Chapter 2

In that instant, everyone in the banquet hall fell silent. Mother grasped my hand and reprimanded me, saying, "You should have said something if you couldn't drink because of your injuries. You're not being forced to drink it. You're overthinking things, Sylara!"

Father looked momentarily embarrassed, though he immediately seconded Mom's words and chided me. "You should have ordered your maid to inform us about your injury. You're the firstborn princess of Auremount, so brooding over everything in silence is no way to behave."

I offered no defense, nor did I tell them that every maid I had sent out had never even been granted a chance to report back. I simply lowered my head and said softly, "It was my fault for not thinking it through and making Father and Mother worry."

They looked at me in renewed astonishment the moment I offered my apology.

Father, with a look of approval in his eyes, said, "You finally possess the grace that the firstborn princess of Aureveil Citadel should have, Sylara."

Mother's grip on my hand suddenly tightened, her face showing signs of alarm and unease.

Caelum stepped in front of me before Mother could speak. He lowered his head, his gentle tone containing a hint of apology while saying, "I can explain about what happened that day, Sylara. It was Elara's first time participating in the hunting ritual, and she was crying so hard that I just wanted to help her.

"You're already so accomplished, and everyone in Auremount knows you're the best Sacred Huntress. Elara is different, though. She's been weak since childhood and hasn't had much recognition. I only wanted to give her a single moment of happiness, Sylara."

He spoke with such ease, as though stripping me of the honors I had earned over the years was a matter of no consequence.

I felt my heart, which had finally grown still, race violently once more at his words. He had tampered with my mount, causing the fall that injured me, and his sole purpose was to force me out of the competition.

I could never forget the terror of being violently trampled by my own mount. I had come so close—so terribly close—to losing the use of my leg forever.

In the past, when Father and Mother showed favoritism toward Elara, Caelum had remained at my side. He had defended me, stating that even if the entire world were biased, he would always stand on my side.

Elara was lively and bright, though. She would tug at his sleeve playfully and look up at him with tearful eyes, calling his name in a sweet manner. I, on the other hand, remained perpetually quiet and gloomy. In the end, even Caelum had begun to feel that Elara was the one who deserved to be favored.

I smiled faintly and said, "It's fine. If Elara likes it, then let her have it.

I had been abandoned so many times, so I couldn't possibly hold expectations of their love anymore—whether it was the Sacred Huntress title, my family's love, or even Caelum.

I suddenly felt the injuries on my body begin to ache faintly, but the sensation rapidly escalated into a sharp, tearing pain. I gasped for air as a heavy pressure blocked my chest, and a numbness spread to my fingertips. I looked down at the empty wine glass, and my face suddenly turned pale.

Emberveil Herb was occasionally mixed into the wine for the Auremount festival, as it kept the warriors energized during the rites. However, I had been allergic to Emberveil Herb since I was a child; if consumed by accident while injured, it would cause a high fever and severe hemorrhaging.

Those in Aureveil Citadel used to know this, but once Elara developed a fondness for wine prepared with Emberveil Herb, no one in the palace spoke of my allergy again.

I had to find a healer immediately.

I had barely turned when Elara spoke up, asking softly, "Why are you in such a rush to depart if you're not upset with me, Sylara?"

She lowered her head, sounding aggrieved while saying, "It is my first time becoming a Sacred Huntress, so I just wanted our family here with me. If you leave, others will surely believe that I have taken your honor, Sylara…"

Elena's tears had stirred compassion in everyone present.

Darren's expression grew stern as he asked coldly, "Have you not had enough, Sylara? You keep insisting on leaving, even though everyone is here. How is Elara supposed to feel about this?"

I endured the discomfort and explained softly to them, "I have to go find a healer since there's something in the wine—"

Darren grabbed my wrist before I could finish my sentence and yanked it violently, causing my wound to instantly rip open.

I was in so much pain that my vision went black. I subconsciously wrenched my hand away from his grip.

Darren's expression immediately hardened. "You're really good at acting, Sylara. I thought you had changed for the better, but it turns out you were just lying to us!"