Chapter 237
This dagger was called Sky.
It was said to be a legendary weapon from ancient times, perpetually shrouded in icy mist.
Jessica couldn’t help but test the dagger. With a swift swing, she cleanly sheared off a corner from a nearby rock.
That was solid rock, and she hadn’t even channeled any internal strength.
She thought, ‘The legend was true, Sky really does possess its own power!‘
Jessica gasped, “You…”
Leon saw right through her hesitation and gave a soft snort. “Once a gift is given, there’s no taking it back,” he said dismissively, “If you don’t want it, just toss it away.”
This time, he strode forward and took the lead himself.
Jessica was torn between astonishment and delight, a flicker of unease crossing her mind. But this dagger’s temptation was simply irresistible.
Walking behind, Jessica warned, “Your Highness, there’s a chilling presence ahead. Be careful.”
Leon’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “Call me Leon, and I’ll be extra careful,” he teased.
Jessica just rolled her eyes and ignored him.
She thought, ‘But why is there such a bone–chilling aura in the hunting grounds?
‘Where on earth is this putrid, sinister stench coming from?‘
It was already past noon, with less than an hour remaining before the King would personally review the hunt’s results.
The King had caught a cold last night and wasn’t in the best spirits today.
“Your Majesty,” Andrew advised respectfully from the side, “this year’s trial is particularly challenging. The hunting parties likely won’t return so soon. Why not rest inside a while longer?”
Based on past experience, hunting parties should have been trickling back by this time. That was why the King came out two hours early.
But right now, the hunting grounds remained eerily quiet, not a single sign of any returning parties.
Clearly, this year’s challenge was exceptionally tough.
The Queen, noticing the King’s slightly pale face, added gently, “Your Majesty, perhaps we should follow Andrew’s advice and reti
some rest?”
Meanwhile, Adele kept her gaze fixed on the entrance to the hunting grounds, peering intently again and again, as if barely able to contain her growing impatience.
The Queen’s eyes flickered with suspicion. “Adele, why this restlessness? Could it be you fear for Waldo’s safety?”
Adele’s eyes darkened as she snapped back, “Who in the capital could possibly rival Waldo’s skills? Naturally, I have nothing to worry about. I’m merely curious to see which team will emerge first.”
The Queen ignored Adele and turned to the King, her voice gentle and hesitant. “Your Majesty, perhaps we should…”
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Chapter 237
“Your Majesty, there’s movement ahead!” Andrew suddenly exclaimed.
Though Andrew’s voice was soft, in that instant, it made everyone’s heart skip a beat,
All the noble houses waited anxiously, with Monica and Nolan growing increasingly restless.
There really was a team coming back.
The pounding of hooves grew steadily louder.
They were racing at breakneck speed, yet the thunder of hooves remained perfectly synchronized. To move so fast and still keep such order, this was clearly no ordinary hunting party.
Everyone rose to their feet in anticipation, their gazes fixed intently on the distance.
At last, a figure came charging through the swirling dust like a thunderbolt!
“Miss Jessica! Miss Jessica!” Monica cried out, nearly jumping for joy when she saw Jessica burst out first, a decent–sized black bear slung across her
horse’s back.
Nolan’s eyes stung, a sour ache welling up in his chest.
Riding behind Jessica were Garbisch and the three women.
While the four of them had relatively clean clothes with little dust, Jessica was a sight, her hair disheveled, her body covered in grime and marked with bloodstains.
Monica was frantic with worry and tried to rush forward, but Nolan quickly grabbed her arm, holding her back. “Don’t panic! Miss is moving with purpose, she doesn’t seem seriously injured!”
“Don’t panic! Miss is moving with purpose, she doesn’t seem seriously injured!”
AD
