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Chapter 82
Hunting Competition.
Its official name was the Fete Belmare Festival.
A long-standing event dating back to when Elberk was still a kingdom, it had historically served a central role in uniting the nobles, performing rituals, and providing military training.
Of course, several hundred years later, now that Elberk had become an empire, it was little more than a social gathering for the nobility. Yet the prestige it carried—the very foundation of the current Elberk—remained solid.
“Called one of Elberk’s three great festivals, along with the Founding Festival and the New Year Festival—enough said.”
But why was the hunting competition coming up now?
“All noble families of the empire must participate in the hunting competition,” the Emperor stated.
“…….”
“Even if one is a commoner, if they are an imperial official, there are no exceptions.”
In other words, anyone with even a trace of power was required to attend.
Even if its importance had diminished over time, the essence of the hunting competition was still military might—troop strength.
To skip it would be tantamount to inviting suspicion.
“If the hunting competition is already scheduled, you can use it as an excuse to decline Belzesti’s invitation. It will be tough, though, since preparations must be rapid,” the Emperor continued.
Hosting the hunting competition was the best pretext for refusal.
The Founding Festival and New Year Festival weren’t scheduled yet, and any other excuse wouldn’t carry the same authority.
Yet, despite all this…
My expression gradually hardened.
“But if that happens…”
I bit my lip and looked at Aces.
Aces simply smiled at the Emperor with an unreadable expression.
The Emperor shrugged.
“What can be done now? It’s unfortunate that Grand Duke Serenia will have some gaps in his schedule, but for me, preventing the adorable Einra from going to Belzesti is more important.”
“…….”
Every noble family must attend the hunting competition.
In other words, since Aces was the only member of his family, he had to participate.
“But the hunting competition lasts several days at minimum. Using the nullification spell consecutively for days would be too much for you…”
“I’m fine, Einra.”
Aces smiled gently and spoke.
“The hunting competition uses non-dangerous animals, so there’s nothing particularly risky. And no one would be bold enough to target a fully armed event.”
“…….”
“As His Majesty said, it’s more important not to let you be taken to Belzesti.”
Hearing his calm words, I clenched my fists tightly.
“That’s not what I’m worried about.”
“Einra.”
“It pains me to see you suffer side effects even when you use the nullification spell occasionally. But now, you’d have to endure it for days during a public event without showing any sign of pain.”
“…….”
“You want me to just watch from the side?”
I tried to glare fiercely, but tears welled up against my will.
‘First, my aura was blocked, and I was kidnapped by someone like Millan. Then, I suffered a fever that set my whole body ablaze…’
Sniffling as I glared, Aces and the Emperor fell silent, observing me.
I rubbed my wet eyes and spoke.
“I’d rather go to Belzesti myself.”
“……Einra.”
“I’ll help with the projects you request as quickly as possible and return immediately. The journey doesn’t take long, so if I go and come back quickly—”
“Hm, our dear Einra seems to misunderstand something,” the Emperor interrupted with a troubled sigh.
“The restoration work at Belzesti isn’t something that can be completed quickly.”
“……What?”
I asked blankly, and the Emperor frowned, brushing his dark blue hair back impatiently.
“When you identify which parts of the hydraulic facilities need repair, the officials will calculate the restoration approach. Then, they will have you verify the calculations. Even after repairs are complete, they will request your confirmation. Until it’s fully finished, you’ll be stuck in Belzesti.”
“…….”
“Imagine doing this on a nationwide scale—how many years would it take?”
My face went pale.
‘I thought it would just be a short advisory visit…’
I realized how lightly I had taken this invitation, even though Belzesti would never let me return to Elberk quickly.
“Currently, Grand Duke Serenia is under the Regression Curse. Belzesti is also attempting to curse Harnen to remove him.”
“…….”
“If you leave your post, this side will inevitably have more gaps. And Belzesti will never miss that opportunity.”
Even I could understand that logic.
The Emperor added lightly:
“I know you want to protect Grand Duke Serenia, but please consider carefully.”
Which choice would make things easier for Aces?
The Emperor didn’t continue, but I could tell he expected me to understand.
I hung my head helplessly.
‘…How can I go?’
Going would make things harder for Aces.
It would also put Harnen in greater danger.
And I couldn’t bear being separated from my people for years.
“…Does it have to be the hunting competition as the excuse?”
I slowly lifted my head and looked at the Emperor.
I clasped my hands tightly and gazed desperately, but the Emperor, though pained, did not give me the answer I wanted.
“Sadly, the hunting competition is the only excuse we can prepare quickly.”
“…….”
“Or should we start a war with Belzesti?”
The Emperor asked seriously.
I ignored that absurd suggestion and turned to Aces.
Our eyes met immediately. I called out resolutely.
“Aces.”
“Yes, Einra.”
“During the hunting competition, you must not leave my side.”
He looked a little dazed at my firm tone.
I emphasized again.
“Absolutely do not leave my side. Understood?”
A small smile slowly formed on Aces’ face as he blinked.
“Don’t worry. That’s what I’m best at in the world.”
“…….”
My ears burned slightly, and I quickly averted my gaze.
The Emperor, watching us silently, remarked:
“Considering that, Grand Duke Serenia, you are sitting quite far from Einra now.”
“…….”
Aces just smiled quietly.
The Emperor shrugged.
“Anyway, Einra, do you have time later?”
“I do, but why?” I asked warily.
The Emperor smiled gently.
“A major event is being held on short notice, so the preparation must be troublesome. I’d like to reduce your burden.”
“No, that’s not necessary—”
“The Fete Belmare Festival will be your first official event after you toppled the Bahar main house, and the Serenia family has lacked a female head for a long time, so preparations will be clumsy.”
The Emperor added, a hint of worry in his voice:
“I wish to protect my spirit caster from my sly nobles like a fox protects a rabbit.”
“…Alright, I’ll stay.”
I sighed and nodded, and the Emperor turned to Aces with a wide smile.
“See? I’ll treat Einra well and send her back. You should return to your residence. One can’t hold busy people for too long.”
Aces, who had been silently observing the Emperor, turned to me.
When I nodded, acknowledging his glance, he finally stood.
“…Then I shall take my leave, Your Majesty.”
Aces slowly bowed and left the reception room.
“Now, let’s start quickly.”
The sooner, the better!
Thinking this and staring earnestly at the Emperor, he chuckled and pulled a string.
He ordered the approaching maid to summon the costume designer and blacksmith.
Soon, it was just the Emperor and me in the reception room.
‘Should I just eat while waiting for the others?’
I thought as I picked up an éclair.
“There’s one way to make the hunting competition less taxing for Grand Duke Serenia.”
At his languid voice, my hand paused mid-bite.
I looked up, and our eyes met. The Emperor smiled gently.
“Would you like to hear it?”
