I became a Male Lead in a Romance Fantasy Novel

The next day after Owen visited, as soon as Lucía got out of bed, she spoke with a determined voice.

"I should exercise."

During the walk, she was too preoccupied with observing Owen to properly assess her own physical condition, which was one of the reasons she got bedridden.

But.

The most important thing was that she missed the opportunity to stay longer at Duke Verdin's Manor.

It was beyond a bliss that Owen had come to visit her, but she knew that the same mistake could not be repeated next time.

"Exercise...? But, milady, you dislike exercising..."

Lucia's personal maid, Mari, looked at her with surprise. The young lady she served who usually detested exercise, now proposing to exercise.

Lucía nodded in agreement.

"That's right. But I think having a weak body is not a good thing."

Always indoors, or in the garden or by the lake.

Even when going out, she always rode in a carriage, so she had no proper muscles in her body.

Naturally, after a walk with Owen, who had the physique of a knight, she would tire easily.

'Even though we agreed to meet indoors next time. But...'

Although their next meeting was supposed to be indoors because of her, the hunting competition was just around the corner. Of course, not everyone participating in the hunting competition was actually hunting.

Not all nobles were skilled in combat. Only knights and magicians hunted, while the nobles who did not know how to wield weapons cheered for them.

However, that doesn't mean they just idly waited. They prepared the reins and tied them up by themselves, then waited in a separate location.

Actually, compared to horseback riding, Lucia was more inclined to enjoy tea parties. She had no interest in horseback riding as she had never learned it, and her lack of talent was evident even in dart throwing.

Even though tea parties was a common activity in society and somewhat boring, she chose to participate in tea parties to pass the time.

But this time was different from usual.

Wasn't it Owen himself who offered her to tie his reins?

The hunting competition usually lasted for a week, and everyone who has completed their coming of age ceremony should participate in the hunt.

The reason for such a long event was none other than the subjugation of monsters. In other words, the hunting competition was practically a prelude to monster subjugation. The competition was held to make the subjugation more effective.

Of course, to ensure the safety of those who were not skilled in combat, the place where they waited was a bit away from the hunting grounds. Also, there will be guards and defensive magic barriers were set up to the place where they are staying.

Those who successfully hunted first then quickly returned and joined those who were waiting.

And year by year, Owen was always the first to finish the hunt.

He prepared the reins and tied them up by himself, then went into the forest like a lone wolf. He didn't care about anything else except the hunt. Even after the hunt was over, he didn't bother to come out of his tent. 

But that was him on the past.

This time, however, things were different.

Lucia pondered for a moment, her index finger tapped on the handle of the chair she was sitting on.

"I will learn horseback riding."

As Lucia declared, Marie hesitated when she tried to speak.

"...Milady, you said horseback riding is not interesting..."

"I've developed an interest starting from today."

In Lucia's firm tone, Marie could do nothing but nod her head.

"...I understand. I will look for a horseback riding instructor."

Lucia smiled while gazing through the window.

'This could be counted as him owing me a favor, isn't it?'

In such situation, it seemed natural to easily grant him a small favor. 

Wait.

Was it me owing him a favor instead for letting me be close to him?

Whatever is it...

"When he return from the hunt, you must ask him to ride together."

***

Was it because Lucia neither hosted nor attended social gatherings and spent two weeks diligently practicing horseback riding?

The word spread in high society.

Lady Edelt was suddenly learning horseback riding.

The rumor even reached the ears of the Duke Verdin.

"...Horseback riding?"

Owen couldn't help but sound puzzled upon hearing the news.

Horseback riding, really.

That was not something Lucia would typically mention.

As Owen threw a puzzled question, his butler, Logan, nodded.

"Yes, there are rumors that Lady Edelt has started learning horseback riding."

Surprised by the unexpected news, Owen pursed his lips in contemplation.

As far as he knew, Lucia had no interest in physical activities.

That included horseback riding.

But for someone like her to suddenly start learning horseback riding...

As Owen pondered, Logan cautiously brought up a suggestion.

"Shall we find out the reason?"

"...No, I'll ask directly."

Luckily, the day the rumor reached his ears happened to be the day they agreed to meet. 

Owen put on his coat and stood up from his seat.

"Let's wait and see what unfolds with work later."

"Understood."

Logan, who had grown accustomed to Owen's changed demeanor, quietly bowed and replied. Owen casually accepted the greeting and left the study.

It seemed like he had become quite accustomed to being called 'Owen' and to this world.