“My! What a handsome child.”

A few nobles had gathered within the Rayleigh tent. Earls, counts, people from all across the social spectrum were there. They all made an attempt at flattery. Compliments flooded Francis’ ears.

“Greetings, duke. It’s been quite a while since you’ve attended an event as large as this. How have you been my grace?” a noble asked.

“Earl Rie. I’ve been well. Actually, we’re here because Francis here,” Charles patted his son’s head, “Was interested in attending.”

“Ah yes!” Francis sputtered out.

He got the message once the headpatting started. It was a convenient excuse. Afterall, if he came out and said that it was for his son to debut, it wouldn’t paint a good picture. But if his son wanted to attend? Then the cold Charles Rayleigh would look like a caring father to external onlookers.

“Greetings to you, lord Francis. The Hunters Festival... If I had known that such a handsome and pretty young man was coming, I would’ve brought my granddaughter along. She’s a very pretty young girl, right about your age! Then you two could have mingled, haha!” the earl said.

His head displayed an absence of hair. And what hair he did have on his face was as white as chalk, and wrinkles were stretched all over his face. He wore a similar outfit to the other hunters. A tunic decorated with his family’s crest, and he carried around a sword of medium size. If it were any heavier, he might’ve broken his arms trying to lift it. But even then, Francis doubted in his own abilities to be able to wield it. After all, even if an elderly man was able to use it right, that didn’t mean that Francis could have done the same.

“Your granddaughter, while I’m sure she’s just as nice as you describe her to be, this wouldn’t be the correct time and place. But I look forward to meeting her formally. Earl, send a letter, perhaps?” said Francis.

“Ahaha! I suppose your words are true, lord Francis. I’ll ask her to send a letter to you soon. So wise, and yet so young.”

The earl chuckled. He bowed, and left the tent. Other nobles flooded in. Much like an artefact on display, everyone complimented the mixed blood.

“My! You’re so elegant even when drinking tea!”

“His eyes are beautiful, just like jewels!”

“He’s just as bright as the sun.”

“Even in a dress, he looks so good!”

“Such a handsome and beautiful son must take after his parents.”

Flattery from nobles was worthless. In the first place, due to his family circumstances, he was already higher than any of their children. Secondly, he was an Arcleus. Why would he have any interest in marrying someone other than the crown princess? Excluding the question of love, marrying into the imperial family would be the best political move.

“Most sought after groom, huh?” he said to himself after they left.

Charles chuckled. He patted his son on the head once more, and sighed. The tent entrance was closed, and lamps lit the interior of the tent. The family was positioned all around, and Katalina did her duty as a guard.

“You need to remember. You’re a Rayleigh,” his father said.

“I know. That’s why I’m keeping our prestige and honour in mind when I talk to them.”

“That’s not what I mean, dear. You’re a Rayleigh. No matter what you do, you don’t need to care about them.”

Trumpets blared from outside. In a loud major chord, the performers played in harmony. It was a grand entrance for whoever the instruments were for. However, there was only one group of people it could be for.

“The emperor’s here,” said Francis.

“Yes.”

“His imperial majesty the emperor has arrived!” someone announced.

Francis walked out of the tent, behind the other family members. They stood by the side, and a large path was cleared by knights in armour. On the red carpet of the green grass, five people walked. The first two looked aged, with dignified features. Grey hair, wrinkly skin, and wore a royal mantle atop their shoulders. Behind them, a tall girl walked. Long blonde hair, and a tiara tucked within. The last two were in a similar fashion. A girl, and a man. They looked to be about the same height, though they were not wearing anything similar to a tiara or crown. Most likely, the two in front were the emperor and empress. The one in the middle, the crown princess. And the last two were probably the prince and princess. Indeed, there was a resemblance between all of them. Similar features that stayed within the gene pool.

“Welcome to the Hunters Festival,” someone whispered to him.

He looked around, but found no source. Every other person paid attention to the emperor. Their heads bowed at an angle, and resembled a criminal organisation more than a royal procession.

Charles Rayleigh and his family did not bow their heads. Rather, they looked at the imperial family dead on. Francis looked at the procession with mild interest in his eyes, though his sight was met by the crown princess. They stopped at the end of the carpet and walked around.

“It’s been a long time since we last met, duke,” the emperor said.

“Yes, your majesty. It has been a long time.”

“It’s rather unusual for you to participate in a social event as large as this. Who is this young man?”

“This is my son, Francis Rayleigh.”

Francis imitated what he saw. Picking up the edges of his dress, he pulled on it slightly and bowed in an elegant fashion.

“Greetings, your majesty. I am the youngest son of the Rayleigh family, Francis Rayleigh.”

“What an elegant and nice child. You may raise your head.”

Once he lifted his head, the emperor took a closer look at his face. Of course, he knew that Francis was of mixed blood. He was involved in the Arcleus selection process, after all. But it was the first time they met in person. The crown princess took a long look at Francis, as though evaluating his worth. When he met her gaze, she raised her eyebrows in a calm and curious fashion.

“You are participating in the hunt, yes? Do you want to join up with me?” the emperor asked.

“And what is there to talk about? I would much rather go with the others.”

“Haha, same as always huh? Well, see you later then.”

The emperor turned his attention towards the crowd. Elise, Estelle, Katalina, and his father all went to line up. Assembled in a grid-like formation, the hunters knelt down in front of those not participating. Charles was in front of Marianne and Francis, with the others behind him.

“Well then, please give them out,” the emperor said.

The duchess moved behind, and didn’t select one. It seemed like she left it to Francis. He fumbled around with the small box within his hand, and popped it open.

“To Charles Rayleigh.”

Francis handed the small ribbon to his father. With gold against black, the family crest was sewn in. Charles accepted it with pleasure, and tied it around the handle of his sword.

“And to Estelle Rayleigh.”

“And for Elise Rayleigh.”

The two sisters received identical pairs of earrings. Silver in colour, and small enough to not get in the way. As well as light, so as to not put a burden on them. They accepted it, and wore it as they stood up.

“Lastly, Katalina Astiel.”

He presented the iron wire ring. Lightweight, not that cheap, and not super ugly either. She slid it on her left hand’s ring finger, and stood up.

“Bring me, no, bring the Rayleigh family victory,” he said to his hunters.

Meanwhile, everyone else was distributing their own items. Once the selection process was done, the emperor cleared his throat.

“Well then, may the hunt begin!”

The hunters left the gathering. Heading out into the forest, swords and spears and bows in hand. Within minutes, they were all gone. The only ones left in the clearing of tents were the emperor, empress, crown princess, and several other noblewomen. Several knights patrolled the area. Meanwhile, other guards protected the imperial family and the nobles.

The emperor sat at a table, and watched the scene. The empress was nowhere near him, and seemed to interact with the other nobles. Francis returned back into the tent, where Marianne was.

“Do you think your chosen will be able to win?” she asked.

“Of course. If nothing else, we will be able to put on a good show.”

“Hm. You seem confident.”

“I am. Do you have no faith in your children and husband?”

“Ahem.”

Someone was peeking into the tent. Poking her head inside, the eyes of the crown princess looked around.

“Yes, how may I be of service, your highness?” Francis asked.

“Perhaps we could talk? In a private area, of course.”

“Very well. I’ll take my leave then. Feel free to come in.”

Marianne stood up and left. The crown princess took her place, and sat in her chair. She gestured for Francis to sit too. Her long blonde hair, blue irises, and fair skin made her a desirable bride. If he ignored social standing, she would be considered pretty.

“What do you think about the Hunters Festival so far?” she asked, sipping from a cup of tea.

“What can I say? It's been lovely, your highness.”

“Is that so? You can drop the formalities when it's with me, Arc~ Le~ Us.”

“I’m afraid that’s not proper.”

“Well, whatever suits you. Now, do you have any idea who the other two candidates are?”

“For marrying you, your highness?”

“You could put it that way, yes. The other two Arcleuses. Any guesses?”

“No, unfortunately not.”

“Hmm~ Then, here’s some clues. First, they are male. Second, they’re here at the festival.”

“I did figure out that much. They are sons of noblemen, which means that they’re male. And, the only men here are the emperor and I.”

“Not bad. But I look forward to seeing you in the palace, mixed blood.”

“I do too, your highness.”

“By the way, you look surprisingly good in a dress.”

“Thank you for the compliment. But your highness, is it fair for you to interact with an Arcleus more than the others?”

“Oh, don’t worry about fairness. Once the competition starts, those that oppose you marrying me will do everything in their power to tip the scales.”

“Fighting fire with fire, then. I take this action as you showing your support?”

“Take it however you will.”

The crown princess stood up. Her long dress trailed behind as she walked around, inspecting the items strewn here and there. At that distance, Francis’ eyes drifted. From her face, to her long blonde hair, to the flowy dress, and back to her fingers.

“And what are you looking at?” she asked.

“Just admiring your beauty, your highness.”

“Flattery doesn’t get you very far. That’s a fake.”

“I’m glad that someone else agrees. Empty flattery is worthless.”

Her eyes met his. Those piercing blue irises, and his pink eyes. She had a fairly attractive face, with long eyelashes and a symmetrical face.

He stood up and walked with her. His dress hovered above the ground. The high heels on his feet wobbled as he tried to walk.

“Can you walk like that?”

“Not well.”

Francis stumbled as he took a step. Using the shoes was harder than he thought.

“You should be careful. Need my help?”

“Could you?”

She grabbed onto his arm and he held onto her for support. They moved together, somewhat in sync. He didn’t really know why she wanted to move around, but obliged. A person of lower rank could not sit, while someone of a higher stance was standing.

“I want you to know that I’m watching,” the crown princess said.

He turned around to face her. His pupils were steady, and the look he had was maintained. She grabbed onto his chin with her right hand, the dress draping down.

“When I take a look at you, you’re rather cute,” she said.

“Than you, your highness.”

“Oh please. Just call me Haein. Pronounced similar to rain.”

Francis chuckled. Despite being a princess, she wanted to be called by name. It wasn’t foreign to him. Being called ‘my lord’ by Katalina tired him out.

He touched her hand with his own fingers. Her skin was warm and smooth. Accompanying her, he went along with her moves, unresisting. Even if he wanted to resist, what could he do? That was the sad reality of the world. The rich and powerful often got away with crimes. Although, he wasn’t exactly in a position to speak out on it. Being a Rayleigh, he enjoyed similar privileges.

“Nice to meet you, Ms Haein.”

“And to you as well, Mr Francis.”

The atmosphere lacked tension after that. Her smile was bright, and the ends of her lips curled up as she laughed. Rather than two nobles conversing, playing that delicate game of politics, perhaps it was more of a meeting with friends. That was something that Francis was jealous of. A farmer didn’t need to worry about every single word he said. A farmer didn’t need to doubt his close friends, or search for spies within the servants.

“Haha. I feel like I can relax around you,” he said.

“It’s because we’re both fakers, isn’t it?”

“Hm? What’re you talking about?”

“Well, we’re both hiding something... Aren’t you?”

“I guess so.”

“Oh right. Here.”

She fished something out from the bosom of her dress. It was a small hexagonal shaped item, fitting within her palm. With a golden frame about a centimetre in thickness by length, it looked like a mirror.

“What’s that?” he asked.

Haein tapped on the glass pane within the centre of the frame. It lit up slightly. She passed it to him.

“It's a magical communication device. With this, we can both contact each other easily. Just touch the glass and say my name. Haein Yuin Han. And if I touch it and say Francis Rayleigh, it’ll reach you.”

“I see. Then I hope we can continue this relationship.”

“Yes, same here. I shall take my leave then.”

She waved goodbye. Walking out, she stepped out of the tent, but looked back at him. Without opening her mouth, she spoke to him.

“You should be careful. Just follow my lead,” that voice whispered.

“Hmp. So that’s how it is, then,” he said to himself.