CH 69.2

Operating the research laboratories in Rubella Castle helped her efficiently create various types of drugs.

It wasn’t difficult because she remembered everything.

First of all, she had created natural painkillers at a low cost and delivered them to the pharmacies.

She would save the rest of the drugs to sell them later after the construction of pharmacies and laboratories.

It was disappointing that the medical laboratories in Rubella Castle weren’t properly operated and ended just like that.

However, she still had time to start over.

Perhaps, making money was easier than winning the Archduke’s heart.

Isabella climbed on the back of a donkey that she had tied to a tree near her mountain cabin.

She didn’t have enough money to buy a horse, and her hard-earned cash could only afford an ass.

If she wanted to be a Knight, she had to learn how to ride a horse.

Well, she should practice on her donkey first to do that.

“Please take care of me today, Lucis,” Isabella said as she handed the donkey a fresh carrot.

Her donkey’s name was a little similar to Duke Kyar’s stallion.

The pair went down the mountain slowly as she rode Lucis back.

The old memory of riding a horse with Duke Kyar came to her mind.

Isabella would never forget the years she spent with the Archduke.

She always reflected on their memories whenever she had too much time.

Finally, Isabella and Lucis arrived at the market just at the foot of the mountain.

Isabella stopped by the medicine shop and handed the medicine she had just created to the owner’s wife.

“Only ten this time? A lot of people are looking for it, girl. Make some more next time.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve been busy lately. I’ll make more of them next time.”

Isabella answered the woman with a pleasant smile.

“Yes. I’ll buy everything even if you make lots and lots. So don’t worry and bring them to me. Don’t sell them to another drugstore, alright?”

“Of course. You pay me well, madame. Then I’ll be on my way.”

Isabella greeted the woman and left the pharmacy.

Before going to the weapons store to repair her bow, she stopped in front of the central bulletin board.

Isabella clapped her hands together as she stared at the notice about the upcoming archery competition.

She only had one week left to prepare for it.

She had to win this time to be with her beloved.

A man with sky blue hair and a bow on his back appeared right next to her.

Isabella turned her head to look at him, wondering if he was in his early twenties.

The man’s handsome appearance could catch many people’s attention as much as his hair color.

He would truly stand out from the crowd.

Strangely enough, his face looked familiar.

Isabella swore she had seen him somewhere.

The man glanced at Isabella, and their gazes met.

Since she found his dark blue eyes too probing, she hurriedly avoided his gaze.

“Do you know anyone who will participate in this contest?” The stranger asked.

Isabella looked perplexed.

“What?”

“Your face looked too desperate, and it made me curious.”

The corner of the man’s lips tilted upwards as he stared at her.

His gentle smile might look friendly, but Isabella felt uncomfortable at the man’s presence.

She turned her back on him without any response.

“But what do we do? I don’t think the person you’re rooting for will win this competition.”

Isabella frowned at the stranger’s arrogance.

“What do you mean?”

“Because I’m going to win.”

Isabella laughed.

She felt terrible for him.

She really did.

There was no way she would let him win the archery competition.

“Tell me that again if you did actually win. I should go.”

Not wanting to deal with the man any longer, Isabella said those words and climbed onto her donkey’s back.

However, the man was still staring at Isabella.

Why was he looking at her like that?

Ignoring his gaze, Isabella’s hands rested on Lucis’ neck.

The man’s confidence was bothersome.

‘Don’t tell me you can’t win against him.’

Isabella, who was thinking about it, hurriedly shook her head.

She didn’t want to have such an ominous thought ahead of the competition.

**

Isabella’s long-awaited archery competition dawned in the morning.

Arriving at Rubella Castle a little earlier than the time of the competition, Isabella looked around the wide arena nervously.

Many people were already in the grandstand.

People living in nearby areas also came to witness the yearly archery competition since the castle was open to everyone at this event.

The most prominent figure she could see in the crowd was Ifrit holding a large placard.

Although she already looked gorgeous, she stood out even more after writing Isabella’s name in red letters on a piece of paper and shaking it in excitement.

“Isabella, way to go!”

A small group of low-ranking fire spirits gathered next to Ifrit to cheer Isabella  on.

Of course, no one could see Casa since he is a low-ranking fire spirit.

However, Casa’s loud screeching still disturbed everyone.

Isabella sighed deeply and tried not to glance at Ifrit’s group.

In the meantime, a horn was blown to announce the start of the competition.

At the sound, Grand Duke Kyar stepped into the platform.

She couldn’t get close enough to see his face, but it was good to see him like this.

Grand Duke Kyar’s gaze stopped in front of Isabella as he looked around the participants.