Sein Hiraeth

Chapter 3: Miracle Season Hunt

Third Person's POV

I've worked hard. He thought.

The gossip between servants and, of course, the other concubines could no longer affect him. He may not be the Empress's favorite consort, but he wields power as the empire's second-most powerful royal. Ever since the day he awoke as the Dreamer, he has been immune to humiliations, rumors, and betrayals.

Emperor Atlanta Marcos Arch Angelus awakened as the Dreamer. The one and only dreamer to ever exist in the last centuries. Everyone, including the Gridania Temple, has long forgotten the existence of the Dreamer. A dreamer is the blessed child of Fate, the one and only child that can see the future in his sleep, and one of the closest children to the gods. The day he awakened as the Dreamer was the day his life would change drastically.

A heavy burden he embraced.

It could have been very beneficial to his position and to the Empress. However, a vision he unexpectedly dreamed made him decide to hide his awakening from the world. Emperor Atlanta dreamed about the prophecy and the child in that prophecy.

ילד האוחז בחרב יהרוג את הגורמים להרס. יבוא היום בו הילד יבחר, ​​רע או טוב, יהיה בידיו של האפוטרופוס הגדול של הילד. (A child who wields a sword shall slay those who cause havoc. The day will come when the child will choose, evil or good. It shall be in the hands of the child's great guardian.)

"How far along is the preparation?" Emperor Atlanta asked.

Lowering his head, his most trusted servant, Duke Carlisle of Achilles, answered, "All is well, your majesty."

"It has to." The emperor demanded.

During this miracle season, he has already seen what everyone will see, and for him, it was a blessing in disguise. And so he used the opportunity to look for that child; royals, nobles, commoners, outsiders, knights, servants, and even peasants—whoever can get the Emperor's attention and impress him with their skill at wielding a sword will be given an opportunity to become one of his Blessed Knights.

Emperor Atlanta did his best to convince the Empress about handling the hunting event, and as soon as he was permitted to do so, he proceeded on organizing the entire event himself without any of the other royals' help.

The hunt will be held in two locations; aristocrats will be hunting in the Creek Forest, and commoners will be hunting in the Red Forest. Creek Forest was known for its beautiful green forestry and was a favorite spot for nobles to explore and hunt. Meanwhile, the Red Forest is the complete opposite of the Creek Forest. It is one of the most vicious forests known to the entire empire. Not only do wild animals and monsters inhabit it, but poisonous plants and spirits are also seen in that forest. Unlike the beautiful green forest, the Red forest is a dark, foggy kind of forest. Despite the danger, the citizens of the empire still hunt the area, and for them, the Red Forest has been part of their lives. Without that vicious forest, they couldn't provide food and medicine for their families.

Therefore, organizing the hunting event made it easier. Emperor Atlanta is confident about the successful commencement of the event. Although the event is only a way for him to find the child in that prophecy, he just needs to successfully start the event and search for a potential swordmaster.

"Our only objective is to find our blessed knights, Carlisle. Believe in the Goddess of Fate, כולם יינצלו על ידי אחד ויחיד הוא."

"You are the father of the great Holy Knight Empire. Thus, all is well. The grace and the power of the Gods be upon you, your majesty."

Sein Hiraeth's POV

"Sister, are you alright?"

"Yeah, you look like you saw some ghost or something."

I did see something that definitely was not a ghost.

I can't believe I have that big d***.

"I'm fine, don't worry, I was just lost in my own thoughts."

Oh God, forgive me.

Instead of feeling fresh after that wonderful soak, I was rather stunned and bewildered. I couldn't believe in my eyes that what I saw was something straight out from the manga world. What in the world of novels am I in? I mean, it makes sense because men are the ones that get pregnant, so women should have a d***.

However, I still can't help but wonder at the extraordinary beauty Hiraeth possesses. In my case, I have poliosis, beautiful golden eyes that resemble the twins' eyes, and perfect hair that is half-black and half-golden white. I was truly fascinated by Hiraeth's beauty. Since I am Hiraeth now, does that mean I am finally beautiful? I mean, back in my world, my friends would tell me how beautiful I am if I were a bit feminine.

If Hiraeth existed in my world, she'd definitely become a model for that rare beauty she possesses. I was also fascinated by her features, from her face down to her body. It seems she's a stunningly androgynous princess. Hiraeth can look feminine and masculine at the same time.

"Sister, can we go on the seasonal hunt? Can I join the hunt?" Felix excitedly asked.

"Yes and no, Felix."

"Eh? What do you mean yes and no?"

"Yes, we are all going on the hunt and no, you can't join the hunt. You're too young for this kind of event." I replied as I covered them both with a blanket.

"But I wanna hunt rabbits like we did a while ago."

"Rabbits are not the only animals that you will encounter, Felix. There are monsters as well, so it's dangerous. But once you grow up and become a swordmaster, I won't stop you from hunting animals or monsters." I said, ignoring the fact that animals and monsters are not the only creatures they'll hunt in the future. The twins will definitely hunt to kill their own kind.

"Really!?"

"Yes, really. That's why you should both go to sleep early so you'll grow up early."

"Can I hunt too, big sister?" I glanced at Felipe who was peeping out on the blanket. He must have been very interested in our conversation and just bashfully listening to us.

"Yes, of course." I said, smiling sweetly at him.

"Now go to sleep and have a sweet dreams." I said and blew the candles out. I can't believe that two days ago our nights were terrifying, and now I have the audacity to tell them goodnight when there might be chances of assassins appearing again. I don't have any choice but to let them know that everything will be safe and peaceful tonight. Besides, from today onward, all of us will be sleeping in one room, so I won't have a hard time guarding them at the same time every night.

"My lady, your bed is ready," Archer said, and arranged the pillows.

Since it was a last minute plan to sleep in one room, Archer and I would be sleeping on two different couches while the twins will be on the bed of this master's bedroom.

"And uh—are you sure you can sleep on a couch? It might be uncomfortable for you, s-sister Hiraeth."

"Yes, don't worry. Besides, the couch looks comfortable to sleep on, thanks to you."

"No—I mean, you're welcome."

Archer sounds flustered. Too bad I can't see his face since there's only one candle lit. Seriously, this world does not have electricity. Should I invent electricity and run an electric company?

I laid myself down and put the sword on the floor. Archer went to the other couch and quickly arranged the sheets and pillows. "Archer, can you tell me more about the seasonal hunt that will be held tomorrow?"

"Sure," he said, and blew the candle out. I heard the squeaking sound of the couch, which means he probably laid down as well.

"Since it is a miracle season and the hunting location is outside of our border, tomorrow's seasonal hunt is open to everyone and not just to the nobles, so it's going to be a hectic event."

"Right." My vision adjusted from the darkness and the moonlight passing through the window, allows me to see Archer's face clearly. I faced my body toward him and listened to him attentively.

"The event will be held in two different forests, the Creek Forest and the Red Forest. The Red Forest is a vast and mountainous forest that is also where most of the rare and dangerous beasts dwell. Since nobles would rather hunt in the Creek Forest, they didn't interfere with the Emperor's decision to let the citizens of the empire hunt as well, and the citizens didn't have any problem with it, since they have always been hunting in that area."

"Does that mean the seasonal hunt for nobles and citizens will be held in two different places at the same time?" I asked.

"Yes, that's right. However, nobles will still send some of their finest knights to hunt for them in the Red Forest."

"I think it's much better that they are not in the same place to hunt, since I'll be joining the seasonal hunt."

"Come again, my lady."

He—he almost heard me.

"I said, it'd be much better that they were not hunting in the same place, since it would be troublesome for both of them. "Hahaha, you know the status, citizens and nobles." I added.

"Right, you have a point."

If I want to know more about this world, I should go out and explore outside the palace, so I should take part in this upcoming hunt. "We should really go and watch the seasonal hunt with the twins."

"Are you sure? I mean- wouldn't that be dangerous since we'll be encountering other nobles?"

"I didn't say we'd go to the Creek Forest. We're going to the Red Forest. It will be a lot of fun," I said.

"The twins will be delighted. It had been a while since we all went out of the palace. Then, I shall prepare early for the belongings we will carry!"

I nodded in agreement. I can sense the excitement the three of them have, it really must have been a while. I can't wait for tomorrow's seasonal hunt and get to know this world of novel.

The morning came and all I could hear was Felix's complaint about the carriage.

"Why the hell did they give us such an ugly carriage while others have this shimmering gold carriage!? The worst part is, there is no coachman that'll drive this stupid carriage."

I think my eardrums are about to explode very soon. "Are you done complaining, Felix?"

"What!? No of—."

"Okay, everyone! Shall we go and watch the hunt?" Archer said, obviously interrupting Felix's loud mouth.

"This carriage is fine, and besides, I can drive it all right." I said.

As long as there's a horse, the wheels will move forward. Thanks to my desperate family validation, I have tried every sport I could think of and riding horse is one of my sports back then.

"Are you sure? I mean—I have a little bit more experienced at driving wagons." Archer asked worriedly. I walked towards the horse, the carriage and, just like as my coach told me. Ask for permission and be one with the horse.

"I'll be fine, don't worry. I'll take you all to the forest safe and sound." I said, reassuring them.

As soon as we were done packing our stuff, the three went inside the carriage. I hopped on the seat and patted the horse gently, letting the horse know that it was about to move forward. Archer said we needed to follow the road where most commoners and merchants would go, and as soon as I could see the border, we would have to find a place to leave the carriage and go straight to the knights guarding the border to identify ourselves as commoners. Archer also gave me a permit badge, so that we could all enter the Red Forest. I should be the one to give this, since there's a bit of discrimination towards men. Female knights won't easily give them permission to enter. How ironic.

"We've arrived. Where shall we leave this wagon?"

"Ah d-dear, we can leave it at that common-lodging house. I have a friend there who will let us leave the wagon."

I forgot. Archer and I will act as a young couple to hide our identities. Apparently, our age is perfect for marriage and starting a family. We're both still minors, obviously, but I guess this is how this world works.

"You got it, dear."

It's a little bit embarrassing, but I'm pretty sure Archer is blushing right now. I'd definitely hit him if I had the confidence. I drove the carriage towards that small lodging house, and as soon as we arrived, a tall, skinny young man excitedly came out.

"Archer!" he called out. Archer went out immediately and greeted the man. I went down from my seat and helped the twins get off the wagon.

"Is this your little family, Archer?"

"Are they twins? Oh dear God, they look just like their mother and nothing like you." He added, teasing Archer, who was already as red as a ripe tomato.

"Richard, stop teasing me."

"Yes, yes, it's my pleasure to do so. However, these twins are just so, so adorable. Hello children, my name is Richard Will. Call me Uncle Rich."

This man will definitely piss his pants if he finds out that my brothers are the princes of this empire. Thanks to that magic potion, our eyes and even my hair changed from white and gold to black. I still can't move on from that magic that happened a while ago. I thought we were going to bleach our hair and wear contact lenses.

"Good day, Sir Richard. I'm Rei, Archer's wife." I said and extended my hand.

"Oh wow! A good-good day to you too, Madam Rei. You're such a gentleman as Archer had described." He said while shaking my hand.

"Really, he said that?" I asked.

"Yes, in fact-"

"Ah dear!! Let's not waste our time and go to the forest already." Archer burst out. He quickly carried Felipe and walked away, leaving us behind.

"My apologies, Sir Richard. My husband is really shy."

"I know, but he's right anyway. Now off you go and enjoy your family time."

"Oh, before that, Felix will go to your father first. I have something to ask Sir Richard," I said.

"Hmm OK, just don't take too long."

As soon as Felix was far away, Sir Richard asked quickly, "what is it you want to ask that you're hiding from your family?"

"Don't worry, it's not something suspicious, I just wanna know how I can join the hunt? I heard from Archer that this lodging house isn't just what it looks like. Your wife is the Vice Captain of a guild and this is one of the guild's houses."

"Hhhm, this is the first time I've met Archer's wife but you're already as interesting as your aura. I can sense the potential in you, Madam."