Chapter 73

Even though he had a reputation as a workaholic, he was still handsome. Lately, Mr. Bull even said he’s gotten much gentler than before, and his popularity had risen accordingly.

‘I’d forgotten.’

We’d fought recently so I hadn’t even paid attention to his face, and at the banquet we were busy making up, so I missed the chance to take in his handsome looks. Now that the Overseas Asset Concealment Department assignment was over and everyone was dispersing, I felt a little disappointed.

‘What are the chances I’d ever get to partner with royalty? This is lucky enough.’

Thinking it had been a good experience, I left behind the cheering of fainting female officials and focused on learning to ride in the beginner class. At first I was honestly scared, but I was assigned a gentle horse that listened well. The sensation of my body going up and down was fascinating.

“You’re doing well. With steady practice you’ll be able to ride on your own.”

The knight assigned to help the novice officials offered encouraging words. He looked kindly handsome. I smiled back.

“Because the teacher was good. Thank you, sir knight.”

“Your disciple’s learning speed is impressive. If you’d like to learn more later, come visit the Knight Order. I think you’re almost there. I’ll take a look.”

“Really? Thank you!”

I descended the horse with a bright smile to match his refreshing grin.

They said a hunting contest would be held later and the horses were being moved for participants to use. The knight who’d helped with riding said he was participating too and cheered us on.

“Cornelia! Over here!”

Lukan was sitting on the outdoor steps waving me over. When I went, there were people from the Chancellery and the Oversees Asset Concealment Department mixed together.

“Are none of you taking part in the hunt?”

Diplomat Simon waved his hand.

“Ugh… when you get old your knees ache; you can’t do things like that. If you do, you can’t come to work the next day.”

“Right. There’s too much work; I can’t do that. My stamina…”

Grumbling voices came from here and there. They were typical office types who didn’t like exercise.

“Still, most of the Knights are participating, so it’ll be worth watching.”

Reyra, the finance officer, slid up beside me.

“They’re delightful to look at, even just watching.”

“Ah, yes…”

Among the other officials, mostly extroverts took part in the hunt. I wondered if the Duke had joined, but I was told he had an urgent matter and had returned briefly to the palace. Whatever could be so busy that he couldn’t even attend departmental events properly — leaders really are unreliable.

“Why didn’t Lukan participate?”

He shook his head and shrugged.

“Unfortunately, the gods gave me a flashy tongue but made my athletic ability that of an ordinary man. I don’t feel like struggling among the knights at a team-bonding event.”

“That’s a reasonable excuse. Did anyone from our department join?”

“Lucius, the first rank secretary, and… the new Chancellery head secretary, and a few vigorous assistant clerks.”

“Wha— you mean Tom?”

I frowned at the thought of his greasy hair and a protruding belly that didn’t look like it had ever exercised. Lukan handed out lunch boxes and said,

“Just eat this while you wait. Yeah, I was surprised too. Like you said, I don’t know if he joined to look good for Reyra, but if that’s the case… he sure doesn’t have much going for him.”

“I thought his gaze was intense, but from what I’ve seen, people do all sorts of things — so it’s hard to say it’s not that.”

The boxed lunches from the central ministry kitchen were expertly made and delicious. I chatted idly with people while we waited for those who had gone hunting.

“They’re back!”

As the appointed time approached, they began returning one by one carrying their game: wild boars, rabbits, foxes, and more. The large or numerous catches were even brought in carts. Watching officials gasped at the Knights’ overwhelming skill.

“There’s the head Tom.”

Where Lukan pointed, I saw a man sweating profusely with a face like he was about to die, as if he’d fought a beast to the death. But at his feet was only a small rabbit.

“Well, at least he caught something.”

That was Lukan’s succinct assessment and mine as well. The judges tallied the game. Tom, perhaps uninterested in prizes, walked toward us with the rabbit. No — on closer look, he was heading straight for Reyra.

“Um…”

I found my mouth open, staring as if entranced. He must have been exhausted, because just when he should’ve shown off, he flopped down in front of his crush.

“Gasp!”

I covered my mouth with my hand but couldn’t look away. What came next was even more unbelievable. Reyra knelt down and spoke to him.

“Are you all right?”

Startled at Reyra’s face coming close, he jerked up quickly and then cautiously offered her the rabbit he had caught.

“Th-this is the rabbit I caught on my first hunt. I wish to present it to the beautiful Reyra, First Rank Finance Officer. Please accept it!”

Normally people would have cheered and whistled, but his reputation was so poor that everyone was speechless and simply watched. Saying they were stunned into inaction would be accurate.

“What’s your name?”

“I’m Tom Hank, head secretary of the Chancellery!”

A curve slowly formed at the corner of Reyra’s mouth.

“Thank you. Brave secretary. I’ll happily take the rabbit you gifted me.”

She had a servant send the rabbit home, then flashed him an enchanting smile and slowly stood.

‘Unbelievable. The finance officer…’

It was a perfect move. Which man wouldn’t fall for that? As proof, he stood there staring blankly at Reyra’s retreating figure.

As everyone struggled to recover from the shock, the judges announced the tally.

“First place goes to… Deputy Commander Girion of the Imperial First Knight Order! He managed to take down a bear nearly intact in a spectacular fashion!”

“Wow!”

I snapped back and applauded. When I looked to see who the winner was, I was surprised — it was the knight who’d just taught me riding. A deputy commander of an imperial knight order teaching beginners in the officials’ area?

He waved to those around him, enjoying the moment. He looked warmly handsome, the kind who seemed domestic and gentle. Aside from the Duke’s near-perfect status, the deputy commander would surely be popular with women.

‘A knight who uses his body is more attractive than a desk-bound gentleman who only shuffles papers.’

Thinking that, I applauded the day’s riding instructor even more enthusiastically. He gave someone by the cart carrying the bear a command, then moved its position. It made him even more visible from where I stood. Lucan tilted his head beside me.

“But doesn’t that seem like it’s coming more and more toward us?”

He was right. The bear was approaching our direction.

‘Why toward me…?’

With the cart stopped ahead, Girion of the Imperial Knights knelt on one knee facing me.

“May I have the honor of dedicating the glory of first place to a lady?”

For a moment, the factory in my head shut down.

“Yes?”

The knight Girion smiled gently at my stunned expression.

“I dedicate the glory of first place to Miss Cornelia.”

I couldn’t comprehend the situation. It was our first meeting today — why would he dedicate this honor to me?

Even on a first meeting, I knew enough: this was almost like a confession. It was either ‘I like you’ or ‘I’m interested — shall we go on a date?’

When I didn’t know what to do, Elysia poked my side.

“Just accept it for now and think it over.”

He’d worked hard and gathered the courage — I shouldn’t embarrass him. I could ask any questions later.

“I’ll gladly accept. It’s an honor.”

Wild cheers and whistles erupted around us. For some reason Lucan standing with me looked pale, but I couldn’t spare attention for that. Girion politely kissed the back of my hand and smiled broadly.

“Please don’t feel pressured. Still, since you hunted so earnestly, may I invite you to a meal?”

I readily accepted his moderately phrased date request. His face lit up.

“I will contact you again soon, my lady.”

With a courteous bow, he slowly returned to his place.

It felt strange. After dealing with idiot men here, this was the first time I’d received a rational romantic interest. He was a very pleasant man; my heart fluttered.

I half-heard an Imperial Palace attendant explain that the bear would be sent home as leather, and in my daze I turned and bumped into something unexpected.

“Ack!”

I almost fell backward but someone caught my back. Opening the tightly shut eyes, I saw the Duke standing there as if he’d always been there.

“Are you all right?”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

But his expression was oddly hardened, almost frighteningly unlike when he’d been riding with us.

‘Did something happen?’