CHAPTER 181: 181. START OF THE HUNT

Far from the bright campfires and busy noble camps, Erin Dranemount wandered through the dense Deltou Colossale Forest on the eve of the Royal Hunting Event.

She was by herself with the fire stick, its flickering light creating eerie shapes on twisted trees, and the forest was a labyrinth of shadows, thick with the smell of pine and damp earth. In the firelight, her violet eyes shone clearly.

She had previously deceived her observers by leaving a mana-created clone at her camp to divert their attention, allowing her to slip away undetected. "Where is this place?" she murmured, glancing at the dim, glowing map that was floating in her vision.

The map pointed to a glowing spot, but it was difficult to locate it because of the paths and towering trees in the forest.

Erin continued strolling, all senses on high alert for anyone pursuing.

After what seemed like an eternity, the trees parted to reveal a large clearing illuminated by moonlight, which cast a silvery gleam that revealed a spotless, unspoiled area.

It appeared as though no one had visited for years as there were no footprints on the grass and no indications of human presence to disturb the peace.

Erin’s voice was low and buzzing with excitement as her lips formed a sharp smile. "Well, I got you."

As she entered the clearing, the fire stick’s flame waned in the moonlight. "I guess Aunt’s tips are useful this time."

"Scan." Her system hummed softly, its invisible threads sweeping the clearing, checking every detail. The map in her mind flashed a moment later, revealing a secret construct beneath the earth—an underground tomb, its dim glow visible on her screen.

Erin’s violet eyes glistened with excitement and determination as her smile widened. "I’m getting closer, but I’m not quite at the finish line yet."

***********

The following morning.

Standing in the crowd, his crimson-red hunting outfit snug but comfortable, Leo suppressed a yawn. Lucian, wearing a dark blue tunic next to him, gave him a quick look. "You had trouble sleeping, too?"

A dry smirk curved Leo’s lips. "Hard to sleep with die hard fans watching our every move."

With his fingers adjusting the quiver on his back and his eyes scanning the crowd, Lucian laughed quietly. With their Caulem griffin crests sewn on their chests, both brothers stood tall.

Key figures were spotted to Leo’s crimson eyes as they scanned the crowd, including Adrian Dranemount and Darius Rathur, but one individual in particular caught their attention: Erin Dranemount, who was standing at the edge of the crowd.

With her silver hair tied back and her violet eyes focused on a tiny object in her hand, she wore a sleek and efficient white hunting outfit consisting of fitted pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

She is holding a knife with a fancy white-gold sheath, a finely crafted handle, and a different style from other knives. It was the relic connected to her mission that she had spent the entire night searching for in that secret clearing.

Leo’s tone is casual but inquisitive as he approaches her. "What are you holding?"

Erin’s smile was relaxed but cautious as she glanced up and hurriedly put the knife into her pocket. "Just my brand-new hunting knife. Pretty, huh?"

Leo’s tone was doubtful, and his brow arched. "You weren’t out of your camp while I was waiting for you last night. What were you doing?"

Erin shrugged, her mischievous violet eyes glimmering. "I had to get ready for something. I’m always busy, as you know."

Her evasive response made Leo more suspicious, but he was more worried about other issues. His voice trailed off to a quiet whisper as he leaned closer. "I found out why so many people here want us dead."

Erin’s smile dimmed and her eyes grew piercing as she mimicked his voice. "What did you find?"

Leo tilted his head toward the elevated platform of the pavilion, where Emperor Regulus Varian Duskbane had just arrived, accompanied by Queen Yvana in deep blue, Empress Lysara in a flowing silver gown, and their children, Princess Thalia in forest-green hunting gear and Prince Cassain.

The king’s youthful energy stood out, his silver crown gleaming in the sun, his presence silencing the entire crowd.

Leo’s voice was barely be heard. "I’m betting that it’s from that cult."

Erin’s eyes gleamed with pride as her lips quirked into a small, approving smile—Leo had put it together more quickly than she had anticipated. She was already aware that the emperor has the source of the pill, but she remained silent and allowed him to hold the situation.

The deep, commanding boom of Emperor Regulus’s voice filled the pavilion with a kingly power that silenced even the slight rustle of the forest.

"Esteemed houses of Valenwood, welcome to the Royal Hunting Event, a tradition that binds our kingdom’s past to its future. We have been gathering in these ancient woods for centuries to test our bravery, celebrate our unity, and create ties that fortify our realm."

"Today, you hunt not merely for glory or prizes, but to prove the valor that defines our people. Let your blades strike true, your hearts remain steadfast, and your deeds echo in the annals of our history. May the forest guide you, and may Valenwood’s spirit watch over us all."

The crowd burst into cheers, nobles raising fists and weapons, their voices a loud wave of excitement.

The loud applause from the audience drowned out Erin’s voice. "You’ve figured out that even the emperor has an eye on you. Leo, what are you going to do?"

Leo clapped with the nobles, concealing his intensity in the excitement they shared, his crimson eyes burning with fierce determination as his smirk tightened. "As usual, I used to burn alive anyone who came after me or mine when I was Reo Carter. There’s no need to change the approach right now."

"That’s the Reo." Erin nudged his shoulder, her smile widening with a mixture of pride and laughter. Word has it that you’re aiming for the highest points in this hunt. "Going big?"

Leo’s brow raised, and his eyes darted to Lucian on the other side of the audience, who was observing them but quickly averted his gaze, messing with his quiver. Leo shook his head and chuckled softly. "My brother is unable to maintain a secet."

Erin’s violet eyes gleamed with encouragement as he bumped his fist to her as the crowd began to disperse, with the nobles leaving to get ready for the hunt. "Good luck, Leo. Bag the biggest beast out there." She smirked playfully as she turned and then looked back.

"Oh, and get me some bunnies, ok? fluffy ones."

Leo snorted, his tone dry but teasing. "Hunt your own rabbits, Erin."

Her laughter rang out, bright and teasing, as she slipped through the crowd, her white hunting outfit blending into the swirl of colorful clothes.

Rin watched from a distance, her violet hair tied in a tight braid, her dark pink hunting outfit—a fitted tunic and snug leather pants—made for the hunt. A sharp twinge of jealousy twisted in her chest as her pink eyes lingered on Leo and Erin’s effortless bond.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a smooth voice. "Miss Valarune, good morning." As he approached her, Gregor Fritzl’s emerald-green hair caught the sunlight.

Rin turned, trying to smile politely, but her heart wasn’t in it. "Gregor, good morning."

With an inviting smile and a soft push in his voice, he cocked his head. "Have you considered accepting my invitation to go hunting with me? We would form an excellent team."

Rin’s gaze flicked back to where Leo had stood, but he was gone, lost in the crowd without a single glance her way. Her jaw tightened, frustration and hurt burning stronger.

She met Gregor’s eyes, her voice firm, filled with defiant resolve. "I’m in. Let’s hunt together."

Gregor’s smile widened, a hint of triumph in his black eyes, though his tone stayed warm and gracious. "Excellent. I’ll make sure it’s a hunt worthy of House Valarune."

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