<Isn’t This a Strategy Game? Episode 48>

“I’ll bring a lot of this medicine next time.”

Eden finally smiled at Hagen’ti. It was a smile that made you want to believe anything.

Hagen’ti silently gazed at the smile and simply nodded.

Nodding twice!

Eden looked at Hagen’ti with eyes full of affection, overwhelmed with emotion.

Grateful that she had alleviated Hagen’ti’s illness and won his trust, she failed to notice the subtle shift in the gray light in his eyes directed at her.

The annual Hessmoro hunting competition takes place on the Homersan, property of the Imperial Palace.

Homersan wasn’t a particularly high mountain, but it was grand and wide, becoming rougher as you ascended, making it an excellent location for hunting.

Recently, unknown monsters had been appearing all over, and there were ominous rumors that the Demon King would resurrect because of the events during the Founding Banquet. Therefore, the upcoming hunting competition was an immensely important event.

The Emperor wanted to reassure the terrified citizens through the hunting competition, so this time, the monsters released were expected to be twice as diverse and numerous.

In other words, winning this hunting competition would be a perfect opportunity to imprint one’s existence onto the empire’s citizens, which meant that princes and ambitious nobles wouldn’t let this chance slip away.

Of course, just wanting to win wasn’t enough. With the significance of the event, the rules were strict.

Firstly, no scrolls or magical tools could be used; hunting had to be done solely by one’s own ability.

While magic wasn’t banned, supplementary tools that didn’t rely on personal ability were completely prohibited.

Simple defensive magic was permitted, as it didn’t directly affect hunting, but other magical tools were off-limits.

Whether this would be rigorously enforced was another question.

Secondly, entry into the high-level hunting grounds where high-level monsters would be released was restricted.

Essentially, the hunting competition began as soon as the previous year’s competition ended, and participants had to hunt monsters for an entire year just to gain entry into these high-level hunting grounds.

Thus, nobles were compelled to participate in monster subjugation to receive this badge, which was precisely the strategy Ibthan was aiming for.

Contrary to the complex background, the conditions for receiving the badge were simple: having a track record of dealing with high-level monsters.

“Here’s your badge for entry into the high-level hunting grounds.”

Asmun received the badge after being searched before entering the pre-festival.

However, since he had just taken down a high-level monster, a Golem, in front of the Emperor, he properly received the badge this time.

Normally, it would have been difficult to receive a badge with just one monster, but Asmun was granted it due to a special decree from the Emperor.

Asmun realized that the Emperor was continually granting him opportunities.

“……”

Without altering his expression, Asmun looked at the badge hanging on his chest and stepped into the banquet hall.

The hunting competition was tomorrow, but a pre-festival was being held this evening at the Star Palace at the base of the mountain.

He had little interest in banquets, but all participants were required to attend the pre-festival. They would enjoy the pre-festival, spend a day at the Star Palace, and then participate directly in the hunting competition the next day.

Inside, noble attendees had gathered in throngs to prepare for the hunting competition. However, there was not a single person among them who piqued Asmun’s interest.

“Your Highness, the 3rd Prince.”

Asmun, seemingly uninterested and standing apart from the crowd, was approached by a man who warmly greeted him. It was Marquis Ogdon, someone they had met a few times before.

“You too, Your Highness, received a badge! It’s only natural. Of course, since you took down that gigantic Golem by yourself, and almost caught a monster from the Grand Duchy!”

As Marquis Ogdon noisily praised him, he felt the eyes of others subtly shifting toward them.

While nobody dared initiate conversation, it was clear they were all well-informed about Asmun’s recent activities.

Asmun gazed at him quietly before finally breaking into a soft smile.

“I was just lucky.”

Upon hearing this, Ogdon’s expression became even more filled with awe.

“You are truly humble. I recognized your character long ago. Since Her Highness, the 2nd Empress, was such a virtuous person, it’s only natural that her son would… Uh, oops….”

Ogdon realized his slip when he mentioned the 2nd Empress and promptly shut his mouth.

However, Asmun’s expression remained calm. There was no cold glare or displeasure.

‘Was the rumor about being sensitive to the mention of the 2nd Empress just a rumor?’

Ogdon quickly changed the subject.

“Ah, anyway, I’m looking forward to your performance in the hunting competition. I heard rumors that new monsters will be released this time?”

“I heard that too.”

Asmun responded unperturbed, softly smiling.

It seemed that the impact of the rumors about saving the Emperor was significant. It was palpable that everyone was contemplating how to align themselves with the suddenly elevated Asmun.

Feeling this remarkable change, Asmun couldn’t help but think of Eden. Without her, he couldn’t have shaken things up so swiftly.

Of course, he acknowledged her contributions. But contemplating the image of Eden jumping into Seruka’s mouth made something in his gut tighten.

Refusing Reblem was certainly because of that. He couldn’t afford to be swept away.

Asmun, in the midst of ignoring Ogdon’s incessant chatter, suddenly felt the atmosphere in the banquet hall shift.

“Is that the priest?”

The mention of the word “priest” pricked Asmun’s ears. Voices filled with surprise whispered openly.

“Did you hear about the recent subjugation? They say he jumped into the monster and beheaded it.”

“How could an Apprentice Priest do that…? He doesn’t seem to be a participant.”

“He joined as the assistant of Grand Duke Yuren! What’s the relationship between them?”

As the whispers grew louder, Asmun’s eyebrows knitted together.

Slowly, he lifted his gaze toward where everyone’s attention was directed.

He saw Jepar wearing the badge entering the banquet hall, with Eden following behind him.

“……”

Asmun’s expression froze.

“Your Highness, is that the Apprentice Priest?”

Ogdon, who looked as if he’d seen a legendary beast, excitedly asked, then abruptly shut his mouth upon seeing Asmun’s face.

Asmun’s expression was shockingly cold as he gazed at the Apprentice Priest following Grand Duke Yuren.

Soon, Eden, who was looking around, met Asmun’s gaze.

“……”

“……”

Feeling an intensity far more dangerous than anticipated, Eden quickly averted her eyes. Asmun felt a chill running through him.

“Please come this way, Priest.”

Jepar, glancing back at the lagging Eden, kindly escorted her. Following him, Eden exhaled a tense breath.

Of course, she expected that Asmun wouldn’t be happy about her appearing at the hunting competition without a word, but the expression on Asmun’s face when they had locked eyes earlier was far beyond the threshold of simple displeasure.

‘What a disaster.’

Internally, Eden felt like crying and bit her lips.

She had the obligation to clear the quest and progress the episode. If she didn’t participate in the hunting competition, she couldn’t move on, and if she couldn’t move on, Asmun wouldn’t become Emperor.

So, there was nothing she could do about Asmun’s rage.

“I also want to participate in the hunting competition. As Grand Duke’s assistant.”

Upon hearing Eden’s request, Jepar looked stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter.

He seemed both surprised and amused by Eden making such a request.

“Is it alright if you participate as my assistant?”

He asked with a peculiar question, and before Eden could respond in her surprise, he agreed. Thus, Eden ended up participating in the hunting competition.

“Grand Duke, it’s been a while.”

Turning at the voice of someone older, a woman in her late fifties approached with a smile.

“Madam Marens.”

Jepar greeted her warmly and skillfully.

Recognizing the somewhat familiar name, Eden recalled she had heard it two or three times while playing Kiris.

If her memory served correctly, Madam Marens was a self-made wealthy figure who revived her nearly ruined family after losing her husband.

At one point in an episode, Kiris had sought her help but was reportedly turned down due to failing to meet certain requirements. Eden had never seen her face as that rejection was communicated through a letter.

“I see you’re participating in the competition as well.”

“Of course. I’m getting old, and I’m not sure if I can take down even one monster.”

“That’s an overly humble remark for someone wearing that badge.”

At Jepar’s comment, Eden realized Madam Marens was also wearing the badge for the high-level hunting grounds.

To be sporting that badge at her age…

Truly, she fit the profile of a remarkable woman who had risen through hard work.

Moreover, seeing her well-built physique, with muscles subtly showing through her dress, it was clear she was quite experienced in monster hunting.

“By the way, the person next to you is…?”

“Ah, this is the Apprentice Priest Eden who will be assisting me during this competition.”

“Eden? Oh my, are you perhaps the Priest who took down monsters in the Grand Duchy Forest?”

Suddenly becoming the focus of the conversation, Eden felt awkward and smiled.

“Hello.”

“I’ve heard your amazing story and have been eager to meet you. What an honor it is to finally do so.”

Madam Marens extended her hand with a delighted expression.