Neigh!!!

The hunting grounds bustled with energy, horses snorting and stamping around us. The competition was in full swing, and here I was, face-to-face with His Highness’s steed, a big, glossy black horse named Nightfall. His coat gleamed more than mine on a good hair day, and his body—well-toned, muscular, and downright luxurious. It looked like it belonged in a stable catalog.

“Are you even a real horse?” I mused, reaching up to pat his silky mane. “If you weren’t so enormous, I’d make you my pet. I’d carry you around, Nightfall.”

Nightfall snorted, answering with what sounded suspiciously like a judgmental eye-roll. But he didn’t move away; instead, he let me hug his massive head. He was huge, sure, and he smelled like a horse, but… not in the way I’d expected. No, he didn’t have the usual musty odor that clung to the horses back in the modern world’s riding clubs.

He smelled… like cologne. Expensive cologne. I sniffed closer, amused. “I bet your shampoo costs more than my entire wardrobe.”

“What are you doing?” I jumped back, my cozy moment with Nightfall interrupted by an unmistakably unimpressed voice. Michaelli stood there, eyebrow arched in that infuriating way. “Is the preparation done?”

Straightening up, I cleared my throat and composed myself. “Yes, Your Highness. Lady Evelyn of House Alaric is in the fourth tent along with the other ladies.”

I remembered my last visit to Lord Alaric’s estate, where I’d arranged to inform him of our “mutual agreement” and collect my reward. I’d even advised him to get his daughter prepared for the upcoming hunt, a suggestion he took quite seriously, considering she’s now here, dressed to impress.

Thinking back, Lady Evelyn had been quite charming and polite, though she’d seemed more interested in her embroidery than the conversation. I couldn’t help but wonder if she actually remembered my advice or if her presence today was just another checkmark on her father’s list of social obligations. Either way, she was here, and I’d played some small part in that.

Michaelli gave me a long, assessing look, glancing between Nightfall and me. “Good. Now, move,” he said, slipping on his gloves with practiced ease. “Go back to the pavilion and keep an eye on the council.” He added as he mounted to Nightfall, his movements so smooth he made it look effortless—like he was riding just an ordinary horse, not this massive beast. I can't even meet Nightfall eyes-to-eye.

I hesitated, not entirely sure what my role here was supposed to be since the preparation was already done. “Ah… Your Highness, which tent should I go to? Could I maybe stay and enjoy the ladies’ company?”

I looked up at his imposing figure, trying to mask my eagerness. I missed talking to girls my age where the topics didn’t revolve around muscles and training. “I mean, the whole ‘keeping an eye’ thing could probably be handled by those people. I’m not exactly your guard, after all.” My gaze drifted toward the distant table laden with delicacies in the ladies’ tent. “And… their food does look… really good.”

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The prince narrowed his eyes at me, catching my not-so-subtle excitement. “Don’t even think about it,” he said dryly. “Stay at my pavilion. Nixon will be nearby.”

My face fell a little, but then an idea popped up. “Then… could I at least eat from your provisions, Your Highness? I skipped breakfast with the sudden orders and all.”

He rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh. “Do you really have to ask?” With a dismissive wave, he added, “Eat whatever you want,” before urging Nightfall forward and riding away with that irritatingly majestic air of his.

As soon as he was out of sight, a grin spread across my face, and I practically skipped my way to the prince’s tent. This is amazing! His pavilion was like something out of a royal feast, with dishes laid out that looked more delicious than anything I’d had in weeks. Forget about keeping an eye on the council—I was going to savor every bite.

As I enjoy myself eating all the food in the Prince Pavilion, I can hear announcements about the event. These people are crazy for hunting beasts that said can easily kill normal people. I wonder what kind of animals they are talking about—probably some kind of tiger that can normally be seen in the zoo. Well, I am glad I am not a warrior. While I did gain some muscles in both my body and brain, both are beneficial for my survival.

“Oh, here we go,” I mumble to myself as I watch from afar while holding a bowl of green grapes in hand. Happily munching it away as I keep my eyes on Evelyn and the prince as they accidentally meet.

Evelyn dashes toward her father to offer her ribbon as a token of support, only to bump straight into the prince. He catches her—well, more like he picks her up as if she were some kind of bug, rather than in the gentle, prince-like way I’d imagined. “The hell?” I mutter, a bit disappointed.

I’d pictured this scene with hearts and flowers bursting in the background, maybe even a swooning moment. But, knowing him, he’s hardly the type to do a graceful, romantic catch. At least he took the ribbon… though this is definitely less romantic than expected. With a sigh, I decide to head back inside and enjoy the food.

“Now, for the exciting part!” comes a booming announcement from outside, snapping my attention back to the commotion. “The palace has received word of a sighting of Onyxariel!” Gasps echo from the nobility as I peek outside, my curiosity piqued.

“Yes, that’s right—the legendary black griffin with a gleaming golden beak, a creature of mystery and awe. Its midnight feathers shimmer under the light of the full moon, while its fierce golden beak reflects the firelight of those who dare to hunt it. Known for its fierce temper and unmatched speed, it’s said to be an omen of change, appearing only when the balance of power is about to shift. The beast’s haunting call echoes across the mountains, challenging those brave enough to track it. A prize beyond compare—who here dares to conquer it?”

The crowd’s cheers gradually fade in the background as I take full advantage of the quiet in the prince’s pavilion, lounging comfortably on the sofa with a plate of fruit and the book I borrowed from the library. What even is Griffin? it's probably some kind of bird. Let them all chase mythical beasts—I’ll enjoy this luxury instead.

Time slips by, and before I know it, my eyes start to droop. The book is filled with words so deep and convoluted I can barely understand half of it. Soon, I find myself dozing off...

“Hey,” comes an annoying nudge, poking insistently at my shoulder.

“Hey!” I mutter, swatting the hand away in irritation and rolling to the other side, determined to stay in my blissful half-sleep.

“Historian Tuk, are you planning to wake up, or should I send you to the afterlife so you won’t have to wake up again?”

I snap awake, bolting upright and sending a few leftover grapes rolling off the bowl. Lord Nixon stands over me, his face shadowed by the light from the tent behind him. He’s looking at me with his usual annoyed expression. “Enjoying yourself, are we? While everyone else is working like horses.” He thrusts an envelope into my hands. “Deliver this to His Highness before the third lap of the hunt begins. Make sure he receives it immediately.”

I stare groggily at the neat, sealed envelope he’s pressed into my hand. “What’s thi—”

Before I can even finish my question, another soldier arrives, pulling Lord Nixon’s attention away, and they hurry off together. “Rude,” I grumble. I flicked the grape stem and threw it to where he got off, but it fell like a dead fly, different from what his highness did in the past.

"Tsk! How did he even do it?" Feeling more annoyed, I turned the envelope over in my hands. My eyes widen when I catch the insignia stamped on the seal—a symbol marking it as the Emperor’s official seal.

The Emperor’s seal? Why do I have to deliver this? Isn’t this the kind of super-important letter they have actual couriers for?!