in an instant. Still, Raniero wasn’t even glancing at her properly. With a blank expression on his face, he just stared into the distance.

“Your fate will also be determined by how much you have helped the Empress.”

At that moment, Sylvia’s face was smeared with astonishment and horror. The news that she had to hunt her mother and brother was like a bolt out of the blue for her, but not to Raniero. Her reaction to him was predictable and not enjoyable. Raniero, who suddenly lost interest in the situation, dismissed her with a gesture. However, when Sylvia, stunned, couldn’t get up from her spot, the sturdy knights dragged her away.

“The Empress?”

“She canceled all social gatherings she was going to hold.”

“Really?”

“It looks like she was going to learn how to use a bow.”

Raniero snorted after hearing the answer.

“She’s a coward.”

It was as if he knew why she had chosen the bow.

The Empress chose to run away instead of attacking the prey. A subtle feeling of disappointment, not certain what it was, grated him a little. Was it wrong for him to think he would see interesting scenes on the hunting grounds?

“By the way… She—”

As he turned his eyes away, the minister, who was reporting to him, bowed deeply in a panic before finishing his words.

“…She collapsed.”

“Hm?“

Sitting languidly, leaning to the left on the throne, Raniero straightened his back a little as he raised an eyebrow.

It was unexpected news.

“What do you mean?”

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