Lyle checked out Medea with a refined expression. He puzzled if she didn’t need him to take part as a result of she wished Baron Hestia to win. Lyle knew it was an absurd thought, however his jealousy was unruly.

“… … Shall I am going too?”

“What? Why? You’re not going to be by my facet!”

“… … .”

Lyle learn Medea’s ideas and stared blankly at her. Her face clearly revealed her feelings, so he is aware of that expression isn’t made up, however… … .

“Would you like me to be by your facet?”

“In fact!”

‘Seira is just not by my facet! My life is at risk! I’ve to carry on tight to Lyle!’

Lyle was troubled by her determined expression. He didn’t know what Medea was considering. Did she merely need Baron Hestia to win? Or was it one thing else?

“What if I nonetheless wish to exit?”

“Eh… … .”

Medea turned sullen. She wished to maintain Lyle by her facet however had no good cause to take action. What might she say when the Emperor stated he would take part within the competitors he participated in yearly?

“… … .”

Lyle stared at her, and it occurred to him….Her eyes weren’t upset however stuffed with worry.

“Medea, is it since you’re anxious?”

“Effectively… … .”

Being stabbed at her weak spot made Medea lose her phrases.

His expression grew mushy, and he hugged her by the waist.

“It’s alright. The Rowendals have all been captured. The Archduke can be useless… … . he received’t be capable to attempt to hurt you or our little one.”

There is no such thing as a method that nothing will occur. The Emperor’s uncle conspired to kill the Empress and the kid in her womb. She had solely not too long ago heard the information on the empress’ palace however couldn’t be more than pleased to listen to {that a} sure nobleman had been arrested and perished and that his property had been confiscated.

In case you suppose a lot malice was directed at you, you haven’t any selection however to be afraid. As well as, Medea forgot each that she was educated because the eldest daughter of a ducal household and as her Empress. Even the years she spent as Empress had pale from her reminiscence, so every little thing should be scary.

“I’m in your facet. The strongest man on the continent is yours, what are you afraid of?”

—I’ll defend you

Lyle took Medea’s hand, kissed her palm, caressed her face, and whispered. She stared at Lyle like that.

“In case you’re actually afraid… … I shall be by your facet all through the competitors. I used to be reluctant to take part from the start anyway.”

“If His Majesty would keep by my facet… … .”

As Medea burrowed into her arms, Lyle grinned and hugged her.

***

The forest the place the monster searching match was held was a forest that continued down from the huge mountain vary surrounding the capital. Buildings had been already erected on the mouth of the forest, the place tents had been pitched yearly.

Probably the most luxurious tents had been for the imperial household, tents for high-ranking nobles, tents for women and younger women, and tents for ceremonial company had been constructed at a sure distance from one another.

Behind the tents, guards and knights lined up behind the tents, and within the empty area had been the nobles’ carriages one after one other.

The flags fluttered within the wind, and searching on the variety of gathered knights; it appeared like a military had gathered. However, after all, about half of the inhabitants consisted of nobles and attendants and maids introduced by these nobles, however all of the knights who had been stated to be the very best within the capital had been summoned.

Because it was an extremely huge forest, everybody didn’t have to start out from the identical beginning line. Naturally, nonetheless, everybody wished to catch the attention of the Emperor or Empress, so naturally, the sons of high-ranking aristocratic households stood nearer, and farther away had been these of decrease ranks and youths.

This time, Lyle didn’t take part and returned to the host’s seat, taking a look at Medea, sitting beside him, with a relaxed expression. Then, whispering one thing in her ear, he grabbed her by the again of her hand, kissed her, and instructed the competition to start.

When the disciple of the court docket mage introduced the graduation with magic, the knights ran their horses into the forest all of sudden. As they rushed into the woods, the women whispered whereas protecting their faces with followers.

“Oh, in case you make such a racket like that, all of the monsters will run away.”

It was a laughing whisper.

The searching competitors continued from late morning till sundown. Within the meantime, the nobles gathered on the forest entrance and chatted whereas having fun with refreshments. Knights would come again to have lunch in the midst of the day.

The setting supplied the chance to converse with high-ranking nobles and an opportunity to strategy the imperial household… … Because the Emperor was subsequent to the Empress, it was tough for anybody aside from somebody with a fairly excessive rank to strategy.

“I hear that His Majesty has turn out to be keen on Her Majesty the Empress… … .”

“It wasn’t only a rumor.”

Half of the individuals right here had thought Medea, whom the Emperor had despised, had solely briefly gained his favor as a result of she managed to turn out to be pregnant.

However the Emperor was now sitting by Medea and had his arm round her waist, donning the face of her man who was clearly very a lot in love.

“I knew it might be like that. His Majesty can be a person… … With such a ravishing Empress by his facet… … . She should have moved his coronary heart in spite of everything.”

“It’s most likely in full swing.”

“Each are younger… … He should have misplaced his thoughts for a second in youthful vigor.”

They spoke loudly however had totally different ideas.

“By the way in which… … Did you see the knight that the Empress confirmed off? I’m seeing him for the primary time… … .”

“Ah, him… … comes from the territory… … .”

“He’s a special sort of good-looking in comparison with His Majesty.”

They exchanged glances with one another. Their social standing was certainly not low, however the deviation of these from the next class than themselves was their finest topic and curiosity.

“Rumor has it that His Majesty broke the knight’s arm… … ?”

“Your Majesty deserves to be involved. Take a look at that face.”

“I’m the one one which has heard… … .”

One of many noble women lowered her voice, aware of her environment. Curious noblewomen rapidly gathered round her.

“There was a shadow sneaking into the bed room of the Empress’ palace!”