CHAPTER 175: 175. HUNTING EVENT PREPARATION

As the wheels of her noble carriage rattled along the dirt path, Rin leaned against the plush cushions, her violet hair glistening in the sunlight that streamed through the forest trees.

Five days had gone by since her acerbic argument with Erin Dranemount, but the silver-haired girl’s derisive chuckle was still echoing in Rin’s mind, causing her to frown inwardly as a mixture of irritation and concern.

"Dear, what’s bothering you?" Rin was drawn out of her reverie by her mother Johana’s soft voice. Elgar and Johana, her parents, who were sitting across from her in their elegant travel attire, looked up into her worried eyes.

Rin forced a smile, waving a hand to dismiss it. "Nothing, Mother. Just thinking about the hunt."

Her parents’ knowing looks showed they weren’t convinced, and her words sounded hollow. Elgar’s voice was cautious as his brow furrowed. "Rin, is everything at the Academy all right?"

As she nodded, a hint of genuine emotion crept into her smile. "Father, of course. I’ve become stronger than I ever imagined. Professor Isolde even praised my development. It’s all because Leo—" She paused, her gaze falling to her lap as a sour laugh escaped her lips.

"Obviously, Leonhardt is one who made it possible."

Johana and Elgar looked at one another, observing their daughter’s change in attitude.

Johana leaned forward and spoke in a low, concerned voice. "Dear, something happened with Leonhardt?"

Rin’s shoulders drooped and her fingers twisted the fabric of her dress as she nodded slowly.

Johana’s eyes narrowed a little because she had heard in a recent meeting from Elgar about Leonhardt’s silent worry for Rin, and she felt a maternal instinct.

"Rin, tell me, do you think Leonhardt hates you now?" Johana asked quietly.

Rin nodded again, her voice tremulous and barely more than a whisper. "How could he not?" He hasn’t spoken to me since yelling at me in front of everyone.

One tear trickled down her cheek and landed on her hand, causing her to tighten her hold on her dress. "That moron doesn’t give a damn about me."

Johana reached out and brushed a lock of hair away from Rin’s face, her tone reassuring and her smile warm. "Rin, Do you know what’s so special about today’s Royal Hunting Event?"

Rin’s voice was careful but curious as she looked up and wiped her eyes. "I heard the hunter with the biggest hunt gets a reward from the king and special honors"

With his silver hair gleaming in the sunlight, Elgar laughed. "There is more to it than that. According to tradition, a man who hunts will show his love for someone he loves by giving them his prize."

Rin shook her head and laughed sharply and doubtfully. "Are you saying that moron will give me his hunt? That is ridiculous."

Johana’s smirk grew, her pink eyes twinkling with playful confidence. "Care to make it interesting? If Leonhardt presents his hunt to you, you’ll owe me a favor of my choice."

Rin leaned back, her lips curving into a skeptical grin as she looked out at the passing forest. "Live in your fantasy, Mother." Her tone was light, but a tiny spark of hope flickered in her chest, one she quickly pushed down.

The Royal Hunting Event was a grand tradition in the Valenwood Kingdom, held every three years, where the royal family invited top nobles and their chosen guests, guarded by approved soldiers.

Rin hadn’t expected an invitation from them as it’s rare to get invitations to girls from lower nobles like her, but Velmera urged her tag along with her in hunting.

As the carriage rolled on, her mind drifted—could Leonhardt really offer her his hunt? The thought felt like a far-off dream, but a small part of her held onto it, her eyes tracing the passing trees.

********

Leo stepped out of the noble carriage, stretching his shoulders to ease the soreness from the long trip.

Lucian followed, hiding a yawn,. "It’s indeed a long journey," he muttered, rubbing his eyes.

Leo nodded, his crimson eyes scanning the area. "Yeah, way too long." Liana and Lucian’s attendant climbed out of a second carriage, quickly unloading their gear.

Nimbus, nestled in Liana’s arms, jumped down with a lazy yawn, his black fur shining as he strolled to Leo, rubbing against his leg. Leo knelt to scratch the panther’s head, his gaze lifting to the entrance of the Deltou Colossale Forest, one of Valenwood Kingdom’s biggest woodlands.

The clearing was vibrant with activity, a vivid display of noble houses. The area was peppered with tents with imposing crests, their banners billowing in the breeze. House soldiers mixed with the Royal Army, their armors marked with twin dragons—gleaming in the sunlight.

Men strutted with gleaming swords and spears, telling tales of previous hunts, while noble women gathered in clusters, their elegant gowns gleaming in the sunlight.

The shouts of the soldiers blended into the lively noise as they moved swiftly in preparation for the Royal Hunting Event.

However, Leo felt cold—a number of savvy, unseen eyes were fixed on him.

Lucian leaned close, his voice turning whisper. "Elder Brother, you feeling the same thing I’m feeling?"

Leo’s lips curved into a slight smirk, of course Lucian, the Academy’s top fighter, would notice the secret stares. He patted his brother’s shoulder, his tone calm but firm. "Just stay calm for now."

Lucian gave a small nod, his gray eyes keen but trusting. Leo’s smirk turned into a warm smile as he spotted a tiny figure rushing toward them. Lucian followed his gaze, his face lighting up.

"Vivien," Leo said, dropping to one knee as the little girl ran closer, her frilly dress bouncing, her voice ringing like a bell. "Lucian Brother! Leonhardt Brother!"

Vivien threw herself into Leo’s arms, her small hands wrapping around his neck. "Brother, I miss you!"

Leo chuckled, patting her back gently. "How’s my little devil doing?"

She pulled back, her face beaming with excitement. "I’m doing good! I’m behaving like a good girl, just as you said, Brother!"

Leo’s laugh was warm, his hand ruffling her hair. "That’s my good girl."

Lucian knelt beside them, his tone playful. "What, no love for your other brother?"

Vivien giggled, spinning to hug Lucian’s neck. "No way! You’re both my favorites!"

Lucian grinned, tickling her lightly. "Just teasing, Vivi."

A breathless voice interrupted as Vivien’s maid hurried over, her cheeks red. "Lady Vivien, how many times have I told you not to run off alone?"

She froze, seeing Leo and Lucian, and bowed quickly, her voice nervous. "My apologies, Young Masters. I didn’t keep up with lady Vivien."

Leo waved it off. "Don’t worry. Kids love to explore."

The sound of hooves and creaking wheels drew his attention. A new carriage rolled into the clearing, its crest shining in the sunlight—the clear emblem of House Valarune.

Leo’s breath hitched, his eyes narrowing as the carriage door opened. Lucian stood, lifting Vivien into his arms, as Rin Valarune stepped out, her pink eyes swept the busy crowd, then locked onto Leo’s. Time seemed to pause, their gazes meeting—hers unsure, his cautious—until Vivien’s cheerful voice broke the moment. "It’s Rin!"

Rin’s focus shifted to Vivien, a gentle smile softening her uncertainty as she waved at the girl, but her eyes flicked back to Leo.