My Villainous Husband

19

After that day, time flew by like wildfire. Because the summer solstice was a national festival, the preparations had to be flawless. So, even though there were very few parts that needed my supervision, I had to move around busily to prepare and memorize the prayers while wearing a ceremonial dress that day.

In the meantime, I met Raniero every morning, moved my body, explored the hunting grounds again, and secretly spied on the Jacques’ mother and son’s training environment. I couldn’t afford to look elsewhere other than what I had to do.

Oh, I saw Sylvia once as well.

Her silver hair caught my eye when I was training in the tourney hall. She was such a beautiful person that she immediately caught my eye. It seemed that she was striding hastily to the Main Palace for some reason.

“You… You lost your concentration again…”

When I heard Raniero’s voice, I came to my senses and turned her body to the left. The next moment, the tip of his wooden sword pointed towards my forearm.

Am I not dead this time?

“…Hoo.”

Wow, I was surprised. I almost died…

At a moment of relief—

“You’re dead.”

Raniero’s wooden sword was just below my chin.

‘Well, of course, that was the case.’

“Try to concentrate more.”

Even though he said so, his voice sounded a little pleasant. I didn’t give up. I wanted to entertain him and maintain ‘the state of lukewarm favor’ as it was now. Still, the biggest thing was my desire to survive. It was difficult to be hunted in reverse by prey.

Meanwhile, Marquis Jacques’ mother and son were still training and preparing for revenge.

“Since they ate well to make it a great game, they were highly likely to be in good condition on the day of the hunt.”

‘And…’

As a result of sending Cisen to eavesdrop on their conversation, a rather absurd story was obtained. I wondered if I could be pardoned if I pleased the Emperor…

‘Of course, even if Raniero is entertained, the possibility of amnesty is as much as a rat’s tail.’

Was there any concrete plan…? It concerned me a little.

The end of the dagger wielded by Duchess Nerma began to become visible to my eyes. It was only once, but while she was holding a dagger, I grabbed her wrist as she moved and tried to stop it. What she was holding was a real sharpened dagger.

Seeing that, my body trembled with fear.

“Even in real life, you shouldn’t be so scared.”

Although Duchess Nerma spoke kindly, I was resentful.

“It would be great if I could control my fears at will, like turning a lamp on and off.”

“Your Majesty may have come across a situation like that in real life that day.”

She was… right.

“Fear makes your body tremble, increasing unnecessary energy consumption and narrowing the field of vision. Both are fatal, so please keep that in mind.”

Saying so, she then chuckled softly like a fox.

“Be more afraid of the consequences of being devoured by fear more than those who fear you, Your Majesty.”