" It's fine, Duke. I do not doubt her skill. But i do not doubt mine either. " she answered calmly.

Giselle
"Well then, your Majesty. Let's make it fun, a bit of a friendly contest then between the two of us? ..How about we go with.. I don't know, maybe the golden tailed boar..
I've always heard they are quite wily for such a large animal, but since they are native to Arkaos, I've never actually seen one for myself. First one to catch one wins?"

'Lionel'
Lowell was quiet, keeping his eyes on the Grand Duke, but making it appear as though he was lost in thought.

" what a coincidence. My uncle here, Grand Duke Monstrell, also has his eyes on that particular animal. " she said with a small smile.

The Grand Dukes cold gaze moved from Gallagher to Lowell and finally the Marchioness herself.

Giselle
"Well, I'll have to make sure I don't lose to you either then, Grand Duke Monstrell. It would be frankly embarrassing."

'Lionel'
"I mean no disrespect to you, my lady, but were you not just asking me this morning how to use a crossbow?
And now you intend to take on these two? Now I'd love to see this for myself.
I wouldn't dare get in your way of that wish. This should be more than enough entertainment for me."
He suppressed a bit of a chuckle, shaking his head as he forced himself to keep a more cheerful composure.

" Maybe you should stick to a regular bow for now.

But I doubt you will be able to find the boar before me or the Grand Duke. " she said.

" If you find it at all. " Grand Duke Monstrell added. " and live. "

" That is a correct statement. This particular animal has taken many noblemens and womens lives over the course of past hunting competitions. " she said.

Gallagher eyed the Grand Duke suspicously. He was already aware of his plan, but to think he'd threaten her so obviously.

Giselle
"If you insist."

'Lionel'
Lowell had noted it too, masking a low rumbling growl as a bit of a laughing cough.
"Now don't sound so defeated. Grand Duke Monstrell is simply making sure you don't find yourself getting too big for your britches, my lady."

Giselle
"Well, if nothing else, I'll have to take that beast down just to prove to you, love, that I am more than capable of handling myself." She flicked Lowell on the nose, trying to refocus him with a masked bit of playfulness.

"Let's not waste any more time then, mm?"

" Not yet Marchioness. The other...competitors have yet to arrive. We are quite early, but im glad to see you so enthusiastic about it. " the Empress said.

Giselle
"Still? It is taking them quite a while, isn't it?" She inquired.

'Lionel'
"Well, we did arrive early, my lady. Your eagerness could drag anyone to oblivion at this rate."

" We have at least another 45 minutes or so until the hunting starts. The other competitors will show up in about 15 and used the next 30 minutes to prepare. "

Giselle
"Well, I guess we have plenty of time to get acquainted then."

'Lionel'
"Maybe you do, but I'd like to save it for after the event. Don't let me stop you, though."
He dropped her hand, sitting aside in the shade with a bit of a lingering stare at Grand Duke Monstrell as he took a seat, listening and waiting.