The Arranged Suitor Was the Kidnapper

As the season of the sun retreated, winds from the north brought relief from the heat.

The once green wheat fields gradually turned golden, and fruit ripened on every tree.

Autumn had quietly arrived.

When the wheat fields turned completely golden, the harvest festival would begin. And a month before the harvest festival, the hunting competition was held.

The hunting competition took place annually in the forest behind the Imperial Palace…  

Currently, many had gathered since morning.

“There seem to be more people than usual this year.”

“I see quite a few nobles who’ve come up from the provinces as well.”

Groups of people chatted animatedly. The forest was bustling as if an Imperial banquet had resumed.

However, unlike a banquet, many were armed.

This was because hunting was only permitted with bows and swords during the competition.

Those not participating in the competition sat under specially prepared tents, conversing.

“Who do you think will win this year?”

Two winners were chosen for the competition.

One for catching the most game, and another for capturing the rarest animal.

As the winners received great honors, spectators often placed bets on the victors before the competition began.

But not this year.

“Grand Duke Krassium will win, of course.”

No one disputed this statement.

Those seated under the tents resumed their chatter.

“Still, we’ll get to see the Grand Duke’s skills this time, right?”

“I’m curious to see just how impressive he is, having only heard rumors.”

They recalled the rumors about the Grand Duke.

Tales of him single-handedly facing hundreds of enemy soldiers, or being a bloodthirsty demon, were plentiful.

“He seemed quite normal when I saw him at the banquet.”

“That’s right. He was more ordinary than expected…”

“Above all, he was handsome.”

The women giggled at the last remark.

The Grand Duke’s appearance was flawless, beyond reproach.

A tall, toned physique. Mysterious golden eyes and jet-black hair like the night sky. He was so handsome it would be difficult to capture in a painting, but the intimidating aura surrounding him was an issue.

One’s body would instinctively shrink back, sensing his fierce presence before even appreciating his good looks.

“I was a bit surprised to see him rush in to save Lady Rohan.”

Someone brought up the incident at the dueling grounds.

Though his sword aura had been frightening, it offered a glimpse of the Grand Duke’s human side for the first time. He had wielded his sword not to kill others, but to save his beloved.

Since then, positive evaluations had poured in, and Zenox’s reputation had improved considerably.

The topic of conversation naturally shifted to Laria Rohan, the Grand Duke’s lover.

“I wonder if Lady Rohan will participate in the competition.”

“Magic can’t be used in the competition, you know.”

“If magic were allowed, Lady Rohan would have won.”

“That’s right. I heard she handled the Sorcery Office Head like a child.”

Those who had witnessed the duel firsthand enthusiastically recounted how impressive Laria had been.

“I sent an invitation hoping to become friends, but there was no reply.”

“She must be incredibly busy. And I heard she rarely attends gatherings anyway.”

“Should I write a letter instead?”

As one young lady fidgeted, expressing her desire to write an appreciation letter, a noblewoman beside her whispered a tip:

“I’ve heard that if you send a letter to Lady Rohan with ulterior motives, the Grand Duke himself will come to visit.”

A chill settled over them as if winter had suddenly arrived.

Everyone’s shoulders trembled slightly, when suddenly the surroundings grew animated.

“The Rohan family has arrived.”

* * *

Stepping out of the carriage, Laria surveyed her surroundings.

People had gathered in droves at the forest’s entrance.

Though the flood of gazes was burdensome, having experienced it a few times now, she felt less tense.

A servant from the Imperial Palace approached them.

“Will you be participating in the competition?”

All shook their heads at the servant’s inquiry. The Rohan family members had little interest in hunting.

Moreover, Laria, being clumsy, disliked horseback riding.

“If using poisons were permitted by the rules, it might be different.”

“Then Mother would surely win.”

Herdin retorted to Semela’s mumbled remark.

Laria, standing beside him, quietly asked Herdin:

“Isn’t it nice to be out after so long?”

“I dislike it even more because it’s field work.”

Herdin had to remain on standby as part of the medical staff in case of emergencies. However, if nothing occurred, he planned to stay with his family.

Once again, the crowd stirred.

Marquis Hashir and Sienna had arrived.

Though people openly whispered, the Marquis kept his neck stiffly erect, gazing straight ahead as if hearing nothing.

Laria silently observed Sienna, who stood like a doll beside the Marquis.

Sensing her gaze, Sienna turned her head.

The moment their eyes met, Sienna’s expressionless face cracked. For an instant, a myriad of emotions flashed across her features before vanishing.

Eventually, Sienna furrowed her brow and abruptly turned away.

Her attitude suggested she had seen something distasteful.

Laria’s expression darkened.

‘So she’s decided to side with the Marquis after all.’

It seems she couldn’t abandon her father despite his mistreatment, simply because he was her father.

Laria had given her warning, and the choice had been Sienna’s to make.

But she couldn’t help feeling uneasy.

Today, Sienna would face the consequences of her decision.

Averting her gaze from Sienna, Laria scrutinized the Imperial knights stationed throughout the area. Among them, she spotted Ishel’s personal knights.

Some were discreetly observing Marquis Hashir while pretending not to.

Despite thorough preparations, anxiety was unavoidable.

Suppressing a sigh, Laria checked the time.

‘Should he be arriving soon?’

Zenox had mentioned he would likely arrive just before the hunting competition began.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than the distant sound of hoofbeats reached her ears. All eyes turned toward the forest’s edge.

A black horse emerged from between the dense trees. Its jet-black coat was particularly striking even under the sunlight.

Though it was a rare, fine steed, everyone’s gaze fixed not on the horse, but its rider.

Zenox wore form-fitting riding attire with armor on one side.

After briefly surveying his surroundings, Zenox quickly located Laria among the crowd. Simultaneously, a smile graced his lips. The atmosphere surrounding Zenox changed completely.

Like a fleeting midsummer’s day visiting the North.

Leaping nimbly from his horse, Zenox strode purposefully toward Laria.

“Laria.”

Feigning a couple’s affection before others after so long made her slightly nervous. But her joy at seeing him outweighed any hesitation, prompting Laria to smile brightly.

At Laria’s smile, Zenox halted abruptly.

His intense gaze caused Laria’s smile to gradually fade.

“What’s wrong?”

“Hmm.”

Zenox leaned close to Laria’s ear.

Then, meeting the eyes of those watching them, he whispered:

“You’re beautiful.”

Zenox pretended to act like a lover while slyly voicing his true feelings.

Laria’s nape flushed as red as a ripe apple.

‘He’s really committed to this act in front of everyone.’

Even though everyone already knew they were lovers.

Embarrassed, Laria could only rub her cheeks.

Following Zenox, the Imperial family arrived last.

“Wow, everyone’s here so early.”

Though Ishel appeared no different than usual, Laria and Zenox could tell. His nerves were clearly on edge.

After the Emperor concluded his brief commemorative speech for the hunting competition, the head servant announced in a raised voice:

“His Majesty the Emperor will personally commend the winners of the hunting competition.”

Everyone simultaneously turned to look at Zenox.

Yet Zenox himself was preoccupied with gazing at Laria.

“Then, I wish you all good fortune.”

As the head servant’s words ended, the participants immediately became busy. They had about 30 minutes of preparation time until the competition’s start. Weapons and horses were rechecked, and conversations with family and lovers ensued.

Laria and Zenox were no different from the others.

“Should I win?”

“Just within reason, without overdoing it.”

Zenox nodded at Laria’s response.

Today, the two had agreed to act as if they knew nothing.

That way, Marquis Hashir would feel at ease and proceed according to plan.

Glancing around briefly, they saw people receiving handkerchiefs from their lovers.

Originally, it was customary to give a handkerchief to wish good fortune to a lover departing for war. With wars now rare, the practice had shifted to wishing victory in hunting competitions.

Laria had intended to prepare a handkerchief for Zenox as well. However, she lacked both time for embroidery and the necessary skills, so she quickly abandoned the idea.

“I did prepare something instead of a handkerchief…”

Now that the moment had come to give it, she felt awkward, realizing it wasn’t much.

Zenox’s expectant gaze only amplified her embarrassment.

After hesitating, Laria presented a purple lilac. Surprised by the unexpected gift, Zenox blinked slowly.

“You gave me flowers as a gift last time. So I prepared this.”

The reason for choosing lilacs instead of a handkerchief was simple.

Previously, Zenox had gifted Laria a field of sunflowers.

Then, by chance, she heard the meaning of sunflowers from an employee.

Waiting, adoration, and…

-The meaning of sunflowers is apparently ‘I love you.’

Of course, Zenox had likely given the gift without knowing the flower’s meaning, but she wanted to express it somehow.

That she loved him.