***
Condrius Countcy, where the royal hunting competition was taking place, was bustling with guests. Carriages of nobles formed an unending line as they passed through the estate’s main gate.
Those who usually only knew Count Condrius as a noble gathered near the Count’s residence to eagerly watch other nobles.
While the atmosphere towards nobles varied in each estate, Condrius Countcy was known for the Count’s special consideration for the estate’s residents.
The estate residents trusted and followed their lord, and the count treated them with kindness, naturally fostering a positive perception of nobility.
Furthermore, nobles who had previously visited the estate generously scattered coins or left generous tips in restaurants, making the daily lives of Condrius estate residents festive.
Among these residents, there were two noble families that were particularly anticipated—Emblem Dukes and Gray Dukes.
“Can we finally see them today! The famous Emblem and Gray!”
“I brought the history books of Emblem and Gray! I’ll ask for the knight of Emblem’s autograph!”
“Then I’ll get Gray knight’s autograph!”
Leading two knight orders that surpassed their reputation not only in the empire but also on the continent were Emblem and Gray.
The admiration for these two families was not inferior to the imperial popularity.
In reality, today’s hunting competition could be seen as a showdown between Emblem and Gray.
Other families placed bets on who would hunt more game between Emblem and Gray while enjoying the competition.
“Oh, here they come!”
As someone pointed towards the Condrius estate gate and shouted, the gazes of those awaiting the processions of the two families turned towards that direction.
“Gray, it’s the Gray Dukedom!”
A flag displaying the silver owl emblem representing the Gray Dukedom gradually revealed its presence.
The knights wore sturdy steel armor adorned with elaborate silver patterns.
The appearance befitting the grandeur of the Gray Dukedom’s knights, wielding cold and sharp swords, was impressive.
The procession entering the estate on horseback produced only the sound of hooves, without even the clinking of armor.
With pride and noble dignity shining in their eyes, the knights of the Gray Dukedom, escorting a carriage adorned with the emblem of the family, headed towards the Condrius Countcy.
“…. Sigh.”
The residents of Condrius estate could only stare blankly until they disappeared into the distance without uttering a word.
Despite hearing much about the reputation of the Gray Dukes, witnessing it in person was utterly overwhelming.
“Indeed, it’s the Gray Dukes. Their momentum is unmatched.”
As the crowd watched the retreating figures of the Gray knights, gradually moving away.
“It’s Emblem! The Emblem knight order is coming!”
The heads of the people turned towards that direction simultaneously.
In the distance, the vibrant flames of the Emblem knight order were approaching in a spectacular display.
“Wow, wow!”
“Emblem! Emblem!”
The crowd cheered passionately, applauding them warmly.
The Emblem knights, adorned in splendid uniforms, entered the estate with broad smiles.
The golden embellishments sparkled brightly. No matter how intense the light, people instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes.
The flag symbolizing the valorous Emblem Dukedom fluttered proudly.
“Hahaha!”
“Look at the crowd. So many people gathered, huh?”
“Careful, step back!”
In contrast to the Gray Dukedom knights, who remained silent to onlookers, the Emblem knights jovially interacted with the crowd.
“Sir, please shake hands!”
“Certainly!”
“I’ve admired you for a long time, I respect you!”
“Hahaha, thank you!”
The Emblem knights willingly shook the hands of children requesting handshakes and waved bouquets offered by someone.
“Wow, Emblem is the best! So cool!”
“Emblem, Emblem!”
Someone showered them with colorful confetti as they walked.
It was truly a festive atmosphere.
Enoch, who had been in the Gray Duke’s carriage earlier, glanced curiously outside the window.
“It’s noisy outside.”
“Ah, it’s always like this when Emblem passes. Incredibly noisy. Those knights express their sentiments with their swords.”
When Jade Gray let out a dissatisfied cough, Enoch immediately turned his gaze away from the window and adjusted his posture.
“Where did they throw away their dignity? Tsk. Seems like there’s no shortage of fools. After all, a knight should be everyone’s role model. Do you understand?”
“Yes, My Lord.”
“Call me grandfather.”
“…… Yes, grandfather.”
“Hmm, that’s right.”
Jade Gray nodded approvingly, and the Gray Duke’s carriage was now entering the Condrius Countcy.
“Remember, Enoch. Safety should be the top priority no matter what happens during this hunting competition. There’s nothing better than proving strength by avoiding harm.”
“……”
“The Gray knights are strong. If you believe in that, you should be able to test and surpass everything you’ve built up until now without hesitation.”
“Yes.”
Jade Gray gently stroked Enoch’s head as he nodded quietly.
Although there was no more conversation, a peaceful moment passed in the stillness.
Meanwhile, inside the Emblem Duke’s carriage…
“Waaaah, I hate Cherrya! It’s not fair!”
“Right! She’s a greedy one!”
” I Hate her! I Hate her!”
The cries of children echoed loudly as if their voices would tear apart.
The clothes they wore since leaving the capital had long been torn and tugged by the children’s curious hands.
“I want to go to the hunting competition with Enoch! I want to go too!”
“You’re already going, aren’t you?”
“Mom said that Cherrya is going into the hunting grounds with Enoch alone!”
“That’s because Cherrya and Enoch have been learning swordsmanship together. It’s an opportunity for practical experience, suggested by the Emperor, His Majesty…”
“Anyway, they’re going alone! Mom said it’s because they’re getting married!”
The young friends, who had consistently held gatherings since childhood for interactions and friendship with Emblem, were crying and sniffling in the Emblem carriage all the way to the Condrius Countcy.
The reason was that Cherrya and Enoch were selected as the youngest participants in this hunting competition.
“I hate it! I’m going to marry Enoch too!”
“No, Enoch will marry me!”
“I hate all of you, I want to marry him!”
It seemed like they thought Cherrya and Enoch were going to the hunting competition not to participate but to have a wedding ceremony.
The actual parties involved had no intention of getting married, and even if they did, it was far from their thoughts.
“Please say that Cherrya is not going! Please say that Enoch is not going with her!”
“It’s not that simple. I can’t say that I’m not going just because I don’t want to…”
“Huh, huhuhu. Huaaaaah!”
“Sigh…”
The tantrum triggered by this conversation seemed endless.
How long would I have to deal with these stubborn children acting like fools?
I quietly sent a pleading look to Dad, who was reading a book with earplugs in.
In response, Dad subtly gestured to cheer up and then returned his gaze to the book. He was ignoring me.
This time, I looked at Mom. She gave me a helpless look and tilted her head as if to say there was nothing she could do.
“……”
There was no adult here to help me.
“Cherrya!”
“I Hateeeeeee you!”
Sounds resembling children’s screams echoed outside the carriage once again.
Simultaneously, Emblem knights outside, concealing their sweat with determined expressions, raised their swords and performed impressive maneuvers.
“Wow! Emblem, hooray! Hooray!”
Cheers erupted from the onlookers.
To conceal the cries of the children inside the carriage, the Emblem knights continued their performance with enthusiasm.
Until reaching the Condrius Countcy, the efforts of the knights to hide the children’s cries persisted without interruption.
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