Chapter Title: The Cavalcade
Cesare, riding a sleek black horse with glossy fur, looked very skilled.
Apparently, that horse was a top-grade warhorse worth over a billion gold. It kept snorting and showing its temper, fitting for Cesare's horse. However, it seemed to follow Cesare well, recognizing that its master had an even worse temper.
In contrast, her horse was a very docile chestnut mare. Even to Adelaide, it seemed gentle, but the fear remained unchanged.
*It's so unfair...*
Aegir, who had been responsible for Adelaide's riding lessons, spoke to Cesare with a grim expression.
"I'm sorry. Despite recognizing the severity of the situation, my abilities were insufficient to improve the lady's riding skills."
Adelaide narrowed her eyes at his pointed choice of words that subtly annoyed her.
She looked back at the horse, but when it shook its head to chase away a bug, her body froze in fear.
Seeing her pale face, Cesare frowned and glanced around.
"This is problematic."
At his small murmur, Adelaide bit her lip slightly. By now, the festival in Sanreno Square had started, and the parade had set off. She could hear the sound of fireworks even from here. As the family hosting the cavalcade, the Bonapartes should have departed by now.
She didn't want to be a liability or show any weakness. Especially not to Cesare.
Anxiously looking down at the horse's head, Adelaide cautiously spoke.
"What if... we rode together?"
"What?"
Cesare rarely showed surprise, and Adelaide hurriedly explained, sounding defensive.
"It's hard to ride in the carriage, and I can't miss the social season, so it seems like the only option..."
"Ah."
At that moment, Cesare's eyes narrowed again. He frowned and sneered.
"You mean with Aegir."
"Yes. I can't impose on you, Brother."
Cesare stared at Adelaide in silence for a moment. His gaze was piercing, cold, and chilling, much like the previous night.
"..."
Adelaide pretended to be startled by the horse's movement and avoided his gaze.
With a scoff, Cesare replied dryly.
"Do as you wish."
"...Thank you."
Since she couldn't get down by herself, she needed Aegir's help. But, surprisingly, Aegir, who was usually efficient in his duties, didn't move.
She noticed him staring at Cesare's retreating back with an unusual expression.
"Sir Aegir?"
"...It's nothing."
Startled, Aegir quickly extended his hand. Adelaide hid her puzzlement and quietly took his hand.
---
The festival was already in full swing in the streets. The nobility, who had set out late, hit the road, leaving behind the bustling city of Fornatie filled with laughter.
As they entered the coastal road, a sparkling sea that looked as clean as polished oil came into view. The sea of Fornatie was beautiful, but it evoked a different emotion compared to the bustling city filled with buildings and people.
*...It's a bit overwhelming.*
Adelaide hesitated before sneaking a question to Aegir, who was riding behind her.
"...We don't need to go into the water since it's not summer, right?"
"If it's hot, people sometimes play in the water."
"..."
"Can't you swim?"
"I'm good at it. I used to swim in the Lacrima River. But the sea is... a bit scary."
"..."
Aegir hesitated before speaking cautiously.
"...There are no sharks in Ador."
"I'm not ten years old, Sir Aegir."
"...Sorry."
Adelaide chuckled and brushed her fluttering bangs aside.
"It's just... the sea makes sounds, you know."
"Pardon?"
At that moment, someone suddenly charged out from the scattered group like bread crumbs.
It was Cesare and Jude. Soon, a few other gentlemen and ladies joined them. They all lowered their bodies and skillfully urged their horses on.
"What are they doing?"
"They're racing."
Aegir answered Adelaide's question crisply.
As they passed a large tree by the cliff, the short race ended. Cesare was the winner.
"Your horse is cheating!"
Jude shouted, and Cesare laughed heartily enough to be seen from afar.
"If you're jealous, you should've bought one!"
"They're expensive!"
Cesare burst into laughter again. It was a refreshing, cheerful laugh. She saw him run his large hand through his wind-tousled hair.
Adelaide watched the scene with no particular meaning.
*He jokes around like any ordinary person...*
Well, he exercised every morning at the mansion and danced so well, so it was only natural.
She heard he consistently won the yacht races held during the summer season.
He also excelled in wrestling, hunting, fishing, and ball sports—anything involving physical activity.
*The goddess is truly unfair.*
Then, Cesare suddenly turned his head. Their eyes met because of it.
*...Wow.*
While Adelaide stood there dazed, Cesare immediately turned his gaze back to Jude. They then resumed their banter, laughing and starting to move their horses again.
Feeling like she had been caught peeking, Adelaide frowned slightly.
*I was just watching out of curiosity.*
Whenever she thought of Cesare, she pictured him with his coat draped over his shoulders, one hand in his pocket, and a cigar in his mouth.
His gaze was always cold and intense. The look he gave Adelaide was always like that. Just as harsh as the words he spoke.
*"Being with you always puts me in a foul mood."*
She didn't realize she was gripping the reins tightly until that moment.
A group of horses suddenly sped up, heading towards Cesare and Jude. It was Lucrezia and other ladies.
Cesare exchanged a few words with them, then suddenly kicked his horse's sides with a smirk.
The gentlemen and ladies, not wanting to be outdone, laughed and urged their horses forward. They seemed to be racing again.
Only Adelaide and a few nobles were left behind. Most of the young nobles seemed to have run after them.
*Looks fun...*
Watching the horses disappear into the distance, she suddenly felt a gaze on her.
When she turned her head, she met the eyes of Ezra Della Valle. The gentleman with light purple eyes seemed startled when their eyes met and quickly turned away.
*...What's with everyone?*
Being ignored twice in a short time didn't feel good.
At that moment, Aegir spoke up from behind.
"...You might improve with more practice."
His tone was cautious. He probably thought she was envious of the nobility running around.
"I know, Sir Aegir."
"..."
It seemed he didn't believe it either. She felt like laughing.
"Are you trying to comfort me?"
"...I thought you might be disheartened."
"So, looking after a lady's feelings is part of a *bracciere's* duty?"
"..."
The usually articulate *bracciere* strangely didn't respond. Adelaide didn't blame him.
Over the past two months, she hadn't gotten particularly close to Aegir. He had always escorted her silently as he had before, without engaging in personal conversation.
But spending a lot of time together had fostered some affection. Now, it felt awkward if Aegir's presence wasn't behind her.
*I wonder if Aegir feels the same.*
Just then, Aegir spoke.
"You don't always have to ride alone."
"What?"
"Would you like to run?"
"Well..."
Before she could ask what he meant, Aegir kicked the horse's sides.
The horse they were on suddenly picked up speed. The wind became a massive force hitting her face, and the scenery began to fly past rapidly.
"...!"
Startled, Adelaide clung tightly to the reins. But with Aegir behind her, it didn't feel as frightening as when she was riding alone.
The pleasant pressure of the rushing wind instantly cleared her mind.
Adelaide soon got used to the speed and smiled.
"Sir, you're surprisingly whimsical."
"...The master allowed for discretion depending on the situation."
"I'm not scolding you. Thank you. This feels quite nice."
"..."
Since Aegir was behind her, Adelaide couldn't see his expression or gauge his mood. But she somehow felt he was quietly pleased.
"Is it difficult to catch up with those ahead?"
"With this horse, yes. You have to ride alone."
"Ah. So, you could do it alone? Are you confident in your riding skills?"
"Yes."
Adelaide burst into laughter at his unexpectedly blunt admission. The sense of speed was exhilarating, and she started to feel excited.