CHAPTER 176: 176. HOUSE CAULEM GATHERED

Across the bustling clearing at the edge of the Deltou Colossale Forest, Rin and Leo stood still, staring at one another as the Royal Hunting Event buzzed through the air.

Anger, longing, and an urge to storm over and demand an explanation for why he had hurt her were all part of Rin’s racing heart. Leo step back as she took a tentative step forward, his eyes widening and his forehead dripping with sweat.

Rin’s eyes flashed in confusion as she failed to notice what only Leo could see at the moment: a hooded, shadowy figure emerging behind her in the bright midday sun.

A spooky smile spread across her green eyes as she reached to put her hand around Rin’s neck. As his muscles tensed and his instincts begged him to hurry and stop it, Leo’s foot rose.

Rin’s attention was abruptly diverted when a hand touched her shoulder. "Oh, Senior Rin, you made it?" Rin turned to see Erin Dranemount grinning broadly and playfully. "I was starting to think you’d miss the fun." Erin had a playful mischievous sparkle in her violet eyes.

Erin’s voice was cheerful as she looked at Vivien, Lucian, and Leo. "Hey, Leo, you’re here too?" As she jogged toward them, she called. Rin’s hand clenched, her nails digging into her palm. Leo? Rin had never tried such closeness, and the nickname hurt.

She spun away, violet hair whipping as she marched to her house’s camp, where her soldiers were setting up tents, her chest tight with frustration and pain.

As Erin caused the entity to disappear, Leo sighed and wiped the sweat from his brow. He was relieved that Vivien and Lucian hadn’t saw.

When Erin got to them, she laughed and gave Vivien a little hifi. She tickled the girl and exclaimed, "Vivien, my little star! You’re growing up so quickly in only three months, huh?"

Vivien wriggled and squealed. "Erin! I’ve grown up now!

A new carriage bearing the Saravelle crest caught Lucian’s attention. Softly, he handed Vivien to Leo. "I’m going to greet Velmera—I’ll be back." He moved in the direction of the carriage.

Erin’s tone was playful as she grinned. "The two brothers are always so in love."

Leo passed Vivien to her attendant, kneeling to her level with a warm smile. "Stay with your mother at camp like a good girl, Vivi. I’ll come by soon after talking to Erin."

Vivien nodded while pouting. "Hurry, Brother!"

As the attendant led Vivien to the Caulem camp, Leo stood, his voice low with thankful. "Thanks for stepping in."

Erin giggled lightly and waved it away. "Not a huge deal. It’s what I do."

Leo’s crimson eyes narrowed as his face became serious. "Someone is observing Lucian and me."

Erin’s voice trailed off as her tone matched his. "I sense it as well. They are also following me."

Leo’s mouth clenched. "I know why they’re after me, but what do they want from Lucian?"

Erin shook her head and looked around the clearing with her violet eyes, taking in the tents scattered beneath the forest, the soldiers in armor, and the nobles in bright gowns. "I don’t know yet, but they have strong support." She gave the noble guards and the Royal Army a small nod.

Leo grinned grimly but firmly. "The event lasts for three days. On day two, I’d wager they make an attempt. We wait for our moment"

Erin’s tone changed to one of playfulness as her lips formed a cunning smile. "You have heard of the custom in which hunters present their hunt to a special person? It’s a big gesture—some even propose with it."

His voice was dry and his brow arched. "And why are you telling me this?"

Erin laughed, nudging his arm as she turned to leave. "Just for information! The bigger the prize, the deeper the devotion." She called over her shoulder, walking toward her camp, leaving Leo in the clearing.

His crimson eyes scanned the crowded clearing at the edge of the Deltou Colossale Forest as he walked toward the Caulem camp, sighing as his boots crunched on the damp grass.

The area was covered with tents from various noble houses, each attempting to stand out with its own crest, such as Dranemount’s silver hawk or Rathur’s black wolf, which swayed in the wind.

The camps of the three major houses—Caulem, Rathur, and Dranemount—were fancier, with lots of staff and soldiers and bright banners.

In contrast to the bustling noble camps, the Royal Family’s camp stood out at the edge of the clearing, a guarded setup surrounded by Royal Guards in armor emblazoned with dragons crest.

The Caulem banner—a proud griffin—flew high above their camp, flapping in the wind. As they arranged tents and sorted supplies, workers and soldiers moved swiftly, their voices blending with the rustle of fabric and the clank of metal.

Duchess Maria and Vivien sipped tea under a silk canopy at a shaded table near the main tent. When Vivien saw Leo, her eyes brightened and her frilly dress swished as she nibbled a cookie.

Maria’s daughter smiled warmly and kindly, and her sapphire eyes followed her gaze. "Vivien said the two of you had arrived. How was the journey?"

Leo sank into a seat. He stretched his arms and muttered, "Way too long."

"Why’d they build the Academy in the edge of the kingdom?" He looked at Liana, who was standing close by. "Please, coffee."

With a bright voice, Vivien pushed a plate of cookie towards him. "Brother, cookie?"

He took one, ruffling her hair as Leo’s smirk grew softer. "Thank you, Vivi." As he ate, he looked around the camp and saw that someone was missing. "Where is Father, Duchess?"

Maria calmly put down her teacup. "He’s meeting with other nobles. He’ll return shortly."

A few moments later, Lucian reached with a slight smile from his chat with Velmera. Leo’s smile changed to a playful one. "You’re getting really attached to your fiancée, huh?"

Lucian chuckled, settling into a chair, his gray eyes sparkling. "Can’t help it brother, you’ll understand if you get one."

Vivien giggled, and Maria’s soft laugh added to the warm moment as Liana returned with Leo’s coffee, its strong smell filling the air.

They sipped their drinks, the camp’s lively buzz a backdrop to their easy chatter, until heavy footsteps announced Duke Alric’s arrival. His tall figure, wrapped in a cloak with the Caulem griffin stitched in gold, filled the tent’s entrance.

His stern face softened at the sight of his sons, his deep voice warm. "Good to see you both made it."

Lucian stood, nodding respectfully. "Father."

Leo rose, grinning. "Took you long enough."

With a loud chuckle, Alric placed a firm yet gentle hand on each son’s shoulder. "Very busy morning—nobles never stop talking." His tone was full of meaning, and he was staring at Leo with a serious gleam in his eyes.

"Are you prepared to meet an important person, Leonhardt?"

Leo’s red eyes grew more interested as his brow raised. "Who is that?"

Alric grinned broadly and spoke in a serious tone. "The Valenwood King himself."