Chapter 2.4

Greta watched from a distance as Ragaen and Countess Titania conversed. With Ragaen’s mature appearance and Titania’s youthful beauty, the two looked like peers and, more importantly, a perfect match. They seemed utterly comfortable with each other, sharing a bond Greta couldn’t understand.  

She saw Countess Titania playfully tap Ragaen’s chest. It was an interaction Greta couldn’t even dream of. In most cases, it would have been considered rude. Yet, Ragaen seemed accustomed to it.  

‘I’m jealous! I’m so envious!’

It was natural for those who had experienced war together to form strong bonds. Furthermore, Greta had not yet had the opportunity to build a connection with Ragaen. Her jealousy toward Countess Titania was meaningless and even presumptuous.  

‘But still, I’m jealous!’  

How wonderful it would be if one could control their emotions as easily as their thoughts. If that were possible, life would undoubtedly be several times easier than it was now.  

While Greta was battling the malicious feelings swirling inside her, Ragaen returned.  

“Miss, I apologize for keeping you waiting.”  

“No, it’s fine.”  

The moment she saw his face, all the jealousy in Greta’s heart melted away without a trace. Instead, it was replaced by the pounding of her heart. It hurt. It felt as though someone was punching her chest with a clenched fist. Her heart seemed to be struggling desperately, as if trying to leap out of her body. Suddenly, a thought crossed Greta’s mind:  

How hard must it be to live a lifetime while feeling your heart race like this?  

***

This year, the Emperor’s Cup Lorus Hunting Competition had a total of 60 participants, divided into 30 teams. Unlike the usual 25 teams accepted each year, this year saw an increase of five additional teams. This was due to observations by Lorus experts that the Lorus population had increased by approximately 1.5 times compared to the previous year.  

The designated hunting ground was the Ginobera Forest near the Ammon Cliffs, where the Lorus would return annually to settle. The Ginobera Forest, home to many wild animals, served as the primary hunting ground for the Lorus residing in the Ammon Cliffs, making it an optimal location for hunting them. Today, the Lorus, who had reigned as the forest’s apex predators, would now fall from hunters to prey.  

In front of the participants waiting on horseback stood the deputy commander of the First Knight Order, who was in charge of today’s field operations. Clearing his throat, he spoke into a loudspeaker.  

“Participants! Please listen to the following instructions. For your safety, do not cross the fence marked with red ropes! Crossing the fence will bring you dangerously close to the Ammon Cliffs and make you a target for packs of Lorus. Also, please check the items distributed to you just now! Each kit contains two signal flares and a magic potion prepared with great effort by the Imperial Magic Department specifically for today.”  

He held up a signal flare.  

“This signal flare is for emergency rescue. Each of you should hold onto one, and if you find yourself in a dangerous situation requiring rescue, aim it upward and pull this string quickly and firmly to send a signal. Do not shoot it at the ground—it will make rescue difficult! Also, do not aim it at people—it is dangerous! Remember that using a rescue signal will result in immediate disqualification.”  

Next, he held up a potion bottle.  

“And this potion! Apply it to the claws of any Lorus you hunt! After the hunting time ends, mages will collect the carcasses. This special magic potion was newly developed by order of His Majesty the Emperor, addressing complaints that carrying multiple Lorus claws hindered further hunting. Do not lose it! Make sure to apply it to the claws! If you forget to apply it, don’t come crying later—it won’t count toward your total!”  

He pulled a pocket watch from his pouch. There wasn’t much time left before the start.  

“The potion’s effects will activate 15 minutes from now and will cease as soon as the hunting time ends. Don’t even think about cheating! The hunting period starts 15 minutes after the potion’s activation and lasts for a total of five hours!”  

Tick. The minute hand moved.  

11:45 AM.  

“Now, let’s begin moving! Good luck!”  

Cheers erupted from the audience. Though spectators couldn’t watch the hunting process until the awards ceremony following the tallying of the game, they would enjoy the various festivities prepared on the field in front of the Ginobera Forest during the hunting period.  

Richard, who had bought food from one of the early-opening stalls, stuffed it into his mouth as he watched dozens of participants ride into the forest. Among them, he skillfully spotted Greta and Ragaen. He kept his eyes on them until they disappeared from sight.  

‘Well, I’m sure they’ll be fine.’  

Richard turned his attention back to his food.  

***

Greta and Ragaen also headed into the Ginobera Forest to secure a good hunting spot.  

Participants dispersed to their pre-researched hunting points. From somewhere, arguments could be heard about who arrived first or who should leave. Greta and Ragaen ventured deeper into the forest.  

“Your Grace, where have you decided on for our hunting spot?”  

“We’ll head toward the Ammon Cliffs. There’s a good spot near the fence.”  

Who was the Duke of Adantie? None other than the chief of security for this hunting competition and the commander of the First Knight Order! He knew the Ginobera Forest better than any other participant. He had even conducted six preliminary inspections! He was confident. He had memorized seven locations that were less competitive and ideal for hunting.  

Some might have called it unfair if they knew, but life was inherently unfair. Moreover, he didn’t even consider it to be an unfair act.  

As they followed Ragaen deeper into the forest, an eerie scream echoed throughout the woods. It was the cry of a Lorus.  

“Looks like some teams have already started hunting!” 

Greta said anxiously. She had to secure first place for her Duke! Meanwhile, Ragaen remained calm.  

“Seems so. It looks like some team has found a good spot.”  

Still, it couldn’t be better than the spots he had scouted. The hunt lasted for five hours, and it was easy to catch up with a few lucky early catches.  

“We need to go a bit deeper.”  

***

The Ginobera Forest was densely wooded, making it less suitable for horses, but Zara and Devin skillfully navigated the terrain to ensure their riders’ comfort. The summer sunlight streaming through the leaves glittered as it illuminated Ragaen.  

Following behind him, Greta absentmindedly admired his figure, only to suddenly recall Countess Titania, whom she had seen earlier in the waiting line.  

Her fiery, luscious hair. Her enchanting beauty. Her muscular yet graceful physique, honed through training. Countess Titania seemed perfect in every way. Standing beside her, Ragaen looked like a picturesque match. The thought left Greta feeling a bit dejected.  

“Your Grace.”  

“Yes?”  

“Is Countess Titania skilled in hunting?”  

Ragaen’s response was slightly delayed by the unexpected question.  

Countess Titania, Roana, Roana, hunting, hunting and Roana… Was Roana good at hunting?  

“I’ve never hunted with Roana, so I don’t know her hunting skills. However, if Damon is her archer, they’re certainly among the top contenders.”  

His Grace called the Countess by her name… Roana…. If only he would call my name like that, in that voice.  

Suppressing her wandering thoughts, Greta asked, 

“Who is Damon?”  

“Roana’s husband. Before injuring his leg during the Great Demon War, he served as the Commander of the Imperial Archery Unit.”  

“Oh, I see! He’s her husband!”  

Ragaen noticed that Greta’s voice had suddenly brightened, though he couldn’t understand why.  

“The former Commander of the Archery Unit—I’ll make sure to beat him! Don’t worry, Your Grace!”  

“…Thank you.”

Among the soldiers, Damon was praised as the greatest commander of the Archery Unit in history. For a woman who had spent her entire life comfortably in the capital and the academy to claim she would surpass him—it was an absurdly baffling statement. If anyone else had said such a thing, Ragaen would have dismissed it as nonsense, but for some reason, he couldn’t say anything to Greta.  

He couldn’t bear to hurt the feelings of a fan. Though no one had asked, Ragaen explained his actions to himself.