Chapter 19
To become close to someone, the first step was always to learn what they liked and share in it.
After all, what meaningful conversation could one possibly have by talking about something neither cared about—say, flower arranging—for five straight hours?
Fortunately, Nadia had been interested in horses since her days as Rivenia, and she had a decent eye for them as well.
Of course, she had never gambled before, but she wasn’t particularly worried about it.
Nadia studied Conrad, who had followed her all the way to the racetrack.
“…Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’m counting on you, Conrad.”
At Nadia’s teasing remark, Conrad groaned softly.
When Rivenia had rescued him long ago, he had been a boy already neck-deep in gambling.
And not just any gambler—he was clever enough that the grown gamblers considered him a threat and even tried to harm him.
“…So many people. And so many horses.”
It was only natural—it was the racetrack, after all.
Nadia could tell Conrad was trying to change the subject awkwardly, but instead of teasing him, she only smiled faintly.
“My lady, boss—over there, that’s Lady Crimson.”
Vivian pointed to one side of the racetrack.
Because they had purchased the most expensive seats, they were actually quite close to Yuria Crimson.
Nadia’s gaze brushed over Yuria’s figure, and at that moment, their eyes met.
Yuria’s bright blue eyes curved sweetly, as if glad to see her.
‘A sociable young lady,’ Nadia thought, and gave a small nod in return.
If they could exchange such glances, this place would indeed be a good setting for a brief conversation with Yuria.
Nadia then carefully observed the horses that were about to run.
If possible, she wanted to win money—it would make approaching Yuria much easier.
The horse most favored by the crowd was a gray one called Steel Scales. Its glossy coat shimmered under the sunlight like polished steel.
‘But it looks far too excited.’
A certain level of excitement could make a horse run faster, but too much of it, and the animal would no longer obey its rider.
Nadia calmly studied all ten horses.
“Which one will you choose, my lady? The safe option is Steel Scales, but going that route will make it hard to get close to our target.”
“I think Golden Rose is the prettiest.”
Though she listened to the two of them, Nadia wasn’t particularly swayed.
Her eyes were fixed on the smallest black horse, Great Raven.
Unlike the others, its coat was dull and unkempt, as if neglected, and it looked like it had lost even in basic dominance displays.
‘But… there’s a strange light around its heart.’
Nadia discreetly tried to gauge Conrad’s reaction, but it seemed he couldn’t see it.
‘What on earth is that?’
After much thought, Nadia finally wrote down Great Raven.
The race began, and all the horses charged forward at once. As everyone expected, Steel Scales bolted ahead like a mad beast.
Golden Rose stayed right on its heels.
“Rose! Come on, Rose! You can do it!”
Yuria had bet on Golden Rose and was now cheering loudly.
Meanwhile, Nadia’s Great Raven was swallowed up in the pack, barely visible.
‘Maybe I just imagined that glow in the sunlight…’
But just as the thought crossed her mind, Steel Scales and Golden Rose collided violently. The horses behind them stumbled in confusion and lost their way.
“What? What?!”
“What the hell, what horse is that?!”
Out of the chaos, the small, pitch-black horse surged forward.
It was Great Raven.
Calmly but decisively, it galloped straight to the finish line.
A true miracle.
Nadia herself widened her eyes in surprise.
“Al! How on earth did you know?! How did you know Great Raven would win?!”
Yuria leapt from her seat and practically shouted at the man beside her.
She wasn’t angry—just so astonished and thrilled that she was demanding answers.
“It’s just so exciting! From now on, I’m Great Raven’s fan! It’s tiny, but its name has ‘Great’ in it—so cute!”
Yuria squealed, far from the image of a composed noble lady.
The man beside her tugged her back down into her seat, speaking quietly. But with his wide-brimmed hat and the distance between them, Nadia couldn’t hear.
Not that it mattered—Yuria’s voice was simply too loud.
After a moment’s thought, Nadia whispered to Vivian.
Vivian listened, then suddenly cried out even louder than Yuria.
“Kyaa! My lady, you picked Great Raven?! How did you know it would win? That’s amazing! How much money did you just win?!”
Instantly, Yuria’s head whipped toward Nadia’s direction.
Nadia felt a small chill run down her spine, but she knew she had achieved her goal.
When the races ended, Nadia waited inside her carriage while Conrad went to collect the payout.
Well, technically that was just for show—what she was truly waiting for was Yuria to approach her.
Not long after, Vivian politely greeted someone outside.
“You wish to see my lady? May I ask whom I should announce?”
“I’m not acquainted with her yet. Oh, wait! Just say I’m the young woman around her age who exchanged glances before the race. I’ve never met another young noble lady at the racetrack—she must feel the same, don’t you think?”
It was only natural—racetracks were usually full of men, with only the occasional older noblewoman present.
Vivian slipped back inside and whispered, excited.
“My lady, did you hear? It’s her!”
“Perfect. Let’s step out.”
“Yes, my lady.”
With Vivian’s help, Nadia stepped out of the carriage.
Up close, she realized just how hastily Yuria’s portrait must have been painted.
Her jet-black hair gleamed like a healthy horse’s coat, contrasting sharply with her pale skin.
Her blue eyes were as bright and cloudless as a summer sky.
Her figure was slim yet shapely, and her height was neither tall nor short—altogether striking.
Looking at her, Nadia began to doubt all the rumors she had heard.
With such a charming beauty, it was only natural that gossip would arise—even if she’d never so much as held a man’s hand.
“You wished to see me?”
“That’s right! Excuse me, but did you place a big bet on Great Raven in this race?”
Nadia covered her mouth in feigned surprise, blinking.
“How did you know?”
“Sorry! I overheard. But it’s amazing! Are you perhaps a mage, like Al?”
A mage?
She hadn’t expected that word at all and was about to ask when a large hand gently rested on Yuria’s shoulder.
“That’s enough, Yuri. Forgive her, my lady. Yuria always gets excited after the races. She simply loves horses. I hope you’ll pardon her.”
It was the same man who had sat beside Yuria throughout the race.
Called “Al,” he now removed his hat and extended his hand to Nadia.
She hesitated a moment before taking it, and his soft lips brushed the back of her hand.
It was a typical noble greeting between men and women, but there was an unusual warmth in it. Nadia didn’t call him out, instead replying with a gentle smile.
“Of course. We’re here to relax and enjoy ourselves, after all.”
At her smooth words, the man’s eyes curved as he smiled faintly.
He was handsome enough to take one’s breath away. His blue eyes were cooler than Yuria’s, yet not cold—rather, they carried a quiet sorrow that would easily stir women’s hearts.
His long, golden hair was loosely tied, but instead of looking unkempt, it seemed all the more beautiful.
“Call me Al, my lady.”
Nadia firmly kept her distance.
“You must be someone of high standing. How could I? I’d be grateful if you’d share your full name instead.”
Her true goal was befriending Yuria.
If this man was indeed Yuria’s lover, becoming too close with him might earn her resentment.
“Oh dear, how rude of me. I am Archis Flang.”
Archis Flang?
Could he be part of the Flang Ducal House, rulers of the southern nobility?
It was an unexpected appearance from such a powerful figure, but Nadia forced herself to remain composed, bowing politely before turning her eyes back to Yuria.
In the Empire, it was the privilege of the higher-ranked to introduce themselves first.
Thus, when one’s relative rank was uncertain, it was polite to let the other speak first.
Yuria nodded gratefully, then introduced herself with cheerful energy.
“I’m Yuria Crimson! I can’t tell you how glad I am to meet another young lady here. I’ve always begged Al—well, Lord Flang—to bring me along!”
There was a marriage alliance between the Flang Ducal House and the Crimson Count’s family.
So Archis and Yuria were likely cousins.
Even so, for them to come together to the racetrack was surprising.
Nadia was curious, but Yuria remained her priority.
According to Vivian’s research, Yuria came to the racetrack at least once a week.
Now, Nadia understood why Count Crimson had delayed his daughter’s debut into society.
No matter how clever she was, Yuria’s boundless energy couldn’t be hidden—he must have been worried sick.
“I am Nadia of House Hess, Baronial family. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Hess?”
Yuria openly looked puzzled, while Archis smoothly covered for her.
“With such a beautiful lady as its flower, House Hess must be a truly splendid domain indeed.”