"Poor girl, she clearly doesn't have the skill to complete this task. What is the Duke thinking?"

"Shhhh, do you have a death wish? This ceremony is the house of Croix's tradition. All descendants from their main branch must go through the blood baptism, whether male or female."

"Look at her unsightly appearance. Not so high and mighty now, is she?"

Elaine could hear the nobles' whispers. Some sympathized, others mocking. But the shock lingering from the horrid scene prevented her from caring. She glanced up then down at her blood-soaked dress, vision blurring.

What do I do? What should I do? The same question repeated in Elaine's head, with no one answering her. Her heart's rhythmic beating exploded rapidly, making her chest ache.

I want to leave. For the first time since arriving in this world, Elaine contemplated the thought of running away. The book or the storyline did not matter anymore. All she desired now was to get away, to distance herself from this nightmarish place. But where would she go? Where could she go? Neither she nor Estella was familiar with the world outside the Croix's estate. One misstep, and she could repeat the event a month ago. However, these scenarios would only happen if they allowed her to leave. Estella's role in Gerard's grand scheme was too vital for him to release her.

The cry remained deafening, distracting her from concentrating. Elaine needed to continue, but her frozen hands refused to move. From the surrounding chatters, the bloodied human next to her feet, to the stern reminder from Gerard. Stress piled upon stress made her want to hurl.

"It seems Lady Estella is not well versed in the sword's way. Instead of continuing this impasse, how about I help speed things up?"

A familiar voice came from behind, breaking her trance. Elaine looked up.

"I appreciate the gesture, young Elias. But this is Croix's tradition, and our descendants should be the ones to deliver the kill." The Duke denied Elias' request.

"If I may, your Grace. Suppose we continue like this. Who knows when Lady Estella could kill the tribute? No disrespect to the Lady, but most of us came here for the hunt. Do you suggest we all wait till dawn? I am only proposing my aid to guide her through the process, and the tribute would still die by her hand."

Gerard grimaced. Though Elias' remark sounded disrespectful, he made a valid point. As a proper host, Gerard should not force his guests to wait for long. He glanced over at his daughter's disoriented appearance, then fell into a pensive silence.

"Fine, but remember your words." Gerard finally agreed. He also wanted to see what Elias was planning.

"No need to worry, your Grace. I always keep my word." Elias inclined his body, dismissing his father's amused look, then walked toward Elaine. "Milady, if I may."

Elaine gazed at him, her eyes in a daze, unable to decipher his intention.

Elias stepped behind Elaine, his athletic build looming over her petite body, arms covering hers. "If you want to pull through this, calm yourself and listen to me."

Elaine nodded. No matter his intention, Elias offered her a glimpse of hope out of the darkness.

"Good. First, loosen your body. Next, place your dominant hand on the hilt and your other hand over the pommel. Finally, apply pressure to your bottom three fingers while relaxing your thumb and pointer."

Elaine listened to Elias's modulated voice, trying to imitate his instruction.

"Relax your shoulders and lift the sword over your head with the blade pointing directly behind you. Now, swing down." His hands guided Elaine while lending her his strength. The sword again aimed at the man's neck. This time, the blade gave a swift cut, and the man's head departed from his lifeless body.

The scream finally stopped, and Elaine's grip loosened, dropping the sword. Her body slumped, but Elias caught her waist before she hit the ground. He leaned over her shoulder, whispering. "Milady, you shouldn't pretend to be strong when you are not. Try asking for help next time."

Her tired eyes skimmed over the male protagonist's face. In this world full of enemies, who could she ask for help? Who would help her? Elaine did not know why Elias assisted her today, but she still owed him her gratitude. "Thank you."

He released her and stepped back. "No need for gratitude, milady. I only wanted to quicken the ceremony and move on to the main event." Elias turned to Gerard. "As promised, your Grace."

"You have outdone yourself, young Elias." The Duke gave him a shallow recognition, then again addressed the nobles. "My apologies for the delay. But now, with the tribute dead under my daughter's hands, we can proceed to the next event. I'm sure everyone has been waiting long enough. Let us move to Orion, our main hunting ground."

The crowd erupted in applause, and their enthusiasm returned, eager to compete in the blood sport. Gerard held up his hand, and the applause died down. "Since this is the first time we restarted our tradition, only those with experiences from previous hunts will be allowed to participate."

The younger aristocrats' faces deflated with disappointment printed in their eyes. They could only watch their older counterpart with admiration and jealousy.

Elaine returned to Gerard's side and curtsied. "I am sorry for disappointing you, father."

The Duke looked down upon her, neither scolded nor consoled. Elaine endured the suffocating stare from Gerard and continued. "The prisoner's blood has sullied my outfit. Please allow me to return for a change of clothes."

Elaine waited for the Duke's reply, feeling like an eternity had passed.

"Go and quickly come back. Meet me at Orion." He gave her a dismissal wave.

"Thank you, father." She again curtsied and walked through the crowd of spectators.