A Marriage Alliance for Revenge - Chapter 56

The hunting grounds, having just concluded the opening ceremony, were somewhat chaotic. 

“Travel safely.” 

As she handed over a prepared handkerchief, the noblewoman carefully brushed away nonexistent dust. 

The elderly nobleman tied the handkerchief given to him by his wife and daughter to his bow. 

Briella watched these nobles, turning her head from side to side. 

“Are you looking for me?” 

“Goodness!” 

Unintentionally, Briella tapped Lucas on the shoulder, a reflexive action born of surprise. 

“Is this a reprimand?” 

Seemingly oblivious to the fact that she had startled him, Lucas dramatically clutched the shoulder Briella had struck. 

“What are you saying?” 

Flustered, Briella hurried over to cover his mouth. 

“You hit me.” 

The sight of Lucas pouting and feigning sadness caused those nearby to stifle their laughter. 

“Hit you? I merely startled you with a gentle nudge.” 

Even she recognized this as a poor excuse, especially as the sound of contact had been distinctly audible. 

“Perhaps I should be more careful.” 

“Pardon?” 

“If that was merely a touch, I dread to think what might happen should you strike with intent… Ah! I misspoke.” 

The antics of the young newlyweds drew laughter from those around them. 

Though they had assured themselves there were no dangerous animals lurking nearby, it was still a hunting expedition. 

Less perilous than a battlefield, it was nonetheless a forest where swords and bows were in play.

It was impossible not to feel tense. 

Yet that tension was diluted by the affectionate antics of the Viterpan couple. 

“Enough! Enough! I concede. I was wrong.” 

Lucas, still smiling, held Briella’s hands, which had been striking her chest. 

“Really…” 

Only then did Briella regain her senses, glancing around as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. 

“Give me what you owe me.” 

Releasing Briella’s hands, Lucas extended his own toward her. 

His unabashed demeanor made Briella turn her head, feeling rather shy. 

“W-what?” 

“Nothing? Really?” 

With a childlike expression, Briella let out a sigh. 

When had it begun? 

Perhaps it started when Rica began sleeping between them each night. 

‘Then I should be angry at Rica!’ 

But Briella knew well that no one could dare to scold Rica, neither in Lindera nor at the Viterpan estate. 

Although Lucas had clashed with Rica in the beginning, he had been the one to lose. 

“Here you go.” 

Recalling the image of a cat battling a person, Briella carefully handed over what she had prepared. 

“…?” 

“Why do you look at me like that?” 

“Riel, it seems there is something you cannot do.” 

At Lucas’s words, Briella’s face flushed crimson. 

She could feel the heat rising, prompting her to fan herself with her hands. 

With Madame Blanc’s assistance, she had painstakingly embroidered Lucas’s initials onto the handkerchief. 

The handkerchief Briella presented was neither as lavish nor as beautiful as those adorned with others’ swords or bows. 

In fact, the few letters were crooked and freely stitched. 

“It’s the best I could do.” 

“Remarkable!” 

Lucas could not hide his astonishment at Briella’s words. 

He continued to gaze at the handkerchief held in his hands.

“Have a safe journey.” 

Briella nodded her head to Lucas before turning away without hesitation. 

As Lucas’s laughter echoed behind her, Briella quickened her pace. 

“Welcome, Duchess Viterpan.” 

Upon entering the largest tent in the center, several noble ladies rose to greet her. 

Briella nodded lightly, turning her gaze toward the source of the laughter. 

Eve was beaming among the ladies and other noblewomen. 

“May I take a seat here?” 

Confirming Eve’s location, Briella made her way to the table closest to the entrance. 

“Pardon?” 

At Briella’s words, the noblewomen seated at the table were taken aback. 

This was understandable, as those occupying the entrance table were ladies from lesser-known families. 

“Y-you’re, Duchess Viterpan.” 

“Have I caused you discomfort?” 

“No, it is an honor!” 

As Briella moved to rise, the noblewomen at the table all exclaimed in unison. 

Seeing their enthusiasm, Briella ordered Bordeaux’s wine from the attendant. 

The noblewomen, who had been nervously sipping only tea, silently cheered at her order. 

While the men were out hunting, the women engaged in conversation or light games. 

Yet, this diversion was short-lived. 

With a soft sigh, Briella donned a mask to endure her solitary wait. 

* * * 

The cabin nestled in the woods was exceedingly dilapidated. 

It seemed on the verge of collapse, primarily used by hunters or herbalists. 

However, seeing its worn state, it was evident that no one had sought it out for quite some time.

The sound of labored breathing echoed softly, causing the delicate shoulders to flinch with each gasp. 

Noah, struggling to consume the hard-won soup, lifted his head and exhaled deeply. 

After taking the last spoonful, he crawled on his knees toward the corner. 

‘Please, wake up.’ 

The man, wrapped in bandages around his chest and abdomen, showed no signs of stirring despite Noah’s prayers. 

With each breath the man took, the shadow of death loomed ever closer. 

“Haah…” 

Noah was all too familiar with death. 

A place where children abandoned by their parents or orphaned gathered was always steeped in hunger. 

During winter, it was common for the starving to succumb to their plight. 

And one fateful dawn, as he was abruptly pulled by the hands of strangers, Noah witnessed a knight’s death. 

It was not the serene slumber of death that went unanswered but a violent end drenched in blood. 

“I’m scared. Please wake up.” 

Noah’s voice lingered in the air before fading into silence. 

‘There are those who have been searching for the young lady for a long time. Will you come with us?’

‘Me?’

They were the first to recognize him as a girl. 

Kneeling before her, they bowed their heads. 

Noah had always believed she was abandoned by her parents at birth. 

Though she was a girl, she had to live as a boy. 

There was no reason for this. 

If she did not obey, harsh punishments followed. 

Moreover, Noah was constantly on the move. 

From orphanage to orphanage, sometimes working as a farm laborer or a stable hand. 

Her time in any one place lasted only a few months to several years, preventing her from forming attachments or experiencing love. 

Having lived such a life, Noah followed the men without hesitation. 

‘Someone is waiting for me.’ 

That was the only light in her dark existence. 

Even if that light was nearly extinguished. 

Noah buried her face in her knees, terrified that the man’s breath might cease at any moment. 

‘I should have just stayed in the orphanage.’ 

Noah quickly shook her head. 

Even had she remained, she might not have survived. 

The fervor of those pursuing them was fierce. 

‘Who am I? And who is the one waiting for me?’ 

Noah gazed silently out the window.

The cabin, encircled by the forest, was both dark and filled with light. 

Amidst the towering trees, the areas where light penetrated were exceedingly limited. 

Noah crawled toward the small patch of light and laid her body down. 

She was not far from the man who gasped for breath. 

“Please, don’t die.” 

Noah reached out and grasped the man’s hand. 

His body felt unusually warm. 

* * * 

At that moment, the scattered nobles were leisurely enjoying their hunt. 

“The horses are exceptionally well trained.” 

Marquess Hailey smiled at Gusto while stroking the mane of his horse. 

“Indeed. Let us all thank the Duke Viterpan for that.” 

At Gusto’s words, the nobles guiding their horses erupted in laughter. 

The commotion heard from afar was steadily growing closer. 

The game was approaching. 

As Gusto leisurely nocked an arrow to his bow, all fell silent. 

In response, branches stirred in the forest. 

Thwack! 

The arrow flew unimpeded, piercing the neck of a deer. 

“Truly, His Majesty’s archery skills are remarkable!” 

The nobles, holding their breath and fixated on Gusto’s arrow, collectively gasped in awe. 

The deer, struck in the neck, struggled and exhaled its last breath. 

Without hesitation, Gusto leaped from his horse, drew a dagger, and swiftly slit the throat of the still-gasping deer. 

A slender life flickered out.

“Now, we have just one.” 

“It is only the beginning.” 

A nobleman watching from his horse stroked his beard as he spoke. 

At that remark, Gusto smirked slightly. 

“Will we truly accomplish proper hunting if we all cluster together? It would be better for everyone to scatter.” 

At Gusto’s words, several nobles cleared their throats and turned their gazes away. 

These were not individuals who would easily disperse at such a command. 

They were determined to remain by Gusto’s side, eager to leave an impression on him at least once more. 

“To me, serving His Majesty is more important than the hunt.” 

“I find you quite bothersome.” 

“Pardon?” 

“Follow only Marquess Hailey and let everyone else focus on their hunting.” 

At Gusto’s directive, the nobles trailing him had no choice but to turn their horses around. 

“Should we catch at least one bear?” 

“I know of a few caves where they hibernate.” 

No sooner had Gusto spoken than Marquess Hailey stepped forward. 

“Excellent. That would certainly uphold the Emperor’s dignity.” 

“I shall assist.” 

Hunting a hibernating bear was no simple task. 

The knights, having overheard their conversation, began to check their swords and bows. 

The elite knights were those whom Gusto trusted the most. 

“Go on.” 

Once the lingering presence around them faded, Gusto began to ride slowly. 

Though the sun was bright, the forest felt inexplicably dark. 

Dry branches rubbed against one another in the wind, creating a rustling sound. 

“Do you still not realize?” 

“The mouse-like steward has been sticking close, making things a bit precarious.” 

“Is that so?” 

“Yes.” 

Riding side by side, Gusto and Marquess Hailey seemed more like leisurely strollers than hunters.

“Here! Over here!” 

Shouts erupted from various corners of the hunting grounds. 

A rabbit raised its head from the underbrush, and upon locking eyes with Gusto, bolted in fright. 

Whoosh— 

Yet, the rabbit’s flight was short-lived. 

Gusto’s arrow pierced the small creature’s neck mercilessly. 

As a knight prepared to dismount upon seeing the lifeless rabbit, Gusto raised his hand to stop him. 

“That’s enough. It simply collapsed from the shock of the sight.” 

His voice was cold and unyielding. 

Marquess Hailey cast a fleeting glance at Gusto, then quietly continued to ride. 

“It is quite secluded here.” 

They had long since left the main hunting grounds. 

The distant shouts had faded, and no signs of life could be felt. 

“It’s just a short distance from here to the cave.” 

With a nod from Marquess Hailey, a knight stepped forward. 

As if accustomed to working together, the four knights who accompanied Gusto and the Marquess moved ahead. 

“Hunting a sleeping bear isn’t much of a challenge, is it?” 

“Pardon?” 

“Let’s wake it up.” 

“Your Majesty, that is far too dangerous.” 

Despite the Marquess’s warning, Gusto merely smiled. 

His gaze was directed not at the cave where the bear slept, but beyond it. 

“I’m curious.” 

“…?” 

“To see the one who has been quietly holding his breath go wild.” 

“Your Majesty.” 

“It’s too compliant. It’s not amusing, is it?” 

“I shall obey your command.” 

The four seasoned knights let out silent sighs as they moved stealthily.

To awaken the bear, the knight standing before the cave shouted loudly. 

“What—what is that noise?” 

Noah, who had been dozing lightly, sprang to her feet at the man’s thunderous call. 

She pressed herself against the knight who lay unconscious beside her. 

Since entering the forest with the knight, she had never witnessed another person in the vicinity. 

Not even when she had stealthily ventured into the village to procure food and medicine. 

“Is there some urgent need for help?” 

Noah crawled toward a small window to peer outside. 

All she could see was the dense forest surrounding her. 

Birds startled by the commotion flitted in circles around the cabin. 

“Here it comes!” 

The bear, disturbed from its slumber, finally emerged from its den. 

The knight swiftly mounted his horse. 

“It’s massive.” 

Gusto once again leisurely nocked an arrow to his bow. 

He was unfazed by the bear’s enormous size and fearsome growl. 

Gusto was renowned as the third-best marksman in the Rhone Empire. 

He took pride in this reputation and never neglected his training. 

Pffft— 

As Gusto released the bowstring, the arrow flew unhesitatingly toward the roaring bear.

Uwoooor! 

The bear, struck by the arrow, rose and let out a great howl. 

Its roar was so loud it echoed through the forest. 

“Your Majesty! Please step back!” 

The enraged bear charged toward the group. 

Yet Gusto remained remarkably calm. 

Before long, he had nocked another arrow, releasing it without hesitation. 

“Your Majesty!” 

A knight, attempting to intercept the furious bear, was caught by its powerful paw, tearing his shoulder. 

Kuwook— 

The charging bear collapsed, tumbling toward the feet of Gusto’s horse. 

A chilling silence settled around the group. 

“Tomorrow’s hunt should pose no issue.” 

Though the knight groaned in pain from his injured arm, no one paid him any mind as they followed Gusto’s words.