Just like their schedule, the hunting game began the day after. It was already the 4th day of the retreat, and tomorrow, everyone will go home.
The nobles were already riding through the forest. They entered as a group, and now they're spreading out little by little.
Lionel also rode his horse calmly. He didn't have good memories of it from yesterday, but he had no choice.
*Hwahh
He covered his mouth as he yawned. He was really sleepy.
Last night, after everyone had settled down, he secretly returned to the hunting grounds. He searched again in the area, even more carefully than before.
He checked the area where the monster could be from, then even went farther out. But still, he found nothing.
That was why he had barely had any time to rest.
His grip on his horse's reins tightened for a moment when he thought of that. He was worried, but when he realized that he could still do something, his chest slowly relaxed.
If that is the case, he thought, then I just need to avoid the area where the monster will appear.
As long as he stayed away from that place, he would be safe. Even if the dark bones were planted later, it would not matter to him.
Right. That is all I need to do.
Lionel sighed. His shoulders were now completely relaxed. He lifted his gaze and focused on the forest ahead.
I should focus on the hunt instead and win something.
Soon, the forest became quieter as the nobles continued to spread out from one another.
Every noble was alone without any knights following them so that they could have the freedom to hunt. It was also one way to ensure that the nobles got their hunt by themselves.
But of course, the academy still placed a lot of knights on standby in the forest. They stand at key paths and open areas, watching the nobles from a distance.
This way, the nobles have the freedom to hunt, while still keeping the area under control.
Lionel guided his horse forward at a careful pace. His eyes moved from side to side, watching the ground, the trees, and everything in between them.
He had no plan to take the hunt easily. Since he was already here, he might as well aim for a good result.
Either he would catch many small animals, or he would look for one large target that could earn him a lot of points.
Just like any hunting game, the rules were simple. The bigger and rarer the animal they presented, the higher the score is. Small animals like rabbits and birds were easy to find, but they were worth little.
Deer, boars, and other large beasts were harder to hunt, but a single catch could place someone high in the rankings.
With those two choices, Lionel preferred the second option.
He slowed his horse and listened carefully to his surroundings. The forest was alive, and there were actually a lot of birds flying around.
Minutes passed as he moved deeper into the forest. That was when he sensed another presence.
Lionel lifted his head and narrowed his eyes. Ahead, between the trees, a familiar figure appeared, moving with ease and confidence.
Lionel halted his horse slightly as their paths crossed. Of all the people he could meet here, it had to be him.
Cassian noticed him at once and smiled.
"Well," Cassian said lightly, slowing his horse down just in front of Lionel. "Fancy meeting you here, cousin."
Lionel met his gaze and smiled too.
So, they crossed paths again.
"I didn't expect to see you so soon," Lionel said calmly. "I thought you would already be hunting animals."
Cassian laughed softly. "Yeah, but, oh well, it was bound to happen." His eyes swept over Lionel. "Anyway, you look better than yesterday. I thought you would still be resting."
'I have no choice. But I could say the same to you. You look full of energy."
"As always," Cassian replied with a grin. "I plan to win again today."
Lionel smiled, but did not answer that. He already knew Cassian would say something like that.
They did not stay in place for long. After a short pause, Lionel turned his horse forward, and Cassian just followed him. Without saying it out loud, they both headed deeper into the forest.
The trees grew thicker as they went on. Lionel stayed alert, his eyes scanning the area. He was becoming alert for animals to hunt. Cassian, on the other hand, looked relaxed.
While they were walking, they heard a little sound of footsteps coming. Lionel quickly stopped his horse, followed by Cassian, who just realized it when Lionel reacted.
Between the trees, a deer appeared. It was large, with smooth brown fur and alert eyes. It froze for a second, sensing danger from around.
Lionel was about to reach for his bow when Cassian moved first.
In one smooth motion, Cassian lifted his bow, drew the string, and released. The arrow flew straight and true.
*Pshh
The deer barely had time to react before it fell.
Lionel watched in silence as Cassian lowered his bow.
"Well," Cassian said, turning back with a satisfied smile. "Looks like luck is on my side today."
"Yeah," Lionel let out a quiet breath and smiled faintly. "That was a clean shot."
Cassian raised a brow and glanced back at the fallen deer. Then he looked at Lionel again, his smile turning playful.
"You can take that one, Lionel," Cassian said easily. "Consider it as my gift."
Lionel blinked, but he shook his head at once. "It's fine, cousin. I don't deserve something you caught yourself. That deer is too big for me."
Cassian paused. For a second, he only stared at Lionel. Then his smile grew wider. It was clear he was pleased by the answer.
"You really haven't changed," Cassian said with a light laugh. "You're always polite, and you knew your place well."
Lionel gave a small smile but said nothing.
Cassian laughed again, sounding genuinely amused. "Fine then. If you won't take it, I'll keep this one for now."
He nudged his horse closer to the deer and looked deeper into the forest. His eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Don't worry," Cassian said. "We'll find another one for you. I'll get you something bigger."
"You don't have to do that."
"I want to," Cassian replied without hesitation. "Hunting is more fun when you're helping someone."
Cassian straightened in his saddle and gestured forward. "Come on. There should be better prey deeper in."
"Alright." Lionel juust shrugged his shoulders
They guided their horses forward once more, leaving the fallen deer behind for the attendants to collect later. Every arrow they had had a bow tied to it, to know who killed it.
They continued riding side by side, their horses stepping carefully over roots and fallen leaves. They have met a few nobles on the road, but they just said a quick hi and proceeded to go their different ways.
Everyone was competitive because it was the last day. Lionel followed at first, but after a while, something felt off. The trees around them started to look familiar in his eyes.
His eyes gazed to the direction ahead.
This direction.
Lionel slowed his horse without thinking and Cassian was quick to notice it.
"Hm?" Cassian glanced back. "Why did you stop?"
Lionel forcefully smiled.
This was it.
This was the direction of the area.
The place where everything went wrong in his last life.
"I…" Lionel hesitated, then took a quiet breath. "I don't want to go there."
"Huh?" Cassian blinked in surprise. "There?"
Lionel cleared his throat.
"No. I mean, I'll turn back from here," he said. "I want to try another route to see if I can hunt on my own."
"W-What? You can't do that." Cassian was troubled.
= = =
A/N:
Shout out to rockstxr! Thank you for giving this novel a Golden Ticket. Really appreciate it :>