The Puppet Villainess’s Splendid Rebellion - Chapter 83

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 83

The hunting festival had begun.

Under the clear winter sky, carriages adorned with splendid patterns lined up one after another. The sound of horse hooves echoed cheerfully over the snow-covered road.

The hunting ground was prepared in the northern forest of the duchy. Rest tents were set up in the middle of a vast grassland, and servants were busily moving about, preparing to welcome the guests.

I stood at the entrance of the hunting ground together with Carlos and Demian.

Even before arriving at the hunting ground, I could see several nobles poking their heads out through the carriage windows. They seemed so curious that they were willing to abandon their dignity. They wanted to see what condition the duke who had supposedly collapsed was in, and how the closed duchy was being managed. It was an opportunity to see firsthand a place that had only been the subject of rumors.

‘Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve worn such thick clothes.’

I had been busy preparing since morning.

It took quite a while to carefully put on the dress Mia had chosen for me, along with an overcoat, outdoor winter clothing, and shoes. It was much thicker attire than usual. Even though I said I was fine, Mia stubbornly made me look like a ball, insisting it would be terrible if I caught a cold.

“Are you nervous?”

Demian asked from beside me.

“No. The clothes are just a bit uncomfortable.”

“Liar. You’ve been fidgeting with your fingers since earlier.”

“…Don’t be so perceptive about strange things.”

I was caught.

Honestly, it would be a lie to say I wasn’t nervous. I had prepared thoroughly, but I couldn’t predict at all how the nobles would react.

“So even the great Princess Loreia gets nervous.”

“Yes, it seems so.”

“If it’s really too burdensome, hide behind me.”

“No thanks.”

“But speaking of which.”

Demian put away his playful smile and shifted his gaze to my side.

“Why exactly is the Archmage here? I don’t remember sending an invitation.”

His eyes scanning Sion, who was sticking right next to me, were quite disapproving.

Sion ostentatiously leaned his head against my shoulder and smiled brightly.

“I made the purification stone.”

“Pardon?”

“I have the right to see how the purification stone I made is being used. I put my heart and soul into making it, so I need to check the results myself. Don’t you think?”

“…Hah.”

Demian let out a sigh.

He seemed somewhat displeased, but didn’t seem to have any particular words to refute. After all, it was true that Sion had made the purification stone.

“Don’t be too hard on me. I’ll be quiet. Right, Lorea?”

“…Really?”

“Yeah. I’ll just stay by your side.”

Contradicting those words, Sion immediately linked arms with me. He looked like he wouldn’t move even a step away.

‘…I don’t think he’ll be quiet.’

I was already feeling a bit tired. But I couldn’t exactly kick him out. Besides, honestly, having Sion by my side felt somewhat reassuring.

Soon, the nobles who had gotten out of their carriages one by one paid their respects toward us.

Though I said “us,” I could tell that their gazes were focused on Carlos.

“Your Grace, you seem to have recovered much of your health.”

“It’s different from what we only heard in rumors. You look much more vigorous.”

The flattery was no joke.

Carlos was making an openly annoyed expression, but he was still managing not to give them outright cold treatment.

‘I guess he’s making an effort in his own way?’

Then a familiar carriage caught my eye. It bore the crest of House Harper.

Soon the carriage door opened and Count Harper got out, offering a polite greeting.

“Your Grace, it’s been a long time.”

“I’m glad I can respond to those persistent letters like this.”

What a cold response.

I quietly shifted my gaze to behind the count. A blonde middle-aged woman was slowly getting out of the carriage with the support of a maid.

‘That person is Countess Harper.’

Pale face. Bloodless lips. Dark shadows settled deeply under her eyes. Her cheeks were so sunken that her cheekbones stood out prominently.

‘It seems she has severe mana poisoning symptoms, no less than Carlos.’

The young lady I met last time also didn’t look well, but the countess seemed much more serious. She showed signs of having suffered for a long time. She had probably been struggling for over ten years.

“Your Highness Princess.”

Then Count Harper approached me and greeted me. A gentle smile was visible beneath his neat beard.

“Welcome, Count.”

I smiled softly. Then I turned my gaze to the countess.

“The countess came as well. It must have been tiring coming such a long way.”

“Not at all, Your Highness. Thank you for inviting us.”

The countess smiled with difficulty. Her voice was also thin. Seeing her up close, her condition looked even more serious. Her chest rose and fell roughly with each breath.

“Today will be more comfortable. The air here is better than other places.”

“Yes, it really does seem to be as you say.”

“I hope it will be helpful.”

“…Thank you, Your Highness.”

The Countess bowed her head. Even that small movement seemed difficult for her.

With Count Harper’s arrival, all the nobles had gathered, and Carlos stepped forward.

The nobles formed a semicircle. The men were dressed in hunting attire, with their respective hunting dogs and horses waiting beside them.

“The hunting festival rules are simple. Catch the largest game within the time limit and you win.”

His low, deep voice echoed through the air.

“The winner will be granted the right to present their game to today’s Lady.”

It was the traditional hunting festival format. The finest hunter presenting their game to the most beautiful lady. It was a romantic custom, if one could call it that.

Just then, Demian leaned slightly toward me and whispered in a low voice.

“Look forward to it. I’ll make you today’s Lady.”

“…Pardon?”

“I mean I’m going to win.”

Demian grinned. It was a confident smile.

“I’ll catch the largest game.”

Oh my.

I thought it might be the perfect timing to snort and mock him, but since it was Demian, he’d probably actually pull it off, so I had nothing else to say.

Instead, I gently tapped his shoulder.

“Don’t overdo it. You mustn’t get hurt.”

“Get hurt? What do you take me for?”

“You never know what might jump out in the hunting grounds. I’m telling you to be careful.”

“Whatever jumps out can’t be worse than Your Highness, can it?”

“I’m wearing shoes with really sturdy heels today, you know?”

“Oh, dear me.”

Demian answered playfully, pretending to step back as he headed toward his horse.

Better to die than suffer.

I waved my hand at Demian as if shooing him away quickly.

Meanwhile, Carlos had also mounted his horse. His figure atop the black warhorse was imposing. It was hard to believe this was the same person who couldn’t even manage daily life just a few months ago.

Soon the horn sounded, signaling the start of the hunt.

The noble men rushed into the forest with their hunting dogs. Shouts and the sound of hoofbeats mixed together.

The sound of hoofbeats gradually faded into the distance.

I watched their retreating figures before turning around. The noble ladies and young ladies were standing there looking at me.

“Well then, shall we go too?”

I moved toward the prepared pergola.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————