Chapter 101: Hunting Competition

Word spread that Deon Hart had returned.

The Duke, who was surprisingly wary of Deon Hart, had been receiving detailed reports on Deon Hart’s movements ever since he heard the news.

Everything, from his early departure about three and a half hours before the hunting competition, to his stop at the Den Merchant Guild to pick up a man before heading to his destination.

“But why… no orders?”

Cruel’s nerves were on edge.

Normally, by now, orders would have been issued. Orders to dispatch either the Revolutionary Army or assassins.

Yet, the eerie silence made him even more anxious. He scrutinized every one of the Duke’s expressions until he finally broke the silence.

“Are you… not sending anyone?”

The Duke looked up from the letter he was holding, his gaze settling on Cruel. After a brief pause, a calculated smile spread across his previously expressionless face.

“Indeed. There’s no need to send anyone now. In a few hours, it will be far easier to kill him, and easier to manipulate his death. Why go through unnecessary trouble?”

The hunting competition.

Cruel’s eyes darkened.

“It would be better to send them after some more preparation.”

“….”

“In that sense, there is a place I would like you to visit.”

Even though the Duke had finally made a move, Cruel’s tension didn’t ease. As always, Cruel lowered his gaze and waited for the next words.

***

In the end, he decided to come along.

I sat across from Rememver in the carriage, giving Dan, who was sitting next to Rememver, a disgruntled look. His usual dark eyes shone as he met my gaze.

‘…This is uncomfortable….’

Should I have refused? But even Rememver was urging me to bring Dan. Something about wanting to discuss assistance as soon as we arrived.

Of course, I didn’t give in without putting up some resistance.

[Dan’s swordsmanship is….]

[I’ve learned enough to be of some help!]

[That’s right, Count. Wouldn’t this be a good opportunity to see how far he’s progressed?]

[…….]

Damn it.

I reflexively tightened my grip on the bag. As if it was uncomfortable, a ‘kyuieek’ sound came from inside.

Dan, who was watching me, tilted his head with a puzzled look.

“Huh…? Didn’t you hear something just now?”

“N-no idea.”

“Kyueee….”

Thump!

I quickly opened the window. Surprised gazes turned to me.

“It sounds like there’s some strange noise outside.”

“Ah… is that so?”

Dan nodded, still looking a bit puzzled.

Th-thank goodness… No, is it too early to relax? He’s still looking around for the source of the sound!

If that weird plant makes another sound, I’ll be caught red-handed. I quickly called out to him.

“So… more importantly, how did the merchant guild get so big? What exactly did you do?”

“Ah, we mainly traded medicinal herbs and war supplies.”

“You can’t trade war supplies without the Empire’s permission….”

“Once I mentioned I was serving the Honorary Count Hart, the administration took care of it.”

He used my name.

He’s a problem, but so is the administration for processing it.

“What were you going to do if they found out you were lying….”

“Ah! Of course, they didn’t process it immediately. They needed time to verify, so they told me to come back a week later.”

Then that’s a relief.

The carriage stopped. Rememver, who had been watching us with a satisfied smile, checked outside the window and opened the door.

“We’ve arrived.”

Rememver got out first, followed by Dan. I was the last to get up and took Dan’s offered hand to step down, noticing the strangely quiet surroundings.

“……?”

What’s wrong?

Puzzled for a moment, I followed their gaze and mentally cursed.

‘…Ah.’

I’m screwed.

This isn’t the Demon Realm.

I subtly let go of Dan’s hand and straightened myself, acting as if nothing had happened.

“……”

“……”

Silence fell. Cold sweat trickled down my back.

Is this… a trap for me? Some kind of leading question?

In the Demon Realm, if someone offered a hand, they would take care of everything from start to finish. Refusing was more trouble than it was worth.

Why did Dan offer his hand? Doesn’t he know this is an insult? Why isn’t Rememver smoothing things over….

‘…Wait, Rememver. What’s with that dumbfounded expression? Did you forget to teach him that?’

I wanted to point it out, but given the situation, I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression.

“Dan.”

“Yes, Count.”

His face was blank, as if he knew nothing.

Right, there’s no way he did it on purpose. I couldn’t scold him for an unintentional act, so I tried to find the gentlest way to put it.

A way to indirectly explain that his earlier action was wrong.

“…Did I look that unwell?”

Offering a hand when getting out of a carriage is usually for young children or women wearing cumbersome skirts.

For a grown adult who wasn’t wearing a skirt and had no physical ailments, offering a hand was an insult.

It implied, ‘You look too weak to manage on your own.’

‘I am kind of weak though….’

Usually, people wouldn’t say such things to my face. After all, I’m the Empire’s ‘hero’.

“……Yes?”

Dan looked confused, a question mark practically floating above his head.

I briefly considered being more direct, but sensing the lingering gazes around us, I decided to cover for him.

“You’re perceptive. I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather today, perhaps from fatigue.”

Rememver could correct his mistake later.

The priority now was to protect my own image after having taken his hand.

Seemingly understanding that the situation was resolved, I nodded towards Rememver, who was preparing to return to the mansion, signaling him to educate Dan later, and then looked up.

The gazes that had been subtly fixed on me scattered.

***

Lien Riner, the captain of the Killer Knights who was waiting at the hunting grounds under the Crown Prince’s orders, was aghast.

Dan had made a grave mistake. Though it probably wasn’t intentional.

Considering his southern appearance and his upbringing in an isolated mountain village, it was likely a mistake born of ignorance.

During their training, a commoner wouldn’t have the opportunity to escort someone, so their understanding of such etiquette would be superficial.

Offering a hand to children, people wearing skirts, or those who are unwell. That’s probably the extent of it.

‘He probably offered his hand because he knows his lord is weakened by the curse….’

The consideration was appreciated, but the recipient was a ‘hero’.

Even with an ordinary man, some would take it as an insult, but offering a hand to a hero?

It was not only an insult to Deon Hart himself but also a blemish on his reputation as a ‘hero’.

‘Usually, ignorance is no excuse, but… it depends on the situation.’

In her judgment, this was a transgression.

It was bad enough to tarnish their lord’s reputation, but to be insulted by his own subordinate whom he brought along?

However, the moment Deon gracefully took Dan’s hand, Lien was impressed. More specifically, by his subsequent words.

“You’re perceptive. I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather today, perhaps from fatigue.”

He took Dan’s hand without making him feel awkward and diffused the situation by mentioning his own poor condition.

The tense atmosphere that had subtly formed dissipated.

Anyone would have understood if he had brushed off the offered hand and gotten angry, yet he handled it so smoothly.

Lien wore a smug expression towards the Imperial Knights who were quietly admiring the scene.

‘That is our lord.’

Now that their lord had arrived, they needed to greet him.

She turned her head to check on the unruly hounds. Ignoring the order to behave, they were sneaking towards the nearby Imperial Knights with mischievous looks.

A vein popped in Lien’s neck.

“Get over here right now!”

And, out of Lien’s sight.

Dan quietly watched Deon with an unreadable expression.

***

‘Why are you guys here…?’

Those were the words that almost escaped my lips the moment I saw the Killer Knights.

It was strange that Rememver, who usually ensured I had thorough preparations when going to the Imperial Palace, had arranged such a simple departure.

The coachman and Dan joining us along the way were understandable, but such a small escort? It didn’t make sense.

‘It’s because they were all here.’

I could see the Killer Knights. And Lien, scolding them for whatever trouble they had caused.

Lien, who had been yelling with a vein throbbing in her neck, belatedly seemed to realize the situation and looked up. Her face brightened as she easily found me.

“Lord, you’ve arrived.”

“Yes. It’s been a while, Sir Lien.”

“You must be tired from your long journey. Are you alright? Oh, please give me your luggage.”

“This bag is fine. I can carry it myself. I am a bit tired, but not too bad.”

My physical condition is the same as always, but let’s go with tired for today.

“By the way….”

I trailed off, looking around. I’d been thinking about it since earlier… something was off.

Why does it seem like it’s just us? Isn’t the hunting competition today? The presence of the Imperial Knights confirms I’m not mistaken… Could it already be over?

“Are the others not here?”

“Huh? Didn’t you know?”

“Yes?”

What is this? I feel like I’ve been in this situation before.

When was it… Oh right, it was when I returned from the Demon Realm last time and went to the Imperial Palace for the banquet without knowing anything.

‘Everyone else knows but me….’

Just as my expression turned awkward, a familiar voice came from behind.

“I specifically called you early. It should have been written on the invitation. Didn’t you know?”

“Y-Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“It’s been a while, Count.”

The Crown Prince smiled and waved. I quickly bowed.

“Glory to the Empire. Your Highness, Deon Hart, greets the future of the Empire.”

More importantly, it was on the invitation. If I had known, I would have read it.

I thought what the Emperor said would be enough. I assumed Rememver would take care of the invitation and time, so I didn’t bother reading it.

I was already sick of reading after dealing with paperwork for the past few days. I didn’t want to read any more text.

“Indeed. I called you early because I have something to ask, but if it made you uncomfortable, I apologize. My bad.”

“Ah, no. I was just a little surprised. There’s no need to apologize. More importantly, what is it you wanted to ask…?”

The Crown Prince’s expression turned serious, as if he had been waiting for this.

His golden eyes flicked towards the Killer Knights before returning to me. His gaze narrowed as if assessing something, and he spoke cautiously.

“Do you know what we will mainly be hunting at the upcoming hunting competition?”

“I believe I heard it was… monsters.”

Almost said demonic creatures.

“Correct. But one never knows what might happen if we just hold a hunting competition. So, for safety, we plan to clear out the monsters first, and then hold the competition with the remaining stragglers….”

“An excellent idea, Your Highness.”

“I appreciate the compliment. Anyway, what I wanted to ask is this. We plan to deploy the Imperial Knights and the Killer Knights here. Is that alright with you?”

“…The Killer Knights, you say?”

They’ll be hard to manage.