Chapter 19: Would You Do
the Honor?
When Rosalie approached the sitting area in the main Imperial Garden, she found the rest of the young unmarried noble ladies already gathered in their designated spots, patiently awaiting the comncent of the Hunting Loot Presentation.
The designated sitting area was positioned in the front row encircling the vast empty space where the n would present their prized prey, boasting about their triumphs during the Hunting Trip. This gathering offered the n an opportunity to dedicate their spoils to a particular woman they admired or loved, demonstrating their support and allegiance. A gesture of platonic affection was represented by kissing the back of the right hand, while intentions of marriage were symbolized by the left hand. Consequently, every lady seated in the first row was expected to be single and of marriageable age.
And to not receive dedicated prey at least once was considered an incredible humiliation.
As Lady Ashter approached her assigned seat, all other noble ladies deliberately raised their voices, feigning unawareness of her arrival.
"I heard the Hunting Trip this year was exceptionally fruitful! My own brother managed to capture a couple of elusive Mountain Foxes. The lucky lady who receives their fur will undoubtedly have the most exquisite winter coat tailored for her this season."
Lady Estelle Viden threw a quick glance at Lady Filmore and offered her a playful wink, indicating that she might be the lucky lady she was talking about, to which Anastasia Filmore reacted with a prominent blush on her chubby cheeks.
Lady Viden continued,
"Anyway. It seems that poor Lady Rosalie will not be receiving anything this year as well. Her brother, Young Lord Raphael must have the heart of a Saint since he always ensures that his dear sister's honor is not tarnished and she is never left without a gift."
She then turned her gaze towards Rosalie, who remained unfazed by her harsh remarks, calmly adjusting her slightly disheveled hair and dress. Clearly unsettled by the lack of a reaction, Lady Estelle furrowed her thin, red eyebrows and raised her voice even further.
"Year after year... The only man who gifts her his spoils is her own brother. That must be utterly humiliating!"
'What a foul mouth... How annoying.'
Rosalie let that thought cross her mind for a split second, then closed her eyes, still ignoring that forced, undignified chatter, and casually sipped on her glass of wine.
"But... Grand Duke Damien Dio is attending the banquet this year. "
A sudden ntion of that na made Lady Ashter freeze for a mont and focus her attention. Perhaps that aningless conversation could finally turn into sothing interesting for a change.
Lady Filmore let out a brief gasp and clasped her hands together rather dramatically.
"He is usually the one to hunt the biggest prey! Even His Highness the Crown Prince cannot compete with him. I wonder who he is going to present his loot to?"
"What do you an, Lady Anastasia? It is obvious that he is attending the banquet this year because of Princess Angelica! I hear she has finally returned from the Temple!"
Lady lania Blanche lightly nudged Lady Filmore on the shoulder with her folded colorful fan and shook her head in disapproval.
Upon hearing the na "Angelica
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