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The hunting tournament held every year in the southern region.

The place where this tournament is taking place, and where we have just arrived, is Legion, one of the territories located at the border of the Runfroud Mountain Range. This tournament is not hosted by a single territory continuously but rather moves around the territories bordering the mountain range each year.

Although the main participants are nobles, a large festival opens up in the hosting territory, allowing ordinary citizens to participate as well. This means that the hosting territory has significant economic benefits.

For those who grew up in the south, the spring hunting tournament is practically tradition, so there’s no need to worry about attendance.

The reason for changing the location each year involves various issues considering the habitats of the aquatic creatures, but it also prevents any one place from monopolizing the benefits that arise from it. It seems that when the House of Kraus first settled in the south, they managed these things independently, but that changed in previous generations and has now evolved into this cyclical system.

Is this a coincidence?

In reality, Legion is very closely associated with the Kraus family. Is there any family in the south that isn’t intertwined with Kraus? The lord of Legion, Count Graham, is uniquely tied to the Count Kraus House by vassalage.

As someone from Count Kraus’s Lesser House, I have known him since childhood, and judging by the selection of attendees, it seems the Emperor has taken a keen interest.

While it may not have been grand like having the Imperial Knights Guard, the various situations and the people involved indicate that matters related to Orcus remain closely tied to the fence of Kraus. It’s as though my father has a precise grasp on the range of control he can exercise.

While my father’s relationship with the Emperor is certainly close, this also serves as evidence of how well the Imperial Family understands the power of the Kraus group.

Is it any wonder they’re called the Millennium Empire?

Anyway, we managed to arrive in Legion before it got too late.

Orcus, who casually mentioned that riding horses was a hobby of his at the Imperial Palace, was not just idle talk; he skillfully handled the horse. This was probably his first time sitting on a horse for an extended duration, but thanks to his well-developed physique, he didn’t appear uncomfortable while we traveled.

Though I had hoped to see a more expression of nervousness on Orcus’s confident face, I was still relieved that I didn’t have to conduct the practice I had prepared just in case.

As we passed through the gates leading to the gathering place at the Lord’s Castle, the gazes of people were incessant. This happened every year, but this year seemed particularly intense, likely because Orcus was by my side.

Bright golden hair like pure gold and striking blue eyes.

He really looked like a candidate straight out of a novel; Orcus’s looks were exceptional. Yet, that couldn’t have been the decisive reason for attracting people’s attention. The royal symbol embroidered in gold thread on his shoulder and Orcus’s appearance were sufficient for anyone unfamiliar with nobility to recognize his status.

“Does it seem like your shoulders have widened since entering the castle?”

“Well, I can’t exactly appear slouched, can I? And I thought that the border of the grim Runfroud Mountains would be somewhat dilapidated, but it seems to be quite a decent city.”

“Even though this mountain range is crammed with aquatic creatures and monsters, they rarely venture into the castle. Besides, that’s why we came here—to prevent such things from happening.”

At this, Orcus nodded pleasantly and answered.

“That’s true. I should work hard for the efforts we’ve put in so far.”

Just a few days ago, he was claiming to be a magician, but today, the confidence radiating from Orcus’s face was palpable. Naturally, he wouldn’t aim for victory, but achieving a certain degree of noteworthy results would suffice for his purpose.

It’s a well-known fact among the public that the First Prince has talent in magic.

Therefore, it’s accurate to say his goal lies more in the participation itself rather than the ranking in the hunting tournament. Still, to maintain appearances, I had been accompanying him to offer guidance.

Participating directly in the tournament would be the best way to foster goodwill from the southern lords, who are composed of knights and nobles. Considering Orcus’s skills and the fact that he is a magician, there would be no shortage of points earned from them.

So who taught him?

I wish I could say it was me, but it’s clear that Orcus’s own efforts and his natural talent for physical activities played significant roles in his progress. If he had been interested in swordsmanship, I can’t help but think he might have become a fairly skilled knight.

It seems that the blood of the gods indeed holds unexpected versatility. He can wield this strange power that differs from the sacred mana.

But hey, I’m not jealous or anything.

I swear I’m not.

No particular troubles arose on the way to the Lord’s Castle.

People moved naturally to make way for us, showcasing the fact that many had come and gone throughout the day. While it might have startled them that royalty appeared, this was only reflected in their eyes; their demeanor was impeccably composed.

It seemed there had been some discussion in advance regarding this…

Orcus was intrigued by the surprisingly calm reactions of the territory’s inhabitants, but truthfully, there was no reason to be amazed.

It had been some time since Orcus and Noel arrived in the south, and there wouldn’t be anyone among the nobles settled here who was unaware of their visit. Given the timing, it’s hardly difficult for people to deduce that the prince and princess would participate in the tournament.

Furthermore, the information that reached them would naturally trickle down. Whether that be through rumors or any other means.

It’s possible that Count Graham, who seemed to be mindful of the royal visit, directly notified the inhabitants.

Ignoring the quietly respectful territory residents, Orcus turned to me and spoke softly.

“Did you see the man standing in front of the bakery earlier? I didn’t realize when he was wearing a hat, but as I passed, he took it off and bowed. But to think he was bald under that… Are hats now made with fur too?”

Had he always been this way?

I’m not sure whether Orcus has changed or if the books couldn’t quite capture his true nature.

I smiled faintly at Orcus’s words and replied.

“Suddenly blinding, wasn’t it?”

“Right?”

*

As we entered the Lord’s Castle, the familiar coats of arms began to catch my eye.

And rightly so, they were all the families participating in the tournament. Typically, most arrive on the day of the tournament, but it seems everyone moved early, likely due to the news of the prince and princess’s arrival.

There wasn’t just familiar symbols among them.

The castle’s owner, Count Graham, stood next to my father and Alphonse, waiting for our arrival. When those waiting paid their respects to Orcus, I immediately dismounted and greeted my father.

“It seems everyone arrived early. Are we the last?”

“Not quite. A couple of families have yet to arrive. However, from what I’ve heard, they should arrive today.”

From my father’s words, I could guess which families were running late. It wouldn’t be because they were dilly-dallying. The simple reason would be that the distance between Legion and their territories is quite considerable.

Orcus seemed to understand this to some extent and didn’t appear excessively concerned. Dismounting his horse, he began chatting with my father and Count Graham. It wasn’t bad to listen in on their conversation, but seeing as the formalities were winding down, I chose to make my way toward the carriage to escort Elena.

However, by the time I reached the carriage, it was already a step too late.

Noel and Elena descended, hand in hand. Noel, dressed in a uniform like a knight, assisted Elena down, performing her duties as an escort flawlessly.

Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder why the princess was escorting Elena…

I lost my role unexpectedly to Noel, but I didn’t mind and walked toward the two of them. As I approached, I noticed the change in Elena’s expression, which shifted as the distance closed between us. Remembering the warm breeze we shared when we locked eyes this morning, I would say she seemed much better now.

So cute.

Barely managing to suppress the words that almost slipped from my lips, I aligned my gaze with Elena’s and spoke.

“Did both of you find the journey uncomfortable?”

“Ah, Damian.”

Elena was still preoccupied, so it was only after I spoke that Noel turned around. Considering Elena’s current state was different from usual, it made sense for her to be on edge. But knowing the reason, I could just smile.

“As you can see, I’ve been quite comfortable.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

Noel replied, but Elena remained silent. While she locked eyes with me, it looked as if her feelings were still a bit tumultuous, her amethyst pupils resembling a ship caught in harsh waves.

She was the one who had always actively approached me.

Seeing her so shaken from just a light kiss felt strange.

“Elena.”

I quietly called her name, contemplating that I should take the hand she was holding with Noel.

When I reached out to grasp Elena’s hand, her warmth and tremor transmitted instantaneously. Seemingly instinctively, Elena released Noel’s hand, but she stayed firmly in place.

I could feel my heartbeat quickening. I couldn’t tell whether it was mine or hers.

Elena seemed to recall that moment, as her cheeks flushed more than I had ever seen. Her lightly trembling lips parted as her voice whispered my name.

“D-Damian…”

“Yes.”

What she would say next was beyond my prediction.

The atmosphere hanging between us was like that. Just as wobbling as her gaze, my heart kept racing.

When her lips opened again, I perked my ears and didn’t divert my gaze from her lips, ever ready to draw Elena closer.

In the end, that turned out to be an unnecessary action.

“Uh, excuse me… I’ll just go grab some water!!”

“Y-Yes, what?”

When I asked her again about her sudden outburst, Elena’s hand had already slipped from mine. By the time I looked for her again, Elena had retreated into the knights, far from me.

For a moment, I stared blankly in the direction Elena had run, when a strange sound like wind reached my ears.

“Whoosh—”

Was that the sound of a whistle? Or just someone making noise with their mouth?

Turning around, I found Orcus and my father gazing at me with pity. I wished they’d at least say something, but their silent looks only stirred more turmoil in my heart.

Please don’t look at me that way.

 

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