CHAPTER 179: 179. HUNTING POINTS

As Rin walks through the busy camps on the edge of the Deltou Colossale Forest, her dress billows in the wind. She observes the colorful scene of laborers rushing to erect tents, soldiers sharpening their weapons, and nobles making stately gestures.

She hadn’t attended the Royal Hunting Event before, and the grandeur of it filled her with anticipation. She would have been nervous to go into the forest eight months ago, but now that she was more resolute due to Isolde’s rigorous training and her own increasing confidence, she felt a silent strength.

Her pink eyes scanned the crowded crowd as she made her way to meet Velmera at the Saravelle camp, the tall trees in the forest creating long shadows in the distance.

She was momentarily focused on a young man her age passing by. She couldn’t place it, but there was something familiar about him.

His confident, smooth voice called out before she could keep going. "Rin Valarune?"

Rin turned and looked into his eyes, her violet hair swaying. He was impressive, with jet-black eyes full of charm, well-groomed emerald-green hair, and fitted noble attire that accentuated features that were on par with Leonhardt’s. Hold on. Leonhardt?

Her forehead furrowed slightly as she shook her head to get rid of the painful thought of Leonhardt.

"Are we acquainted?"

The young man’s lips curved into a playful smirk, his tone teasing but with a hint of mock hurt. "Oh no, you don’t know who I am? Your duel with Berend would have left a lasting impression. He stepped closer, his endearing black eyes gleaming. "I’ve been a fan ever since you performed in that fight."

Rin waved a hand and laughed softly, slightly embarrassed. "A fan? I’m not exactly well-known. I apologize, but I don’t think I remember you."

He took a step forward, his voice smooth, his smile warm but measured. "Gregor Fritzl, a third-year Academy gold section student. Remember me now?"

When Rin realized, her eyes grew wide. "Fritzl?" The Fritzl family was an influential player in the Valenwood Kingdom economy, with their marquess-led business empire known for its wealth and clout. "Who doesn’t know House Fritzl?" she stated in a light-hearted but earnest tone.

Gregor smiled, clearly pleased. "Knowing that my family’s reputation comes before me is a comfort." He tilted his head and spoke in an inviting tone. "This is your first visit to the Royal Hunting Event."

Rin nodded, her pink eyes gleaming with excitement. "Yes, this is the first invitation that House Valarune has ever received.Even though I’m the only one hunting because my father isn’t into it, I’m excited about it."

Gregor’s tone was naturally endearing, and his black eyes shone. "How about I join hunting with you? I’d make sure you claim some impressive kills—worthy of a Valarune."

His words were smooth and captivating, and he had a strong charm that could easily win over any girl. However, beneath it, Gregor had awful intentions.

Rin’s father, Elgar, was the talk of the kingdom with his thriving cosmetics business and rumors of Cragsunder Mines. Since the Fritzl family was interested in the trade secrets of Valarune’s exclusive ingredients for cosmetics that made them rich, winning Rin, the only heir, might allow them to sneak into or even take over her family’s business.

Rin was about to smile and gently decline, but her eyes darted to the side and she saw Leo coming. With a hint of tension in his posture, his red eyes met hers and Gregor’s.

A glimmer of hope sparked in Rin’s chest, and her heart raced. Perhaps this time he would pause, say something, and show a hint of jealousy on seeing her with Gregor. Maybe he’d care enough to notice her. Her pink eyes watched him intently, silently pleading with him to respond, and she held her breath.

Leo, however, walked by without looking, his face blank and his steps steady. Rin stared at his retreating back as her hope crumbled. Frustration bubbling inside her, she thought, her lips pouting. Not even a look? Gregor’s black eyes briefly shifted to Leo before he noticed her shift in expression and turned back to Rin with a sweet smile. She quickly hid her hurt, forcing a calm face.

Gregor tilted his head, his voice soft but curious. "You and Leonhardt... are you two on speaking terms?"

Rin’s reply was sharp, her tone short to mask the pain. "No. We’re not. I’m even participating in the tournament for bronze honor, not for him."

Gregor’s smile grew, a faint relief passing through him, though his charm stayed smooth. "That’s good. So, what about my offer to join you for the hunt?"

Rin paused, her mind still spinning from Leo’s coldness. She glanced at Gregor, his emerald-green hair shining in the sunlight, his charisma almost overwhelming. "I’ll think of it tonight," she said, her voice steady despite her distraction. "I’ll give you an answer tomorrow."

Gregor nodded, his face glowing with quiet confidence. "I’m looking forward to hearing from you." He gave a small, graceful bow, his tone warm, before turning and walking away, leaving Rin alone.

Her eyes swiftly returned to Leo, and she became enraged when he didn’t even turn around. Not ever? Her hands clenched into fists as she flared up. Her eyes spotted a small pebble at her feet, and in a surge of frustration, she grabbed it and threw it at his back, her arm fueled by hurt. However, without turning, Leo used one hand to catch it in midair. His fingers quickly closed around the stone.

He stopped and looked at the pebble for a second before putting it in his pocket and continuing to walk steadily.

Her voice trembled with a mixture of pain and rage as she muttered, "That idiot." She turned and charged in the direction of the Saravelle camp.

Leo walked toward the Caulem camp, his boots crunched on the damp grass as he neared a small training area by the main tent, where Lucian practiced archery, his bow pulled tight, arrows hitting the target dead-on.

Duchess Maria and Vivien sat under a canopy nearby, Maria’s grey eyes watching her son’s skills while Vivien clapped with joy at each hit. Servants and soldiers moved around, some working on tasks, others stopping to admire Lucian’s skill.

Leo hopped over the low wooden fence with ease, and approached his brother. Lucian saw him, lowering his bow. "Back from your meet with Queen Yvana?"

Leo grabbed a spare bow and a quiver of arrows from a nearby rack, his crimson eyes sharp as he notched an arrow. "Yeah, it’s been years since I saw her last time."

He drew the bow, aiming at the target, and asked casually, "What’s the record for hunting points in this event’s history?"

He released the string, the arrow slicing through the air and hitting the bullseye’s center. Vivien squealed, her small hands clapping wildly, and a few servants murmured in awe, their applause quiet but genuine. Maria’s lips curved into a soft, proud smile.

Lucian paused, rubbing his chin as he thought. "Points are based on the monster’s size and threat level. Highest ever was 726, set by Rathur’s house decades ago." He glanced at Leo, his brow lifting. "Why the sudden interest?"

Leo notched another arrow, his smirk tightening with a hint of irritation as he aimed again. "Heard some guy boasting about giving her a big hunt."

He loosed the arrow, and it shot forward, splitting his first shot clean through, sticking deep in the bullseye. The crowd gasped, even Maria’s eyes widened briefly.

Leo lowered the bow, his voice quiet, mixed with annoyance and determination. "It’s getting under my skin."