Chapter 41: The Royal Hunt Begins

“Is that not what you wanted?”

“Huh? No, this is it.”

“You were just staring at it.”

“…I was lost in thought.”

Evrys realized she had been chewing on her fork.

The metallic taste filled her mouth.

The initially cool metal had become lukewarm.

She must have been chewing on it for a while.

It was no wonder Iris was concerned.

Evrys cut a piece of cake and put it in her mouth.

She glanced at Iris.

Who was sipping her tea.

Evrys found herself wondering where Iris had been.

‘Do I even have the right to ask?’

But Iris spoke first.

“I heard you had a visitor today.”

“Oh, yes. The knight who came with the princess…”

“Sir Hunt, you mean.”

“Is she famous?”

“The royal family wouldn’t entrust the princess’s safety to just anyone.”

‘I don’t remember her from the game…’

‘But they wouldn’t show every single knight, would they?’

‘Unless they were a capture target.’

“If Sir Hunt visited, it must be about the Royal Hunt.”

‘Did I say that out loud?’

‘Or was I just thinking it?’

“…How did you know?”
“If she had no other business, the most likely reason for her visit, given the timing, is the Royal Hunt.”

As Iris predicted, the envelope from Amelia contained an invitation to the Royal Hunt.

Evrys vaguely remembered the event from the game.

Though she couldn’t recall the exact timing.

“So, you just guessed?”
“Something like that.”

Iris placed her teacup on the table.

‘If she knows about it…’

‘Does that mean she’s attending as well?’

“Are you participating?”
“It’s best to make an appearance, now that I’m in the capital.”
“…I’m sorry for dragging you into this.”

Iris gave a slight shake of her head.

“I was getting restless anyway.”

She clenched and unclenched her fist.

As if to emphasize her point.

Evrys chuckled.

“The princess’s invitation was addressed to you, so I assume you’ll be with her?”
“…I’m not sure yet. If I go, it’s likely.”
“Either way, you’ll probably end up together.”
“…I suppose so.”

It was only natural, given Iris’s status.

And Evrys, by association, would be with her.

‘But why did Amelia specifically invite me?’

‘Does she not know who I am?’

‘Is she afraid I won’t show up?’

‘But why?’

The date of the hunt coincided with the scheduled event in the game.

It was strange that it wasn’t canceled.

Considering Amelia and Evrys had disappeared so recently.

‘Well, I was the one who suffered the most…’

Evrys felt like she was on the verge of remembering something.

But it remained just out of reach.

“Evrys.”
“Oh, yes.”

Iris’s voice interrupted her train of thought.

“We’ll need to get you some new clothes.”
“Huh?”
“You left all your belongings in the forest. It’s time to replenish your wardrobe.”
“This dress is fine—”
“That wouldn’t be appropriate for someone of my standing.”
“…”
“We’ll need an outfit for the hunt anyway. Let’s go shopping, as planned. We should focus on practical and durable clothing this time.”

Evrys couldn’t argue with that.

‘At least that dressmaker is in the North…’

‘So, I won’t have to deal with her fussing over me.’

“Alright.”

Iris nodded.

‘Iris came here rather quickly…’

‘Did she bring any clothes with her?’

“Aren’t you going to buy anything for yourself?”
“…I’m fine. I have enough clothes here.”

‘Figures.’

‘She should prioritize herself…’

‘Judging by the state of this townhouse, she hasn’t been here in a while…’

‘She can’t possibly have any suitable clothes.’

“If you’re not buying anything, then I don’t need anything either.”

Iris was silent for a moment, surprised by Evrys’s stubbornness.

She blinked, avoiding Evrys’s gaze.

“Then… let’s shop together.”
“Okay.”

Evrys felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

Even though she wasn’t the one paying.

Thinking about clothes reminded her of her first visit to the dress shop.

“This time, we can choose clothes for each other.”
“Pardon?”
“You chose all my clothes last time. I’m looking forward to picking something out for you.”
“…Those kinds of clothes don’t suit me.”

‘They would, though.’

But Evrys didn’t want to force Iris to wear anything she didn’t like.

Especially not a dress.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

She had a hazy memory of Iris’s coming-of-age ceremony.

It would have been clearer if Amelia hadn’t been there.

But she distinctly remembered Iris looking beautiful.

‘…Maybe just one dress wouldn’t hurt.’

Evrys smiled at Iris.

She felt like she was on the verge of remembering something.

But it couldn’t be that important.

If it were, she would have remembered it already.

And so, the day of the Royal Hunt arrived.

Evrys, wearing the outfit she had chosen with Iris.

Was warming up when she saw Amelia approaching.

“You came.”

“…Your Highness.”

There were too many people around to frown.

Evrys touched the hilt of her sword, hidden beneath her cloak.

Then turned to face the princess.

“Judging by your attire, you intend to participate in the hunt.”
“Sitting around isn’t my style.”
“It would be a waste of your skills to just sip tea in a tent.”
“…”

As they stared each other down.

A crowd approached.

Evrys saw a familiar face.

Iris.

And… Amelia’s brother.

The crown prince.

His golden hair was striking.

He wasn’t a capture target in the game.

But he often appeared as a supporting character.

So, Evrys was somewhat familiar with his face.

Though this was the first time she had seen him in person.

The nobles around them, including Amelia.

Bowed their heads in respect.

Evrys reluctantly followed suit.

“You came, brother.”
“Amelia, I’m glad to see you well.”
“…We saw each other yesterday.”
“I can never be too careful. You’re such a worrywart.”
“Please, have some decorum. We’re in public.”
“Ahem, of course.”

As expected, the crown prince was very fond of his younger sister.

‘Maybe even a bit of a siscon…’

‘It must be because this isn’t reality.’

Their eyes met.

Evrys quickly looked away.

But she had already caught his attention.

“Are you… the one who protected Amelia in the forest?”
“…Yes.”

He was more intimidating than Amelia.

The crown prince hummed thoughtfully.

Then smiled.

“I thank you again. It couldn’t have been easy.”
“Anyone would have done the same.”
“Haha, modest as well. I’m looking forward to seeing you in action today.”
“…Yes.”

Some of the nobles glared at Evrys for her curt response.

But Evrys couldn’t help it.

She was embarrassed.

And she couldn’t think of anything else to say.

‘…Or maybe they’re just jealous.’

‘A nobody like me is getting attention from the crown prince…’

‘I wish they would take him off my hands…’

‘And Amelia, too, while they’re at it.’

The crown prince, having bestowed his attention upon Evrys.

Moved on to commence the hunt.

Evrys saw some disgruntled nobles approaching.

But Iris and Amelia intercepted them.

The commotion died down as the crown prince began his opening address.

Amelia, seemingly satisfied that Evrys had attended.

Didn’t bother her any further.

She simply waved and wished Evrys good luck.

Evrys had chosen to participate in the hunt to avoid Amelia.

But the fact that even this was playing into Amelia’s hands made her uneasy.

‘Am I missing something?’

“Are you nervous?”

Iris, who was mounted beside Evrys.

Leaned closer.

“No.”

‘I’ve killed plenty of monsters…’

‘There’s nothing to be nervous about.’

None of the other participants seemed nervous either.

They boasted about what they would hunt and present to their ladies.

It was all very… peaceful.

Iris, sensing something from Evrys despite her calm demeanor.

Whispered, her voice laced with concern.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Okay.”

Evrys checked her quiver and bow.

Then glanced at the servants who would be accompanying them.

The crown prince’s booming voice signaled the start of the hunt.