5-6

The weeks leading up to the various events passed in a blur, Jahi and I losing ourselves in various heated moments throughout, while also practicing our magic and bladework.

Over these few weeks I had even leveled up, as I was now able to receive large amounts of experience from all those 'heated moments', which when paired with the experience I received from preparing meals, cleaning, and the excursions into the Fovos Forest to slaughter dozens, if not well over a hundred Hobgoblins each time proved to be quite lucrative.

My level now looked like:

[Level 21 (14,731/332,424)]

I kept the stat point for now, deciding to save it for when my stats were unlocked fully, which occurring to the system was just a few weeks, as I grew used to my body and the mana coursing through my veins fully seeped into me.

Currently Jahi and I were on the way to the Vesca Barony, where Fresca was from.

They invited Jahi and Leone to attend the small tea gathering first before asking if they would stay for the hunt that afternoon, which would be in the large birch forest the Vesca Family was proud of.

We would meet Leone there, before Leone and I would wait while Jahi went out on her hunt, since servants couldn't participate.

However, I didn't really care, as there was no challenge or thrill to be had in killing some powerless animal. When I stained my blade I wanted the thing I killed to look up at me, its eyes slowly going dull as its blood drained from its body…

I shivered slightly, wanting to return to Fovos Forest again to satiate myself, however I just sighed when I collapsed further into the comfortable seating of the carriage.

Jahr was asleep across from me, dressed in a simple black suit and pants, with long black boots riding up to her knees.

The bows and arrows would be provided at the Vesca Barony, as they wanted to give everyone a 'fair' chance, however most likely everyone would use their magic to strengthen their blows, or just utilize their blades.

I looked out the carriage window, admiring the rolling hills and light mist that was lit by the early morning sun.

Eventually we reached the Vesca House, our coachman showing the invitation and small emblem of Asmodia to the gate guards before taking us into the courtyard of the house.

Various marble statues lined the paved road, depicting many different species of animals. Besides them, there were a large rose bushes decorating the many pathways winding through the yard.

Taking a breath, I looked over to see Jahi still leaning against the back of the carriage, her lips parted slightly as she took in deep breaths.

Smiling, I leaned forwards and gently shook her shoulders, watching as her eyes fluttered open.

She yawned before leaning forwards, placing a quick kiss on my lips before opening the carriage door.

Stepping out before her, I offered my hand and helped her down, taking my place behind her as we made our way around the large house, towards the back where the tea party would be held in the garden.

A guard led us through the lands, before bowing and leaving.

I followed behind Jahi, my eyes wandering over the three large tables that were already split into groups, with the more powerful families in the center while the weaker heirs sat towards the edge.

A short girl in a long brown dress approached Jahi, her lips pulled into a gentle smile as she curtsied.

"Welcome to the Vesca Barony, Lady Jahi. I am Gia Vesca, and I hope you enjoy the party and hunt later today."

Giving Gia a light bow, Jahi smiled as she said "I am looking forwards to it, Miss Gia."

As Jahi bowed I gave a deep curtsy, before taking my place behind Jahi when she sat at the center table.

Beside her was Draka Klaki, who looked miserable as she had her servant fan her off. Her pale skin was glistening slightly, and she looked towards Jahi with a small smile, before turning to look back at the table. pan(da-n0vel.c)om

She was dressed in a simple white dress, and I watched as she lifted her hand and traced a simple rune, creating a ball of ice that she quickly held against her wrist.

As Draka slowly melted in the humid air, a tall man looked over at Jahi, his face serious as he narrowed his eyes at her.

"Miss Jahi, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Ulysses Gragori, of the Gragori Dukedom."

Looking at Ulysses long blonde hair that was pulled into a ponytail, as well as his piercing blue eyes, I was reminded of the plundering warriors from the north in my old life.

Jahi nodded, smiling as she just said "It is a pleasure, Sir Ulysses."

Beside Ulysses was a thin woman, her eyes narrowed as she glared at Jahi.

"Name's Jillian Sariel."

Smiling towards the thin woman with long brown hair that was decorated with small golden clips, Jahi just nodded.

Jillian was a serious, grave woman, and her brown eyes were like stone as she looked at Jahi with slight irritation. She had sharp features, making her look like a hawk. However, the most defining were her long ears, which were sharped than what the Marquess jokingly called her 'knife ear' wife. Wearing a suit similar to Jahi, I assumed she would participate in the hunt as well, unlike Draka.

Those were the three heirs to the Dukedoms; Draka Klaki, Ulysses Gragori, and Jillian Sariel.

Sitting at the table, Jahi looked around and listened to the various introductions of the families from the Counts and Barons who had attended.

However, none were to important, at least for me, but I still made sure to put name to face so I could potentially track down whoever got to close… ahem, I mean so I could answer them respectfully, as a maid should. Yup.

There was only one seat left, which was at the center of the large table.

As everyone fell into small discussion, sipping on the tea in front of them, i watched as Leone made her appearance, her curvy body covered by a red silk dress.

Her ashen hair was still held up by her golden tiara, and I noticed that she had chosen an open front dress, displaying the crimson ritual circle above her cleavage with pride.

Walking forwards with a confident stride, she nodded to the three heirs of the Dukedoms, both Ulysses and Jillian smiling at her warmly.

However, when she approached Jahi and offered her hand, I saw those smiles fade as slight anger appeared in their eyes.

Taking Leone's hand, Jahi gently placed her lips on the back of it, smiling up at the blushing Leone.

Sitting down, Leone took a sip from her teacup, looking around the tables with a smile.

𝚒𝚗𝔫𝗿𝑒𝙖𝘥.𝒄o𝑚

"Well, I hope I wasn't too late…"

—

So, this was another introductory chapter; all three heirs of the Dukedom were introduced, and the only other major introductory chapter will be during the dancing event, where some important Count and Marquess Families will be introduced.

Those will be the cast of characters (mainly) for the Academy, other than the few commoners and teachers. So, I will be giving each their own motives and all that jazz later on.

Jahi PoV

Sitting beside me was Leone, and it took a large amount of willpower to not stare at her.

That red dress she was wearing hugged her body perfectly, and the open front showed just enough to be enticing while remaining proper.

Leone was, without a doubt, the most gorgeous woman here.

Even Kat fell behind in some aspects, though I imagine that if I could clad my puppy in the finest silks and let her dress up, she would likely rival Leone with relative ease. Sadly though, my delectable maid was wearing a simple dress, and although it did show off some of her curves, I knew that I was likely remembering her sinful body from the dozens of times I held her, and not actually seeing what was in front of me.

Continuing the small talk with the Elven Heir, Jillian Sariel, I shuddered slightly when I found my mind slowly slipping towards the image of both Leone and Kat in my bed…

How soft would that be?

Taking a breath, I sipped on the tea in front of me, clenching my legs to divert the blood from the other 'leg'.

"… which is why I believe the salt mines of the Soride Mountain Range is of vital importance to the Thorin County on our Western Border, and as such we should keep them out of the hands of the Felian Kingdom, even if they are our allies."

Sheesh, I really dislike talking politics and strategy when it concerns a land I could care less about.

"So what has Thorin County done to try and keep Soride Range under its control?"

Looking towards me, the blonde, Ulysses Gragori, spoke in a serious tone.

"They have tried to negotiate for them, mainly offering the hand of their youngest daughter, Sef, as well as fifteen percent of all profits from the salt mines."

I grimaced at that, despising the way some nobility just threw their daughters away for minor gains.

"Was there no other way? A show of force, perhaps?"

Jillian scoffed, her eyes glowing with disapproval as she said "Why, to incite a war with the Felians? All over one girl? Who cares?"

Chuckling, Leone looked over at Jillian, her eyes cold as she said "I would care, if that were my daughter; my sister. Besides that, there would be no war; the Felians wouldn't risk angering the Empress, and especially not Lady Joana D'Arcon, who was one of the people to initially reclaim the land for their people."

Jillian closed her mouth, nodded as she looked away.

Running my gaze over Leone again, I nodded in approval.

𝒾𝓷𝐧ｒ𝔢𝘢𝒅*c𝗼𝑚

The way she thinks and acts is different from most nobles, but that is to be expected; in all honesty, Leone, Anput and I are exceptions to this rule, hell, maybe even Draka as well.

Anput and I could care less for the decorum and practiced way of speaking and acting; we would rather let our actions speak for us. If I can solve something with enough violence, than it wasn't that large of a problem to begin with.

Might makes right, after all.

And I have might, both politically and physically.

As for Leone and Draka, they simply enjoy the freedoms they were given due to their parents.

Draka never had to worry about something like being married off, as her mother would plunge the Empire into a never ending winter before handing her daughter off to some random person. The Duchess may speak using crude words like 'spawn', but she has already destroyed a house for attempting to strong arm her into handing over her daughter.

As for Leone, one of her parents is the founder of the Empire, who also happens to be married to four other strong women besides her own mother. Each of the Empress' wives could lead their own nation, both due to their strengths and acumen, but instead they chose to stay here.

We are among the more… open minded of the nobility.

Mainly because I could care less about anything that doesn't involve me; that's how Anput and Draka feel as well, while Leone has her own sense of morals, mainly revolving around family.

We continued the discussion, Ulysses arguing for the handing away of the girl as it was the most peaceful solution. The needs of the many out weigh the needs of the one, and all that.

Snacking on the small biscuits offered, I waited in boredom for the hunt to start, contemplating if I should just say I need the bathroom and take Kat with me.

Before I could convince myself that was a good idea, Gia stood up again, gently tapping her glass with a spoon to grab everyones attention.

"As it is currently noon, we shall now begin the hunt! All participants should make their way to the flag raised behind me; bows and arrows, as well as a map of the forest will be provided. As for those of us remaining here, more food and drink shall be provided as we wait for our companions to return!"

Smiling at everyone, she placed her glass back on the table, speaking to her maid in a low tone.

Getting up, I was about to make my way to the flag when Leone grabbed my hand, stopping me.

Looking down at her, I tilted my head as I waited for her to speak.

"Ah… Um, I heard the Vesca House offers the nobles waiting some ribbon to make a tassel for their chosen hunters… would you… like me to make you one?"

Seeing the blushing Leone looking up at me with pursed lips, I smiled and lifted her hand again, placing a kiss on her smooth skin, nodding. pan(da-n0vel.c)om

"It would be my honor to be your hunter, Lady Presa-Ash."

Leone smiled up at me, her orange eyes glowing with warmth.

Gently releasing her hand, I made my way to the flag, Jillian and Ulysses beside me.

Both were trying their best to hold back their glares, and I found it rather amusing.

Standing beside a large tent was an old man with a long white beard.

Seeing us approach, he stroked it as he looked around, before nodding when he felt everyone was here.

"While the birch forest in the Vesca Barony is relatively harmless, I shall remind you all to stay aware. Even a normal bear can seriously injury, even kill someone with a strong core."

His grey eyes swept over the crowd, only nodding when he saw everyone paying attention to him.

"Well, you all should be fine; you are the light of our future, after all! Now, the hunt shall work as such."

Picking up a long tube, he showed it to us as he continued.

"When I let you all go, you will venture into the woods, where you will have three hours to hunt to your hearts content. When those three hours are up, I will shoot this flare into the sky, letting you know you need to return. All game you have hunted needs to be carried back by yourself, and when the hunt is over you may dedicate your haul to one of the lords or ladies waiting here."

Leaning forwards, the man chuckled as he whispered "Call it superstition, but I believe in it wholeheartedly. If you offer the largest haul to someone, they are likely to return your affections! Haha, I offered three deer and five rabbits to my wife, and she used to despise me before I did this hunt!"

I chuckled at the old mans story, and many other nobles did as well.

However, I saw that Jillian and Ulysses were serious, and I just. sighed internally.

Did I seriously need to go all out just to squash these two idiots hopes of having Leone?

Fine, fine, I will.

"Now, these are the bows you are to use; these are the arrows. Everyone will be given two dozen arrows, as well as a map. After you have gotten your weapons and map, return to the area in front of the tables to receive the tassels being made."

Nodding, we all looked at the large amount of arrows in the tent, as well as the bows and maps.

Getting into a line, we all received our equipment before going back.

Yet again Jillian and Ulysses were beside me, and when I approached Leone I coulda lost feel them trying to stand as straight as they could, hoping to impress her.

Shrugging, I looked towards Leone working hard on her tassel, Kat standing behind her as she pointed and whispered to Leone.

Smiling, I watched them, feeling happy when I knew they were making something for me.

Minutes passed, and I watched as Leone got up, a tassel in her hand.

Approaching me, she offered the tassel to me, her hands shaking slightly as she blushed, looking towards the ground.

Taking it, I attached it to one end of the bow, looking at the red and amber ribbons twined perfectly together around a deep blue ribbon.

Raising a brow, I saw Kat holding back a smile, her eyes shining as she looked at me.

The meaning wasn't lost on me, and I grinned as I looked between them.

Bowing, I said "I will bring back the most beautiful deer for the most beautiful woman here~"

Looking up, I smirked when Leone went crimson, and I saw Kat's lips were slightly upturned, her shoulders shaking slightly as she held back a laugh.

Leone just nodded, quickly turning away and leading Kat back to the table.

Turning my gaze to Jillian and Ulysses, I saw their fake smiles as they received a few tassels from some of the lower ranking nobles, their eyes hard as they looked up towards me.

Giving them a good look at Leone's tassel, I made my way to the forests edge, waiting for the hunt to begin.

—

So, if it seemed all over the place in the middle, that's cause I had to step away from the computer for a few hours, so my train of thought was completely and utterly derailed.

Anyways, I got my printer fixed… and realized that the ink I had is not enough for the contract… I'm getting some tomorrow, but I don't know how long the application and review of my contract takes, so…