DUKE EDRIC "Edric, did you see that?" Emperor Roland asked, his tone sharp as he leaned toward me, eyes focused on the chaos unfolding on the field below.

"I bet it's Aveline," I said, my voice low but filled with certainty.

"Your daughter? I didn't know she's a mage," Roland said, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

"A powerful one," I bluffed, watching the scene unfold carefully. My daughter had always been full of surprises, but this? This was something even I hadn't expected.

"Whatever you say, Edric. What do you think?" Roland asked, his gaze still locked on the competition.

"It's dark magic. The monster is definitely summoned using dark magic, and somehow, it was targeted at my daughter, Aveline," I said, my voice firm. I wasn't sure who was behind it, but I could feel a sinister hand at play here.

"Dark magic, you say?" Roland mused, his expression thoughtful. "How's the investigation on the Brown going?"

"It's still ongoing," I replied, though my tone was tinged with frustration. "They're quite secretive about their dealings. Moreover, Duke Brown is unwell, so I don't think this is his doing."

"Are you saying there could be another person?" Roland asked, his voice heavy with suspicion.

"I cannot be sure yet, but I'll tell you once I confirm," I said, my mind already working through the possibilities.

"Good," Roland said, nodding in approval. "Well, it seems like the hunting competition has come to an end."

I glanced out to the field, my thoughts momentarily shifting to Aveline. She had handled herself well, even with the unexpected turn of events. I couldn't help but feel proud of her.

"Roland," I said, the tone of my voice becoming colder as I looked at him. "Do you know your son is dating my daughter?"

Roland chuckled, clearly pleased. "Well, he did tell me about that. Oh, what a boy he's grown up to be." His words were full of pride, but there was something else there, something unspoken. I could tell Roland was proud of Xavier, but also... concerned. Perhaps he didn't realize the full implications of Xavier and Aveline's bond.

Roland stood up, signaling the end of the event. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that our hunting competition has come to an end. Let's see what you have caught."

I stood too, my eyes scanning the crowd. And then, I saw her. Aveline, walking towards the pavilion with a golden deer slung over her shoulder, her posture graceful but resolute. Hah, as expected of my daughter. She always exceeded expectations.

Wait. My eyes narrowed. That was Prince Xavier walking up behind her, also holding a golden deer.

"Ah, it seems like Prince Xavier and our young Lady Lytheryss have both caught the golden deer," Roland announced with a smile, his voice booming across the grounds. "This is a really rare occasion, seeing both of them catch a golden deer. Hahaha! Then there's no choice—two winners it is!"

***

XAVIER I stood beside Aveline, the weight of the crown being placed upon my head almost felt secondary to the feeling of standing here with her. Who would have known that this would happen? To win alongside her, in a competition where so many were watching, it felt surreal. The golden deer we both caught—a rare and prestigious prize—had brought us here, but now it was the moment of recognition, and I was at her side.

"Congrats, Aveline," I whispered to her, my voice soft, but sincere.

"Thank you. Congrats to you too, Xavier," she replied with a small smile, her gaze meeting mine. There was something in her eyes that made my chest tighten, and for a brief moment, the crowd, the competition, the accolades, all seemed distant. It was just the two of us standing there.

She's so pretty, I thought, a warmth spreading across my chest. The way she carried herself—graceful, confident, yet humble—made her even more captivating. There was a quiet strength in her that I admired, something beyond just her beauty. It drew me in more than I cared to admit.

***

AVELINE Ah, it's that time. The time when noble ladies give out their handkerchiefs to the person they like, a tradition following the hunting competition. It feels so... formal, almost like a performance of sorts. But it's a tradition, so there's no escaping it.

I glance over to see Lady Margaret walking confidently toward Xavier. Oh, she's the first one to present her handkerchief to him. How expected. There's a crowd starting to gather around him now, all eager to show their affection or admiration. It's amusing to watch, especially seeing him struggling to handle the attention. I can't help but laugh softly to myself. It's like he's caught in a whirlwind, poor thing.

Since Xavier's preoccupied, I think I'll just wait to give mine to him later. No need to add to the chaos. Instead, I make my way over to the first squad knights, who have been such a great help throughout the competition. I offer each of them my handkerchief one by one. It doesn't mean anything beyond gratitude for their support. Thankfully, I had the foresight to prepare enough.

As I hand out the last one, I feel a thought crossing my mind. Maybe I should visit Xavier at the palace today. I haven't done that before, and given everything that's happened, it feels like a good time. I wonder how he's feeling after all this. Perhaps we could talk, get to know each other better... It wouldn't hurt to make that effort, would it?