Chapter 290 - Hunting Contest

Beatrice’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’ve… picked an escort for me?”

Maximilian frowned. Turning his head to the side, he spoke in a disgruntled manner, “Don’t flatter yourself. This way, it’s easier to protect Jubelian.” Beatrice tried to counter; she was about to spit out that she already knew, but she was interrupted when Maximilian added, “And Jubelian asked me to take care of you during the event.”

Beatrice felt her heart swell up. Both of her parents were turning away from her. Therefore, she thought she was left alone from now on to solve her upcoming crises. However, her stepbrother—whom she hated so much—was giving the unexpected news that he would protect her at Jubelian’s request. Beatrice was choked up with a sob. ‘I thought I was alone all this time, but I wasn’t.’ The moment she realized this, her eyes reddened.

Maximilian took out a handkerchief just then. “Here.” The prejudice against her stepbrother dissipated into thin air once he added on an unexpected favor.

“Oh, thank you…” Just as Beatrice was about to grab the fabric, Maximilian unfolded it. The clumsy embroidery in the shape of a dragon caught her eye.

“What is this? Did a child make it?” Beatrice grunted, upset that her brother was holding the handkerchief without giving it away.

“This is a gift from Jubelian,” Max said with a smirk.

“Oh, I knew it! I can feel her innocence from it!” Beatrice belatedly corrected herself. Nonetheless, Maximilian’s expression remained foul. ‘I hope he doesn’t tell her what I said…’ she thought, carefully watching her brother.

“I will win tomorrow.” At the sudden remark, Beatrice’s brow wrinkled slightly. His eyes still on her, Maximilian raised one corner of his mouth. “So, you sit still and watch. Don’t wander off anywhere.”

‘Hey, why is he telling me what to do all of a sudden?’ Beatrice had been greatly moved just moments ago, yet her stepbrother’s words had blown everything away. Indignant, she gritted her teeth. “Get out of my room. Now!” Once he left the room, Beatrice groaned. She then flopped onto her bed. Her anger soon subsided, and she recalled what Maximilian had said earlier.

“Don’t worry. Both you and she will be safe.”

Beatrice felt a smile begin to grow on her face. ‘Still, I feel relieved…’ She prayed for the hunting competition to pass by without major incidents.

* * *

“What is the state of the beast we will be using tomorrow?” the emperor asked.

Count Pyrex raised an eyebrow. “Your Majesty, why don’t you take a look?”

The emperor and the count descended to the cellars and heard the beast roar. Normally, the emperor would have fled in fear. However, he remained calm. “Looks like it’s still healthy.” Once the emperor drew closer, the huge wolf beast staggered back. Glancing at the silvery flower in his hand, the emperor put on a sinister smile. “It’s amazing how something called a ‘magical beast’ yields before a small flower.”

Count Pyrex nodded in response. “I was shocked by this as well, Your Majesty.”

The emperor gave the count a suspicious look then shook his head. ‘Well, it doesn’t matter where he got the beast. As long as I have it in my hands and I know how to control it…’ Recalling Mikhail and Beatrice’s faces, the emperor raised the corners of his mouth. ‘I’m looking forward to what will happen tomorrow.’

* * *

The day of the hunting competition finally arrived, and I was exhausted. Unlike banquets which were usually held at night, this event was held during the day. Because of this, I had to get up early to get ready.

‘Nothing should happen today,’ I thought.