# 49
After calling the maids to fix my hair, we got into the carriage.
Even as we traveled, my heart was still racing from what happened at the palace. My head was spinning, making it difficult to concentrate.
“Diana, we are here.”
"Huh? That fast?"
...Oh, we're already here.
When I came back from my thoughts and looked outside, the Ambassador Palace, where the hunting tournament was being held, was right in front of me.
'When did we get here?'
Harold came out first and extended his hand to me.
I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.
‘I am the Duchess. I can't make mistakes. I am the Duchess. I can't make mistakes...'
After mentally preparing myself, I took Harold's hand and went down.
“The Duke and Duchess of Bessen have arrived. I will guide you to the tournament grounds.”
Following the lead of the escort, we arrived at a tent connected to the forest, where many nobles had already gathered.
“Oh my God, look over there. It’s the Duke and Duchess of Bessen.”
One by one, more eyes turned towards us.
Their gazes were so intense that I could almost feel them on my skin.
No one whispered openly, but their expressions were full of curiosity, as if they were seeing something strange for the first time.
Behind this curiosity were the familiar looks of disdain and contempt.
It's been a while since I've encountered such stares, having only attended regular social gatherings.
'To them, I'm still the villain.'
As I was looking around, my eyes crossed with Nabila I saw at my wedding.
Her face turned pale, and she quickly hid in the crowd.
“What's wrong, Diana?” Harold asked.
"…nothing."
We greeted the nobles who approached us, but were soon interrupted by a loud voice.
“His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness the Crown Prince have arrived!”
Immediately, everyone stopped talking and bowed towards the middle, following etiquette.
I did the same, but my mind was racing with thoughts of the prince.
‘The rumors about him are completely different from the wise ruler described in the novel’s epilogue.’
People would either say he was nice and friendly or he was ignorant and stupid.
But the one thing everyone agreed on was that he was stunningly handsome, just as the novel described.
While I was thinking of Prince Andrew, who was said to have fiery red hair, I suddenly remembered the young Lord Dante.
After all, he also had beautiful red hair.
“You can all raise your heads,” the elderly emperor’s voice rang out solemnly.
Finally, I could see the Crown Prince standing next to him.
I raised my head and froze.
'Yes…? W-what?!’
Why...why is Dante standing there?!
Fiery red hair, eyes the color of the sunset. A beauty said to rival even the most beautiful woman on the continent, Ella.
The only difference was that he wasn't wearing glasses.
But there was no doubt—this was the same person I knew.
'I never thought they could be the same person...'
Still in shock, I continued to glance at Dante—no, Prince Andrew—when I suddenly felt a gentle prick on my cheek.
Following the hand that touched me, I met Harold's gaze.
“It's just surprising and interesting, that's all.”
I said quickly.
"I know. It's written all over your face."
"Huh? I was trying to keep a calm face. Was it that obvious?"
Harold's eyes flashed up and down before his head tilted slightly.
“For me, yes.”
Oh, no.
'This is bad!'
In high society, even the slightest reaction can lead to endless gossip and attacks.
As a Duchess, my failure to control my expressions in public was dangerous.
I quickly forced my facial muscles into a neutral state.
'Now it should be fine.'
At that moment, a loud horn signaled the start of the tournament.
Participants started by crossing the starting line and heading into the forest.
I cheered the five knights representing us and turned to Harold.
“Take care. Oh, and—”
I was about to tell him not to stress himself when he interrupted me.
"Don't worry. I won't stress myself too much. I don't want my wife to worry."
“...Did I make that clear again?”
“For my eyes, yes.”
Oh, come on.
While I was biting the inside of my cheek in frustration, Harold took my hand and kissed the back of it gently.
Then, in contrast to our usual quiet exchanges, he raised his voice for all to hear.
“Diana, I promise to bring back as many hunting trophies as possible. You can look forward to that.”
A murmur spread among the crowd. I was amazed.
Of course, we needed to show our closeness. To win, he had to hunt as much as possible anyway.
But now that he had made a public promise, it had become a matter of honor.
I wanted to say something, but with all those eyes on us, I forced myself to smile and replied,
“...I'll look forward to that.”
Harold mounted his horse and smiled at me.
“I'll be back.”
With that, he and his knights rode into the forest.
I watched him and leaned towards Anna to ask quietly,
“Ana, are my expressions really showing that much?”
“When you are in the palace, you have a variety of expressions, but outside, not at all.”
“Really? You can be honest with me.”
“I swear to my position as your personal maid!”
Anna placed her hand on her chest and widened her eyes with determination.
Since she was so serious, I suspected she was lying.
'So, I'm not bad at controlling my expressions after all.'
So how did Harold always notice?
I glanced at Harold, who was now in the crowd.
Perhaps because of his strong presence, even from afar, I could see him easily.
Once I could no longer see him or even his shadow, I headed to the Bisen family tent.
The fishing tournament lasted for three hours, and until then, those who remained behind were free to do whatever they wanted.
“Madam, before tea time, I will fix your hair and clothes again.”
“Okay, thanks.”
Today, I decided to attend Countess Russell's tea time.
She had invited me many times before, but I always refused with various excuses.
However, as I kept meeting her at other gatherings, it became difficult to keep saying no.
So this time, I accepted her invitation.
* * *