Hunting

 

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

 

Paul woke up early today. After finishing breakfast, instead of diving into the office like usual, he put on a sharp hunting outfit with the help of the old butler Philip. Today, he was going hunting.

 

This wasn't just a whim; he had received an invitation—an invitation from the family knight, Ferguson.

 

After Paul eliminated the pirates, Ferguson and several other knights returned to their hometown to farm and did not stay in the newly formed army. During the subsequent battles, Paul managed to handle the crises with the army he had, so he didn't call them back to serve.

 

After all, they had all been loyal to the Grayman family for generations, and Paul didn't want to neglect them. They occasionally exchanged letters and gifts.

 

In fact, Ferguson had invited his liege to his estate multiple times, and Paul had promised to visit him, but he had always been too busy. Last month, Ferguson invited him again for a large-scale hunt, and Paul felt he should accept this invitation; otherwise, he would lose face.

 

After tidying himself up in front of the mirror, Paul looked at his reflection with curiosity.

 

"Speaking of which, this is my first time going hunting!"

 

He said to the old butler beside him, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

 

"Oh, that's not true; in fact, you went hunting with your father when you were a child. Perhaps it's been so long that you don't remember," Philip replied.

 

"Really?"

 

Paul found it hard to believe. Coming from the twenty-first century in Earth's China, the term "hunting" felt quite unfamiliar to him. Aside from a few despicable poachers, there were virtually no official hunters left in his country.

 

"Will we encounter any fierce beasts while hunting?"

 

Paul asked with some concern. The world he was in was not like the overdeveloped environment of his previous life. He remembered a few years ago when he returned to Alden Town after publicly trialing the pirates in Frand Port; he had encountered a beast called the black-spotted tiger in the roadside forest, where he also met advisor Betty D'Arshi and her female guard.

 

"Haha, you can rest assured,"

 

Philip chuckled, adjusting Paul's collar. "During the hunt, the attendants will encircle a whole area, gradually shrinking the encirclement to drive the beasts into a small space, and then you can shoot at the animals inside with your bows and crossbows. It's also known as a driven hunt. The process is grand, with people everywhere, and the beasts will only have the option to flee."

 

"Nobles and knights often hold such hunting events, similar to martial contests, to train their military skills."

 

Paul took a deep breath, looking at his reflection in the mirror. "Alright! Let me witness the excitement of it all."

 

He turned and walked out to the changing room.

 

Chief of Staff Schroder was waiting outside. When he saw Paul come out, he saluted him.

 

Paul greeted him, "Schroder, I'm about to leave. It'll probably take a week to return, so if there's anything, hurry up and say it."

 

"There are indeed two procedural matters I need to bother you with, Lord Grayman,"

 

Schroder replied, taking out two documents.

 

"One is the routine training plan for the garrison in Alden Town, and the other is the training plan for the Alden Town militia. Both require your signature."

 

Paul took the documents, glanced through them, and then placed them on a small table against the wall. Philip promptly brought him a pen and ink.

 

He picked up the pen and signed both documents. "I'll leave everything here to you, Schroder. Ah… by the way, the troops have gone to Emden for training, but someone has to stay behind, right? Who will be responsible for this militia training? Haha, it won't be our esteemed Chief of Staff Schroder taking on the responsibility personally, right?"

 

Schroder answered, "It will be Lieutenant Beluga, the training department head."

 

Paul turned to look at him. "Lieutenant Beluga? Oh, I remember him. He's a very capable officer. I personally awarded him his certificate and commendation after he graduated from the academy. By the way, I also personally conferred his rank."

 

"Yes, Lieutenant Beluga is one of our best."

 

Schroder agreed wholeheartedly with Paul. "He is always full of enthusiasm, proactive, and never shirks responsibility. Training the militia is a tough job; everyone would rather go with the main force to Emden for training, but it was Lieutenant Beluga who volunteered to stay behind to take charge of this matter."

 

"Then pay more attention to him; he might be of great use in the future."

 

"Your orders will be followed, Lord Grayman."

 

After finishing the matters, Schroder took his leave and returned to the staff office.

 

"Lord Victor and Lady Setia are already waiting for you in the courtyard."

 

As soon as the chief of staff left, a servant reported to Paul.

 

These two were there to meet him, and they would go to Ferguson's estate together.

 

Victor, needless to say, was Paul's captain of the guard, and he would lead fifty guards to ensure the lord's safety this time. Lady Setia had heard that Paul was going hunting and had actively requested to accompany him, which surprised Paul. Would a girl really be interested in hunting? Oh right, she used to be an adventurer!

 

Of course, having a beautiful woman by his side was quite impressive, especially in front of a group of other gentlemen, so Paul wouldn't refuse Setia's request.

 

Victor was dressed in a breastplate, with two pistols strapped to his waist and a one-handed sword, looking fully armed and imposing.

 

Setia wore a well-fitting hunting outfit, perfectly blending feminine charm with the boldness of the hunting attire, making Paul stare in awe.

 

"Let's get going, both of you."

 

Paul mounted his steed, taking the reins from a servant.

 

"Yes, Lord Grayman,"

 

the two replied, each mounting their assigned horses.

 

The horses' hooves clattered on the flagstones of the lord's estate courtyard.

 

They arrived outside the castle, where fifty guards, all armed like Ferguson, surrounded them as they marched together. These guards had a single pistol strapped to their waists and carried two shorter rifles designed for mounted shooting.

 

Ever since that encounter with the wizard's ambush, Paul had attached great importance to the firepower configuration of his guards. Hmph! If he ever encountered another foolish wizard, no matter how powerful their magic was, he would turn them into a sieve at first sight.

 

"What weapons have you prepared for yourself?"

 

Paul asked Victor and Setia as they ran along the main street running north and south through Alden Town.

 

"I'm using a bow and arrow, my lord," Victor pointed to a bow strapped to his mount.

 

Setia silently lifted a light crossbow, the weapon she had used during her time as an adventurer.

 

(End of the Chapter)

 

---

Read (FF) ahead on (pa treon . com / CinderTL) – Chapter 768. {We've Caught UP!!!}

Early access starts at $5. Your support keeps this going!

Subscribe & Read Nightmare Strikes FREE!! ;)

Translated 4 Series, 1.65K+ Chapters and 2.01M+ Words.