Seduce the hero's mother (GL)

Chapter 65: Chapter 13. The Imperial Hunt

It's been a few days since Maxie stunned me with such <<wonderful>> news. Visiting the imperial hunt was clearly not part of my plans. Moreover, it was during this period that she was going to catch an opportunity for escape.

However, all this is no longer important.

Maxie has never considered my opinion and just confronted the fact that this weekend we are going to the Dense Forest. At least Razor let me take it with me.

That was the name of the place where hunting was held from time to time among members of high society. Such an event was considered a rarity, and mostly took place during some significant events for the country.

Something like a traditional entertainment.

For example, the king could organize a hunt in honor of his birthday, a state holiday, or a military victory. But in recent years there have been few reasons for joy, so the last time it was arranged already ten years ago.

In the old days, participation in the imperial hunt was considered a great honor, and no one could miss such an event. Now, people came only because they could not refuse. Especially, realizing what the <<holiday>> was planned for.

The Marquess of Windsor was the same. For a successful coup, he should not arouse suspicion ahead of time, and continue to build the illusion of loyalty to the ruler. For this, he had to postpone all previous plans, and prepare for the hunt.

Its duration was one day, but it is during this period that it is necessary to give everything in full. Previously, the winner who caught the largest amount of game could make any wish to the king as a prize. However, in fact, few people really strained for this. It was difficult to get the first place, so basically everything remained simple within the framework of entertainment.

This time, not only the Marquis himself, but also Maxi was going to become a participant in the imperial hunt. For the future heiress of the house of Windsor, it was an important appearance, and she was preparing for it responsibly. The man had to personally accompany her as a guardian, and introduce her to other aristocrats.

Maxie personally picked up a weapon for herself and was organizing a small crew that would go with us. It included the Marquis's men, guards, a couple of maids and his personal assistant. All these people had to ride behind the main carriage, and take care of the members of the noble family on the spot.

It would seem that it was not worth bothering so much for the sake of one day. But no. To show their status, the aristocrats boasted to each other as much as they could.

The Marquis of Windsor agreed to take me and Razor with only one condition. Before setting off, he pointedly ran his thumb along his neck. As if hinting that if we dare to throw something out or say a word about our origin, we will become dead.

We humbly swore that this would not happen.

On the day of departure, the Marquise personally came to see us off. She wished her daughter good luck and kissed her husband goodbye. She gave me a slight nod. I did the same in response, although I still noticed concern on her face.

Rodrigue Windsor got into the main carriage, while the servants had already climbed into the carriages. Razor was among them. Everything was almost ready, and I was also going to take my place in the servants' carriage.

But at that moment, Maxie suddenly stopped me.

-- Beauty, you're coming with me.

I was surprised by such an unexpected statement.

-- What?

I soon realized what she meant. Unlike her father, the girl intended to ride straight on horseback. And, moreover, to take me too.

The idea of riding a horse for several hours in a row was not very pleasing. I'd rather have a more comfortable ride in the form of a cart. But is it possible to argue with her?

-- You know, I don't think that's a good idea...

<<So you were scared?>> Maxie asked ironically.

<<I don't know how to ride a horse,>> I said.

She arched an eyebrow.

-- Hmm? It's not a problem. I told you you'd come with me.

After these words, the girl effortlessly lifted me off the ground and put me on her horse. She sat in the back, holding the reins.

I sighed, realizing that somehow I had to do it.

The Marquess of Windsor looked at his daughter's actions in surprise, but said nothing. His next order was to hit the road.

Our squad moved into the Dense Forest.

Since it was not far from the capital, the trip should only take a couple of hours. However, Maxi even accelerated this process for us. Spurring our horse, we overtook the main train and galloped ahead.

The cold wind hit me in the face, and I even liked it. It turned out to be much more interesting than my initial expectations.

But even here there was a fly in the ointment.

The back of my head has been feeling someone's angry gaze on me for a long time. Somehow, the former maid Maxie, whose name I found out a little later, managed to join the maids accompanying the carriage.

After my abduction, Maxie punished the maid with twenty strokes of a stick. After that, she didn't even give her a chance to take a break, immediately getting her a job in the kitchen. However, even after this, Griselda did not complain. She was glad to be left at the manor.

After that incident, the maid avoided me. But this did not mean that the hateful glances and curses behind his back had stopped. I tried just not to pay attention to it, especially since the previous brazen actions were no longer repeated. She probably learned a lesson after all.

I sighed, but had to come to terms with the fact that there are things I can't change. And the attitude of some people towards me, including.

When we arrived at the camp, almost all the participants of the hunt had already gathered there. Like the king himself. When I saw him, I finally understood why the submitted nobles treated him with such contempt.

Against the background of an ordinary ruler, Gregory the Second really looked pathetic. Small and plump, with an anxious expression on his face. He was surrounded by a whole squad of guards, although there was no visible danger nearby.

When the carriage stopped, the Marquis got out of the carriage to greet him according to etiquette. We were left waiting behind.

I looked around and noticed that a lot of people really gathered in front of the entrance to the forest. However, none of them will recognize Razor and me anyway.

Since we had only attended a major social event in Azeroth once before, it is unlikely that someone from Oberon was at it. Therefore, outwardly, no one could recognize us as heirs of noble families. Moreover, we didn't even have any substantial evidence. After all, the Windsors confiscated all our things.

Actually, for this reason, I did not dare to go to some kind of riot to ask for help to free us. No one will believe that the youngest son of the king and the daughter of the archduke were really captured by the Marquis. And if the idea fails, as he said, we will be covered.

In this place, we were just ordinary servants, and there was nothing we could do about it. We could only accept the current situation.

-- Beauty, I have to go. Wait here.

Having dropped these words, before the start of the hunt, Maxie also left for mutual greetings with other aristocrats. Razor and I stayed by the wagon, and the guy quietly asked:

<<Are you sure nothing's going to happen?>>

-- It's only for one day. I think everything will be fine.

The guy sighed.

<<Still, I'm worried. I have a bad feeling about this.>>

I patted his shoulder reassuringly.

-- Come on. We're going to be idle anyway. Maxie and the Marquis won't be back until the evening.

-- Hmm? And then why did they take us with them at all?

-- How do I know what's on her mind, -- she muttered irritably, -- You can say that we just obey her whims.

The second Prince paused.

After some time, when all the participants had gathered on the spot, the king was going to announce the start of the hunt. Many have already jumped on their horses and prepared to leave for the forest.

-- ...Thank you for taking the time to visit the imperial hunt in our difficult time! Today we are gathered here to celebrate a joyful event. Ten years have passed since the anniversary of our alliance with the Empire of Azeroth!

In response to this, many quietly rolled their eyes.

-- ...And to express our good intentions, we will conduct a joint hunt. A very influential person honored us with his visit. Please welcome him!

At first, Razor and I didn't pay attention to what was happening at all. We were just waiting for the performance to end and we could go about our business. But at that moment they couldn't help but look in that direction.

Both of us instantly dropped our jaws.

-- ...His Highness, the Crown Prince, Philippe de Blanche!