“If things continue like this, soon I’ll be able to expose both families to Dad. I’m curious to see how people will react. It’s like announcing that I’ve truly grown.”

As a result of gradually growing, I had unexpectedly grown to be almost as mature as Raven.

When the three of us, Cain, and I stood side by side, the age difference was almost imperceptible. At this rate, the expression “growing dazzlingly” would be fitting.

Around the time we had almost secured both witnesses and evidence to present in court, a hunting competition sponsored by the royal family was held.

The hunting competition, held as a gesture of gratitude to the goddess, involved hunting monsters rather than animals. It was also an occasion for nobles to showcase their skills and those of their subordinates in front of their fathers.

“I also want to participate in the hunting competition. Why can’t I? Cain and Raven are going.”

“Sometimes dangerous monsters appear in the hunting grounds. It’s not that I don’t trust Lady Bella’s abilities, but participating without real combat experience is too risky. Wait a little longer, alright? Understood?”

Hmph, it was because of Sione.

If I participated, I was confident I would sweep the awards.

I sat in a special tent prepared for the royalty, watching the participants in the competition.

Among the hundreds of people, the faces of Raven and Cain stood out.

The rules of the competition were such that the one who brought back the most monster gems would win, and the larger and rarer the gem, the higher the score.

“Go, Raven! I’ll cheer for you!”

Ignoring the gazes of the people around me, I waved my hand vigorously towards Raven.

Although I was worried that my voice might not be heard from a distance, Raven, with his keen hearing, suddenly looked in my direction.

‘You have to win first in my place! Promise?!’

Even I had some sense of shame, so openly saying such things was not something I could do.

Instead, using gestures and movements, I worked hard to explain. Raven sighed heavily and turned away, not blatantly facing me.

‘Is he embarrassed, perhaps? Anyway, his personality is still the same. Sometimes, such a sight can be cute.’

Raven had recently celebrated his 13th birthday. Even when the maid sisters found out about his birthday and threw a surprise party, he didn’t seem happy at all… and it wasn’t much different now.

As I looked around the tent, I noticed the seats prepared for Wilhelm and Charlotte were empty.

Wilhelm had left for the vicinity of the capital to deal with the appearance of monsters, but Charlotte’s situation was different.

After the last dinner, she had continued her reclusive life within the mansion.

‘She must be greatly affected by the disappearance of her half-brother, whom she had hidden in her hiding place.’

To those around her, she claimed to be taking a break due to an illness, but according to the information I obtained, there was nothing wrong with her health.
However, since Dad did not attend this competition, people didn’t find it particularly strange that Charlotte didn’t come.

“Now, let the royal hunting competition begin. All participants, please start!”

Boom, bang.

Flames created by magic adorned the sky splendidly.

As it was an event resembling a festival that the kingdom’s citizens could freely enjoy, the atmosphere was very cheerful and enthusiastic.

“Hello, Bella. Long time no see. How have you been?”

“Oh, surprised me. Luca, give a signal in advance when you talk to people.”

“I already called you, but it seems you can’t hear.”

Luca sat down next to me with a mischievous smile, as if it were natural.

In the time I hadn’t seen him, Luca had grown quite a bit. He wasn’t as tall as Wilhelm, but he had become more boyish.

“Bella, you’ve changed a lot. Isn’t growing up this fast almost like a scam?”

“I spent a long time in a dormant state. And vampires grow regardless of age, they say. At this rate, I might become an adult before any of my brothers.”

“Ugh, I absolutely hate that. I’ll grow faster by eating lots of vegetables and milk!”

Vegetables and milk.

If growing up quickly were as simple as that, all vampires in the world would have gone through rapid maturation.

Thinking that I had lied to Luca, who was a picky eater, to feed him a variety of foods, I chuckled softly.

“But why didn’t you participate in the hunting competition? Unlike me, you’re said to be very good at magic.”

“I still lack practical experience, so it’s not allowed. Luca, why didn’t you participate? Most of the royals were going, right?”

“Ugh, monsters. Just thinking about it makes me sick. Besides, bringing back monster gems means you have to dismantle them yourself! It’s disgustingly gruesome.”

Actually, if you were a magician, you could try various methods to salvage monster gems. But for someone who wielded a sword like Luca, as he said, it was inevitable to dismantle them directly.

To save him from such trouble, I had sent a magician with Raven. Still, I was a bit worried if weak magicians could keep up with him.