In the East, food procurement.
In the West, pioneering.
In the South, trade.
In the North, survival and honor.
In the Center, entertainment.
Hunting, within the vast Manhet Empire, was one of the rare cultural pastimes that transcended regional distinctions.
Thus, with nobles from all across the empire gathered here, it was inevitable that the Academy's festivals for students would include hunting as a staple theme.
—Boom, boom.
—Puuuu.
The sound of drums and trumpets echoed from beyond the forest.
To some, it was nothing but noise.
"Ugh… what's with this racket?!"
Freesia, whose hearing was as sharp as her long ears were large, covered them with both hands.
"They're releasing animals in preparation for the hunting contest."
"…That's strange. Animals are more sensitive to noise than I am. Humans are underestimating the wild too much. At this rate… they'll lose all their prey."
I just shrugged at her doubt.
For an elf like Freesia, hunting was pure pursuit.
A way to obtain meat and hides.
"Catching them too easily wouldn't be any fun, would it?"
"…Fun?"
"Yes. Scattering here and there, darting swiftly. Prey being sensitive makes for a better chance to show off one's skill."
But this was the Manhet Empire.
And this was the Central Region.
At this hunting competition, which was thoroughly geared toward "entertainment," the caution that true hunting required was ignored entirely.
Any inconvenience caused only became another source of amusement.
"Ugh… sometimes I just can't understand humans."
"Come now, it's nothing. Adapt. You'll get used to it soon enough."
After all, she was now a member of noble society, where survival hinged not on practicality but on clinging to honor.
"Ahem. Testing, testing. Can everyone hear me?"
A familiar face climbed onto the podium.
The Student Council President, her voice amplified by burning aura, as though carrying the fire itself.
"Thanks to His Holiness the Pope's generosity, this year's hunting contest is held successfully once again. The prey caught today in Joren Forest will be dedicated as an offering to the Goddess, so give it your best."
Proof of faith and honor.
Rewards bestowed by the Pope.
At the chance to seize both, nobles let out roars of excitement.
"Ohh, indeed. I wonder what kind of animals there will be?"
"Could there even be monsters?"
"Ha, no fun if we have to use aura. Monsters? Hardly. Still… a carbuncle or two might be fine."
Some were already savoring victory before the hunt even began.
"Even just catching a fat deer would please the Goddess."
"You underestimate deer. Do you know how agile those little things are?"
"Ha! Talking about beasts in front of me? In my Eastern lands, we hunt every day, and deer are distributed to the common folk."
"Hmph. Braggart."
Boasts and subtle clashes over hunting prowess flew back and forth.
Their reactions were varied, but overall the mood was favorable toward the contest itself.
Amid that cheer, Reisia wore a smile that carried both relief and bitterness.
"This will probably be the last event I preside over as Student Council President. Still, I'm glad everyone seems satisfied."
No surprise.
She had lost to a first-year in a public exchange match—an embarrassment that left no room to keep her office.
'…Well, in truth, it was also the third-years' ambition to take the position, if only briefly.'
But unfortunately for them, that position now belonged to Luciana.
There was no way we would hand over the President's seat we conquered together to some third-year.
"Hans."
Just then, the very subject approached me.
"Ah, Lady Luciana!"
"I wondered where you'd gone. Attending to Lady Evergreen, I see."
Upon her back was the longbow I once saw in a hunt, her silver hair flowing down like a waterfall.
—…She's carrying a sword as well.
—Ahem. No need to state the obvious! Descendant of warriors indeed, quite cautious.
My shadow protested, a stabbing pain pricking at my sole, but I ignored it as usual.
Perhaps she recalled how she was caught unarmed by Batory before.
Though inconvenient, she hadn't forgotten her proper weapons.
"Lady Evergreen is far more mature than us. Surely she can be left on her own?"
"I was asked to watch over her by the Divine Archer and the Golden Ballista. Besides, she's of another race. Not yet familiar with our customs, so I've been escorting her."
"Th-that's right! Hans has been a great help!"
"…Hmph."
In an instant, Freesia's lively ears drooped downward.
The cause, of course, was Luciana.
Even with silence, she conveyed boundless coldness—intimidating enough to make the elf shrink back.
"…Lady Evergreen. As one newly ennobled, let me offer some advice."
"Ah! Thank you kindly. But what do you mean…?"
"Do not grow too close to Lord Byron."
Not "Hans," but "Lord Byron."
It was the first time I'd heard her use that title.
"He is indispensable to House Speda, and already tied by engagement to the esteemed Count Frontal family of the North."
"Lady Speda…"
"Yet you, what exactly is your relationship with my retainer, to call him so informally?"
It was an unexpectedly hostile response.
Even I was thrown off guard.
Luciana was typically consistent—unmoved and indifferent toward everyone.
Even in the original story, there were only two exceptions:
Her fiancé, that eye-blinded fool.
And the protagonist she deemed a seducer.
So for Luciana now to show such clear hostility toward Freesia—
'…What in the world is happening?'
Even my so-called perfect understanding of my favorite character was shaken.
"L-Lady Luciana. I appreciate your concern, but if word of this conversation spreads, it could cause unwanted trouble."
"Idle slander from others does not concern me."
"But you could become the target of criticism. There's no need to risk that."
The Student Council election was around the corner.
Though determined by grades, ruling afterward depended on reputation.
If rumors spread that she was bullying a freshman elf?
The outcome would be predictable.
Besides, Freesia was not someone to be slighted.
She wielded aura, magic, and spirit arts—
My own capable ally.
"…For now, I'll withdraw for Hans' sake. But mind how you address him in the future. Then."
With biting words, Luciana departed to prepare for the hunt.
"Are you all right?"
The problem was elsewhere.
Her anger was unexpected, but Freesia's feelings were obvious.
"..."
"Freesia?"
"Ah, sorry. Hard to focus."
Perhaps her pure heart was wounded.
Her drooping ears betrayed her feelings without filter.
"I warned you before you left the forest, didn't I? You'd need to be prepared for this."
"…Yes, you did."
"Not everyone here will be kind to you like in the woods."
She nodded with her head hung low.
I added a word of advice.
"But in noble society, yesterday's enemy can become today's ally. You may be estranged from Lady Luciana now, but with the right chance, you could become close."
After all, even Elizabeth and Liura had reconciled when interests aligned.
"R-really?"
"Yes. She's not cruel. As her retainer, I guarantee it."
"…Could you give me a hint, then? I'd like to befriend Lady Speda."
A hint.
I knew well what my favorite liked.
"Suggest a duel."
"A duel?"
"Yes. You're a skilled fighter yourself, aren't you? She loves facing strong opponents. She'll like you for it."
—Fweeeet!
Right on cue, a whistle blew.
"Or, if not a duel, then making a strong showing in this hunting contest would also work. She admires talent."
Luciana bore the blood of a ruler.
Like any noble, she desired capable retainers.
"Hunting is my specialty. I'll do my best!"
"Of course. With your archery, I have no doubts. I'll try not to fall behind."
"Deer should do. Ah, Hans, what about you?"
I smiled faintly at her question.
"Well… I don't bother with small fry."
"Isn't deer enough? Should I aim for a bear? Or a jeweled spider? Ugh, no, there's no way monsters from the southern jungles are here…"
I felt sorry for her worries, but honestly, I had no interest in this contest.
Beasts couldn't compare to the spoils I sought from demons.
Saleranto, the Holy Land, was usually quiet as befitted the center of the faith.
Except on special days like today.
"Noisy as hell. Ever since the Goddess marked disaster, it's never quiet."
Heiken, a Holy Knight of the Goddess Nepisa, yawned irreverently.
"Click, at least others get to quell the chaos outside. And I'm stuck guarding a chamber."
He knew.
Guarding this place was his duty, his offering to the Goddess, entrusted by the Pope himself.
But still—
Heiken lived for battle.
Standing guard over a prison was nothing but boredom.
"Tsk. When's my shift over?"
Even with plenty of time left, he waited idly for relief.
"Oh my. Not your relief, but may I enter anyway?"
A clear, sweet voice, like a nightingale.
Heiken stiffened instantly—
For it was a voice he had only heard from afar.
"No way, Saintess, what brings you here…!"
"Be at ease. I too serve the Goddess Nepisa, the same as you."
How could he?
She was chosen directly by the Goddess, the true power of this sanctuary.
"…May I ask your business?"
"Hehe, nothing much. I simply heard something interesting about the prisoner here from Sir Circlaya."
"A visitation, then."
Who was he to question her?
If she wished to interrogate or examine a prisoner, that was none of his concern.
"Saintess, forgive me, but could you show me your hand?"
"Oh, proof?"
"Yes, required procedure."
Rules were rules. Even for the Saintess.
"Of course. Here."
She extended her hand readily.
There bloomed the divine mark of the Goddess Nepisa, unique to the Saintess.
Warmth filled his chest at the sight.
"I've blessed you as well, for your hard work on duty."
"Such honor! …Ahem. Forgive my lapse. Thank you for your grace."
To be blessed by the Saintess herself—there could be no doubt of her authenticity.
Heiken unlocked the prison with his unique key.
"Brighter than I expected inside."
"The Goddess' mercy must shine even on sinners. Please be careful."
"No need to worry. I am the Saintess, after all."
Her golden hair bowed gently toward him.
"Stay strong on duty."
Yes, this was the Saintess.
Chosen by the Goddess herself, her character was radiant.
"Ahem. I must keep my post diligently."
He straightened up with renewed vigor.
But who could have known?
That in the next moment, his eyes would widen in shock.
"Hello, Holy Knight."
The same voice.
The same appearance.
Even the same white habit with its distinctive frills.
"May I check the prison? I have business with the inmate inside."
"You fake bastard."
"…Pardon?"
"Silence. No words! I'll deliver divine punishment at once!"
In this emergency, Heiken's mind judged swiftly.
There was only one Saintess.
Only one who could bestow her blessing.
Thus the conclusion was simple—
The one before him was an impostor.
"H-how dare you! What outrageous behavior is this?!"
"Sound the alarm! All Holy Knights, to me! Apprehend this Saintess impostor immediately!"
And the real Saintess, René, could only despair.