'They say that if you have the Incarnation Sword, you can own the world, but you'll also gain greed that you didn't have before. Wouldn't you gain it if you were them?'
Incarnation asked, seemingly frustrated.
I answered without hesitation.
'Yeah, no.'
'Oh my, the one who can actually handle it is saying something like that... Ugh, I don't know.'
The fire of Incarnation inside me, who had been grumbling to myself, went out.
Incarnation is always like this.
If something bothers him even a little, he disappears.
"I get a chance to see the Incarnation Sword in person. I welcome it!"
Incarnation asked, seemingly frustrated.
I answered without hesitation.
'Yeah, no.'
'Oh my, the one who can actually handle it is saying something like that... Ugh, I don't know.'
The fire of Incarnation inside me, who had been grumbling to myself, went out.
Incarnation is always like this.
If something bothers him even a little, he disappears.
"I get a chance to see the Incarnation Sword in person. I welcome it!"
Someone shouted with a gleam in their eyes over there. I looked up and saw that it was Emperor Katria.
"Hahaha, I welcome it too!"
Prince Tesla also raised his hand and joined in.
As soon as the words 'Incarnation Sword' were mentioned, a strange atmosphere began to flow among the guests from each country.
Linel raised his hand to ask for silence for a moment.
When the voices of the guests died down, he opened his mouth again.
“Lastly, I will introduce the person who will be with you as your attending doctor. Come out.”
“Hello, my name is Big. If you feel unwell during the hunting competition, please come see me anytime.”
When the wizard Big appeared, the siblings of the Kingdom of Shattonil froze.
Grand Duke Martins exchanged glances with Prince Tesla and showed a surprised expression, but to me, his acting looked so awkward that I almost laughed.
The day after I received the new magic potion from Linel, I had Sharon send a note to Grand Duke Martins.
If I hadn’t told him that Linel was the one who kidnapped Wizard Big, Grand Duke Martins would still be wandering around looking for Big.
Prince Tesla’s face was so red that it could be seen from afar.
I could see the Prince thinking of countless cases in his head.
Why did Linel take Wizard Big? Did he know about the existence of the magic potion I was taking? If he knew, did he know about his misdeeds?... etc.
It was a little refreshing to see Prince Tesla looking at Linel with a frightened expression.
“Then, I think it’s time to set off.”
Linel motioned to Commander Macrom, and the Commander looked at the bugler.
Then, the bugle sound announcing the start of the Continental Hunting Competition rang out through the Lapion Palace.
‘The hunt is finally starting.’
When you cross the palace’s drawbridge, you will come across two paths.
The left path leads to the palace, and the right path leads to the Elanji Forest. The Elanji Forest is connected to the border region, the Kingdom of Shattonil, and continues all the way to the Valley of Death, which is the end of the Northern Continent and the beginning of the Southern Continent.
I looked back at the Lapion Palace one last time before it completely disappeared from my sight.
I had been fine when I left my home country, the Kingdom of Shattonil, but the farther I got from the Lapion Palace, the more I felt sad.
‘I’ll be back in a month, so what’s the big deal?’
The incarnation inside me noticed my feelings and said teasingly.
That’s true...
I kept feeling regretful, but it’s only a month.
I’ll be back to my daily life in a month, so I should enjoy the present.
I thought as I looked at the procession ahead.
There was no set order for the Continental Hunting Competition procession.
The men moved around, chatting on horseback, taking turns leading and trailing, but the heads of each country usually took the front seats.
In contrast, the women rode in separate horses and carriages. The carriages were mostly occupied by women from the Northern Continent or concubines of the Lapion Empire. There were also empty spare carriages prepared.
The spare carriages were for when someone got injured or sick during the hunting competition.
The men also used the carriages when they were exhausted or had to take a break.
Knights were stationed in between the procession to escort the guests, and there were also troops surrounding the front and back of the procession.
When the nobles hunt, the knights who were closely guarding them follow them as long as they do not interfere with the hunt.
Even if there are deserters, there are knights who are in charge of the entire group, so it is difficult for them to leave the range of this procession unless someone decides to ride a horse like crazy.
I looked back at the carriage carrying the concubines.
Each of the concubines was craning their neck out of the carriage window and looking around the forest.
Perhaps because it was still the entrance to the forest, they were all excited.
As the sun began to set and the sounds of wolves and beasts growling could be heard here and there, none of the concubines would stick their faces out of the carriage.
My eyes met Rosie, who seemed the most excited of them all.
She waved at me, so I smiled and waved back.
Among the concubines, Rosie was the only one who could handle a horse, but she chose the carriage for Aoshi.
Moiya would change into a butterfly, a bee, or a fly and go back and forth between Rosir and me.
Whenever his doppelganger changed, he would whisper in my ear, “Master, it’s Moiya.”
“You’re a great horseman.”
Elan, the Empress of Emperor Adrian, came up next to me, her horse’s head close to mine.
“Riding a horse at this speed is not great.”
“I can tell just by looking at your posture in the saddle.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
“Please, Your Majesty, do you usually use a bow when hunting, or a sword?”
“Both.”
“I see you have a slingshot too. Aren’t there three?”
Empress Elan asked with a smile, nodding at my bulging uniform pocket.
When did you see this?
“A slingshot is the easiest. It’s easy.”
I answered, patting my uniform pocket.
“Yes, it’s perfect for hunting without being noticed. Well, I guess you can hunt with a fork, too.”
“!”
She casually mentioned the time when I threw a fork and saved her from danger during the martial arts competition with the Empresses at the banquet.
There shouldn’t be any such unexpected situations in a hunting competition.
“Well, I’ll see you later.”
Empress Elan gave me a light bow and rode her horse next to Emperor Adrian on the front line.
The midsummer heat actually worked to Linel’s advantage.
Some of the guests were already sweating and looking exhausted, but his physical condition was better than usual.
If the weather cooperated, they would be able to reach the Belos Empire, the new destination of the hunting competition, earlier than the original schedule.
However, even if they arrived at the Belos Empire early, it wouldn’t be a very leisurely schedule if they had to find ‘Yakante,’ the main herb of the magic potion Zelda was taking.
As the matapju said, she had to make enough of the magic potion she was currently taking until this time next year, when he could obtain the cure, 'Kelvarn', from Aklatto Island.
Fortunately, according to the magician Big, the 'Yakante' herb was a herb that could be obtained from early spring to fall, so if he knew where it grew, he could collect it, and even a small amount could make a year's worth of magic potions.
In fact, he didn't care at all if Zelda's burn scars didn't heal completely, or if she couldn't make the magic potion because she didn't have enough 'Yakante'.
It wasn't just vague confidence.
However, Linel wanted to give her back her original life, since she had to live her whole life under the gaze of others.
Linel, who was riding alongside the Emperors of each country, looked back as if it were a habit. It was to check on Zelda.
Although she was good at horseback riding, he kept worrying about her like a child left on the water's edge.
However, unlike him, who was worried, she smiled brightly every time he looked back.
Even in the palace, her smile was beautiful, but she was even more radiant in the forest.
'There's an old saying that the more a wife shines, the more her husband worries, and I'm exactly that kind of match.'
Zelda's incarnation exists, and the wyvern that hatched from the egg after 300 years calls her master.
In addition, she is as good with a sword as a high-ranking knight.
Among the women from each country who participated in the Continental Hunting Competition, would there be anyone who could rival Zelda?
'Maybe the Emperor Katria or the Empress Elan?'
That night, when the banquet for the guests was held. Linel returned to the main palace, put on a black mask, and pretended to be an assassin, but Zelda charged at him without hesitation, and he almost lost a vital part.
He still felt his lower body tremble when he thought about that time.
Furthermore, she had applied a lot of perfume to her body after bathing, so her feet kept slipping, but her martial arts skills were extraordinary.
Linel's worries began in earnest at that very moment.
In fact, it was better than not being able to handle a sword at all, but the problem was when an emergency came.
Those who instinctively handle a sword often step forward in dangerous situations without realizing it.
That was exactly what Linel was worried about.
That she might run into a dangerous situation.
His worries were compounded when he heard that Zelda had asked Count Ethan for another sword.
“Why don’t you ride together, Your Majesty?”
Prince Norton asked him teasingly.
The Prince had already seen Linel look back at Zelda whenever he had the chance.
“It’s a bit much for the first day, but I’ll try it out after a few days.”
Linel replied jokingly, but his eyes were sincere.
At that moment, Emperor Katria raised her voice and shouted at the leaders of the countries.
“It’s almost lunch time, so the main dish should be according to tradition, right?”
“Who will catch the first game of this hunting competition? Norton, you should bring honor to the Pasha Empire instead of me, hahaha.”
Prince Calvain shifted the burden to his younger brother, Prince Norton.
“Well, I’ll try.”
Prince Norton replied indifferently and glared at the profile of Prince Tesla, who was sticking close to his older brother and trying to please him. Prince Norton wanted to immediately draw his sword and aim it at Prince Tesla’s neck, but he hid his feelings and continued talking to Linel.
“Your Majesty caught the first game of the last hunting competition, right?"
“Yes. But this time, I think I’ll give it to the other guests.”
Linel replied with a relaxed expression, but his mind was already focused on the sounds coming from the forest.
The first game of the Continental Hunt was important in many ways.
The quality of the first meal depended on the animal caught.
And the success of the first hunt was like seizing the initiative against other countries.
“How about roasted boar for lunch?”
Emperor Katria gestured toward the forest at 10 o’clock and dismounted.
“Very well.”
Linel dismounted for the second time.
Several of the guests also took up their weapons and lowered themselves into the forest at 10 o’clock.
“It seems that lunch will be held near here, so tell the cooks to prepare it.”
Commander Macrom also gave an order to his adjutant and dismounted, and entered the forest.
“Yes, adjutant.”
When the adjutant waved a flag at the knight following him, the knight who saw the flag signaled the knight behind him to stop, and the signal was passed on continuously.
While the order continued, the carriages and processions following him gradually stopped.
A total of nine guests entered the forest for the first hunt.
Linel, Prince Norton, Emperor Adrian, Prince Tesla, Emperor Katria, and her mistresses Deon and Clark, Commander Macrom.
And me.
I watched the eight of them chase the boar into the forest, and I deliberately moved a step later.
When we entered the forest, Commander Macrom was standing alone.
I sneaked up to where he was.
“Your Majesty?!”
Commander Macrom noticed my aura and made a troubled expression.
“Shh, why are you alone behind? Where did the boar go?”
“Let’s go further in... No, why are you here?”
“I wonder who will catch the first prey.”
“Your Majesty is not going to catch it? I feel that way.”
“... No? I’m just going to watch. His Majesty would hate it if I showed up.”
“I never thought you’d show up from the first game...”
Commander Macrom muttered quietly.
“Take the lead.”
The Commander shook his head at my words.
Ah, did Linel block the path in advance in case I join the hunt?
That’s why you were waiting here alone?
While I was wondering what to do, a white butterfly flew in front of me.
“Master, I’ll show you around. Moiya wants to eat wild boar meat!”
Moiya whispered in my ear and offered to be my guide.
I quickly ran towards where Moiya was flying.
“Your Majesty? Your Majesty!”
Commander Macrom called out to me in a low voice, desperately.
As I went further into the forest, eight of them were all aiming their bows at an excited wild boar under a tree.
I stood about 5m behind them and drew my bow from my back.
‘You’ll miss it if you keep going like this.’
I quickly pulled an arrow out of the quiver and hung it on the bowstring.
"Hahaha, I welcome it too!"
Prince Tesla also raised his hand and joined in.
As soon as the words 'Incarnation Sword' were mentioned, a strange atmosphere began to flow among the guests from each country.
Linel raised his hand to ask for silence for a moment.
When the voices of the guests died down, he opened his mouth again.
“Lastly, I will introduce the person who will be with you as your attending doctor. Come out.”
“Hello, my name is Big. If you feel unwell during the hunting competition, please come see me anytime.”
When the wizard Big appeared, the siblings of the Kingdom of Shattonil froze.
Grand Duke Martins exchanged glances with Prince Tesla and showed a surprised expression, but to me, his acting looked so awkward that I almost laughed.
The day after I received the new magic potion from Linel, I had Sharon send a note to Grand Duke Martins.
If I hadn’t told him that Linel was the one who kidnapped Wizard Big, Grand Duke Martins would still be wandering around looking for Big.
Prince Tesla’s face was so red that it could be seen from afar.
I could see the Prince thinking of countless cases in his head.
Why did Linel take Wizard Big? Did he know about the existence of the magic potion I was taking? If he knew, did he know about his misdeeds?... etc.
It was a little refreshing to see Prince Tesla looking at Linel with a frightened expression.
“Then, I think it’s time to set off.”
Linel motioned to Commander Macrom, and the Commander looked at the bugler.
Then, the bugle sound announcing the start of the Continental Hunting Competition rang out through the Lapion Palace.
***
‘The hunt is finally starting.’
When you cross the palace’s drawbridge, you will come across two paths.
The left path leads to the palace, and the right path leads to the Elanji Forest. The Elanji Forest is connected to the border region, the Kingdom of Shattonil, and continues all the way to the Valley of Death, which is the end of the Northern Continent and the beginning of the Southern Continent.
I looked back at the Lapion Palace one last time before it completely disappeared from my sight.
I had been fine when I left my home country, the Kingdom of Shattonil, but the farther I got from the Lapion Palace, the more I felt sad.
‘I’ll be back in a month, so what’s the big deal?’
The incarnation inside me noticed my feelings and said teasingly.
That’s true...
I kept feeling regretful, but it’s only a month.
I’ll be back to my daily life in a month, so I should enjoy the present.
I thought as I looked at the procession ahead.
There was no set order for the Continental Hunting Competition procession.
The men moved around, chatting on horseback, taking turns leading and trailing, but the heads of each country usually took the front seats.
In contrast, the women rode in separate horses and carriages. The carriages were mostly occupied by women from the Northern Continent or concubines of the Lapion Empire. There were also empty spare carriages prepared.
The spare carriages were for when someone got injured or sick during the hunting competition.
The men also used the carriages when they were exhausted or had to take a break.
Knights were stationed in between the procession to escort the guests, and there were also troops surrounding the front and back of the procession.
When the nobles hunt, the knights who were closely guarding them follow them as long as they do not interfere with the hunt.
Even if there are deserters, there are knights who are in charge of the entire group, so it is difficult for them to leave the range of this procession unless someone decides to ride a horse like crazy.
I looked back at the carriage carrying the concubines.
Each of the concubines was craning their neck out of the carriage window and looking around the forest.
Perhaps because it was still the entrance to the forest, they were all excited.
As the sun began to set and the sounds of wolves and beasts growling could be heard here and there, none of the concubines would stick their faces out of the carriage.
My eyes met Rosie, who seemed the most excited of them all.
She waved at me, so I smiled and waved back.
Among the concubines, Rosie was the only one who could handle a horse, but she chose the carriage for Aoshi.
Moiya would change into a butterfly, a bee, or a fly and go back and forth between Rosir and me.
Whenever his doppelganger changed, he would whisper in my ear, “Master, it’s Moiya.”
“You’re a great horseman.”
Elan, the Empress of Emperor Adrian, came up next to me, her horse’s head close to mine.
“Riding a horse at this speed is not great.”
“I can tell just by looking at your posture in the saddle.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
“Please, Your Majesty, do you usually use a bow when hunting, or a sword?”
“Both.”
“I see you have a slingshot too. Aren’t there three?”
Empress Elan asked with a smile, nodding at my bulging uniform pocket.
When did you see this?
“A slingshot is the easiest. It’s easy.”
I answered, patting my uniform pocket.
“Yes, it’s perfect for hunting without being noticed. Well, I guess you can hunt with a fork, too.”
“!”
She casually mentioned the time when I threw a fork and saved her from danger during the martial arts competition with the Empresses at the banquet.
There shouldn’t be any such unexpected situations in a hunting competition.
“Well, I’ll see you later.”
Empress Elan gave me a light bow and rode her horse next to Emperor Adrian on the front line.
***
The midsummer heat actually worked to Linel’s advantage.
Some of the guests were already sweating and looking exhausted, but his physical condition was better than usual.
If the weather cooperated, they would be able to reach the Belos Empire, the new destination of the hunting competition, earlier than the original schedule.
However, even if they arrived at the Belos Empire early, it wouldn’t be a very leisurely schedule if they had to find ‘Yakante,’ the main herb of the magic potion Zelda was taking.
As the matapju said, she had to make enough of the magic potion she was currently taking until this time next year, when he could obtain the cure, 'Kelvarn', from Aklatto Island.
Fortunately, according to the magician Big, the 'Yakante' herb was a herb that could be obtained from early spring to fall, so if he knew where it grew, he could collect it, and even a small amount could make a year's worth of magic potions.
In fact, he didn't care at all if Zelda's burn scars didn't heal completely, or if she couldn't make the magic potion because she didn't have enough 'Yakante'.
It wasn't just vague confidence.
However, Linel wanted to give her back her original life, since she had to live her whole life under the gaze of others.
Linel, who was riding alongside the Emperors of each country, looked back as if it were a habit. It was to check on Zelda.
Although she was good at horseback riding, he kept worrying about her like a child left on the water's edge.
However, unlike him, who was worried, she smiled brightly every time he looked back.
Even in the palace, her smile was beautiful, but she was even more radiant in the forest.
'There's an old saying that the more a wife shines, the more her husband worries, and I'm exactly that kind of match.'
Zelda's incarnation exists, and the wyvern that hatched from the egg after 300 years calls her master.
In addition, she is as good with a sword as a high-ranking knight.
Among the women from each country who participated in the Continental Hunting Competition, would there be anyone who could rival Zelda?
'Maybe the Emperor Katria or the Empress Elan?'
That night, when the banquet for the guests was held. Linel returned to the main palace, put on a black mask, and pretended to be an assassin, but Zelda charged at him without hesitation, and he almost lost a vital part.
He still felt his lower body tremble when he thought about that time.
Furthermore, she had applied a lot of perfume to her body after bathing, so her feet kept slipping, but her martial arts skills were extraordinary.
Linel's worries began in earnest at that very moment.
In fact, it was better than not being able to handle a sword at all, but the problem was when an emergency came.
Those who instinctively handle a sword often step forward in dangerous situations without realizing it.
That was exactly what Linel was worried about.
That she might run into a dangerous situation.
His worries were compounded when he heard that Zelda had asked Count Ethan for another sword.
“Why don’t you ride together, Your Majesty?”
Prince Norton asked him teasingly.
The Prince had already seen Linel look back at Zelda whenever he had the chance.
“It’s a bit much for the first day, but I’ll try it out after a few days.”
Linel replied jokingly, but his eyes were sincere.
At that moment, Emperor Katria raised her voice and shouted at the leaders of the countries.
“It’s almost lunch time, so the main dish should be according to tradition, right?”
“Who will catch the first game of this hunting competition? Norton, you should bring honor to the Pasha Empire instead of me, hahaha.”
Prince Calvain shifted the burden to his younger brother, Prince Norton.
“Well, I’ll try.”
Prince Norton replied indifferently and glared at the profile of Prince Tesla, who was sticking close to his older brother and trying to please him. Prince Norton wanted to immediately draw his sword and aim it at Prince Tesla’s neck, but he hid his feelings and continued talking to Linel.
“Your Majesty caught the first game of the last hunting competition, right?"
“Yes. But this time, I think I’ll give it to the other guests.”
Linel replied with a relaxed expression, but his mind was already focused on the sounds coming from the forest.
The first game of the Continental Hunt was important in many ways.
The quality of the first meal depended on the animal caught.
And the success of the first hunt was like seizing the initiative against other countries.
“How about roasted boar for lunch?”
Emperor Katria gestured toward the forest at 10 o’clock and dismounted.
“Very well.”
Linel dismounted for the second time.
Several of the guests also took up their weapons and lowered themselves into the forest at 10 o’clock.
“It seems that lunch will be held near here, so tell the cooks to prepare it.”
Commander Macrom also gave an order to his adjutant and dismounted, and entered the forest.
“Yes, adjutant.”
When the adjutant waved a flag at the knight following him, the knight who saw the flag signaled the knight behind him to stop, and the signal was passed on continuously.
While the order continued, the carriages and processions following him gradually stopped.
***
A total of nine guests entered the forest for the first hunt.
Linel, Prince Norton, Emperor Adrian, Prince Tesla, Emperor Katria, and her mistresses Deon and Clark, Commander Macrom.
And me.
I watched the eight of them chase the boar into the forest, and I deliberately moved a step later.
When we entered the forest, Commander Macrom was standing alone.
I sneaked up to where he was.
“Your Majesty?!”
Commander Macrom noticed my aura and made a troubled expression.
“Shh, why are you alone behind? Where did the boar go?”
“Let’s go further in... No, why are you here?”
“I wonder who will catch the first prey.”
“Your Majesty is not going to catch it? I feel that way.”
“... No? I’m just going to watch. His Majesty would hate it if I showed up.”
“I never thought you’d show up from the first game...”
Commander Macrom muttered quietly.
“Take the lead.”
The Commander shook his head at my words.
Ah, did Linel block the path in advance in case I join the hunt?
That’s why you were waiting here alone?
While I was wondering what to do, a white butterfly flew in front of me.
“Master, I’ll show you around. Moiya wants to eat wild boar meat!”
Moiya whispered in my ear and offered to be my guide.
I quickly ran towards where Moiya was flying.
“Your Majesty? Your Majesty!”
Commander Macrom called out to me in a low voice, desperately.
As I went further into the forest, eight of them were all aiming their bows at an excited wild boar under a tree.
I stood about 5m behind them and drew my bow from my back.
‘You’ll miss it if you keep going like this.’
I quickly pulled an arrow out of the quiver and hung it on the bowstring.
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