Let the hunt begin!

With the incident involving Beatrice now behind them, Damian and Seraphine made their way to the central stand. The area was abuzz with activity as nobles from various families gathered around tables set in a banquet-like arrangement.

Each table was adorned with fine silverware, exquisite floral centerpieces, and sumptuous delicacies, a testament to the opulence of the event.

As Damian and Seraphine took their seats, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The assembled nobles engaged in hushed conversations, their eyes flickering towards the central stage, awaiting the arrival of the crowned prince. It was a momentous occasion, one that held the promise of prestige, competition, and camaraderie among the noble families.

The air seemed to hum with excitement, and Seraphine couldn't help but be swept up in the grandeur of the moment. The sheer spectacle of the event, combined with the lavishness of the surroundings, was unlike anything she had ever witnessed before. It was a stark contrast to her previous life on Earth.

However, Seraphine must continue to be cautious, as the ceremony is likely to be interrupted by the Chaos Order.

Before long, a hush fell over the crowd, signaling the imminent arrival of the crowned prince. In response, the assembled nobles rose from their seats and bowed respectfully as he made his entrance. Seraphine's gaze was drawn to him, and she couldn't help but be captivated by his regal presence.

The crowned prince was the epitome of nobility, his striking blue eyes and impeccable black hair framing his features with an air of refinement. His attire was elegant and tailored, befitting his royal status. As he moved gracefully to the front of the stage, his charisma and poise were undeniable.

"He looks truly handsome, not gonna lie," Seraphine inadvertently whispered to herself, momentarily forgetting her surroundings. Damian, seated beside her, turned his head in amusement at her candid remark.

"Did he even outshine me?" Damian's voice held a playful, teasing tone, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"No, young master," Seraphine replied, her cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment. "You are the most handsome in my eyes."

A satisfied grin crossed Damian's lips as he turned his attention back to the front, his earlier teasing quelled by her response. The attention of the crowd shifted to the crowned prince as he began his opening speech, his voice carrying authority and charm.

Amid the dignified discourse, the crowned prince announced the coveted prize for the day's hunting competition—the crystal horn moose. Murmurs of excitement rippled through the gathering as he described the rarity and prowess of the creature.

The challenge of hunting such a formidable and elusive quarry was met with a mixture of exhilaration and determination among the assembled nobles.

The crystals from the moose are highly coveted, as they contain a significant amount of mana. It can be utilized to create a wide variety of items, including jewelry, weapons, and even more niche objects. That is why most of the nobles are very interested in this hunting target.

With the formal procedures finally concluded, the anticipation in the air reached its peak as the crowned prince declared, "Without further ado, let the hunt begin!"

The collective excitement of the noble crowd was palpable, marking the official commencement of the ceremony.

Those who weren't participating in the hunt gathered in the banquet zone, engaging in lively conversations amidst the elegant surroundings.

Most of the noble men had eagerly joined the hunt, forming groups and readying themselves for the thrilling chase.

However, Damian and Adrain remained seated, their presence a deliberate strategy to safeguard the nobles from any potential chaos order attack.

As the ceremony unfolded, some of the attending nobles noticed the Marquis and Damian still in their seats. Gossip and mockery swirled among them, with whispers of cowardice circulating as they assumed the duo was avoiding the hunt.

"Should I just go punch them in the face, those ignorant nobles?" Damian's frustration was evident in his words, a mix of annoyance and indignation coloring his tone.

Adrian, ever composed, reassured his son, "Don't worry, Damian. They will come crawling to us for help soon enough." Damian's scowl softened as he considered his father's words. Indeed, their plan held a satisfying twist, one that would prove a poignant lesson to those who had underestimated them.

Meanwhile, Seraphine had returned to the tent, swiftly changing into a more practical hunting uniform. She donned sturdy leather pants and flexible clothing that allowed for swift movement. Most importantly, she armed herself with an assortment of weapons, including her trusty shotgun, ensuring she was well-prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Emerging from the tent, Seraphine crossed paths with Sir Henry, the knight leader, who awaited her outside. His demeanor had undergone a remarkable shift since the dungeon incident. Witnessing Seraphine's capabilities and intelligence firsthand had earned her his utmost respect and trust. He was now unwaveringly committed to his duty of protecting her.

"Are you ready, Seraphine?" Henry's genuine smile conveyed his confidence in her abilities, his eyes reflecting his determination to ensure her safety. The bond between them had strengthened through shared experiences and was ready to face any obstacle.

With all preparations in place, the participating nobles gathered at the designated starting zone, their anticipation building for the forthcoming exhilarating event. Unbeknownst to them, unseen eyes lurked in the shadows, keenly observing their every move.

"These ignorant nobles remain blissfully unaware of our meticulous plan," remarked a member of the chaos organization, shrouded in a black cloak. Perched high atop a tree, only his eyes were visible as he communicated with his partner.

"Let's not underestimate the situation. We must proceed with utmost caution, as we've discussed," his partner responded, emphasizing the gravity of their mission. He gave his companion a subtle tap on the shoulder, urging him to remain focused and composed.

"I get it, I get it. Our mission is to eliminate the crown prince and the superfluous nobility within this empire, right? Piece of cake," the man nonchalantly declared, his carefree demeanor contrasting with the seriousness of their task.

"Wait, I've just received information that Marquis Adrain is still present in the banquet zone. You're aware of his strength, aren't you?" his partner pointed out, recognizing the potential challenge posed by Adrain's formidable abilities.

"Don't you worry, my friend. Our elder is accompanying us, remember? Marquis Adrain is inconsequential in comparison to our elder's power," the man confidently retorted

"Let's hope that our meticulously laid plans go off without a hitch. And do remember, we're not to harm the individuals named Seraphine and Damian. Is that understood?" His partner's tone was stern, emphasizing the importance of sparing these specific targets.

"As for the young master, I can't make any guarantees. However, I do intend to keep the girl alive for my own amusement," the man replied with a disturbing grin, his words sending a shiver down his partner's spine.

"You deranged lunatic..." his partner muttered in disgust, repulsed by the man's unsettling demeanor and intentions.