* * *
“Could you say it again?”
“What? Say what?”
When Ronen looked up at him, puzzled, the Grand Duke smiled and said, “Tell me to take care.”
“Oh.”
Ronen let out a soft exclamation and beamed brightly.
“That’s no trouble at all! I can say it a hundred, a thousand times if needed. So, Brother Asnel, take care!”
Ronen’s cheerful voice drew smiles from the Grand Duke and the guards around them.
“Yes, I’ll be back safely, Ronen.”
“Of course! Brother Asnel, I’ll be here waiting, so don’t worry about me.”
“Alright, enjoy your time, too, Ronen.”
“Yes, Brother!”
After one more affectionate pat, the Grand Duke climbed onto his horse.
The Grand Duke’s hunting attire, reinforced with thick leather, was basic but dignified, with dark blue fabric adorned in silver and bronze.
‘Normally, those dragon insignias of the North would be sitting proudly on that hunting outfit.’
Ed absently touched the golden insignia in his hand.
“I should’ve prepared a more splendid hunting outfit if I’d known!” he remembered Jaynon’s voice filled with regret.
The official start of the hunt would be the next day—a three-day event.
Tonight, the emperor would take a stroll around the mountain, marking the prelude to the hunt.
It was an event where politics, diplomacy, and casual conversations took place among the emperor and nobles.
This prelude offered the greatest chance to gather information and make an impression on the emperor, a coveted opportunity for many nobles.
Those not accompanying their parents would gather for tea and refreshments prepared by the emperor, rotating each night among the noble families.
Since the Grand Duke’s invitation had come on short notice, he arranged to provide refreshments on the final night.
Ed couldn’t take his eyes off the Grand Duke’s back as he rode off.
His hunting coat gleamed coolly under the moonlight, his dark hair tousled by the evening breeze.
“…”
At that moment, Jaynon approached Ed and leaned close.
A gust of breath tickled Ed’s ear as he whispered.
“Ed.”
“Ah! You startled me!”
Ed jumped, startled by the unexpected whisper.
“Why so jumpy?”
Jaynon, equally surprised by Ed’s reaction, placed a hand over his chest.
“It’s… You came over so quietly, Jaynon.”
“Did I really creep up on you that much?”
Jaynon gave Ed a look of disbelief as Ed cleared his throat.
“So… what do you need?”
“Ah, right, I was supposed to tell you this.”
“Tell me what?”
“Be wary of rustling bushes.”
Jaynon cupped his hands and leaned close to Ed’s ear, whispering with a hint of secrecy.
Ed tilted his head.
“Be wary of rustling bushes?”
“Yes. You never know what could be in there, so don’t just peek in. If you hear strange sounds, it’s best to ignore them. That’s the safest choice.”
“Uh, but what if it’s a wild animal? Shouldn’t we check it out and then run if it’s dangerous?”
“Is that really what you think, Ed?”
Jaynon’s eyes narrowed as he asked, his voice laced with a strange intensity.
Ed gazed at Jaynon, thinking it was only natural to be cautious.
If something like a wild dog or boar emerged, they could end up in trouble.
“I warned you, though. Don’t blame me if a boot flies over and hits your forehead.”
“What do you—?”
Ed’s words trailed off.
‘…Ah, so that’s what he meant.’
Exhaling a small sigh, Ed nudged Jaynon in the side with his elbow.
“Ow!”
Pretending to be hurt, though he clearly wasn’t, Jaynon clutched his stomach and laughed softly, throwing an arm around Ed’s shoulder.
But then, a subtle look of confusion appeared in his eyes.
As if sensing something odd, he muttered, “Huh?” and tilted his head.
“What’s this, Ed? Why is there something hard… no, not just hard, but kind of sharp against your chest… what’s that?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
As Jaynon leaned in to get a better look, Ed quickly took a step back.
Jaynon seemed genuinely curious and began to scrutinize Ed.
“Nothing, huh? Then, did someone give it to you as a gift?”
Hidden inside Ed’s coat was an ornament given by the Grand Duke.
Wondering how to handle the beautiful but heavy trinket, Ed had wrapped it carefully in a handkerchief and tucked it away.
Still, the pointed dragon wings and tail peeked out, giving away its presence.
He pulled his cloak tighter around himself to hide it, planning to return it to the Grand Duke discreetly after the hunt was over.
But Jaynon’s curiosity had already been piqued. Ed was doing his best to divert his attention.
Finally, when Jaynon wouldn’t stop reaching for it, Ed decided he might just have to give him a chop on the head.
But the Grand Duke beat him to it.
“Jaynon.”
Called by the Grand Duke, Jaynon immediately snapped out of it.
“Oh! I’m sorry, Your Grace!”
Jaynon apologized swiftly, hurrying over to mount his horse and bowing deeply to the Grand Duke.
Ed looked up at the Grand Duke seated on his pristine white horse, radiant under the sun.
The Grand Duke turned his horse and looked down at Ed with a smile.
“I’ll be back.”
Ed’s mouth opened without thinking.
“Please be safe, Your Grace.”
The Grand Duke brushed back his wind-swept hair and said, “Ed, say it once more.”
Once again, Ed spoke without hesitation, this time with heartfelt sincerity.
“Please return safely, Your Grace.”
At that, Ronen joined in, calling out with enthusiasm.
“See you later, Asnel!”
Their cheerful send-off echoed through the clearing as night crept in.
In the heart of the forest where the hunting festival took place was a temporary encampment for the Emperor.
Sunlit and unobstructed, the area had been meticulously cleared.
At the entrance to the forest, a yellow tent stood in a spacious clearing designated for the young nobles.
It was a prime spot, close enough to greet the returning hunters and far enough to stay safe from potential dangers.
“Here we are, Ed.”
After seeing off the Grand Duke, Ed moved with Tens toward the yellow tent.
He lowered his head, meeting Ronen’s eyes, and spoke in a hushed tone.
“Yes, Master Ronen. Are you feeling nervous about meeting new people?”
“…A little.”
“Don’t be. Just remember what His Grace advised you.”
“Yes, I remember.”
Ed gave Ronen a small smile before straightening up.
After the Grand Duke’s departure, guards approached.
They introduced two knights who were assigned to protect Ronen while the Grand Duke was away, offering brief greetings.
Their purpose was to safeguard the young noble in the absence of the adults.
So, with no choice, Ronen had to step into the yellow tent.
“Could Young Master Ronen stay in His Grace’s tent tonight? The journey has been quite taxing.”
Tens made the request, but the rigid guards merely shook their heads.
Following the guards’ lead, Ronen arrived at the tent, which had a small play area outside.
‘It feels like a kindergarten.’
Unlike the other tents, which were tightly shut, the yellow tent was open, its entrance allowing a full view of the brightly lit interior.
As they approached the yellow tent’s entrance, voices drifted out.
“Exactly. The Grand Duke stands out with his looks, but that kid? He’s just so plain-looking, isn’t he?”
“Right. Even His Majesty the Emperor called him a ‘sooty rag,’ didn’t he? That’s got to mean something.”
“If His Majesty would say such a thing, then… I mean, honestly, isn’t it true? I don’t think he’s even received confirmation from the High Temple yet.”
It was precisely because of things like this that Ed felt uneasy bringing Ronen here.
Though it was a gathering for young nobles, it inevitably turned into a social affair.
Curiosity would naturally draw attention to Ronen, and suspicion was bound to follow.
Though Ed hadn’t wanted Ronen to come here, he had little choice when the Emperor denied the Grand Duke’s request to confirm their sibling bond at the High Temple first.
Even knowing in advance, there wasn’t much he could do.
By the Emperor’s will, Ronen had to be exposed to this sharp, probing attention.
Knock, knock.
One of the guards tapped on a wooden plank outside the tent, and the voices inside immediately quieted.
A man, dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, stepped out, his face lighting up as he saw them.
“Oh! Young Master. You’ve arrived.”
* * *
I just hope ronnen doesn’t get hurt
❤️✨
Those trash seedling I bet they got their trash personality from their parents
Disgusting sh!t
Thanks!
🤨
Lol their attitude sucks
children are ruthless