Sein Hiraeth

Chapter 4: Miracle Season Hunt II

Rei's POV

"Did Sir Richard give you something?"

"He looked like he had given you something," he added.

"Are you suspicious of me, dear?" I asked, teasing Archer.

"N--no, I was just asking."

"He handed me this sword for protection. The red forest is a dangerous place after all." I said as I lifted it up, showing him the familiar emblem of the guild. So now I have two swords with me, one is the one I used during the previous assassination, and the other one is from Sir Richard. He claims that this sword will assist me in avoiding an attack dog, which is what he refers to as a bully. The sword has the emblem of his wife's guild, so if anyone tries to steal or attack me, they'll hesitate.

Archer only nodded in agreement and continued walking through the crowd. When we arrived outside the borders, the knights blocked us and quickly asked for a badge. I took it out of my pocket and gave it to them, and just like Archer said, they'd let us in easily.

Indeed, this is a world of female supremacy. Men are responsible for children and preparing items for their wives that they require for hunting. While women are in charge of hard labor, such as being knights, mercenaries, and so on. I feel like an extra in a movie, and it is definitely in the Victorian era. Although both men and women here wear trousers and long skirts, it seems that they don't have any issues with how a person dresses, unlike in my world, where people will judge you about how you dress.

"Mother, look! Those carriages are beautiful," Felipe said as he pointed to the carriages of nobles that went in the opposite direction and were all assisted by their own knights.

Gold and silver shimmering designs with their respective family emblems can be seen in those carriages. I can see the stark distinctions between commoners and nobles. This is how poor and inferior the citizens are compared to the aristocrats. Commoners will walk barefoot while nobles will ride on wheels.

Commoners were guided by the female knights, and to be honest, we look like slaves being forced to march. Meanwhile, the nobles were being treated with the utmost care and respect.

As soon as we arrived at the Red Forest, a cold, gloomy feeling enveloped us. I felt a pulse of excitement. The intimidating aura this forest is giving off is overwhelming my entire system. It's as if something inside wanted to get out. I can't help but get mesmerized by the gigantic trees and a few ravens hanging and flying around.

In the middle of the crowd, a man got up on the podium. All of our attention quickly went to him, a noble person fully dressed in gold and gems while carrying his sword. How extravagant, while we look like 18th-century peasants.

"Welcome, citizens of the Holy Knight Empire, I am Duke Carlisle Wilchard of Achilles. I am here to commence the opening of the Red Forest Hunt competition. Our glory and almighty Empress have blessed us to commence this event with the help of her royal consort, Emperor Atlanta."

He seemed very familiar. I remember him. He is Duke Carlisle of Achilles, the right-handman and the most trusted friend and servant of the Emperor. He is the villain's father and will soon be executed along with the Emperor. Unlike the other nobles who were already in the Creek Forest showing off their power and wealth, he still willingly followed the Emperor's order to do this task that their servants or knights could do. This is something that could affect his reputation as a Duke. Nevertheless, he did it on his own accord.

After his opening remarks, a big-built female knight walked up the stage and quickly blew the horn so loud that the ravens were surprised. They're all scattered up in the sky and I couldn't help but feel an ominous. The crowd yelled in excitement and cheered the Empress for her graciousness. It looks like the hunting competition is about to start. According to Sir Richard, this isn't only a hunting competition. There will be racing, strength competitions, and more. This is also an opportunity to attract possible nobles, merchants, and especially the guild, which is looking for potential skilled warriors.

Apparently, I'm not here to attract any of them. I am here to explore and look for the Blessed Knights. There is a possibility that the Emperor will join this competition in disguise, since he is looking for more potential swordmasters. I decided to sneak into the Creek forest and watch how the nobles hunt after exploring this Red forest. This hunting event will last for five days, so I still have more time to explore and find them.

"Dear, let's sit over there." Archer said. I only nodded in response and quickly carried Felix as it was starting to be crowded. The twins were silently fascinated by the large crowd of people in armor and how festive the place looked. Indeed, between the border and the Red Forest is a long street of crowds, food, and game stalls. It is truly fascinating to witness this fantasy world inside a novel. Magic, a group of knights and mercenaries, this is way out of the world I was before.

"Holy sh*t, what is that creature!?" I blurted out and unconsciously lowered my body. I couldn't help but be shocked at the large, dragon-like creature that was just casually walking past us.

"Why are you so surprised, mother? It's the Aragorn beast, and I'm sure you've seen it before," Felix said as he tightened his grip on my shoulder. I totally forgot that I was carrying him.

"I'm sorry, I was really just surprised."

I mean, the Hiraeth you knew must have seen it, but for me, I haven't seen any creature that looks like it came from the Jurassic Period that close. I think my soul just went out for a second. More beasts were seen as we walked through the crowd. Different beasts are owned by merchants, guilds, and high-ranking knights. Beasts that were all mostly based on mythical creatures I am familiar with and some are totally new and unfamiliar to me.

The four of us decided to sit beside a food stall. Bells, flowers, decorations, people selling foods, weapons, and other interesting stuff, hunters who are preparing for the hunting competitions, and beasts that are just casually blending in with people—it looks very festive in here, and people are very lively.

"I didn't expect it to be so crowded. Many outsiders that came all the way from their respective empires have come to join us for the miracle season hunt." Archer said.

"You're right. By the way, Felix mentioned the Aragorn beast. Can you tell me about it?" I curiously asked.

"Well, the beast obviously came from the Aragorn Empire, and it is called Kaida. Kaidas are Aragorn's smaller version of a dragon and the ideal beast for racing competitions. They're fast and competitive kinds of dragons, so the beast we just saw might be one of the players in the racing competition." Archer said.

"Wow, you seem to be very knowledgeable about it."

"Yes, it is because I am originally from the Aragorn Empire."

"What!? Really?"

"Yes, have you forgotten already?"

"Huh? No, I mean, yeah, I think I have forgotten the fact that you're not from this empire."

I remembered most of Hiraeth's memories, but not all of them, particularly those that were unimportant to Hiraeth.

Archer sits Felipe down and searches through the bag. He took out a pouch and said, "We haven't eaten a proper breakfast, so shall we buy and eat some delicious food in here?"

The two excitedly agreed, so we all quickly went to the food stalls and bought some food. And Archer was right—the food here is delicious. It's like eating different dishes from different countries. The four of us hopped from one stall to another, until we got satisfied with all the delicious food there.

"I haven't eaten that much food in a while. I especially love the roasted meat. How 'bout you, Felipe?" Felix asked, wiping Felipe's mouth that was covered with powder.

"Well, I like the sweets here."

"Really? Then, I'll buy you some more sweets in the future."

I can't help but smile melancholy. It reminds me of my childhood memories and how I greatly cared for my little brother back then. These two may be twins, but one acts as a big brother and the other acts as the youngest. I walked directly to them and patted their heads gently.

"How about we go and buy some toys? Since you were both very behaved and obedient."

Turning my head to Archer, I asked, "Do we still have any money, dear? Can we buy them some toys or maybe play some games here?"

"About that, dear. We have run out of bronzes already." He said flatly.

"Oh."

We must have been spending our money all on food without realizing it. I chuckled as I reached for the pouch that he was holding. I guess as the woman in the family, I must find a way to earn quick money. This is also a chance for me to excuse myself and sneak into the hunting grounds without them knowing.

"Don't worry, I'll find a way to earn money here. So, you can go ahead and explore more while I look for a quick job here," I said, and let my eyes wander around our surroundings.

"Ah no! Let me do it, dear."

"Mother, it's fine. We can just buy a toy next time."

"Relax. It'll be fine. Besides, it won't take long and this is my reward for the twins. I also wanna buy something for my dear husband." I smiled brightly. His face flushed as he quickly grabbed the twins' hands.

"Just--just don't take too long and come back." Archer said, avoiding my eyes to him. I lowered my body down, facing the twins.

"Behave yourselves and stick to your father to avoid getting separated. If something bad happens, quickly ask the knights for help. Father will be back later, alright?"

Third Person's POV

Hiraeth quickly went to find the guild as instructed by Sir Richard. Holding the badge of the guild, he sighted a pavilion tent with the guild's emblem hanging at the top. It was filled with women preparing their armor and their own beasts. She walked straight to the entrance of the tent, but a large woman in her body armor suddenly blocked her way. The woman flushed with a silencing glare and was slowly drawing out a sword behind her. Hraeth was surprised that she backed off a little.

"Calm down, Mica. And you, where do you think you're going, kid?"

She heard a woman's voice chime out behind her. Hiraeth turned to see a red-haired woman approaching. She looked strong but attractive, and she looked to be about thirty. Despite wearing a dress, the woman radiates confidence and authority like a knight. She, like the woman behind her, is also a large, well-built woman.

"I was told to find Madam Rowena, Sir Richard's older sister. He told me I could join the guild's hunting and earn some bronze," I stated as I politely handed him the badge.

The woman studied the badge before commanding the woman behind her to leave them alone. Without taking her eyes off to Hiraeth, she puts back her sword and walks away.

"Name?"

"Ophelia Rei, madam,"

"Nice meeting you, Ophelia. I am Rowena Will, captain of the Chard Guild. The woman you met a while ago was Mica, my brother's husband." She said, while pointing at the woman, who was still staring intently at her from afar. Feeling uneasy, Hiraeth avoided the gaze and focused on the person in front of her.

"She must have been confused as to why you're carrying her husband's sword," Rowena added.

Surprised, Hiraeth lifted it up and said, "This is Sir Richard's sword?"

"Yes, and do you know what it means when a young man hands a woman their sword?"

"No, I do not know." Hiraeth answered dumbfoundedly. The Captain let out a soft chuckle before handing her another sword.

"How naive you are, young lady.When a man who owns a sword gives his sword to you, it means he accepts your marriage proposal and will wait for you to come back and marry you."

Hiraeth's expression turned to one of deepening concern. "Marriage?"

"Yes, therefore, I am giving you this sword for you to use instead of my brother's sword. Richard is a little too playful. I apologize on behalf of him. Now, follow me, and I'll let you know more about the hunting competition." Rowena spoke as she entered the tent. Hiraeth followed her inside and was welcomed by the overwhelming auras of the people inside. Their attention went to Hiraeth and were intently analyzing her. She turned away from their intimidating gaze and followed the captain silently.

"Have a seat and make yourself comfortable. I'll just go and grab a map for a second."

Hiraeth only nodded in response and sat in the chair. Her gaze wandered at the place. She was amused by the weapons dangling up above the ceiling. The pavilion may look simple from the outside, but it was actually quite extravagant on the inside and relatively large. The ground is covered with a thick red carpet, and there is little furniture, such as couches, chairs, tables, and even a few beds. Rolled papers and books were all over the place.

"Here, take this with you. This is the map of the Red Forest, and I assume you are not that familiar with this forest we are in right now." Captain Rowena spoke up and handed her a map. Hiraeth spread it out on her lap and studied it.

"Yes, thank you very much, Captain."

"No need to thank me, for this is what the master provides for his servant."

"Listen well, Ophelia." She said, her voice firm.

"I believe that you have already had experience hunting wild animals."

Hiraeth nodded.

"Good, then all you need to do is follow the red marks on the map and come back here with this yellow mark, where we are currently. All you need is a sword, a map, and this magical pouch. Make sure you don't get spotted by monsters or large beasts, you don't appear to be capable of dealing with them. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Do you have a family?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then make sure you come back alive."

"I will, Captain." Hiraeth spoke as she rose from her seat.

Hiraeth decided to go in the opposite direction from the other troops of the guild. She may look like an inexperienced hunter, but because of her life experiences back in her world and the memories of the original Hiraeth, she is confident enough to go for a quick hunt and sneakily look for the blessed knights.

Checking her surroundings, Hiraeth decided to change her clothes. She wore pleated pants and a linen shirt under a waistcoat that her father owned. This is in order for her to completely hide her identity. Hiraeth also wore a cloak and mask. She has been looking forward to this moment.

Hiraeth had been silently overthinking what happened to her arms back when she was fighting the main character. Her skin turned completely into metal, and her entire arms became knight's armor.

"How do I let it out?" She wondered. Taking the map out of her pocket, she tracks down her location and the possible location of the troops. On the map, areas that are marked red are where the wild animals inhabit, yellow marks are where the people of the empire reside, and green marks are where monsters dwell.

"I only have a map of the Red Forest, so--"

Loud footsteps can be heard from afar. Hiraeth quickly took out both of her swords and held her breath to avoid making any sounds. Hiraeth felt hollow as she listened to the footsteps get closer. It was not human footsteps. She lowered her body down, holding her breath, and tried to hide as much as she could in the bushes.

"Arghhh! Hel-help me!"

A shiver ran down her spine when she heard the scream. She hasn't been that far from the camp, but she's already about to witness a gross-looking scene. So this is how dangerous and vicious the forest is. Hiraeth took a slow peek and saw a man being eaten alive. She gasped in shock and quickly hid behind the bushes. Hiareth couldn't help but tremble in fear.

A wild animal? A beast from another empire? A monster? Which one is that?

Her movement made a sound. A black and gigantic nine-tailed fox began to suspect its surroundings. With its senses that are ten times stronger than an ordinary dog, the fox easily senses another prey nearby. Leaving the torn,dead body behind, the fox sneakily walked in her direction.

"Sh*t, you got me there." Hiraeth sputtered and slowly got out of the bushes.

Hiraeth felt a rush of adrenaline as she stared at the gigantic fox in front of her. She clutched the two swords tightly, trembling in fear. Hiraeth is already regretting her life decisions. But in this situation, Hiraeth felt a sense of déjà vu.

The beast in front of her reminds her of Sabrina, the main character, who was a monster behind her innocent face. Hiraeth is well aware of the fact that her new life will always be in a life-or-death situation. This is the dark side of the novel. From all this festive and fascinating stuff in this world, are monsters eating people and people killing each other for power and revenge..

Hiraeth stepped closer. "Look, I don't want to run away with problems anymore. So shall we not waste our time?"

The fox howled such a high note, before it jumped at her with its sharp claws. Hiraeth bent her knees and laid her upper body down to avoid the fox. Sharp claws almost cut her mask in pieces, but luckily she avoided it enough to just leave a scratch on it.

Hiraeth immediately turned to face the fox, catching her breath. Before the fox could attack her again, she threw one of her swords up above and charged at the fox. She swings the sword to block the sharp claws and slides herself down to the fox. She sliced the abdominal part of the fox. Wincing in pain, it jumps away from her. Hiraeth could feel the rage of the fox. She picked herself up from the ground and glanced above. Luckily, Hiraeths stamina was improving day by day. The fox grabs the opportunity to sneakily devour her. The fox runs fast and jumps in the air. It wiggles its nine tails and black dust appears. Hiraeth quickly covered her nose and rolled herself to the left on the ground.

"Fool."

She then stood up and jumped as high as she could to reach for the fox's back. As soon as she landed her hand on the fox, Hiraeth pushed the beast forcefully to allow her to jump higher. The fox then turned its back to face Hiraeth and tried to attack her using its claws all while Hiraeth reached for the sword she threw. But, as soon as Hiraeth reached the sword, using both of her hands, she immediately charged the sword down as they both landed on the ground. It had such a large impact that the sword easily pierced the fox's chest. Hiraeth quickly let go of the sword. She rolled down to the ground to avoid the fox's reflexes as it cried in pain. Hiraeth also winced in pain and saw that two of her fingers were sliced. Luckily, it wasn't deep enough to cause too much bleeding.

"Damnit!" Hiraeth yelled as she picked herself up.

Seconds later, the fox slowly turned down. She waited for the fox to die. When the fox was no longer moving, she picked up a rock and threw it. Hiraeth quickly went after confirming the death of the fox, in order to get the sword. After picking it up, Hiraeth then walked to the other side to face the dead fox. Using the other hand that was not injured, she grabbed the sword and pulled it out as hard as she could.

"Did you just kill the demonic fox?"