Chapter 47: Getting Pampered By My Simps

Zachary’s arrival had certainly changed the mood in the greenhouse.

Now that Zachary had permission to become one of Lydia’s Sentinels, he seemed much better behaved!

At least, for the moment.

"I’m glad we’re on the same pages, Ephraim."

"Mostly because we have an aligned goal," Ephraim replied.

Lydia glanced between them. For two men who had spent the past several minutes challenging each other over her, they seemed surprisingly willing to cooperate now.

Whatever their shared goal was, she could only hope it wouldn’t become another headache for her.

"Are you sure about that clothes, Senior Zach? Do I really have to attend the Hunting Competition? Seriously?"

"Of course you have to, Lydia. Besides, I want to see my pretty deerling in that boring day."

"How bold of you to say it out loud in front of me, Senior? Besides, you have to attend, Lydia."

"Can you just let my father and brothers be the representative of House Valendorf instead of me?"

You’re a Valendorf and my fiancée. We have an image to upkeep."

Of course. As expected of the Crown Prince. He always knew how to ruin a good moment.

The Imperial Hunting Competition was one of the Empire’s biggest annual events, and as the Crown Prince’s fiancée, Lydia was expected to attend.

"Fine," she replied reluctantly. "I’ll attend."

"Worry not, Lydia. I’ll be attending as well," Zachary assured her. "House Ludenberg has to send representatives to show our undying loyalty to Emperor Regulus, after all. For a similar reason like yours, of course."

"What? Are you Ephraim’s other fiancé, Senior?"

That teasing mark made Ephraim glaring daggers at Lydia.

"I’m not into men. Thanks."

"Yeah, I know."

Though House Ludenberg only held the title of Count, its wealth surpassed even the royal family’s.

As the Empire’s Purse, they provided the financial support needed to maintain the nation’s power, while House Valendorf represented its military strength.

As two of the Empire’s most influential houses, both were expected to demonstrate their loyalty to Emperor Regulus at the competition.

In simple terms, they served as a check and balance against the Crown, ensuring that the royal family didn’t hold all the power.

Ephraim nodded before reaching for the gift box he had brought earlier. He carefully handed it to Lydia and let her open it.

"A new rapier!!"

The rapier was beautifully crafted. Lydia lifted it from its velvet lining, testing its lightweight blade and perfectly fitted grip with pure joy.

"Do you like it?" Ephraim asked.

"I love it. Thank you!"

His expression softened at her response, although Ephraim quickly returned to his usual composure when Zachary smirked at him.

After trying to swing and test the rapier several times, Lydia stored it inside her bracelet.

Ephraim rose from his seat and straightened his clothes. "We should check the stables. I want you to personally check on my private gift."

Lydia tilted her head. "Another gift? Someone sure is being generous today."

Several servants were already waiting outside the stables. The building was spacious, with attendants tending to the horses in their stalls.

A young stable boy led them toward the far end, where an unfamiliar horse stood behind a wooden railing.

Its silver-white coat shimmered in the light as Lydia gently stroked its soft blue mane. The horse stood still, enjoying her touch.

"A horse with blue mane? I never knew such a thing was possible. Is this...?"

"Your horse," Ephraim answered. "See? You two look really similar. One might mistake you for siblings."

Lydia’s hand paused against the mare’s forehead.

"Then you should marry this horse instead, Ephraim."

Silly remarks from Lydia made Zachary burst out laughing, his shoulders shaking so hard that he could barely stand straight.

"That’s brilliant, Lydia! Let Ephraim marry the horse. You can marry me instead."

Even the Crown Prince seemed at a loss for words. Zachary wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes before circling the stall to get a better look at the mare.

"So that’s why you commissioned us to look for a white horse with a rare blue mane from Estrise, Ephraim."

"What?"

"An Estrise-breed horse," he explained. "A white-silver mare with a blue mane. Private order from Mr. E."

"Did Ephraim order this horse anonymously?" Lydia turned to Zachary, who was now examining the horse with the keen interest of someone who knew exactly what he was looking at.

"Senior."

"What? I’m merely admiring the horse."

With the most innocent look that wouldn’t fool anyone Zachary said, "You ordered it privately, but come on. How many nobles can afford an Estrise horse, let alone one with such a rare coat? And you bought it just a month before the Hunting Competition. Very subtle, Your Highness."

He leaned closer to inspect the mare’s mane, then looked back at Ephraim.

"You were even willing to pay us twice the usual price for such an abrupt request."

What kind of information network does this man have? Perhaps keeping Senior close really was a good investment.

Walls have ears, but I’ve got Senior Zach. He has eyes and connections everywhere.

"Senior," Ephraim repeated, his voice still polite but Lydia noticed that he was grabbing at the older man’s shoulder tightly.

Zachary straightened, finally deciding to spare him from further interrogation. "All right, all right. I’ll stop."

He didn’t look particularly sorry.

At least with a new rapier, horse, and two handsome Sentinel beside her made Lydia change her mind about the upcoming Hunt.

That night, Lydia was busy packing for the event. As a tradition, all nobles are expected to attend it and not allowed to leave the Imperial Hunting Ground for a whole week.

Clothes, medicines, her new rapier, and... perhaps some vitamins would come in handy, too.

A knock interrupted her thoughts as Erin stood at the door, carried some dresses and clothes for Lydia.

As she set them down, Lydia caught a familiar scent from the perfume on her wrist.

Oh! So this maid isn’t as innocent as she looks. Perhaps this is a golden chance for me to do my personal agenda.

"Erin, there’s something I’d like to ask you."