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Chapter 75
“Now, would you like to try adjusting the stirrup straps yourself today?”
Rune said, handing the stirrup strap from the saddle to Princess Roselina’s hand.
“Lightly make a fist with your right hand and place it on the stirrup ring. Yes, just like that. Now, pull it straight so the stirrup bar is snug against your armpit…”
The way Prince Este stood behind Princess Roselina, gently supporting her, was enough to make the hearts of the attending ladies flutter.
“My goodness… Cindy, are you taking this all in?”
Unconsciously, they couldn’t close their slightly parted mouths, continuously sighing in admiration.
Dressed in white riding attire, Rune Adelruz was indeed a rose that stood out among the White Roses, the symbolic newcomers of the year.
“I am taking it all in. So much so that it’s practically etched into my eyes, so don’t talk to me.”
Cinderella Lichtenstein had, before she knew it, rested her chin on the smooth top of the fence, openly watching.
There had never been a happier day since she had become a maid to Her Highness, the princess.
When Princess Roselina first caught her indulging in her secret hobby, she had thought the world was ending—but now, [The Roses of Lepium Academy] had become a newsletter that Princess Roselina checked even before any imperial newspaper.
“Surely, Prince Este would look just as magnificent in the White Conqueror of the Light Knights?”
“Even if that portrait is rare, I hear it’s obtainable… oh my!”
At that very moment, Rune grabbed Roselina’s slim waist and effortlessly lifted her onto the horse.
“Eek!” The princess let out a small, sharp squeal, but her attendants weren’t worried about her safety.
“My goodness, on horseback too…”
The princess’s radiant smile made it clear she was thoroughly enjoying herself.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
“Rose looks very happy.”
Two horses were visible in the outdoor courtyard set up beside the indoor riding hall.
Even from a distance, the rhythm of their steps was noticeable. As the white horse carrying the princess picked up speed, Rune quickly caught up, taking the reins to slow it down.
The sound of Rose giggling seemed to float in the air.
“…Perhaps you should see it yourself.”
Ethan shook his head and shrugged.
‘Ever since Prince Este started horseback lessons, he’s just been glued to the window.’
Trying to get work done at this hour seemed almost pointless.
“I thought you trusted him quite a lot. Are you really that worried about your fiancée?”
Of course, Prince Este had been one of the most talked-about men since the Open House event.
Every year, Kailien was also the object of the ladies’ admiration.
However, due to his intimidating aura, no one openly approached Kailien Herace.
“So, my lord could have acted a bit more gently and politely, like Prince Este…”
“You speak too freely with that open mouth.”
Ethan clamped his mouth shut as he watched Kailien turn around, clearly annoyed. He had likely rubbed him the wrong way this time.
“Well, if that were the case, my lord would also have been considered quite popular…”
Kailien brushed back his hair and sighed heavily.
“Who… is anyone’s fiancée?”
“Huh?”
“I didn’t think even you would believe such nonsense, Ethan.”
“No… why are you angry? Isn’t it common knowledge that my lord is the intended husband of Her Highness? That’s been the case since she was born.”
Nonsense. Kailien nearly swore.
“…A long time ago, the Leonard imperial family and the Herace duchy were related. Have you forgotten that the Empire forbids close kin marriages?”
“They were distant relatives to begin with, and the imperial decree is law…”
“…Stop right there.”
A red gleam flashed in Kailien’s dark eyes. It was clear this was the moment to remain silent.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
“Oh, stop there. Can we pause for a moment?”
“Eh?”
“Wait a second, Prince. Who is whose fiancée?”
Roselina could hardly believe she had to hear this. And from Prince Este, no less—the man who had been so careful in approaching her!
She pressed her forehead with her hand, shaking her head.
“Words spoken by His Majesty in the womb still circulate as if they were absolute truth.”
“I apologize for my short-sightedness if it displeased you.”
“Oh, it’s not you, Prince. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
It was the talkative Lady Elrony, with her pink hair, who had caused the trouble.
‘That sly fox… I was relieved when she left the Empire, but she caused me quite a stir.’
Roselina tugged her chin and gave a big smile.
“By the way, Prince, you must have received quite a few string bracelets this time.”
“Yes. Thankfully. I’m unsure how to properly return the favor to the ladies for their kindness.”
“Oh my, ‘return the favor’?”
Roselina stepped forward and lifted Rune’s wrist.
‘My goodness… he lifted me up with this white wrist in an instant?’
Ah, this man’s charm was certainly irresistible.
“I made this string bracelet myself.”
The bracelet Roselina tied around Rune’s wrist was a fine blend of golden thread and red string. Among all the ones he had received, it was by far the most luxurious and beautiful.
Rune was left speechless, and Roselina smiled warmly.
“I don’t seek repayment. I just want us to meet often, for a long time.”
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
‘It feels too extravagant to just call this a string…’
Rune twisted his wrist and gave an awkward smile.
The golden threads with red string glistened beautifully in the sunlight.
Not only had he never expected to receive a string bracelet from Her Highness, but seeing such a fine item made the bracelets he had in his pocket seem trivial.
‘Well, it’s fine.’
It wasn’t only the ladies who wished their friends well in the equestrian tournament. Rune took out the rough bracelets from his pocket, thinking.
The brown one with gray threads was for Ellen, and the dark one with reddish-brown threads was for Daniel.
He had painstakingly considered their hair and eye colors while making them overnight.
‘They looked quite convincing in the dark.’
Just as he was about to put them back in his pocket, something heavy wrapped around his shoulder.
“Ruuune!”
“Ugh!”
Rune staggered forward, his arm caught in the embrace.
“Ahhhh! It’s me! Daniel!”
“I know. Didn’t I tell you not to rush at me like that?”
“Ah! Okay! Okay, I’ll stop!”
As he sighed and released his grip, Daniel, looking indignant, grumbled to Ellen about how he had learned all his mischief from her.
“Who are you blaming, idiot?”
Ellen, who had quietly approached, nodded her head.
“Planning to take first place again? …Three seems excessive.”
Ugh. Rune quickly hid the bracelets behind him, but it seemed too late.
Daniel had already grabbed them, turning them over and tilting his head curiously.
“Wow, Rune. I didn’t know you had this side. Some didn’t get any at all.”
‘Ah, Daniel must have been hiding in his room the whole time, so he didn’t get any string bracelets from the ladies.’
What is this—a bracelet or a rope? Rune’s vein twitched as he looked at Daniel teasing him. He shrugged.
“I made these for you guys.”
“Huh?”
“Take them or leave them.”
“You made them?”
Daniel’s reddish-brown eyes widened, teary.
Ah, why is he like this?
“…Let go of this.”
“Wow! I’m really touched.”
If he was truly sincere, Daniel’s chest rose and fell as he hugged Rune tightly.
“How pathetic.”
“Ugh!”
Ellen smacked Daniel on the back of the head, took her bracelet, and put it on her wrist.
“…Feels like handcuffs.”
This one complains about everything. One calls it a rope, the other handcuffs.
“If you don’t like it, don’t wear it.”
“No, it’s pretty.”
Following Ellen’s calm words, Daniel couldn’t take his eyes off his bracelet, murmuring how moved he was.
“Look at how thick it is. It feels like it’ll last a lifetime.”
“Who said anything about a lifetime? It’ll wear out.”
Daniel, wiping his slightly reddened nose, laughed cheerfully.
“Just wait. I’ll still be wearing it even after I die.”
Rune’s chest tingled at their unexpected delight.
As for dying… his nonsense only seemed to grow.
“Rope or handcuffs, whatever. Let’s go. Professor Rankersk will scold us again.”
The flush creeping onto his face wasn’t unpleasant at all.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
The equestrian tournament began.
Before the tournament, the academy had workers water the training grounds from early morning.
‘Once the horses start running, the dust will be terrible.’
The feeling of his boot heels dragging through the wet dirt was strangely refreshing.
Under the tent set up on the podium, priests in white robes moved busily.
“Did they even bring the clergy?”
“In case there are injuries.”
Unlike Rune, Ellen remained indifferent. With the priests present, the training grounds were suitably prepared for the competition.
“They really made an effort since the princess is coming.”
Daniel’s indifferent reaction made Rune roll his eyes.
Red flags waved vigorously along the walls surrounding the training ground.
‘Even though we experienced last year’s tournament, can someone really be this unimpressed?’
Indeed.
Although he had been excited when taking his seat, that feeling soon vanished.
As the tournament began and some time passed, Daniel stretched his stiff arms above his head.
“Khaaahh. We should’ve just eaten lunch and then come.”
“You’re showing your Adam’s apple.”
Daniel, shutting his mouth, wiped away a tear that had appeared and grumbled.
“It’s just the upperclassmen competing before lunch. Why do we have to sit here?”
“Next year we’ll compete too. Watching isn’t a bad idea.”
Rune patted Daniel’s back soothingly, and Daniel rested his chin on Rune’s head, stretching his neck.
“This is boring. Not fun at all.”
Clearly, staying still was making him restless.
In the morning, the upperclassmen’s matches had been taking place.
Though his initial excitement had faded, Rune still enjoyed watching the matches with some interest, as it was his first time observing upperclassmen duel at the academy.
