“Looks like everyone and their dog decided to show up.”
Of course, it’s not surprising since whenever the Crown Prince is at a banquet, he’s like a puppy trailing after her.
It’s also not unexpected to see the Tower Master, who is usually harder to spot than a unicorn, along with the prince’s pal, the commander of the Imperial Knights, who’s treated more like a strategic weapon than a human.
Anyone would think an army from a rival kingdom was about to storm the Empire!
It’s a bit ridiculous when you realize they’re just here for the attention of one noble lady.
“The Hunt Festival, huh…”
If it were the original Abel, this would be an event he’d have never glanced at. In fact, in the original story, “Akshidole,” there’s just a mention of a Hunt Festival that gets quickly moved past.
But here he was, all in for the Hunt Festival, all thanks to an artifact personally bestowed by the Emperor himself.
“Balance of Libra.”
An overpowered artifact that allows one to achieve something of equal value at the cost of another.
If my memory serves me right from the original work, the Tower Master managed to snag both the Queen and King titles during the Hunt Festival along with the artifact.
Later on, it turned out that the Tower Master was one of the Emperor’s swords, and the Balance of Libra had a crazy utility, practically overpowered.
The friendly demeanor displayed to Estelle was nowhere to be seen when the Tower Master got down to the business of mechanically eliminating traitors, portrayed quite chillingly in the original.
I never counted how many people Adele ended up killing back then, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was three digits at least.
And in the latter part of the story, her mental breakdown must have come from that showdown with the Tower Master.
Her look of someone who would sacrifice their life without a second thought to take down their foe was…
Truly bizarre.
“By the way… is something bothering you?”
I could see Adele’s eyes darting around nervously. She kept sighing, and biting her lip as if feeling uneasy.
Following her gaze, I spotted Estelle.
I wonder if she was worried about the original heroine. For her, this world must feel like one big romantic fantasy novel, so it makes sense she’d be concerned about the main character.
I reached out slightly to ease her tension, but Adele was too caught up in her thoughts to notice.
“You seem deep in thought.”
She looked startled at my call and quickly turned her head.
“Oh, I’m sorry!”
“No need to apologize.”
It’s understandable to feel uneasy. Earlier in the story, Adele got into all sorts of trouble trying to get close to Estelle. It makes sense that she’d be cautious.
“Just remember that worrying over problems that can’t be solved right now is counterproductive.”
She nodded in agreement, placing her hand on her heart and taking deep breaths.
After a few repeats, her trembling hands and eyes were starting to stabilize.
“Thank you for the advice.”
“Anytime.”
I smiled warmly and turned my head again. A few knights standing amidst the murmuring crowd began to move towards a certain direction.
At the same time, I spotted a golden carriage approaching in the distance.
It was so decked out that it practically gleamed, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Is that the Imperial carriage?”
The presence was massive.
Having reached the level of a Grand Magician, I immediately recognized the person riding in the carriage. The overwhelming aura of magic hit me like a brick wall.
The people around me, seemingly unaware, were adding to the pointless chatter.
Adele, standing next to me, didn’t seem to notice either and just tilted her head slightly.
The carriage stopped, and a blonde man slowly began to descend from within. In stark contrast to the Crown Prince’s lack of presence, this man radiated an intense aura.
His body was covered in various scars visible even over his uniform, and a large scar stretched across his left eye, instilling a sense of intimidation.
The atmosphere he carried felt like it contained pent-up murderous intent, and his calm eyes reflected his veteran status.
“The Emperor…”
Recognizing the man, the nobles hurriedly bowed.
I followed suit, slightly bowing my head, causing Adele to be momentarily flustered before quickly greeting the Emperor in the prescribed manner.
“Glory to the Sun of the Empire.”
Every noble bowed their heads, and the Emperor, Yud von Shpenheim, replied with a relaxed voice as if joking.
“Let’s not be so formal in such a fine gathering. I’ve simply come to enjoy myself.”
It was impressive how he could say that when any noble who didn’t bow might find themselves on the receiving end of his blade.
The sharp, tranquil menace emanating from him was evidence enough.
Ascending to the prepared podium, the Emperor struck the ground with his staff and slowly began his address.
“The Hunt Festival is originally an event commemorating the first Emperor, Yuc von Shpenheim, who exterminated all monsters on Snow Mountain. Over the past millennium, numerous stars of the Empire have proven their worth in this festival.”
With that, he bestowed a generous smile.
“I’ve prepared a fine gift for a few distinguished guests participating in this Hunt Festival.”
As he snapped his fingers, a servant appeared from behind, presenting a rather crude iron box.
It looked simple, but the intense magic radiating from within indicated that its contents were anything but ordinary.
“I hereby present one of the artifacts handed down through the Imperial Family to the King and Queen of this Hunt Festival.”
Instantly, the crowd erupted into a buzz. Even if the Hunt Festival has a long-standing tradition, having the Emperor involved to this extent was unprecedented.
The fact that he was offering an Imperial artifact at a mere event was unheard of.
“Could that be the Balance of Libra?”
To claim that, I’d have to defeat the Tower Master. If I were the original Abel, it would have been a struggle, but with the current power I hold, it’s definitely doable.
The sticking point is that I’d have to reveal my hidden strength right now, but…
“Besides, the Imperial Family has some knowledge of my power.”
At this point, it’d be more beneficial to reveal it myself rather than have it exposed. Snatching the King title from the Tower Master at the Hunt Festival wouldn’t be a bad way to showcase my strength.
“Well then, may the best among you succeed!”
Boom!
With that final remark, the Emperor settled into his throne, marking the start of the Hunt Festival with the sound of a horn echoing through the air.
In the chaos of the sudden beginning, some were flustered while others rushed into the Snow Mountain without hesitation.
“…Abel, are you sure you’ll be okay?”
Adele asked, clearly anxious. It’s understandable to feel that way when faced with the great Snow Mountain.
Even a competent mid-tier knight wouldn’t be able to last three days up there.
“Of course.”
Though that didn’t apply to me. She didn’t seem to grasp how meaningless it was to worry about a Grand Magician.
Though, it’s not surprising since Adele has never witnessed my true strength before.
As I was thinking this, she pulled something out from her pocket—a handkerchief embroidered with a courageous eagle. I marveled at how high quality it looked, exceeding my expectations for the workmanship.
I hadn’t anticipated she might possess such unexpected talent.
“Did you make this yourself, Adele?”
“…Yes. I made it thinking of you, Abel.”
She seemed a bit embarrassed saying that, partially covering her face with her hand, which made me chuckle.
Well, even if it’s all acting, we’re in love, so it’s nice to play along a bit.
Kneeling before her, I carefully took her hand and kissed it unexpectedly. Adele’s face turned red as she froze in surprise, and I struggled to stifle my laughter.
Then, slowly opening my mouth, I said,
“I promise to return safely. So don’t worry, Adele.”
I could hear the familiar squeals of the noble ladies around. It’s basically an audio cue at this point; every time we have an affectionate moment, it seems to echo.
Well, nobody’s going to suspect anything shady about our love, so it’s not all bad.
“…Okay. Please be careful.”
As she said that, hiding her entire face with her hands, I felt a playful urge and whispered to her,
“You’re red as a beet! If you keep this up, you might just burst.”
“Ugh… you…”
She couldn’t say more, and I grinned as I headed toward the Snow Mountain.
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