Trap (9)
The hunting competition took place at noon on the imperial hunting grounds.
After finishing my preparations in time for departure, I left the bedroom with my father.
My father didn't seem too pleased with my participation in the hunting competition. His expression was set in stone. I smiled and grabbed his finger.
"Don't worry too much, Father. I'm not going to hunt myself anyway."
"I heard that the participants' partners will also be accompanying them..."
The summit was being held unofficially, but there was no noble who was unaware of it.
So the Emperor allowed the attendees to bring one partner with them on the condition that they keep the secret.
The problem was Anton. He was obviously going to accompany Sierra. That was what worried my father.
"Father, I'm not that weak."
"Yes."
My father stroked my face with a new expression.
"It seems like only yesterday that you were crying and saying you were scared even at the sound of thunder. You've really gotten stronger."
He closed his eyes quietly, rubbing my cheek against the rough, wide palm of his hand.
Whatever ill will Sierra had for me, it was just funny to me, having experienced it with the people of Eldern.
And how much I've been looking forward to meeting her. Even now, I can't help but laugh.
"Let's go down."
"Yes, father."
My father pulled my hand and put it on his arm.
Until a few months ago, even holding hands was awkward, but now I'm very good at it.
As we headed out of the mansion, Rahon, Nicola, Ian, and Kjer were waiting in front of the carriage.
As I got closer to them, the sound of their conversation became clearer.
"Are you really not going to hunt?"
"You want me to hunt for the 'Savior'? That's why I said I shouldn't have anything to do with those ignorant knights."
"That's surprising. I thought you had no interest in the meaning of a guardian."
"...Now I understand. Kjer, you hate me, don't you?"
"Do you know that now?"
The atmosphere suddenly became gloomy.
Even Nicola, who would normally mediate cheerfully, would quietly avoid him, but Ian was indifferent.
He was running his hands through his hair with a carefree expression when he noticed me and quickly approached me.
"Are you out?"
"Yes, other people..."
"Please wait. Please get on the carriage."
Ian acted as if nothing had happened, and I had no choice but to pretend I didn't notice.
"Father, I'll be back."
"Yes, be careful."
With Ian's help, I got into the carriage. Nadia, who was following behind, was about to close the carriage door when Rahon came in.
"I'll take it easy too."
Ian sighed deeply and closed the carriage door in a situation he had once encountered.
Rahon, who had been staring out the window with a sullen expression until the carriage left the mansion and entered the city, nervously drew the curtains.
"Millenia, your older brother seems like a pervert."
"Yes?"
"No, he hates me for no reason."
"W-Was that so? I'm fine..."
Do you know why I, Kjer, hate Rahon? I can only guess at what happened in the past.
Rahon muttered, biting his lips.
"This is difficult..."
"Why?"
"I don't want to be hated by your family."
I couldn't help but laugh. Rahon raised his eyebrows and asked.
"Why are you laughing?"
"So Rahon had that side to you too. I thought you didn't care whether others hated you or not."
"What are you talking about? Who cares if other people hate me or not? I only care because it's Kjer."
"Why?"
"They're your family."
Rahon stared at me.
The moment I was stared at by those purple eyes, I felt it instinctively.
You shouldn't go any deeper.
"Umm... What happened to the drug that restored my memories?"
The corners of Rahon's mouth went up. He realized that I had deliberately changed the subject. His cheeks turned hot.
"It's almost done. I just need to make sure it's safe."
"Really? When can I get it?"
"Don't be impatient. I told you that if you eat it, you can fall asleep for a day or two. I'll give it to you after the summit."
Now, I will soon be able to find contact with the benefactor I have been looking for. My heart is pounding at the thought that that day is just around the corner.
While we were talking, the carriage was already entering the hunting grounds.
As we walked up the winding path surrounded by the forest, a wide lot appeared.
The carriages carrying the attendees were already lined up and parked.
In front of it stood a huge barracks, which was the headquarters of the hunting competition...
Everyone, including partners, gathered in front of the headquarters...
Oslo was with a woman, and Sierra, who accompanied Anton as his partner, was also seen.
I watched them quietly and then turned my head.
After a while, the Emperor appeared, escorted by the Imperial Knights. The attendees fell silent and bowed to the Emperor.
Chevio, who was standing right behind the Emperor, quickly winked at me and changed his expression.
You wouldn't have winked at me when I couldn't even see you, right? What are you doing?
At that moment, Nadia let out a deep sigh.
"Oh, the young master wants to tell the young lady that he has arrived."
"Have you and my brother decided on a signal or something?"
"Well, it's similar."
The Emperor briefly consoled the attendees for their hard work, then leisurely disappeared after offering 100,000 gold as the first prize.
The attendees couldn't contain their excitement. Even though it was an extension of official duties, it was still an eye-popping amount of money.
The area in front of the headquarters became a mess.
The administrator came out and explained the rules, and the attendants distributed horses and weapons to the attendees.
Sierra was sticking close to Anton between them, constantly saying something.
As I concentrated, I could faintly hear their conversation.
"You have to get first place for me. Can you do it?"
"I, I, I can't shoot a bow..."
"The Prime minister, he is good at archery, isn't he? You said he is almost as good as a divine archer. Please list the game he catches as your achievements, Grand Duke."
"Intercept the Prime Minister's prey? T, that's a bit..."
"I'm not asking you to intercept, I'm asking him to help you. Others should see the Grand Prince win rather than the Prime Minister. Do you know what I mean?"
"Huh..."
I suddenly became curious.
Does Anton really think that Sierra loves him even after hearing those words?
"My lord. I will go and meet the prime minister for a moment."
Rahon looked back at Prime Minister Halshtail.
"Go together?"
"No, it's okay."
"I'll wait. Come quickly."
"Yes, let's go to the Prime Minister, Nadia."
"Yes, Miss."
The Prime minister of Halstail was working on his bow a little way away from Anton. Unlike the other excited attendees, his complexion was dark.
As Nadia approached, Prime Minister Halstail looked at Anton and sighed, then calmed his expression.
"What's going on, Guardian?"
"I have something urgent to tell you. Could you spare a moment?"
"..."
Prime Minister Halstail was silent for a moment before handing over his bow to his aide.
We moved to the back of the headquarters.
"Speak."
The commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces in the Great Rift 30 years ago was none other than Prime Minister Halshtail.
That's why every word he said had weight.
Even the arrogant cardinals of Shancresia could not oppose the opinion of Prime Minister Halstail.
The reason Oslo was able to be elected Commander-in-Chief in my previous life was largely due to the support he received from Prime Minister Halstail.
"I heard you usually enjoy hunting. How are you feeling ahead of the competition?"
"How can we enjoy ourselves as usual when we are facing a major crisis?"
"Could it be that there is a bigger worry than the Great Crack?"
Prime Minister Halshtail was as experienced as ever. He must have been flustered, but he showed no sign of it.
"What is that?"
"My lord, Grand Duke Anton Romena is more important than the Great Rift, isn't he?"
"..."
"Millenia, do you know who I recruited for the hunting competition? It's the Prime Minister of Halshtail! He promised to support me!"
"Even the most squeamish old man has a weakness. His weakness is the second Grand Duke of Romena. He has so much affection for him that he brought him to the summit to try to make him into a man."
In my past life, Oslo had a hard time winning over Prime Minister Halsteil, because he was not easily persuaded by standard suggestions.
Only after promising to give Anton a place in the Great Rift where he could excel was he able to win his heart.
To that extent, Prime Minister Halsteil was truly concerned about Anton.
To the extent that the first attendee who was designated as the Grand Duke was changed to Anton.
Furthermore...
"Although the Grand Duke may be weak-hearted, he was a man with clear judgment... He seems to have become a different person these days. I apologize on his behalf."
It was clear that he thought Anton had changed because of Sierra. So it was easy to get him on my side.
"I believe my lord would like the Grand Duke and Miss Sierra Coelho to separate. I apologize if I am wrong."
The area under Prime Minister Halstail's eyes trembled as he was hit hard.
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