CHAPTER 184: 184. PLAN DISCUSS

Rin stood in front of the massive remnants of Leo’s first-day hunt at the edge of the camp, where torches flickered. An A-rank monster that radiated danger even in death, the ten-foot Dreadmaw Wyrm lay sprawled, its charred scales and sharp fangs gleaming menacingly.

The Razorclaw Bear, another valuable kill, was lying next to it, its matted fur crusted with dried blood. With their combined skill against the bear’s brute strength and the wyrm’s lethal burrowing strategies, they worth of 370 points.

As a throng of nobles gathered, their whispers growing around her, Rin’s pink eyes followed the wyrm’s scarred length, her heart entangled with wonder and growing frustration.

In an adoring voice, a nobleman wearing a silver-trimmed cloak stated, "Leonhardt is showing that he is the rightful successor to the Caulem Dukedom."

"A Dreadmaw Wyrm, by himself? That is the beginning of a legend."

"Even experienced hunters hesitate against a burrowing beast like that."

"And the bear with the razorclaw on top? The man is unstoppable.

A third voice broke through the commotion, quieter but full of interest. "I’ve heard Leonhardt wanted to break the 726-point record held by the former Duke Rathur. They say he has saved his prize for a special someone."

As the words hit Rin, her body froze and her breath caught. Someone special? Her heart raced, a storm of longing and fear crashing within her. She yearned for Leonhardt, but the thought of him offering his hunt—a gesture like a public vow—to another tore at her. Who might it be? Erin? Or someone else?

Nimbus sat at her feet, his purple eyes staring at her with a quiet worry that seemed to be aware of her tumultuous feelings. Rin’s nails dug into her palms as her fingers clenched, but she was startled out of her reverie by a sudden, warm embrace from behind.

"210 points, Senior Rin! You’re amazing!" Velmera’s voice burst with excitement, her arms squeezing Rin tightly before she stepped back, grabbing Rin’s hands, her blue eyes sparkling. "Really, how did you manage that? 210 points is a great deal!

Rin’s voice became piercing with annoyance as her frown deepened. "That idiot still beat me."

Velmera’s short blond hair bounced as she laughed. "Brother in law is certainly amazing, but 210 points for someone like you? That’s fantastic!

Rin tilted her head, intrigued. "By the way, How’d you do?"

Rin’s eyebrows shot up, causing Velmera to flush and look away. She muttered, "Uh... maybe 30 points."

As Velmera’s embarrassment increased, Rin’s lips quirked, letting out a chuckle before bursting into a full laugh. She recalled Velmera’s bold claim in the morning about outhunting Lucian solo, only to manage only thirty points.

"Stop laughing!" Rin was unable to stop Velmera’s whining, which made her cheeks flush, as the moment eased her heavy heart.

The cat at Rin’s feet caught Velmera’s attention. "Why’s brother in law’s cat with you?"

Rin took Nimbus in her arms, her pink eyes warm as she held him close, her laughter turning to a gentle smile. She nuzzled the cat, who purred loudly, and declared, "Nimbus is staying with me from now on."

At the Caulem camp, inside his tent, Leo knelt in front of a covered cage and lifted the cloth, his crimson eyes gleaming with pride and joy.

Inside, a group of small, fluffy rabbits huddled together, their tiny noses twitching nervously as their soft fur glowed in the warm light.

He grinned, a rare tenderness piercing his typically piercing gaze. With a playful curiosity in her eyes, Liana stood close by and tilted her head. "You caught so many bunnies, young master Leo?"

Leo laughed warmly as he stood there raking dirt off his red hunting suit. "You think I just killed that wyrm and bear all day? It was more difficult to capture these small creatures alive than to take down monsters."

Liana’s smile grew, her tone teasing but knowing. "Lady Rin will love them. I’m sure she adores fluffy creatures."

Leo’s smirk faded, his gaze drifting to the tent’s entrance, where cool night air slipped in, carrying the distant crackle of campfires.

"They’re for Rin... but also for Vivien and some annoying one." His voice softened as he walks out.

Outside, the Caulem camp buzzed with life—servants tending fires, soldiers polishing weapons, and nobles across the grounds showing off their hunt’s trophies: huge boars, coiled serpents, and other beasts, their lifeless forms lit by flickering torchlight, a sign of the Royal Hunting Event’s first day.

When Lucian saw Leo, he rushed into the camp, his gray eyes glimmering with excitement and his dark blue hunting tunic wrinkled. "Brother! Everyone in the camp is discussing your haul. The largest hunt on the first day, huh?"

Leo grinned back. "You thought I was joking about breaking the record?"

With a shy smile, Lucian rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I thought you were kidding, but 370 points? That’s amazing."

Leo folded his arms and arched his brow in amusement. "Little brother, what’s your score?"

With a mixture of pride and embarrassment, Lucian’s voice trailed off as his cheeks flushed. "170 points, fourth place. Not too bad, isn’t it?"

Leo’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. He knew Rin had secured second place with Nimbus guidance had ensured she stood out today. "Wait, then who’s third?"

"That’d be me," Erin’s voice cut through them, her sudden appearance startling Liana and Lucian. She leaned against the pole, her silver braid loosened from the day’s efforts. Her violet eyes twinkled with mischief.

Leo’s brow lifted, his tone dry but impressed. "Third? I had you aimed for first, Erin."

Erin smirked, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "I was on track to take the lead, but I saw Rin struggling early on. Figured I’d ease off and let her shine."

Lucian muttered under his breath, "Good thing you didn’t see Velmera’s struggle."

"I will share that joke with Vel!" Erin shot back, making Lucian freeze like a scolded kid, he didn’t expect she will hear that.

She turned to Leo, her voice dropping to a serious whisper. "We need to talk about the plan. Now."

Leo’s expression turned serious, his crimson eyes locking onto hers with a shared understanding. He nodded once, firm. "Let’s move."

He took a quick look at Lucian, who appeared utterly bewildered, and took hold of his arm, dragging him in the direction Erin had been walking. "You’re also coming."

Lucian stammered and raised his voice in disapproval. "Hold on, "what? At the campfire, everyone is waiting for us to—"

He was interrupted by Leo, who gave Liana an order over his shoulder in a steady but urgent tone. "Get Father. Inform him to meet us at the camp’s northern boundary. It is urgent."

Liana’s playful demeanor disappeared as she nodded, her brow furrowing in concern. "As soon as possible, Young Master."