Invitation of the Crescent Moon - Chapter 64

Ashika paused and momentarily lost herself in the endless wave of people flowing around her.

“Invited guests, please come this way.”

A servant volunteered to guide them, taking the invitation that Jeanne handed over. Jeanne drew the attention of Ashika, who was standing in a daze.

“My lady, it seems we’re heading to the horse ranch.”

“Ah, right.”

“Are you surprised by the crowd? Since horse racing competitions aren’t held frequently, there are many spectators today.”

The servant added an explanation while guiding them. As he said, the racetrack visible in the distance was packed with people in both seated and standing areas. The sun had disappeared behind cloudy skies, making the day not too hot.

“It’s a good day for spectating.”

“For today’s event, Viscount Landier has specially selected horses from his estate.”

On the opposite side of the racetrack, in the direction the servant was pointing, more than ten horses were being showcased inside a high fence.

Viscount Landier, who owned the racetrack, was famous for breeding high-quality thoroughbreds. Horses bred to be presented to the Emperor were naturally coveted by the nobility. Many nobles had come to this event not just for the races but to see the horses on display before the competition.

“My lady, please watch your step.”

The area around the fence was somewhat disorderly. The ground was scattered with uncleared construction materials and hay fragments, which could easily ruin a long dress. Ladies frowned and waved their fans at the strong smell.

After checking the gathered crowd, Ashika suddenly changed direction.

“Didn’t you come to see the horses?” Jeanne asked with a puzzled expression. Since Ashika wasn’t interested in horse racing, perhaps she wanted to see riding horses instead.

“Well. There are more people than I expected.”

In truth, Ashika had attended this event on Weive’s instructions to resume her social activities. She had judged that the racetrack would be better than tea parties or balls where she would be the center of attention.

As she walked along the fence, Ashika stopped. She noticed a spot where an unusually large number of women had gathered, despite it not being a horse-riding area.

“Look, isn’t that Duke Talion?”

As Jeanne said, a figure standing a head and a half taller than most women caught the eye. His short golden hair naturally swept back and his strong facial features were clearly visible even from a distance.

His toned, muscular body was accentuated beneath a thin formal shirt and fitted vest. He was a man with an intense presence even when standing still.

‘What is Rushia doing here?’

She felt both pleased and puzzled. Drushia rarely appeared at balls or banquets, and his unique atmosphere made him difficult to approach.

Perhaps because of this, women were taking advantage of the open venue and lively atmosphere to attempt conversation with him. This made Ashika uncomfortable.

“Doesn’t Duke Talion dislike gatherings like this?”

“Indeed. I never expected to see him attracting a crowd of women here.”

There was a barb hidden within her calm tone.

‘I can barely get a word in with him.’

The two weren’t close enough to have private conversations in such settings. If they met and didn’t argue, wouldn’t that seem stranger?

The reality she had forgotten hit her clearly. Her already murky feelings seemed to sink even further, much like the weather.

“Lady Igraine, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

A man heading toward the ranch changed direction upon spotting Ashika. His face was full of surprise and delight. However, unlike the welcoming man, Ashika couldn’t recognize him.

“Do you know me?”

“Of course. I’ve seen you several times at Imperial Palace banquets. I’m Deyran Perido.”

“Ah, Lord Perido.”

The man with a tall stature and friendly impression was the second son of Count Perido.

‘I think he sent a marriage proposal a few years ago.’

“I rarely see you at balls, but if I had known you enjoyed places like this, I would have sought you out sooner.”

The man’s eyes were full of admiration. Ashika was difficult to get close to, as she was not only hard to meet but also didn’t mingle with people.

After confirming that she wasn’t avoiding him, he took another step closer. Ashika’s attention was so focused on Drushia that she didn’t notice the man approaching.

Drushia belatedly spotted Ashika and raised his eyebrows sharply.

‘Who the hell is that guy?’

An unfamiliar man had attached himself to the woman who rarely showed any openings in public.

‘I’ve seen that face somewhere before.’

It was a face too common to even remember. Probably one of the countless nobles desperate for marriage. His nerves were on edge to the point where he couldn’t hear the chattering women around him.

“You must know a lot about horses, Duke.”

“Don’t you raise horses yourself in Talion territory?”

The women bombarded Drushia with questions, their eyes sparkling. However, seeing irritation gradually rising on Drushia’s face, Kalf answered on his behalf.

“The horses raised in Talion are war horses. They’re quite large and difficult to handle, so they’re not suitable for ladies to ride.”

Since horses were important equipment for knights, Talion had long bred and trained war horses themselves. In contrast, the horses currently on display were not war horses but racehorses and thoroughbreds for the nobility’s hobbies.

One of the women, not taking her eyes off Drushia, spoke up. She was trying to attract his attention with an alluring smile.

“So which type of horse is better?”

“It’s difficult to say which is better. The breeds are different, and so are the training methods.”

“If you’re used to handling large war horses, these riding horses must be easy for you, right?”

“I hear knights are excellent at horsemanship. Would you consider a demonstration ride?”

The women persistently tried to engage Drushia in conversation even when he didn’t respond. His ice-blue eyes grew increasingly cold until finally his patience ran out.

“Kalf, I think it would be nice if you gave these ladies a fine demonstration. My clothes are too uncomfortable for horseback riding.”

“Your Grace, what are you saying?”

If discomfort was the issue, Kalf in his formal uniform was no better off. However, Drushia dismissed his aide’s protest with a sharp glance and gesture.

“What are you waiting for? The ladies want it.”

“No, I….Duke.”

The woman who had been pressing Drushia closed her mouth when she met his cold gaze.

Normally he would have cut them off immediately and left, so it was surprising that he was even entertaining them. As expected, Drushia chose to drive away the unwelcome visitors rather than move himself.

“Then I’ll escort you. Let’s move to where Viscount Landier is.”

Kalf faithfully carried out Drushia’s instructions, and the women left with disappointment, licking their lips. Regardless, Drushia’s attention was directed toward Ashika.

‘I didn’t chase all the way here to see this kind of scene.’

After hearing that Ashika would attend the horse racing event, he had hurriedly dug up the postponed invitation and announced his attendance. He had rushed to the racetrack only to find Ashika mingling with another man—one who was showing obvious goodwill toward her.

‘She used to be very shy, so how did she become so comfortable with others?’

It was strange to see her casually chatting with men other than himself.

Ashika seemed unaware of his fixed gaze, as she didn’t look his way even once. Only the excited voice of the man unpleasantly pierced Drushia’s ears.

“Horses naturally have a domineering temperament. Moreover, the horses raised by Viscount Landier have strong competitive spirits. Animals that can’t stand falling behind make good racehorses.”

Ashika nodded politely and moved her steps. It was a subtle attempt to slip away. However, the man didn’t stop talking and sidled along with her.

The area around the fence was still messy. On the ground, besides hay, there were round logs cut to forearm length lying on one side. They appeared to have been dropped while transporting firewood.

Drushia, who had been quietly staring at them, quickly scanned the surroundings. Regardless of social status, everyone’s attention was focused on the horses being showcased by Viscount Landier.

As Drushia strode past, he kicked one of the round pieces of wood. The log rolled precisely toward the man’s feet. The man, distracted by Ashika, had no time to look around.

Suddenly, Ashika’s gaze moved toward the log rolling toward the two of them.

‘Why is that…?’

At the end of her gaze, she discovered icy blue eyes glaring at the man.

‘Rushia?’

“I know this place well. If you’re not interested in horses, you could come with me to the spectator stands…”

“Ah, behind you…”

Before Ashika could warn him, the hasty man’s foot slipped on the log.

“Ugh!”

The man lost his balance and fell backward. With a thud, he hit the back of his head against the fence as he collapsed.

“Oh my goodness!”

“Someone has fallen!”

“Someone help!”

Hearing the screams, people’s attention turned to the man.

Ashika looked at Drushia with a bewildered face. When their eyes met, the corner of Drushia’s mouth turned up slightly. Ashika was speechless at his mischievous, impish smile.

‘Good heavens, what did you do?’

While she stood in shock, Drushia casually walked past the fallen man toward the racetrack. She could see Kalf belatedly running after him.

As Ashika stood dumbfounded, the shocked man had to leave the scene, led away by servants. Drushia, heading toward the racetrack, glanced back to confirm the man being dragged away and couldn’t hide his smile.

‘Good grief, Rushia!’

Unsure whether to laugh or be angry, Ashika buried her face in one hand and barely concealed her troubled expression.