I Don’t Want to Be Loved (Web Novel)
chapter-26

Chapter 26: Years Later

Arc 1 ended last chapter. We’re now in Arc 2.

Six years later…

Tars, Capital of Crichton.

Gentle noblemen gathered in the garden full of fallen leaves.  Many dressed nicely, all full in their warm woolly clothes hinting a touch of the clear autumn weather, a clear contrast to their tense faces. They held a long wooden stick –– the sort that did not match their elegant attire.

A white ball rested above the colored maple leaves sleeping quietly on the ground. Meanwhile, a woman’s voice rang out and the gentlemen stared with breathless eyes.

“And… begin!”

As soon as the woman’s battle cry fell, the ball rose and leaped into the air.

The gentlemen moved quickly and ran after the ball, the sight somewhat amusing. One gentleman threw his stick towards the ball, managing to catch it, but another person from the side immediately snagged the ball from the gentleman. The stealer swiftly turned around and ran towards the other side at a frighteningly alarming speed.

“Oh no!”

The stealer running fast on the narrow path blocked in between the trees yelped our horridly. He was blocked by two other men; the force had him groaning and rolling to the ground.

Then a scuffle occured.

One gentleman created an illusion of hitting the ball, but in truth, his kick landed a blow on someone’s stomach.

Meanwhile, a gentleman hiding from the bushes jumped out and rushed towards the ball, but he lost his footing and fell on the mud while another gentleman yanked the ball from the man who fell on the mud. Then, he ran towards the opposite direction, but he was immediately caught by the other team.

The game dragged on. None had yet to score a goal. Their clean attire were now stained with mud.

The woman was surrounded by beautiful ladies.

The woman smiled brightly and opened her mouth. “Maybe you all want to jump into the lake? If you can’t score, might as well become a one big group, don’t you think?”

The gentlemen expressed their deep sighs of regret. They’d rush back and forth to win with all their might ‘lest they find themselves at the losing odds — losers were to jump in the lake.

Meanwhile, the noble ladies looked at the woman, no, the princess with mixed feelings, realizing the princess’s true purpose for proposing the match.

A while ago, they’d gone to the saloon and discussed a heated debate regarding the latest issues and scandal. One man, the one currently rolling in the mud, said something that caused the princess’s agitation which led to this very moment.

Agitated, the princess suggested they play Kiritte, a Chrichton based game. The losing team was to jump into the cold, cold lake as penalty.

Seeing the young men’s misery, the young noble ladies turned to the silver-haired woman comfortably sitting next to her. She was the only one who could stop the princess.

The silver-haired woman looked over her shoulder and gave a somber look. “Stop now, princess.”

“Why? It’s been fun.”

“You’ve done let enough already. If you were to end up injured, the men included, we’d only face many troubles. Let’s end it here.”

“Hmm…” The princess showed signs of concern, placing her palm on her chin.

And then the noblemen and women raised their voices.

“Yes, that’s right, princess. What if you end up hurt?”

“Yes, this is a bit too dangerous.”

“Let’s stop here…”

Helena, the princess, looked at them coldly. The other party immediately shut their mouths.

They dare tell her what to do? Helena snorted, but eventually, she raised her hand and the whistle blew, a sign of the match ending.

Relieved, the men sighed.

The game was over long before someone was pronounced the winner. They hoped she had her fill of fun and that she returns back to the palace.

But, against their bitter hopes, Helena’s voice brutally trampled their expectations. She raised her head as the sun shone on curly platinum hair and light-green eyes and said, “I’ve given you enough time, yet no one was able to score. And I don’t think it’s fair for all of you to jump into the lake, so why not one of you do it in their stead. Rhia, won’t you pick one for me?”

All eyes turned to the silver-haired woman.