“He’s all grown up.”
When Julia started looking at Endimion with eyes that seemed to say, I’m proud of you, he was already lying on the bed. He looked as relaxed as a full lion, with his legs hanging down the blanket.
Unconsciously, Julia took in his broad shoulders as if he belonged to a different race from her.
It’s such a novel sight that I want to reach out and touch it at least once.
‘He’s really all grown…’
“What are you doing? Come here.”
“Huh? Oh, yeah.”
Julia, who was suddenly awakened from her thoughts, belatedly got onto the bed.
Somehow she felt like she wasn’t herself today.
‘I guess I was tired because I haven’t been out in a long time.’
Tomorrow’s hunting competition is a very important event, so I’m going to get a good night’s sleep to be in a perfect condition tomorrow.
Julia, who had made up her mind, lifted the blanket and went inside, then suddenly added,
“Oh, you didn’t forget that there will be ladies coming to the hunt tomorrow, right?”
“…… ”
“Honestly, I wasn’t very picky in selecting because it was a bit sudden. I sent invitations to young ladies of Counts with a good reputation in society, so think of it as an opportunity to get familiar with their faces for now.”
That’s right. This was the other purpose for holding the royal hunting contest.
The night Julia spoke of the need for a concubine to get a successor, Endimion left the bedroom showing his discomfort.
Julia was concerned and went to his office the next day. But he didn’t meet her, saying he was busy.
After worrying Julia all day, Endimion returned to their bedroom in the middle of the night.
– I’ve been thinking, I believe you’re right. I totally agree with you on needing a successor.
The clear answer was accompanied by both relief and some regret.
Still, I wish you’d been a little more reluctant.
Julia wanted to complain at Endimion who spoke with cold eyes as though it concerned a stranger.
No matter how it is, how can you agree so quickly after I only recommended it once? What about our 12-year friendship?
But She knew that she didn’t have the right to be upset because she had suggested it first. In addition, Julia was not just Endimion’s childhood friend, but his Queen. A position that should give priority to Endimion’s wellbeing over one’s own emotions.
Julia wiped out her childish feelings to fulfill her duty as a good Queen. She opened her mouth with her usual bright voice.
– Then we’ll have to pick out a concubine…
– Oh. I have something to say about that.
– What?
– We can’t choose the successor’s mother that easily.
Julia blinked her eyes wondering what he meant, when Endimion suggested using a royal hunting contest.
He suggested using their coming-of-age celebratory hunting contest to look for candidates amongst the attending ladies.
It was originally an event involving only a few high-ranking deputies and their families. But Endimion said Julia could invite ladies she deemed fit, with no limits, while keeping their plan a secret.
It was an unusual suggestion, but it sounded plausible as the royal hunting competition is the birthplace of many couples. In addition, as the Queen, Julia also wanted to bring in a proper lady as his concubine.
It would be better to evaluate their natural personality instead of the persona they prepared in advance.
– All right, if you think so.
Thus, the hunting competition was prepared under the approval of the King and Queen.
“Just, take a look comfortably. If there are some fine people we can call them back to the coming-of-age ball so it won’t be uncomfortable…”
It was when Julia spoke kindly. She could see Endimion staring at her.
“What’s wrong?”
Julia, who was about to go under the blanket, tilted her head and asked. He definitely looks the same as usual, but somehow it felt like the temperature had dropped down sharply.
“More than that, I want to ask you something.”
“Me? What is it?”
Julia asked in reply to his unexpected words. Endimion turned his body completely towards her as if he had been waiting.