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As soon as Ainar’s voice ceased, disbelief filled the minds of those present. Just a moment ago, His Highness, the Second Prince

And once more, an astonishing sound reverberated in their ears.
“Ainar.”
The Second Prince uttering the name of the Bolsheik Princess was already a shocking revelation, but the Bolsheik Princess reciprocating by calling the Second Prince’s name

Even individuals with limited social connections or no prior involvement couldn’t help but grasp the magnitude of the situation.
The significance of Ainar and Lyna addressing each other by name.
In an attempt to maintain decorum, the majority of people refrained from glancing in Smith’s direction.
However, there are always individuals who lack tact or disregard the gravity of the situation.
“What on earth is this
”
The bewildered First Prince openly shifted his gaze between Smith and Ainar, prompting a few individuals near him and around Smith to do the same.
Despite feeling the weight of their stares boring into his cheeks, Smith couldn’t tear his eyes away from Ainar and Lyna.
His bloodshot eyes seemed on the verge of popping out, and the grinding of his teeth resonated audibly.
But that was all he could do.
Could he shout at Lyna in this very moment, questioning her actions?
Certainly not.
That would publicly announce his ignorance of the relationship between the two, just like everyone else.
If Lyna had chosen Ainar as a temporary diversion in her supposed “heartbroken” state, as he had described, Smith needed to be aware of it too.
Setting aside all else, could he tackle Ainar to the ground right there, in front of everyone?
It hadn’t been long since Ainar had choked him to the point of breathlessness.
Rushing at him would only make Smith appear foolish, that much was clear.
In the end, all Smith could do was glare at the two individuals who had humiliated him and caused him such embarrassment, as if he wished to incinerate them alive.
It was a moment when everyone bore witness to a spectacle that no one could have predicted.
-Boom! Boom!
Whether it was good fortune or misfortune for Smith.
The sound of a drum resounded through the air, heralding the commencement of the hunting contest, overshadowing the shocking and horrifying encounter between Ainar and Lyna.
Soon after, the forest erupted into a cacophony of noise.
-keel-ee-oo!
From the piercing cry of an eagle soaring high in the sky in search of its prey,
-Arf! Arf!
To the fervent barks of a hunting dog, eagerly pawing at the ground as if on the brink of breaking free from its leash,
-Whuff.
And the heavy breathing of a horse, hooves impatiently scraping against the earth.
Truly, the hunting contest had commenced.
-Boom! Boom!
As the thunderous drumbeat reverberated through the air, the atmosphere among the competition participants surged instantaneously, filling the surroundings with anticipation.
“Phew.”
A collective inhalation followed by a tap on the arrowhead.
-Clap! Clap!
Another individual stimulated themselves by giving their cheeks a firm slap.
With eyes shimmering, even ablaze, each person sought to alleviate their tension or calm their minds in their own unique ways.
They all shared a common objective.
Second place!
To outsiders, their fervor for such a goal might seem laughable.
Yet, it was an unmistakable aspiration for them.
Ever since Ainar emerged, they couldn’t dare to dream of victory in this contest.
Those who had witnessed the magnitude of his influence and the depth of his shadow knew it all too painfully well, while those who hadn’t were subjected to incessant tales of his prowess.
But isn’t he a prince?
A position that holds no particular privileges for triumphing in the hunting competition.
Aware that the runner-up position, following his inevitable victory, would be celebrated as the competition’s victor, the participants’ enthusiasm remained undiminished.
-Boom!
This time, a raspy voice resonated alongside the resounding drumbeat.
“Form a line!”
Obeying the command, the competition participants converged in one spot, armed with their sharpened hunting tools.
As soon as everyone assembled, the individual entrusted with the Emperor’s decree ascended the platform and began to speak.
“
For the glory of the Empire, show your strength!”
Upon the conclusion of the Emperor’s grandiose proclamation, a resounding noise reverberated across the open expanse.
-Thud, thud.
No words were spoken, yet all participants began striking their weapons.
As the clamor gradually subsided, individuals approached their assigned partners.
“May fortune favor you. Return safely,” the Countess said, offering a handkerchief with a smile, to which the Count bowed deeply in response.
“Come back unscathed,” the man, his eyes swollen, received the handkerchief from his concerned fiancĂ©e and kissed her hand.
In this manner, one by one, the majority of those assembled received handkerchiefs, symbols of luck and well-wishes.
No one was oblivious to the fact that the blessings conferred by such handkerchiefs held no true power.
Yet, wasn’t this competition important and perilous enough to abide by such superstitions and seek good fortune?
Even if they returned with fierce, untamed prey ready for release, as long as it remained alive, danger lurked at every corner, at any moment.
In truth, countless participants suffered injuries during the contest, and it was not uncommon for them to endure irreparable harm or even lose their lives.
Moreover

“Don’t make a mistake.”
“There won’t be an incident like last year.”
These two, exchanging cryptic conversations, had been friends since childhood due to the active interaction between their families.
“You also promised that it wouldn’t happen last year.”
“I know. I’ll be careful.”
“Once is enough to be hit by your blind arrow.”
“If you keep saying that, I might have to just hit you with a sword.”
“Both of you, calm down a bit.”
The one who mediated the bickering duo spoke with a sigh.
“You need to be on alert because not only are the beasts dangerous, but you also have to worry about blind arrows or swords from others.”
Yes. In this hunting competition, the threats to one’s life were not just the prey.
Although it was officially banned, there were things that were secretly carried out between families that did not get along or were in a power struggle.
“The threat from other families is not as cute as your bickering.”
Indeed, assassinations.
Instances where individuals were rendered incapable of competing or met their demise during the hunting contest.
There were no blatant assassins lurking nor any enigmatic weapons employed.
Most perpetrators merely brushed it off as an unfortunate mishap or an unavoidable error.
“Go get your handkerchief before it’s too late.”
“And you?”
“I’ve already got mine. Go now.”
While the two Counts continued their verbal exchange, making their way towards their respective ladies

Smith remained rooted in place, his gaze fixated on Lyna and Ainar, unwavering.
“Um, Your Highness, this handkerchief is a humble offering, but
uh!”
The lady, seizing the opportunity after learning of Lyna’s break-off and aiming for Smith’s attention, was halted and pulled away by someone just as she cautiously approached.
“Shh.”
“What’s the matter?”
The lady, realizing that her closest acquaintance had covered her mouth and pulled her back, nervously adjusted her hair.
“I know you’re eager to present a handkerchief to His Royal Highness the Third Prince, but take a moment to collect yourself.”
“What? I’m busy right now, what do you mean collect myself?”
“Do it quickly.”
With her handkerchief confiscated, the lady had no choice but to inhale and exhale deeply.
“Now, look at the Third Prince.”
“What are you talking about
”
The lady couldn’t even complete her sentence.
“Do you see now? You should consider yourself fortunate if your handkerchief isn’t torn to shreds.”
“That
 makes sense.”
Indeed, just as her acquaintance had pointed out, the Third Prince appeared ready to tear apart anything in his path.
And like her, the other ladies who were meant to present their handkerchiefs had to step back due to the prince’s fierce demeanor.
“It seems
”
“Yes. It’s impossible now. By the way, I wonder if Lady Bolsheik is doing this on purpose.”
“Indeed. She must have known the Third Prince would react this way.”
“Well, at least it’s not the First Prince?”
“What do you mean ‘at least’? If Lady Bolsheik has a close relationship with the First Prince
”
There was no need to hear the rest.
“Well, nothing is certain now. That’s why I told you it was absurd to give the Third Prince a handkerchief in the first place.”
“Oh dear, unexpected things always seem to happen in this world.”
The lady crumpled the handkerchief she had prepared, muttering amidst the surrounding commotion and Smith’s mounting anger.
Meanwhile, Lyna and Ainar simply locked eyes with each other.
As if they were the only ones present in that very moment.
Lyna whispered just loud enough for Ainar, who stood half a step away, to hear.
“It appears we’ve accomplished our objective by participating in the hunting competition. Both you and I.”
“Being close enough to be engaged soon? No, we’re still far from it.”
A faint smile tugged at Ainar’s lips as he lightly tapped his sword hilt, continuing his sentence.
“For I intend to present an immensely grand trophy to the lady.”
“I did notice there’s a formidable creature out there.”
And Ainar would stand before her, with the coveted trophy that everyone desired, as he had promised.
“I’ll make sure to return as soon as possible.”
“Your Majesty may be able to do so, but please do not rush too much.”
“Hmm?”
(TO BE CONTINUED on May 22{MON})