A Marriage Alliance for Revenge - Chapter 58

“It looks like it might snow.” 

“Indeed.” 

Briella gazed at the heavily overcast sky, her eyes filled with resentment toward the heavens, in stark contrast to the previous day. 

Having received Gusto’s absurd command, Lucas had not slept a wink the night before. 

Briella, who had kept him company, was no exception. 

“There’s something ominous about it.” 

“Don’t worry. I have this.” 

Lucas waved the handkerchief tied to his sword. 

His mischievous demeanor prompted Briella to roll her eyes. 

“Are you cursing the weather with those eyes?” 

“Lucas!” 

At Briella’s exclamation, Lucas chuckled softly. 

The serious and composed demeanor of the Duchess and Duke Viterpan was nowhere to be seen. 

Those nearby, watching the pair, turned their heads to stifle their laughter. 

The decorum befitting their high status was nearly absent. 

Instead, the two displayed a playful absurdity typical of their age. 

“It seems the rumors about the Duke Viterpan being infatuated with his Duchess might just be true.” 

Rose Delevingne flinched from a distance at Marchioness Hailey’s words.

“What do you mean, Mother?” 

Lady Hailey’s daughter inquired, her curiosity piqued. 

The Empire had already been abuzz with gossip surrounding the two. 

“At first, it seemed like a rumor they concocted on purpose.” 

“Pardon?”

“But now it seems both of them are truly in love with one another.” 

Lady Hailey smiled as she observed the Duke and Duchess Viterpan playfully teasing each other. 

“I don’t understand what you mean, Mother.” 

“True, it’s something one cannot learn. Time will reveal it, so there is no need to rush.” 

Lady Hailey gently stroked her daughter’s hair. 

Then she turned her gaze to Rose Delevingne, who stood perfectly still, her face taut as a statue. 

“Oh dear! I didn’t realize we had a guest; I’ve committed a faux pas.” 

“Not at all, Lady Hailey.” 

Feeling the attention directed toward her, Rose waved her hand lightly. 

The kind smile of the Marchioness, who had been watching over Rose at her husband’s behest, softened the atmosphere. 

It was well known among the nobles how much Count Delevingne cherished his daughter. 

Having lost his wife in her youth, he had raised Rose alone. 

Count Delevingne was a prominent neutral figure, and to sway him toward the Emperor’s faction, his daughter was essential. 

“I am already looking forward to what game the Count will bring for his lady today.” 

Yesterday, Count Delevingne had returned with a beautifully furred fox nestled in Rose’s arms. 

“I just hope my father does not get hurt.” 

Recalling the bouquet Lucas had given Briella, Rose replied politely to Lady Hailey. 

“Your concern for your father runs deep, Lady Delevingne.” 

“Not at all. It is merely your kindness that brings it to light.” 

Though her gaze was directed toward Lady Hailey, Rose’s thoughts were entirely focused on Lucas and Briella’s conversation.

“Absolutely stay away from anything like bears! Do you understand?”

“Do you not trust in my abilities?” 

As the crowd gathered for the second day of hunting, Briella half-clung to Lucas, her steps quickening. 

“The Emperor was merely jesting, I am sure,” she said, glancing anxiously at those around her. 

“Riel, it’s peculiar how well you seem to understand His Majesty’s thoughts.” 

“Lucas, this truly is a dangerous endeavor.” 

A hunt for their lord. 

Mere beasts would not suffice. 

To present a small game would cast doubt on their loyalty. 

The animals released into the hunting grounds would not satisfy Gusto’s expectations. 

What then? 

They would have to target bears hibernating outside the hunting grounds or packs of wolves. 

It was an undertaking fraught with peril. 

For offering a bouquet on the hunting grounds, the punishment meted out to Lucas felt excessively harsh. 

No one would recognize her grievances, no matter how she pleaded. 

“Lucas, please, just be reasonable.” 

Briella implored him, the anxiety that had plagued her since yesterday weighing heavily on her. 

Lucas’s dark eyes met hers. 

His gaze was warmer than ever as he regarded her. 

“Riel.” 

At her softly spoken name, Briella blinked in surprise. 

“…?” 

“Nothing will happen.” 

“…?” 

Lucas’s low voice felt like a spell, calming her fears. 

Unable to resist the sincerity reflected in his eyes, Briella found herself releasing her grip on her garment.

“When we return, I will certainly chase Rica from the bedroom, and I’ll fall asleep to the sound of your breathing, so worry not.” 

“That’s absurd.” 

Briella’s response came out subdued. 

“Though… I must admit, I cannot guarantee it. Catching a bear may indeed prove easier than driving Rica away.” 

“Ha!” 

Lucas’s ridiculous jest finally drew a laugh from Briella. 

“I shall return.” 

As Lucas felt Gusto’s piercing gaze from afar, he pressed a kiss to Briella’s forehead. 

“Ah…” 

Briella touched her forehead, surprised. 

Lucas was already dashing away to mount his horse. 

“I’ve been cornered.” 

Muttering to herself, Briella watched Lucas’s retreating figure, yet she felt no anxiety. 

The horses stirred the earth beneath them. 

The black stallion carrying Lucas charged toward the forest. 

Briella stood, gazing at the scene from a distance. 

“Duchess Vitterpan, Lady Eve is looking for you.” 

A maid approached cautiously to inform her. 

Briella nodded and turned away. 

From this moment on, she intended to focus on what she could do. 

 

* * * 

 

“Are we ready?” 

“All set.” 

At Gusto’s inquiry, Marquess Hailey nodded. 

“We’ve received reports of three or four moving together for the hunt.” 

“Very well.”

“We have reinforced the knights who will move with us. Though it may be a bit bothersome, please bear with it for the sake of safety.” 

Gusto nodded at Marquess Hailey’s words. 

Hunting wolves was significantly more challenging than tracking a bear in hibernation. 

Especially when it came to the black wolves. 

The additional knights formed a tight circle around Gusto as they made their way into the forest. 

“I believe someone passed this way first.” 

A knight from the vanguard returned to report to Gusto. 

“What do you mean?” 

Marquess Hailey exclaimed in alarm at the knight’s words. 

They could easily lose the hard-won quarry if they were not careful. 

“From the tracks, it appears there aren’t many—perhaps only three or four.” 

“Oh no!” 

“It seems the Duke Viterpan got ahead of us.” 

“What?” 

At Gusto’s statement, Marquess Hailey’s face turned pale. 

If it were none other than Lucas, the chances of losing their quarry increased significantly. 

“This is becoming increasingly entertaining, isn’t it?” 

Contrary to Marquess Hailey’s concern, Gusto smiled genuinely as if he found it amusing, then kicked his horse sharply. 

Startled, the horse reared up and neighed loudly before dashing forward with remarkable speed. 

“Your Majesty! It’s dangerous. What are you doing? Follow quickly!” 

At Lady Marquess’s command, the knights moved in perfect unison. 

With each gallop, the damp earth churned beneath them. 

Uuuuu— 

In the distance, the sound of wolves howling echoed through the air. 

At the haunting cry, Gusto laughed heartily.

Since the death of Empress Olivia, Gusto found himself trapped in the palace, overwhelmed by the ensuing affairs. 

Lost in the joy of a long-awaited hunt, he galloped forward without a thought. 

“Your Majesty!” 

Marquess Hailey’s voice rang out from behind, but he paid it no mind. 

Meanwhile, Lucas stood in the forest, contemplating the tracks imprinted in the ground. 

“Are you considering hunting the wolves?” 

At the knight’s question, Lucas fell into deep thought. 

“From the tracks, they appear to be black wolves.” 

“Oh dear.” 

The knight’s face darkened at Lucas’s words. 

They understood all too well what the presence of black wolves signified. 

Though it was a phrase no longer in use, they believed they would reclaim it one day. 

“Let’s search a bit more.” 

“I will see if there are any caves nearby.” 

“Shall we also hunt bears?” 

“If not, are you intending to confront the black wolves?” 

Lucas shook his head at the knight’s words. 

He would rather return empty-handed than draw his sword against a black wolf. 

‘The golden rose has come to greet the black wolf.’ 

“Your Majesty, what is the matter?” 

Startled by the sudden memory, Lucas hurriedly shook his head to clear his thoughts.

“No, it is nothing.” 

“Your face is flushed.” 

“I said it’s nothing!” 

At Lucas’s outburst, the two knights exchanged amused glances. 

“Indeed, a late breeze can be quite alarming.” 

“Silence!” 

The knights fell quiet at Lucas’s command. 

“Yet, it seems we are far from the hunting grounds, for there are traces of people scattered about.” 

“What?” 

“Look here. There appear to be more than a few.” 

At the knight’s words, Lucas moved closer. 

He had been patrolling the royal hunting grounds with the knights for nearly a month. 

“When was the last patrol?” 

“The patrols are conducted daily, but we haven’t come this far.” 

“Isn’t this still royal property?” 

“Technically, it is the boundary.” 

“Oh dear.” 

Upon closer inspection, he noticed hoofprints scattered about. 

“We had been patrolling this area every three days. From the looks of it, the traces are quite recent.” 

“Then someone has passed through here within the last three days.” 

Lucas rose with a grim expression and surveyed the surroundings. 

Given the extent of the disruption, it was too much to attribute to a struggling herbalist. 

Herbalists did not disturb the earth or trees in such a manner. 

“Hmm.” 

Lucas stroked his chin, lost in thought. 

‘What could it be?’ 

According to the information provided by Vinter and the movements of the knights, there had been no suspicious activity lately.

“Could it be that they are hunting the wolves?” 

“Wolves?” 

“Didn’t you see them yesterday?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“The wolves. If they intend to catch something of that size, they must have conducted prior reconnaissance.” 

The knight grumbled. 

“Quiet.” 

As Lucas raised his hand, the knights accompanying him fell silent. 

Gusto and Marquess Hailey were hastily leading their horses somewhere. 

Fortunately or unfortunately, it seemed Gusto and Marquess Hailey had not noticed Lucas and his group. 

“Look over there.” 

As Gusto passed by, the grumbling knight licked his lips. 

“Is that so?” 

“Didn’t you see it with your own eyes?” 

The knight pounded his chest in frustration. 

“Should we follow?” 

“What?” 

At Lucas’s words, the knight jumped to his feet. 

“It would be troublesome if they were to catch a black wolf.” 

“No, but still.” 

Though he spoke casually, Lucas was suggesting that they disrupt the Emperor’s hunt. 

He was already guiding his horse in the direction Gusto had gone. 

“Wait, Your Grace. How can you go that way?” 

“Which way then?” 

“Wouldn’t it be better to take a less noticeable route, even if it means going around?”

The knight pointed towards a path different from the one Gusto had taken. 

Lucas nodded silently in agreement. 

Hooowwww— 

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the chilling howls of wolves echoed ominously around them. 

The expressions of the knights racing behind Gusto shifted, reflecting their growing unease. 

In the meantime, Noah was frozen in fear at the sudden sound of the wolves’ cries. 

“What is that?” 

It was a group of black wolves circling the cabin. 

Not just one, but three or four were gathered, sniffing the air as they searched for scents. 

They likely caught the scent of blood from an injured creature. 

“What should I do? What can I do?” 

Thud. 

Thud. 

The old door shook as if it might fall apart at any moment. 

Noah, terrified, stared at the rattling door. 

“Knight! Knight! Wake up! If you don’t wake up now, we’re both going to die.” 

“…?” 

Despite Noah’s pleading, the knight did not open his eyes. 

“Knight! Please!” 

In a panic, Noah shook the shoulder of the knight, Usher. 

Yet the loyal knight remained unresponsive. 

Swoosh— 

“Gah!” 

Turning her head, Noah saw an arrow quivering, embedded in the wall. 

She was completely frozen in terror, unable to think of anything else from that moment on.

 

‘Others… I must not be seen. Go to the Viterpan estate in the capital.’ 

 

‘I must go to the Viterpan estate.’ 

Recalling Usher’s last words as he bled from the ambush, Noah hurried towards the narrow window. 

The wolves lurking outside had fled into the forest, startled by the flying arrow. 

“I’m sorry. I promise I’ll come back to save you.” 

Taking a deep breath, Noah glanced back at the fading figure of Usher before propelling herself out the window. 

‘If only I had known, I would have gone to the Viterpan estate back then.’ 

As she raced through the woods, memories of the night she had met the beautiful young couple flooded his mind. 

Whoosh— 

An arrow flew past her, embedding itself in a nearby tree. 

Startled, Noah dropped flat against the earth. 

“Sniff… I’m so scared.” 

She lifted her head to look around, but in her frantic flight, she had lost all sense of direction. 

‘Someone, please find me.