* * *

Remy’s confusion deepened further.

“You said you wouldn’t eat it, but you finished everything.”

“Looks like it.”

Ashton set the empty bowl aside and picked up a tall glass from the tray.

“Here, cleanse your palate.”

When Ashton brought the cup to his lips, Remy looked down suspiciously, only to brighten upon recognizing its contents.

It was something he loved.

“What’s this? When did you prepare this?”

“You like it?”

“Not that I’m complaining…”

It was lemon juice—one of Remy’s favorites, especially during meals.

Ashton had introduced him to it once when he couldn’t handle the gamey flavor of venison.

Since then, Remy made a habit of drinking it with every meal.

After arriving at Molalis, however, he hadn’t been able to find any.

Likely because he hadn’t thought to request it in advance.

“Drink up.”

Remy drank the lemon juice eagerly, savoring the tangy, refreshing taste.

While the chicken soup had been delicious, the sharpness of the lemon juice was what truly hit the spot.

“I’ve asked the kitchen to serve lemon juice with every meal from now on.”

“Really? Is that even possible?”

“Yeah. Turns out they had some lemons in stock.”

“Thank goodness. I should’ve asked sooner.”

Ashton watched Remy with a quiet smile as the latter greeted him with genuine enthusiasm.

Without a moment’s pause, Remy hopped off his spot.

Now that breakfast was finished, it felt like a good time to step out.

“Since we’ve eaten, shall we start the day?” Remy said with a stretch.

Ashton, who had been sitting on the bed and silently watching him, finally rose to his feet.

Carrying their empty bowls, the two left the tent, leaving behind the savory aroma of chicken soup that lingered in the now-empty space.

---

As soon as the meal ended, everyone participating in the hunting competition gathered in the plaza. Remy joined the lineup with Ashton and Rex.

Allen, still unwell, wouldn’t be participating today.

Unlike their last visit to the hunting grounds, Haywards wasn’t with the group this time.

Being a member of the royal family and part of the upper echelon, he naturally stood at the front of the procession.

“Remy.”

While Rex was momentarily distracted, paying little attention to Remy, Ashton called his name softly.

“Huh?”

“You don’t remember how to shoot a gun, do you?”

Ashton’s tone carried the kind of exasperation that indicated he already knew the answer, and Remy’s reply was equally nonchalant.

“Of course not.”

“Let’s hang back for now—stay as far away from the others as possible.”

“Hey, not a bad idea.”

“I’ll teach you how to use the gun once we find a quiet spot.”

Though shooting wasn’t mandatory in the competition, learning just in case seemed wise.

Nodding in agreement, Remy decided to go along with it.

“…With this, I officially declare the start of the Golden Stag Hunting Competition! Participants, proceed to the valley!”

At the conclusion of the overly long opening speech, cheers erupted from the crowd.

With Haywards leading the charge, the hunters surged toward the mountain like a cloud.

Watching the others, Ashton and Remy slowly slipped away from the group.

“What are you two doing, Ashton? Why are you lagging behind?”

Rex’s suspicious voice stopped them, prompting Ashton to give his prepared response.

“Remy isn’t feeling well. I’ll keep an eye on him, so don’t worry and go on ahead.”

“Tsk.” Rex clicked his tongue in irritation.

He had no fondness for Remy, who always seemed to collapse at the slightest provocation.

Even if it was due to aftereffects from his manifestation, Rex thought it was too much.

“How long is he going to keep this up? Shouldn’t he be fine by now?”

“Remy’s always been frail.”

“Ha. If he manifests twice as an Omega, he might actually kick the bucket.”

“Cut him some slack. Don’t be so hard on him.”

Grumbling under his breath, Rex turned away, looking like he’d just bitten into something bitter.

Once the crowd had mostly thinned out, Ashton signaled to Remy.

“Let’s get moving too, Remy.”

Remy nodded and started walking.

“That looks heavy. Let me carry it for you.”

Ashton reached for the large hunting rifle slung over Remy’s shoulder.

Hiking through rough terrain with the bulky rifle already felt cumbersome, so when Ashton offered to take it, Remy couldn’t help but feel grateful.

But—

“No thanks. It’s not that heavy.”

Gratitude aside, Remy couldn’t keep accepting Ashton’s kindness without offering anything in return.

He refused firmly.

“Stubborn as always.”

Ashton, however, remained unfazed.

Without hesitation, he took the rifle from Remy’s shoulder and slung it over his own.

Naturally, Remy was indignant.

“Hey! I told you I didn’t need help!”

“Just move. Don’t make things harder for everyone by collapsing again.”

With that, Ashton took the lead. Remy followed, his expression full of irritation.

They began ascending the mountain under the shade of tall trees, moving diligently.

Having visited this path once before, they were much more adept this time.

Since they stayed far behind the others, the journey felt less burdensome.

Without Allen tripping every few steps, everything was far smoother than before.

“Look, it’s the Stag Valley!”

After walking for some time, the sound of commotion from the lead group reached their ears.

They had arrived at the valley said to be home to the golden stag.

“Remy, look ahead! It’s the Stag Valley.”

At Ashton’s excited voice, Remy, who had been struggling across the uneven terrain, finally looked up.

What appeared before him was a breathtakingly beautiful valley unlike anything he had seen before.

Between the flowing water, moss-covered boulders jutted out like miniature mountain ridges.

Fallen leaves clung delicately to the green surfaces, resembling the shells of tiny turtles.

Mist rose from the water, adding an otherworldly quality to the scene.

The valley, said to house the golden stag, lived up to its reputation.

“This is incredible. It looks like something out of a fairytale.”

Remy marveled without realizing it.

Suddenly, Ashton’s arm slipped around his shoulders.

At first, Remy didn’t notice, but as the faint scent of pheromones crept into his senses, he stiffened.

His voice turned sharp. “Get your arm off me. While I’m asking nicely.”

“Why? I’m just resting a bit after carrying your rifle all the way here.”

“Who asked you to carry it? You took it yourself.”

“Whatever. Let me rest for a second. Carrying two rifles is no joke, you know.”

Unbelievable.

Grinding his teeth in frustration, Remy decided arguing was pointless and clamped his mouth shut.

He’d learned one thing from being around Ashton for so long—talking to him never led anywhere productive.

Today was no different. Whatever Remy said, Ashton always had a retort ready.

“From here, scatter and begin the hunt!”

At the booming announcement, the hunters broke formation and dispersed in all directions.

“Let’s go.”

Ashton grabbed Remy’s hand without hesitation.

The casual touch only deepened the furrow in Remy’s brow.

‘Seriously? Does he have to sneak in physical contact like this every chance he gets? He’s way too good at this. In the original story, he was supposed to be a devoted romantic who only cared about Allen. What a load of crap. A “devoted romantic”? More like a player with a string of Omegas under his belt.’

Thinking this, Remy pouted unconsciously, his dissatisfaction written all over his face.

“Remy, is something wrong? You look upset.”

“Mind your own business.”

“Touchy, aren’t we? Which direction should we head? Probably somewhere less crowded, right?”

“W-What? Somewhere less crowded?”

Remy jumped, yanking his hand away from Ashton’s grasp.

“What’s the point of going somewhere secluded?! What are we supposed to do there, just the two of us?!”

Ashton blinked, his handsome face tilting slightly in confusion.

“What are you talking about, Remy? I already told you—I’ll teach you how to shoot.”

Oh, no. Remy’s face turned beet red.

He realized his thoughts had spiraled out of control lately, prompting an uninvited moment of self-reflection.

* * *