Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 280

Chapter 280: Predator and Prey

[Lavinia’s POV — Deep within the Hunting Grounds]

The horns blared, splitting the air like a war cry. Silence died instantly. Hooves thundered against the forest floor as nobles surged forward, arrows slicing the air, and banners fluttering in the chaos.

I tightened my grip on the reins. My stallion responded with power and precision, muscles coiling beneath me. Marshi’s low growl rolled beside me, golden fur shimmering in the shafts of sunlight piercing the canopy.

Branches whipped past. The scent of pine, wildness, and blood mingled in my nose. Perfect. This... this is where I thrived.

"Your Highness!" Haldor’s voice broke through the storm.

"Just follow quietly," I called over my shoulder, eyes fixed on the shadows ahead. "Do not hunt. This is my task alone."

Haldor bowed slightly. "As you wish, Your Highness."

The forest trembled beneath massive, measured footsteps. My pulse quickened. A boar? No. Too deliberate... too commanding.

Then it appeared.

A black stag, taller than a warhorse, antlers veined with gold, eyes glowing with a furious light. A divine beast. Rare. Deadly. Magnificent.

"Marshi," I whispered.

The divine tiger crouched low, muscles taut. My hand found the bowstring, breath steady. One arrow. One heartbeat. One strike.

Thwip!

The arrow struck its shoulder. The stag roared, shaking off the pain like it was nothing.

"Tch—stubborn thing," I muttered, nocking another arrow. Before I could release, Marshi lunged, claws tearing through the forest floor as he met the beast head-on.

"Marshi! Not yet!" I yelled.

He growled, golden fur bristling, teeth gleaming. The clash of beast against beast shook the air. I leapt from my horse, sword drawn, steel catching sunlight. One clean motion, a slash across its neck—swift, precise, merciful.

Silence fell again.

Blood stained the grass like a crimson bloom. The stag’s golden eyes dimmed, its spirit passing into the earth.

Marshi padded beside me, nose nudging my arm. "You did well, Marshi." His low growl was almost pride.

Sir Haldor emerged from the trees, bowing. "And so did you, Your Highness."

I arched a brow. "You can hunt too, Haldor. I don’t mind—just don’t interfere."

He offered a faint smile, bowing low. "Forgive me, Princess. I have no wish to hunt beasts when the fiercest one already walks beside me."

I blinked, amused by his boldness. "Flattery doesn’t suit you, Haldor. But I’ll allow it."

We continued deeper into the woods, the sunlight breaking through the canopy in trembling patches of gold. Up ahead, voices erupted—shouts, laughter, and the thundering of hooves.

"Over there! The deer’s heading north—shoot!" someone yelled.

Several noblemen charged after the poor creature, arrows flying wide, their clamor disturbing the quiet grace of the forest. I reined in my horse and simply watched.

Sir Haldor turned to me, brows raised. "You’re not going to take the shot, Your Highness?"

I tilted my head slightly, eyes following the frightened deer as it vanished into the brush. "I only hunt what deserves to be hunted, Haldor. Wild. Dangerous. Beasts that kill for sport, not those that run for their lives." My tone cooled. "Whether it’s man or monster—only the wild ones should bleed."

He gave a low, approving chuckle. "A philosophy befitting a queen, not a hunter."

"Perhaps both," I murmured, nudging my horse forward. "Come. There’s nothing worth chasing here."

We pressed deeper into the woods, the chatter of the nobles fading behind us until only the crunch of leaves under Marshi’s paws remained.

After a moment, I asked, "What about Osric? Have you seen him?"

Haldor nodded slightly. "He was headed west—toward the ridge near the camp. I believe one of his blades was damaged. He might’ve gone to fetch new equipment."

My gaze flicked westward, a faint crease forming between my brows. "Hmm... the ridge? That’s rather far for a simple repair."

"Perhaps," Haldor said quietly, his hand resting on his sword hilt. "But Lord Osric has his own... ways."

I gave a faint hum, half-smirk tugging at my lips. "He’d better. Because when I return, I expect him to be the second-highest scorer in this competition."

***

[Irethene Forest—Later]

Then—CRASH!

SLASH!

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