Chapter 21: What A Strange Girl (2)

“You live such a tiresome life,” Trigger commented, staring at Chloe with pity and shaking his head. “Did you prepare a bag this time?”

“I couldn’t possibly ask for such a thing at the stables…” Chloe replied.

“So, you’re going to carry them in your trousers again?”

“…”

She must have planned to do that again. Trigger clucked his tongue and dismounted from his horse, handing the reins to Chloe. “Wait here.”

A moment later, he returned with a large cloth bag. “A girl shouldn’t go around looking like that.” He threw the bag at Chloe and climbed onto the horse, taking back the reins. “Sit a little farther away.” Then, they were on their way back to Nalusuwan.

They arrived and dismounted from the horse. When Chloe turned to climb the mountain, he began following her.

She wondered why Trigger wanted to accompany her, but she did not ask, as it was not going to change his mind in any way. But as if he had felt Chloe’s inquisitive glance, he offered up the answer to her unasked question, “If you run away, I’ll get it in the neck.”

Chloe understood—the guard at the stables must have implored Trigger to keep an eye on her, in case she ran away on one of her herb-harvesting trips. She smiled to herself and continued ascending the mountain.

The stallion’s nosebleed had stopped overnight. The anchor flowers must have been working. His breathing had also stabilized, which brought her great relief despite the fact that he was still unable to get back on his feet.

I’ll be right back with some more medicine, just wait a bit longer. There was a spring in her step—nothing excited a doctor like a recovering patient. Even though she wasn’t a doctor and had never thought of herself as one, with an important task at hand, she felt filled with purpose. Not only her fate depended on her success, but Jorge’s honor was also hanging in the balance.

She did not want to sully the name of the man who had put his trust in her. Armed with responsibility and iron will, she was unstoppable.

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The imperial combat tournament was only three days away, and the capital’s preparation for the event was in full swing. All knights and those hoping to become one fully dedicated themselves to final training.

Nosteros Empire, the first and only country to conquer and unify the entire continent, paid close attention to its military might. It aimed to build an era of lasting peace upon the loyalty of its feudal lords and the military strength of the imperial palace.

This made the combat tournament one of the biggest events in the Empire. Those who proved themselves at these battles became promoted to the position of swordsman and received bountiful salaries. The swordsmen who further demonstrated abilities and loyalty would, in turn, join the order of knighthood.

Once promoted during the combat tournament, the new swordsmen and knights were required to participate in a cross-country ceremonial expedition designed to foster patriotism and stamina. During their long journey parading across the continent, they would have a chance to see all corners of the empire and fortify their sense of community, as well as elicit patriotism and security in the minds of commoners witnessing their strength. Moreover, the imperial army’s visits to the significant fiefdoms served as a warning to the high-ranking aristocrats against challenging the emperor’s authority.

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This expedition had been initiated fifty years ago when war broke out immediately after the combat tournament. Obliged to send the group of newly-promoted men to the battle, the Empire, in the end, achieved a great victory. Since then, this ceremonial reenactment of the episode was the order of knighthood’s pride and joy.

With the tournament being held only once every three years, the men had been looking forward to the event for a long time. The women were also full of anticipation, praying for the victory of their beloved sons, husbands, and brothers.

However, one person—Aaron—did not feel the same way.

The world is not on my side. Aaron felt as if every single inconvenient thing in the world was happening to him.

A scion of an extremely powerful family, he had volunteered to serve as Alexandro’s butler. Even though a personal reason had forced the choice on him, he had never regretted taking the opportunity to work under such an exceptional master.

Well, I never regretted it until now. Aaron’s job had become impossible lately.

Duncan had officially announced his search for the Archduke Graham’s wife, which had caused all eligible bachelorettes in the Empire to send a flurry of love letters, party invitations, and servants to Graham Mansion.

Darn it; I thought he was supposed to be intimidating and unpopular! The Archduke’s large stature and ruthlessness in battle had bestowed him with a terrifying reputation. However, thanks to his reluctance to appear in public events and parties, the few ladies who had actually seen his face spread stories of his beauty, which made him sound desirable even to those who had never met him.

His bachelor master’s lovely face, a robust physique, and dominant social status only made Aaron’s life harder.

The Archduke was going to be leading the ceremonial expedition once the tournament was over. Despite his young age of twenty-five, he had already survived five wars, and was more than capable, which made him a far better candidate than the older, retired soldiers. At first, Aaron thought that Duncan had given this job to his son solely for the honor of the position. However, Evan suggested that Duncan might have an ulterior motive. No one can figure out what’s going on in His Highness’s mind.

Also, Duncan wished to finalize Alexandro’s engagement before his departure for the expedition.

Good luck making the engagement happen without the Archduke’s cooperation. He needs to communicate with his son! Now I’m stuck, struggling in the middle. The biggest stressor for Aaron was, in addition to the ladies’ excessive attention, Duncan’s enormous pressure on him.

As the butler, he had to help organize the various tournament ceremonies, the post-tournament party, and the details of the expedition. All the while Duncan was hounding him to arrange dates between the Archduke and various aristocratic ladies, and the ladies kept knocking on the door.

But Lady Clara has really been helpful. Lady Clara Bandorras was the most daring of them all. Aggressively—and somewhat madly—marking her territory, she had successfully reduced the number of love letters and invitations from other ladies by half. In all truth, Aaron felt rather grateful to her.

The biggest problem is His Grace.

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