If yesterday was merely an exploration to estimate the origin and quantity of monsters, today was the day for the knights to officially subjugate the monsters.

Knights, who had filled their stomachs with a hearty dinner, came out of the camp for the expedition. True to their high-status lineage, they were each equipped with expensive armor, and they carried well-groomed weapons with sharp blades.

If the knight’s spirit was the first element proudly displaying the knight’s pride, the expensive equipment became the second element. In addition, each of them had a handkerchief tied to their swords, and the elaborate and colorful embroidery on the handkerchief became the third element.

Kun gazed attentively at the handkerchief neatly tied to his sword. Only after the knights and horses blocking his view passed by did he turn around to take in the tranquil scenery.

The camp, gathered like an anthill, stood out. Among them was where Cloe stayed.

‘Will it be okay?’

Suddenly, he became worried about his loyal friend who was left alone in the camp.

From the one-eyed rodent to the lowly rodents that drooled whenever they saw a beautiful woman. There were countless annoying things.

Among them, the most irritating one was…

Sensing someone’s presence, Kun quickly turned his head. There was a foolish knight lingering around who had not yet set out.

A body so mediocre that it couldn’t even be called a knight. Clearly wanting to get away from the horse, he displayed a clumsy attitude that couldn’t keep still.

It was Calis Argan.

“What are you doing here?”

The face that had been hidden in the depths quickly changed color, expressing irritation.

Although the name ‘Hunting Festival’ sounded good, it was actually a punitive expedition to subdue monsters. If there were too many people, it would cause confusion, and if there were too few, there would be a shortage of manpower. So, only those with the financial means to support the camp and food, or those with exceptional skills for the expedition, were allowed to participate.

In other words, the Hunting Festival was limited to those who were financially well-off or skilled enough to contribute. So, why was Calis, who had neither money nor skills, here?

Like when he roamed around under Zorb’s command during his previous business ventures, this time, it seemed he had attached himself to another person and revealed himself at the Hunting Festival.

“You seem to be a lucky person. Seeing that there’s still a place for you to cling to. Who is it this time?”

“…I don’t see any reason to bother Your Highness with such trivial matters.”

“Well, whatever. You’re probably a person with nothing special, like Your Excellency.”

He grinned as he glanced at the man who was guarding himself to the point that it was noticeable. It was an obvious taunt without the need to think of anything else.

“Good luck, Duke.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

“I’ll make sure to achieve what I want. Even if you work hard, you won’t be able to beat the Duke.”

After the small talk ended, Kun’s response followed. Calis blinked at Kun’s unexpected humility.
“The hero of the century is walking on the earth, and there is no way a mere emperor can surpass him. Isn’t that right, Duke?”

“…….”

“The person who was with the Duke, didn’t you think he would bring you victory? Haven’t you placed him there with that expectation?”

His sneer was a mockery disguised as humility, and the situation a moment ago was just a leap for mockery.

Calis remained silent, tightly gripping the reins.

“Then, good luck. Maybe winning here will be an opportunity for you to repay the fallen you. Rather than letting your fate crumble further.”

Kun, who coldly thrust his words, turned his head forward. Soon, the hand with prominent veins swung down the reins.

The man who had been busy pressuring Calis until a while ago now became a small dot in his sight.

‘Darn!’

Understanding Kun’s intention, Calis clenched his fist.

‘How far do you plan to push me in!’

It was not for the emperor to praise Calis as a war hero. That day, the person who greeted the knights at the camp knew very well that Calis had not contributed anything in the past.

‘Perhaps… Are they planning to strip me of even the title of a hero?’

Calis became suddenly uneasy.

Now, all that remained for him were the achievements of a hero. And even that would wither away as people’s gazes could no longer be attracted.

However, revealing the falsehood of being a hero for the past four years was an entirely different matter.

‘…I must win the Hunting Festival.’

If the winner of the Hunting Festival becomes an honorary knight for the year at the Pantheon Temple, it brings tremendous honor. The Pantheon Temple is the largest temple in the world, so it was a significant glory.

‘I must win and definitely survive!’

He vowed to regain the past glory while chanting his wish, tightly gripping the vial in his pocket.

Kun, who was contemplating at a crossroads, turned his steps towards the familiar direction.