Maximus had been racking up points steadily, moving farther ahead of the other hunters. The officials stationed around the hunting grounds began gathering the animals already taken by the noblemen—some returning from their hunts exhausted, others still pressed forward by greed and ambition.
Alexis, confident in his usual victory, smirked as he surveyed the course. Every year, he ensured a few "helpful" obstacles were planted to secure his win, and this year was no different.
Maximus, meanwhile, made his way near Lake Vansia, scanning the forest with caution. Suddenly, a rustling sound from behind froze him in place. He turned sharply—and his eyes widened. A leopard, sleek and silent, emerged from the shadows, its golden eyes fixed on him.
A leopard? Maximus thought, heart pounding. This is the imperial hunting arena… how can such a dangerous animal appear here unless the barriers have been breached?
He quickly assessed his options, hands gripping his bow tightly. One wrong move, and the encounter could cost him not just points, but his life.
The forest seemed to hold its breath as predator and hunter sized each other up, each aware that this was no ordinary prey.
Maximus had no sword, which made the situation even more precarious. With only three arrows at his disposal and no backup, he took a deep breath as the leopard charged. He aimed at its leg and fired, slowing the beast's pace. The leopard tried to dodge, but in vain. Maximus moved to the left, coming to a halt as he nocked another arrow, readying himself. The leopard approached more cautiously now, its speed diminished. Just then he took the arrow into his hand and stabbed it—getting scratched by it's big nails.
As Lucia and Lucas returned, Serena felt a wave of calm wash over her heart.
"Mother, look! We caught a lot of them," Lucia said brightly. Lucas nodded in agreement beside her.
One by one, the other hunters also began returning, yet there was still no sign of the Second Prince.
The nobles started whispering among themselves.
"What happened to the Second Prince?"
"Why isn't he coming back?"
"Even the Crown Prince has returned. Is he trying to win by hunting more preys? But the time limit will end soon…"
Serena glanced around quietly. She didn't know much about the prince, but the rivalry between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince was something everyone knew of.
Though the Emperor had named his firstborn as Crown Prince, there was no imperial law preventing the other princes from claiming the throne. Outwardly, the Second Prince always appeared disinterested in succession, yet everyone knew the struggle ran beneath the surface. Still, with most nobles firmly supporting the Crown Prince, it seemed impossible for the Second Prince to succeed.
Serena was lost in thought when the sudden rise of chatter pulled her back to reality. She moved closer to the gathering crowd and froze—the Second Prince was walking toward the Emperor, his body drenched in blood.
"Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady despite his appearance, "I hunted and brought down the leopard."
The Emperor's expression faltered, fear flickering in his eyes though he tried to hide it.
"A leopard?" The nobles gasped, whispering among themselves.
"How could such a dangerous beast be inside the imperial hunting grounds?"
"This is impossible…"
"Nonsense!" the Emperor barked, though his voice was tense. "How can there be a leopard here?"
He immediately summoned the knights who had been guarding the hunting arena. The two men knelt before him, their heads lowered.
"We apologize, Your Majesty. The barriers around the grounds… they have been breached."
The Emperor not wanting to make the matter big—dismissed them with a wave, then declared the Second Prince the victor of the competition.
On the contrary, the Crown Prince's face was dark with fury as he turned away, leaving in silence.
Yet, no matter what excuses were given, Serena's unease only grew. She knew well—a leopard could not simply wander into a controlled hunting ground. The forest was designed for competition, and leopards were both rare and dangerous. Such a beast appearing here could not be mere coincidence.