Duke Delmen quickly composed his expression and addressed me.

“Is it true that the Lord will be participating?”

“Yes. He’ll be coming with Mother soon.”

“I see. That Rigan fellow will be there too, I suppose.”

“Of course. He’s Mother’s cherished aide after all.”

Knowing how much Duke Delmen disliked Rigan, I deliberately emphasized the word “cherished.” Duke Delmen either didn’t catch my meaning or deliberately ignored it, merely responding with an ambiguous “hmm” before suddenly smiling like he’d just remembered something.

“Speaking of which, I’ve been remiss in my introductions to Your Highness. Iris, come here and pay your respects to the Princess.”

‘Ah, so he brought his heir too.’

I naturally turned my head in the direction Duke Delmen indicated. There stood Iris, dressed in hunting attire with her short hair tied back. She approached at her father’s summons, each step imbued with noble dignity despite not being a knight herself.

I finally understood why Duke Delmen had been so graciously overlooking all provocations today. ‘Of course—when his eldest daughter, his greatest pride and joy, is standing beside him, nothing else would register.’

Like most members of House Delmen, Iris was born to lead a noble house. With her striking appearance and refined manners, she had learned so quickly during childhood that her tutors were astounded. 

Despite her talents, she was skilled in noble social circles and never sought excessive recognition, making her difficult to dislike.

Despite having three older brothers and younger siblings, she was named heir—a testament to Duke Delmen’s extraordinary love for his eldest daughter. Iris, for her part, proved worthy of these expectations with her intelligence.

Of course, because of Rigan, I didn’t particularly like her, though that wasn’t her fault.

“Greetings to Your Highness the Princess.”

I nodded at Iris’s greeting. She must have returned to the capital after spending the past few years busy with family affairs.

“When Your Highness ascends to the throne, my daughter will serve at your side. Should she prove inexperienced, I humbly request your generous understanding.”

Though his words were humble, Duke Delmen’s face clearly expressed, ‘How dare you even suggest my daughter could be a burden?’ I smiled mischievously in response.

“That’s fine. Embracing inexperienced subjects is a ruler’s virtue—just like my mother.”

Duke Delmen seemed to realize that he was among the “mother’s subjects” the Princess had mentioned, but he carefully avoided showing any reaction and simply bowed his head.

“Then, with gratitude for hosting today’s hunting competition, I’ll take my leave to prepare.”

After finishing his words, Duke Delmen withdrew. At that moment, Duke Elvierts, who had been standing beside me, spoke up.

“Don’t worry about it. Our Esht is far more brilliant than that Iris or Lilac or whatever her name is.”

“…That’s so childish.”

“But what can I do when it’s the truth? House Delmen has consistently been dissatisfied with not being first. That’s why they have many complaints about this old man.”

I knew that. However…

“What about House Kelliard then? Aren’t they more powerful?”

“True enough, but House Kelliard is a founding noble family. They’ve been the sword of the imperial family all this time, so feeling inferior to them would be rather ridiculous.”

That’s not how it works. Inferiority and jealousy don’t discriminate by target or level. The saying goes that one shouldn’t even look at a tree they can’t climb, but for those who truly desire to be number one, such wisdom means little. Hatred can be fully formed simply from wanting something.

I had subtly sensed Duke Delmen’s distaste for House Kelliard. Rigan had actually informed me about this previously.

– Father was very angry.

– Why?

– Because Duke Kelliard returned to the Senate, so he can no longer enjoy the greatest influence there.

‘Well, I understand.’

A moderate amount of inferiority and deprivation can motivate people to work harder. As long as it doesn’t turn in a negative direction, it’s not necessarily bad.

“Then this old man will try his best to catch a wild boar.”

“I keep telling you, there are no wild boars in this forest.”

Duke Elvierts didn’t seem to be listening to me at all. I chuckled at his behavior.

After some time passed and all the nobles had arrived, I smiled at a figure approaching in the distance.

“Mother!”

The nobles turned their heads at my voice, almost like it was a signal.

“We greet His Majesty, the esteemed Emperor of Arsis. May the glory of the Divine be with Your Majesty.”

Under the nobles’ watchful eyes, the puppet quietly approached my side. I noticed Sever’s gaze turning toward us again, though he didn’t come over to exchange further greetings.

‘Is he ignoring her because she’s not the real Emperor?’ I laughed to myself at my own petty thoughts. Just then, Hasis appeared and moved languidly toward us.

“Where’s Brother Ilian?”

Hasis paused at my question. A brief look of discomfort crossed his face before quickly shifting to an irritated expression. He clicked his tongue and answered.

“He’s running late.”

“What? Why?”

“Stomach pain. He looked unwell, so I told him to rest.”

“Really?”

I blinked innocently and continued drinking my juice. As the hunting time approached, Lerrhagen’s voice suddenly came from behind.

“When do we start?”

Oh, that startled me.

I was about to scold Lerrhagen for appearing without warning but closed my mouth. Unlike his usual careless attire, today he was impeccably dressed in hunting clothes.

His tall stature and solid build were eye-catching from any angle. Despite his normally indifferent demeanor, the elaborate hunting attire harmonized with his overwhelming presence, strangely intimidating everyone around him.

I stared at his silver hair gleaming in the sunlight. Beneath his slightly disheveled locks were eyes reminiscent of a languid predator. Though I thought I’d grown accustomed to his presence, seeing this new appearance made his existence imprint itself in my mind once more.

“You really arrive quickly and quietly.”

“I simply came at the time you specified.”

I added a mischievous comment.

“Your Majesty, it’s almost the scheduled time.”

At Rigan’s words, I decided not to waste any more time.

Shall we begin now?

Soon, the “puppet” spoke.

<Then, let us commence the hunting competition. Today’s victor will receive the ‘Margarete Stone,’ said to be blessed by Divine Gela.>

At the mention of the Margarete Stone, several eyes lit up. It was one of the gems the temple had searched for but couldn’t find for some time. It had been lying around in Lerrhagen’s lair and was currently in my possession.

“Since Your Majesty is bestowing such a grand prize, we must certainly put forth our best effort.”

“Ho ho, this old man would also like to see that gem.”

The nobles exchanged pleasantries. However, suddenly Duke Shart’s cautious voice was heard.

“But Your Majesty, is the Lord truly participating?”

Lerrhagen’s presence was so overwhelming that even Duke Shart, who recently made it his motto to remain inconspicuous, felt compelled to ask.

“I” nodded in response.

<Yes. Today, Lerrhagen will accompany Esht in the hunt in my place.>

Various subtle expressions crossed the nobles’ faces at my words. Anyone could see these weren’t merely concerns about failing to win.

‘Since this is the first time Lerrhagen is joining a noble event, they must fear he’s beginning to involve himself in state affairs.’

That wasn’t entirely wrong. Helping me was indeed involving himself in state affairs.

Meanwhile, I descended from my chair.

“Shall we begin? Dad, let’s go.”

As soon as I finished speaking, an attendant brought over a prepared horse. When Lerrhagen’s brow furrowed, I hastily added:

“We need horses for hunting. Of course, we could just enter the forest directly, but wouldn’t it be better to at least pretend we’re hunting properly?”

“…You want me to ride this?”

“Why, don’t tell me you can’t?”

No, that wouldn’t work.

Having assumed there was nothing he couldn’t do, I gaped in surprise. However, Lerrhagen sighed and then muttered:

“You get on first.”

I nodded at his words.

However, the horse was too tall for me to mount easily, and just as I was about to call Rigan for help, I felt myself being slightly lifted and in the blink of an eye, I was seated in the saddle.