Ever since Melisa's last meeting with Alister, everything has gone the same, except for the fact that Melisa seems more cheerful lately. Melissa spent her training time smiling and enthusiastic. Even Teresa was impressed and seemed relaxed since her master smiled more and was more cheerful despite her busy schedule as the crown princess.
Besides Melisa secretly waiting for the hunting festival to be held in a few months, she also joined Alister, who frequently visited her at the palace of Alexius. Alister spends more time at the palace of Alexius because of his duties as the right hand of Alexeius. Meanwhile, Melisa, who initially met only accidentally, also became more frequently visiting the palace of Alexius since her future husband asked her to spend more time with Alister.
It may look very weird. But since Melisa's last conversation with Alexius, she knows that her future husband is actually so eager to fuck her up with Alister.
Thinking that they have to cheat together to reach happiness sometimes makes Melisa feel uncomfortable. Therefore, although Melisa never turned Alister's attention away, Melisa still made a clear line about their relationship.
Luckily, Alister seemed to understand Melisa's fears and never forced her to accept that she also loves him. Their current peaceful relationship is enough for Alister. As long as Melisa can smile and look more cheerful with her life in the Kingdom of Sigmund, Alister has felt more satisfied than anyone else.
Their relationship went smoothly until the time for the hunting festival finally arrived too. The declared festival really began when the nobles and royal families started their hunting competition. That's why Melisa is now on a vast lawn. Under the big tent, watch how the men of the aristocracy and the royal family prepare their weapons and horses.
"I'm leaving, Melisa."
Before they departed, Alexius came to Melisa and asked her permission to leave for the sight of the people who were watching them. Melisa's also trained to play her role well. The girl smiled before praying to Alexius in a soft voice.
"I hope you get the best outcome, Your Highness."
Alexius nodded before riding his horse to return to the ranks of those who would follow the competition. Melisa kept watching how everyone took their respective positions until her eyes fell on Alister, who smiled when he saw her.
'Your Highness, can you pray for me too?'
Because Melisa and Alister's relationship could be said to be better than ever, Alister has dared to talk more relaxedly with Melisa, while Melisa herself has never forbidden Alister to do so. Melisa felt her cheek warm again when she could feel Alister's gaze shining only when he looked at her. Melisa tried to be as calm as she could before she turned her gaze away from Alister.
She can't do that. When they were in the crowd, Melisa wasn't brave enough to talk to Alister. Melisa turned her eyes to prevent her eyes from seeing Alister's reaction.
"It's all right, Your Majesty. I'll make sure no one can see you except Lord Alister."
Realizing that her master suddenly looked sad again, the sensitive Teresa quickly used her body to limit someone's sight to Melisa but did not close Alister's eyes on Melisa. At first, Melisa did not understand why Teresa had to do such a thing for her. However, when Melisa unintentionally returned to look at Alister, she knew what she should do at that moment.
'...do your best. I trust you.'
Compared to the smile and gentle voice that Melisa gave Alexius, the speech delivered only with a mouth movement and a nervous gaze seemed much more sincere to Alister. Alister's body seemed to be surrounded by flowers after he was encouraged by Melisa. Even if one of his rivals came from the Alison family, somehow, Alister felt that he could win the hunting competition this time.
When Melisa witnessed how Alister suddenly seemed so excited just because of her simple speech, the girl unconsciously made a soft laugh. Her voice invited a genuine smile from Teresa, who remained by her side. From the beginning, Teresa knew it wasn't wrong if she helped Melisa if it was for her happiness.
'I hope you win.'
Melisa smiled happily when Alister nodded enthusiastically to answer her request before the sound of the trumpet signaling the start of the race finally distracted Alister. Melisa watched how everyone was competing to spur their horses. And, for a moment, forgot that she was initially sad because she could only observe someone hunting without being able to participate in it like she did in the Cyrille Kingdom.
***
"With this, the first champion falls on Lord August from the House of Alison!"
Melisa once again laughed softly. Because at the end of the event, someone from Alison's family won first place. Melisa could see that Alexius and Alister were disappointed because they didn't get first place. However, because their opponents were too great, no one would blame them even if they didn't get first place.
Soon, the prize distribution process was carried out. As second and third-place winners, Alexius and Alister came to King Dillion to get their respective prizes. Melisa could see that King Dillion was frowning when he gave a gift to his only son. However, because he couldn't do anything in front of the Alison family, he could only accept the fact that the future king could be defeated so easily by someone who wasn't even part of the Alison family's main family.
"Hah..."
As soon as the main event was finished, each participant returned to their respective tents, including Alexius, who went to the tent where Melisa was. Melisa immediately handed over a towel to wipe Alexius' sweat when the man approached her. Not to forget, Melisa also included encouraging words to cheer up the crown prince, who seemed a little sad.
"You have done your best."
Alexius smiled bitterly after hearing Melisa's words. "Well, you're right. I did my best," he repeated wearily. Melisa didn't say anything else after that. Melisa knew Alexius was disappointed. However, regretting something that has happened is not something Melisa usually does.
"Ah, yes. Alister said you would go together to enjoy the festival in the capital. Is that true, Princess?"
Melisa's body suddenly stiffened when she heard Alexius' calm question. Melisa still wasn't completely used to the way they faked their relationship. Because of this, Melisa still looked uncomfortable when Alexius talked openly about his relationship with Alister.
"...That's true. Lord Alister did invite me to go enjoy the festival. However, if you don't allow it, then-"
"Of course I allow it. The two of us can go together that day. You go with Alister, and I will go with my girlfriend."
Before Melisa could finish her words, Alexius immediately interrupted her with another plan. Melisa fell silent again after that. The hope that previously appeared was finally extinguished again. Between her and Alister, Melisa knew that they really couldn't develop their relationship beyond the friendship stage.
Melisa took a deep breath. Surprisingly, even though Melisa heard that Alexius was going out with his girlfriend, she was not as disappointed as she imagined.
"Okay, Your Highness. I understand."
As long as they can keep each other's secrets under wraps. Maybe, Melisa thought. Everything was fine, even if their hearts didn't fall for each other.