CATB Chapter 14

As soon as Wilhelm stepped forward, he received support from Lady Manuela. Thanks to her position as a duchess's daughter, no one else offered additional support. Although Wilhelm didn't particularly like Manuela, that wasn't his goal today, so he kept glancing at the Grand Duke and snickering.

The other royalty also received support that shot up as soon as they started, and they enjoyed happy deliberation among the young flowers blooming vibrantly before pairing up and taking their seats.

Now only Grand Duke Belkellion and Marquis Berford remained. Everyone's attention focused on the two.

Their two-shot was beautiful.

Black and white - a perfect contrast again today.

My gaze passed over the Marquis in his white hunting outfit (I clicked my tongue at the remarkably impractical clothing) and landed on Belkellion, who was dressed entirely in black today as well.

'Gasp, he's handsome today too...'

The words preference sniper floated around in my head again.

The black clothes unified his look and clearly revealed his robust yet sleek physique. Berford wasn't small in stature either, but the Grand Duke's frame was so masculine that the Marquis actually looked a bit delicate in comparison.

Anyway, a two-shot of handsome men is love~

I grinned while looking at the two.

If I had a camera, I'd want to quickly take a picture and preserve it forever.

The Marquis, called the flower of the Empire for his beauty, and the Grand Duke, who despite his black eyes had an aura that overwhelmed everyone with his appearance alone. Actually, in my biased opinion, if not for his black eyes, the Grand Duke would easily surpass the Marquis, but the fear his eyes instilled was too great.

People are all drawn to light.

Even aside from his eyes, it was natural to be drawn to the Marquis, who smoothly radiated brightness and youth, rather than the Grand Duke, who exuded darkness from his entire body. The Grand Duke continued to gaze at the field expressionlessly. Even though it was obvious he would become the potential penalty recipient, no tension or fear could be found in him.

"Marquis Berford Randel Harman."

Since he had already inherited the marquis title, he wasn't given the title of young noble.

As soon as his name was called, hands went up here and there. Everyone's gaze automatically poured toward me.

'Well, so what?'

I looked at them indifferently. The announcer stared at me stupidly.

"Uh... young ladies wishing to support Marquis Berford, please raise your hands promptly."

Why are you looking at me? I shrugged my shoulders.

From the gazes pouring toward me, I realized how much of a laughingstock Alexa had become at this ridiculous event. They were all waiting for it. The miserable situation where I would be rejected by the Marquis.

'Don't make me laugh.'

I slowly drank the tea in front of me. It was a truly elaborate, graceful movement that succeeded in giving the impression that even if given more time, I wouldn't raise my hand.

Marquis Berford's gaze briefly touched me before disappearing. He was probably looking at Ariel. Who cares? I crunched on the cookie in front of me.

People found it quite unexpected that I hadn't offered support to Berford, and they kept looking back and forth between me and the Marquis. Some were disappointed at missing out on the entertainment, slapping their knees.

'Damn bastards.'

Eventually I raised my head and met the Marquis's gaze as he stared at me intently.

Grin

When I smiled at him coldly, the Marquis's face contorted.

"Marquis Berford... I... the choice..."

As the announcer urged the Marquis, who was staring at me blankly, he finally shuffled forward and took some young lady's hand. Sighs like laments burst from the mouths of the young ladies who had been waiting to be chosen, and the chosen young lady covered her mouth in joy.

'Wait. That's not Ariel?'

Surprised that Ariel wasn't standing beside him, I quickly looked around.

Everyone was tilting their heads at the fact that Ariel wasn't his partner.

Not far away, Ariel was sitting. When our eyes met, she smiled prettily at me.

'What?'

What was going on?

Anyway, the Marquis returned to his seat with some young lady, and only the Grand Duke remained.

"Grand Duke Belkellion Dwight Estar."

When the Grand Duke's name rang out, silence fell over the crowd that had been murmuring just moments before.

I could see Wilhelm and the surrounding young nobles snickering.

"......"

"Um... is there no young lady who will support Grand Duke Belkellion?"

"......."

Even though the murmuring and giggling sounds from here and there couldn't have failed to reach his ears, the Grand Duke stood firmly in the same posture. His expressionless face remained unchanged as well.

Truly an impressive human spectacle.

"Um... is there no one?"

"Oh my, oh my, what should we do? It seems I've put our Grand Duke in a difficult position."

The King, who had been looking down at the Grand Duke and the silent crowd, chuckled as if apologetic.

"I shouldn't have told him to participate. No, what could such a stalwart and robust Grand Duke be lacking..."

The giggling laughter grew louder at the King's words.

The Grand Duke just stood firmly.

As if he transcended all this. Or as if he was enduring it all.

The King's face became slightly distorted at that noble bearing.

"Ahem, but custom is custom, so I can't make exceptions for fairness. Then the penalty recipient for this hunting competition will be..."

I stood up abruptly and shouted clearly:

"Alexa de Peliazen Dwight requests to be Grand Duke Belkellion's partner!"

The crowd began to murmur.

They were surprised that there was a young lady volunteering to be the Grand Duke's partner.

And they were shocked again that it was me, Alexa the Beast.

"Hmm... Alexa? If this is a joke, stop it. It's rude to the Grand Duke."

The King looked down at me with apparent bewilderment.

I slowly walked forward and stood beside the Grand Duke.

He looked at me briefly before turning his gaze forward again.

"It's not a joke, Your Majesty. I am truly making this request to the Grand Duke."

"Sister!!!"

I could hear Wilhelm's angry voice, but I pretended not to notice and urged the announcer.

"Aren't you going to proceed?"

"Yes! Yes! Your Highness. Grand Duke Belkellion, do you... um... accept... Princess Alexa's... support?"

The Grand Duke said nothing.

Damn, I hadn't considered the possibility that the Grand Duke might refuse.

Shit, if you reject me here, I won't let you off easy.

When I glared at the Grand Duke who was looking down at me quietly, he slowly opened his mouth.

"I accept."

Murmur, murmur.

"Let's go."

I smiled at him and tugged the sleeve of him who was standing there as if rooted to the spot.

He slowly followed me, then soon matched my pace.

We passed through the crowd of people looking at me with shocked eyes, including Wilhelm.

We also passed the intense gazes of the Marquis and Ariel, who just watched me without saying anything.

"Ahem... unexpected, but anyway, let's begin the actual hunt."

With the King's words, all the teams scattered and began preparing for the hunt.

With gazes still pouring toward me and the Grand Duke, I led him to the tent provided for royalty.

The Grand Duke followed me without saying a word. He was just like a well-behaved puppy, making me want to laugh.

When laughter suddenly escaped me, I could feel the Grand Duke looking down at me quietly.

I quickly suppressed my laughter.

"Ahem, the Grand Duke should also prepare for the hunt."

"....."

"Would you like to go change clothes? I'll wait here."

While he changed and prepared, I planned to prepare for the hunt as well.

If he objected to going together, I'd send him ahead first and follow.

My heart was already pounding with excitement.

"...Why..."

At the Grand Duke's eventual words, I tilted my head.

"Pardon?"

"...Why... me..."

Why did I support him? For such an expressionless face, his words were surprisingly innocent, making me smile.

This man seemed somehow mismatched between his personality and expression.

"Let's call it repayment for the kindness you showed that day."

At my words, the Grand Duke's eyes lit up. His black eyes sparkling were beautiful.

"I was grateful. For that time."

As I smiled broadly, his fingers slowly approached my face again.

I stayed still and waited for him.

His index finger slowly brushed my cheek just like that day. I could feel warm heat.

"...Why... don't you avoid me?"

"Why should I avoid you?"

He seemed at a loss for words.

"I know you're a kind person."

I added.

And I grasped his hand that was still touching my cheek, pointing downward.

I slowly brought his hand to my lips.

I could feel the Grand Duke's slight trembling and warmth.

I smiled and kissed his fingertips.