Chapter 7

There came a series of booming metallic clangs.

The sudden tolling of the city bell snapped Selene back to her senses. It was the signal announcing the start of the annual riding and archery competition held by the city.

In her past life, Selene had shone brilliantly in this competition. Because of that, she drew Alaric's suspicion and fear.

"Since you dislike Zirion, then I won't force the matter," Vanessa said understandingly with a smile.

Compared to earlier, she seemed to be in a far better mood. "After all, today is your big day."

With that, she left with Zirion in tow.

"Is it your birthday today?" Fenric asked.

Having misunderstood Vanessa's words, he picked several flowers in the garden. He seemed to know which ones bloomed most beautifully because he moved swiftly. Barely a second later, he handed them to Selene with a sincere expression.

Selene smiled and accepted the bouquet but shook her head. She said, "Thank you. But today is not my birthday. One hour from now, the riding and archery competition will be held on the plains outside the city. All beast tamers must participate."

Fenric recalled how Selene had shot an arrow through the beast's eye back in the beast pit.

"You'll surely emerge as the champion. I'll go get you the finest horse," he said confidently.

"No, not the finest one." Selene winked at him mischievously. "Just get me the prettiest one."

…

After changing into her riding clothes, Selene arrived at the competition grounds just in time to see Fenric leading a horse toward her. He looked troubled, as though he wanted to say something but kept holding back.

"You want to say that pretty horses are usually weak, don't you? That's fine. That's exactly what I want," Selene said. She opened her palm to reveal a sword knot that was adorned with a wooden rose. "Here. Put this on your sword."

Fenric accepted it and replied with delight, "Is this a gift?"

"You could say that. I carved it myself, so it doesn't look very nice."

"I… I like it very much!" Fenric grinned widely from ear to ear. He immediately tied it to his sword hilt and seemed to cherish it very much.

"I have another task for you," Selene said. Then, she lowered her voice and instructed, "Make sure this gift is seen as much as possible."

With a perplexed expression on his face, Fenric nodded gingerly. Before he could ask, cheers rose from the distance, cutting off their conversation.

"Nessa's archery has improved so much. She even hit the bullseye once!"

"At this rate, she'll soon be able to join us on hunts in the mountains."

Vanessa waved her hand shyly, blushing from the compliments. She responded humbly, "You flatter me, dear brothers. I only hit the target on my tenth arrow. Compared to how Selene did in the past, I'm nothing. Back then, she struck a rabbit's eye about 330 yards away with one shot! She's always been my role model."

Their voices traveled just enough to reach the ears of Alaric, who was seated at the viewing platform.

"Since you say so, then allow me to show off my skills once more."

Selene mounted her horse and held up a strip of white cloth as she rode before the crowd. Only when all eyes were fixed upon her did she tie the cloth across her eyes.

"Blind shooting? Oh, it'll be a feast for the eyes!" Vanessa's voice trembled with excitement that she could barely contain.

As soon as the signal went off, Selene charged forward blindfolded. She raised her bow and shot an arrow… It was a miss. She quickly shot another. Again, it was another miss.

Laughter erupted from the stands all around.

Upon hearing that, Selene tore off her blindfold in disbelief. She clenched her teeth in frustration as she wheeled her horse around. In her fury, she flung the piece of white cloth to the ground.

She locked her eyes on the target intently. Then, she spurred her horse forward and drew her bow. This time, she hit the outermost ring. It was followed by another shot, which was a miss yet again.

"Damn it!" Selene hurled her bow to the ground. "Bring me another bow!"

The audience sniggered harder, some even bent over as they cried tears of laughter.

"How embarrassing! What a feast for the eyes, indeed!"

"What a complete and utter disgrace Selene has become!"

Among the crowd, only Vanessa's face was pale. She turned around and stammered nervously, "N-No, this isn't Selene's usual standard. She must be tired. Please give her another chance…"

Her words were cut short when an arrow suddenly whistled past and grazed her cheek.