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“Is everyone ready?”

“Yes, Captain. Everyone is waiting at the training ground.”

At Vice-Captain Hans’s report, Ray, who had been sitting at his desk in the Captain’s office, stood up.

Today, he wasn’t dressed in training gear but wore a thick hunting suit.

Several thin pieces of red cloth were layered heavily on the chest and torso, but the arms and legs were relatively thin for easier movement.

Hans was dressed in the same manner.

Having donned elbow and shin guards, Ray made his way to the training grounds.

Around 120 knights from the 4th battalion were all waiting, dressed similarly to Ray but in a different color – a deep teal armor.

“I assume everyone knows what today is?”

“Yes!”

Standing on the platform and shouting loudly, the knights, who were standing at attention, responded loudly.

“Today is one of the twice-monthly live hunting training days for the princes. This time, we will be with Third Prince Claude.”

“Roger!”

“There are some participating in this hunting exercise for the first time today. I hope you’ll face it courageously and befitting a knight.”

“We understand!”

Due to Claude’s directive, which expressed his aversion to killing, the knights came to replace the usual prey.

Hence, they used arrows not with real arrowheads but those with paint.

The rules were simple.

In the forest, any knight struck by a painted arrow had to take out a white handkerchief, tie it to a visible part of their body, and return to the training ground.

“Those who find the most red flag during this exercise will receive the reward.”

While assisting the princes in their hunting training, there was a rule by which the knights could triumph.

Specifically, it was to locate the red flags hidden throughout the forest. These red flags couldn’t be stolen from one another, and individual rewards were granted to those who found them.

If all 20 red flags were discovered, the entire knight brigade would receive a prize.

Despite the grueling training, the hefty reward ensured active participation every time.

“What is the reward we are going to get?”

A knight raised his hand to ask, and everyone eagerly awaited Ray’s response, swallowing hard in anticipation.

“I will give you a day off.”

“Whoooaa!”

The mention of a day off set the knights’ fighting spirits ablaze.

“But know this: I’ll also be giving it my all.”

Ray’s unwavering determination dampened the spirits of the 120 knights, cooling the atmosphere instantly.

“You have 20 minutes to hide. Run!”

“Let’s go!”

With the proclamation signaling the start, the knights dashed toward the hunting grounds in the forest outside the palace.

To find the red flags, they needed to outlast the others, thus securing a good hiding spot was crucial.

Ray began walking towards the western palace when the knights’ running sounds faded away.

His steps were always light when heading to see Claude. Sharing brief conversations with him had been a small pleasure in the otherwise restrained palace life.

But today, he felt heavy-hearted, not wanting to face Claude.

Ever since Claude had asked about his relationship with Iva, Ray noticed a distinct change in the prince’s demeanor and attitude, which had unsettled him.

“Captain, you’ve arrived.”

Chase, waiting in front of the office, greeted Ray.

“Aid Chase, good to see you. The hunting preparations are complete.”

“His Highness should be ready by now. Please, go in.”

“…Yes.”

The simple act of knocking now felt so difficult. He hesitated, standing still. Noticing Chase’s puzzled look beside him, he finally moved his hand to knock.

Knock, knock.

“Your Highness, it’s Ray.”

“Come in.”

Entering, he saw Claude, dressed in a blue hunting uniform, putting on his gloves.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Welcome, Ray.”

“The knights are prepared. You can head to the forest immediately.”

“What reward have you put up to boost the knights’ morale today?”

“I’ve promised them a day off.”

“Haha. It seems I’m destined to lose today.”

Hearing Claude laugh, Ray began to doubt if the prince’s amusement was genuine.

“Did you set such a reward intentionally to ensure my defeat?”

“Not at all. I’ll be participating alongside you, why would I do such a thing?”

Having finished putting on his gloves, Claude, now ready, posed a question to Ray.

“How about we place a bet too, Ray?”

“Pardon?”

They had always trained together, on the same side during these hunts. Caught off guard by the sudden proposal, Ray truly looked at Claude for the first time.

Claude was smiling, but his eyes, devoid of mirth, were fixed on Ray.

“We bet on who bags the most prey.”

“Do you, Your Highness, desire a day off as well?”

“No, not a day off. A marriage.”

Ray’s eyes grew cold.

“…I’m not sure what you’re implying.”

“You know exactly what I mean. My intention to take Iva Blanche as the princess consort.”

“Is Lady Iva aware of this?”

“She will be, soon.”

Claude’s sly smile made Ray’s grip tighten.

It now sounded like Claude wasn’t only using power over him, but was also intending to use it over Iva.

“If I win, you will ask Lady Iva to become the princess consort on my behalf, and if you win, I will propose to her directly. How does that sound, Captain?” 

He had deliberately provoked him by calling him “Captain” instead of his name.

“What happens if I refuse?”

“No, you can’t refuse.”

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