The day of the tournament arrived, and everything was bustling with activity. I had to sort out the White Knights, as they were directly under my command. I wouldn't have any personal escorts today.
The hunting tournament is held once every five years. It's an important event for the knights to sharpen their skills and boost their training. Anyone can attend, regardless of gender. The winner is chosen based on their success in hunting animals, and the king grants them one wish. Women typically gather for tea around the resting area, gossiping about the latest news, so Mom had to be there. Liam and Noyal were still at the academy, so I decided to join the competition myself. It would be my first time participating.
As expected, the Saintess and a few priests were in attendance. The Saintess was mostly covered, as were some women who were eager to learn more about her divine powers.
But I didn't have the time to dwell on that. There were other things to focus on.
The competition began.
I was dressed in my black, fitted uniform, the fabric hugging my curvy figure. My hair was tied back in a tight bun to keep it out of my face, focusing my attention entirely on the hunt. The bow and arrows were strapped to my back, a sword rested at my hip, and my rose dagger was secured —every weapon carefully in place for swift action.
Women stood nearby, handing their handkerchiefs to their partners, offering prayers for their safety. It was a beautiful sight to witness. Then, I noticed someone. Brown hair, blue eyes, tall, and fit—he certainly attracted attention. It seemed like he was being offered handkerchiefs from every direction, but he was rejecting them all. "What a shame," I thought.
"That's young Count William," my personal maid, Lilly, said, noticing my gaze. It looked like I'd been staring for too long. "He recently joined the Black Knights," she continued.
His gaze met mine briefly, but I quickly looked away. I didn't need distractions.
I climbed into my horse and set off toward the western side of the forest. The forest's canopy was dense, the light filtering in through patches of green. I moved swiftly, tracking the signs of the hunt. The thrill of it was undeniable. My training, years of perfecting my archery and swordplay, was paying off. I moved quietly, marking my hunted animals.
But then, a cry shattered the silence. My instincts kicked in. I spurred my horse forward, the sound of a child's distress echoing through the trees. I followed the sound and came upon a girl standing frozen in front of a massive bear. She didn't belong here. The resting area was far from where she stood, her back to the dangerous creature that loomed closer. Questions filled my mind, but there was no time for them. I had to act.
The bear let out a low growl, its beady eyes locking onto the girl. I couldn't let it get any closer.
Without thinking, I knocked another arrow and shot it straight toward the bear. The arrow found its mark, grazing its shoulder. The bear roared in frustration and turned its attention to me. I didn't hesitate. I urged my horse into motion, pulling away from the girl.
I had a whistle in case of emergencies, and I blew it loud, hoping help would arrive quickly. But until then, I had to buy time.
The blade felt heavy but steady in my hands as I squared off with the bear, my heart pounding in my chest. The beast was enormous, its claws sharp enough to rip through Armor. It swiped at me with terrifying speed, but I ducked, narrowly avoiding its strike. The smell of its fur and musk filled the air as I danced around it, waiting for an opening.
The bear lunged again, and this time I wasn't quick enough to avoid it entirely. It swiped at my hand, the claws raking across my skin, sending a sting of pain through my arm. The scratch only fuelled my anger. I gritted my teeth, my eyes narrowing in focus. "You're not getting away that easily."
I circled the bear, darting in and out of its reach. I slashed at its legs, aiming for the vulnerable joints. Each strike left deep gashes in its hide, but the beast was relentless. It growled in rage, swinging its claws in wild arcs. I dodged, my feet light and swift beneath me, my body moving with trained precision.
Finally, I saw the opening I needed. As the bear reared up on its hind legs to strike again, I lunged forward, driving my sword up into its underbelly. It let out a guttural roar as I twisted the blade, sinking it deep. The bear's eyes went wild with pain before it finally crumpled to the ground, its massive body falling with a heavy thud.
Breathing heavily, I stepped back, wiping the sweat from my brow. The battle had been fierce, but I had won. The bear lay still before me, its life extinguished.
I took a moment to steady my breathing, looking for the girl who had been caught in the danger.
But I couldn't find her. Where had she gone? My mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. By the time help arrived, I was already standing over the lifeless bear.
"You're too late," I said, frustration creeping into my voice.
My mind was still reeling, unable to wrap around what had just happened. I rode back to my mother, trying to push away the lingering confusion.
"Was there a little girl missing today?" I asked as I approached her.
"No, everything's fine," she replied, giving me a concerned look. "What's the matter?"
"I... I saw a girl in the forest, but when I went back, she was gone," I explained, my words stumbling.
Mom studied me for a moment, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Okay, I'll look into it."
I couldn't shake the image of the girl, standing in front of that bear, vanishing without a trace. I glanced over at the Saintess, who was standing off to the side, her eyes fixed on me. There was something unsettling in her gaze, but I didn't have time to think about it.
"Did you get hurt?" Mom asked, her voice gentle but sharp with concern.
"I almost got killed by a bear," I replied, my tone dry, "but I took it down."
Mom nodded, relieved but still worried, and gently led me to the tent where I was treated and wrapped in bandages. The day seemed to slip away from me. People were gathering to show off their achievements, boasting about their kills.
I overheard whispers as I sat there, exhausted but alert. "Looks like young Count William got more kills than anyone," they murmured. I glanced up at the sound of his name, and my eyes briefly met my father's. I gave him a small, reassuring smile, though there was a tension in the air that didn't quite leave me.
The White Knights were dragging the bear I'd slain toward the center. Everyone's attention turned to the beast, whispers echoing around the camp.
I stood up, straightening my back. "Your Majesty" I said, bowing my head respectfully.
I could see the pride in my father's eyes as he nodded in acknowledgment. My heart swelled with a sense of accomplishment, even though a part of me still couldn't shake the unease about the girl.
"I don't think I need to tell anyone who the winner of today's event is," my father announced, his voice booming through the gathering. All eyes turned to me. "Princess Elisha, what is your wish?"
The weight of the moment settled over me. Every eye in the room was on me. What would I ask for?