Chapter 143
Jessica didn’t answer Monica’s question.
With the Yates family’s deep pool of talent, if even someone like Priscilla could participate, surely they could assemble a team. Assembling a team wasn’t the problem–winning the championship, however, was another story.
Jessica knew all too well the strength of Waldo House, and Davon House was no less formidable.
Still, at least she was familiar with their teams. There was, however, one force she knew almost nothing about.
“Monica,” Jessica said calmly, “find a way to discreetly learn who’s competing under Leon House. Do what you can, but don’t take any risks. Whatever happens, do not let Prince Leon’s people catch wind of it.”
Leon was an enigma and Jessica had no intention of provoking him unnecessarily.
Still, if the Yates family was going to compete, they had to win. Only a first place victory would catch the King’s eye, anything less would be meaningles
If there was a chance to gather intel on Leon’s team, she had to seize it.
“Miss Yates,” Monica hesitated, “shouldn’t we also investigate Priscilla’s abilities? They say her riding and archery skills surpass even her brother Raul’s
Jessica frowned. “Where did you hear that?”
Raul was Sandspire’s undisputed master of mounted archery; Garbisch had once come close to dying by Raul’s arrow during a pursuit..
For Priscilla to surpass Raul, now that was something worth noting
At that very moment, Priscilla was indeed at Waldo’s military camp, training hard.
Her practice method was simple and brutal–riding at full gallop while soldiers tossed fruit into the air, which she would try to shoot mid–flight.
Thirty fruits were thrown; Priscilla struck twenty–five, missing five that fell to the ground untouched.
She pouted furiously, clearly dissatisfied.
Waldo, however, smiled reassuringly. “Your skill is already outstanding. It’s only because you haven’t touched a bow in so long that your hand is a little rusty. I’m very pleased.”
Truthfully, her skill wasn’t anywhere close to Raul’s. But Waldo, blinded by love, saw only perfection. In his eyes, among young women, Priscilla’s abilities were nothing short of extraordinary,
“No way,” Priscilla huffed stubbornly. “I can’t allow any misses. Again!”
She spurred her horse forward, demanding another round of practice with the soldiers.
Only after she had ridden out of sight did Hughie dare approach Waldo, his expression deeply troubled.
He hesitated for a long moment, struggling to find the right words.
Priscilla had boldly y claimed to be the “Desert Rose“—and even to surpass Raul in skill,
Yet today, they had all witnessed the truth with their own eyes Priscilla’s ability wasn’t even a match for Hughie’s, let alone Raul’s or Garbisch’s
Lowering his voice, Hughie said gravely, “The Autumn Hunt isn’t just a game–it’s crucial. With Priscilla’s level, she simply isn’t fit to compete. Lean
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Chapter 143
House will be sending a team this year too. Prince Leon has only just returned to Capitalia–you can bet he’ll be desperate to claim first place. w CA
afford to lose.”
Having Priscilla in their lineup would be a fatal weakness.
Waldo, however, watched Priscilla ride with a soft gleam in his eyes.
He wasn’t thinking the same way at all.
“Gentlemen’s teams are common.” Waldo said lightly. “A young lady with skill like hers is rare. It won’t hurt to let her see the world a little.”
“But…” Hughie started, deeply uneasy.
ile, “that our team isn’t strong enough to cover a small papin ability?”
“Are you saying.” Waldo interrupted with a faint smile,
It had been a long time since he’d seen that stubborn fire in Priscilla’s eyes. It was that same fierce pride that had first made him fall for her–madly. helplessly.
Now, watching her grit her teeth and fight to improve, that buried tenderness stirred alive again.
All the irritation and disappointment he had once felt toward her reckless arrogance at this moment–vanished like smoke.
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