Since when was she so beautiful? Out of the usual stuffy dress code, she could pass as any attractive girl. That was what he initially thought when he saw her, but he found his statement to be wrong. No, she could surpass most of them, at least by his standards.

He walked forward with a large stride. Any more staring and it would have resulted in either a slapped face, or a blushing face. He could not allow either to happen. Besides, he had to buy gifts for his sisters. What were they like?

Merchants shouted out prices as they passed by. Fabrics, fruits, meats, trinkets, and a lot of new, foreign items were on display. Small icons of what looked like the imperial family’s coat of arms, and many more tried to sell themselves to potential customers. Walking on cobblestone roads, an occasional wagon went by, and the crowds of people cleared a way for the traveller.

“Any ideas?” he asked his knight.

“No, not really. Maybe a necklace?”

“Then couldn’t they just get one from a professional?”

“Well, I’m sure they’ll like whatever you give them.”

“Hmm.”

“If you’re unsure, why don’t you get something small? The Hunters Festival is coming up, you know.”

It took a second, but he could recall. His father had mentioned the festival once. Once his sisters returned from the academy, the festival would be held.

“Any suggestions? You’re a girl, what would you like?”

“I think my tastes are different from your sisters. But, maybe a bracelet, or a ring?”

A ring. That was a valid gift. From his old memories, a ring didn’t mean anything in the world. Unlike earth, it seemed like proposals were done in a different manner. And it didn’t matter. She herself suggested it, so what if he were the one that gifted it to her? A ring for his knight, and two bracelets for his sisters. But something piqued his interest. What did the Hunters Festival have to do with their gifts?

“Hey, if they’re going to show off their gifts, shouldn’t I get them something nicer?” he hazarded a guess. It was the best one he had. The Rayleigh family was going to meet with other nobles, after all. It would be strange if they didn’t compete in the game of public image. The late Francis’ memories didn’t help either.

“Huh? Aren’t they participating?”

“What? In what?”

“The festival?”

“Huh?”

“Do you... recall what the festival is?”

“...No?”

“They’re the hunters. And you’re not participating, are you?”

“I don’t think I can. You mean in the hunting, right?”

Katalina sighed. The young master had the right to choose his guard, and while she didn’t want it at first, the role had proved to be a promotion. Without him, she would still be working under the direct command of Charles. And between the small, cute lizard and large scary dragon, it was an easy choice.

“Well, you give an accessory to hunters. And whatever those hunters bring back, they bring it back in your name. And the one that obtains the most points, gets to dine with the imperial family. But they’re already attending.”

“Oh, is that so? Then isn’t it better to have more?”

“You could, but that would send a message. That the people you chose are incompetent, or worse, you lack confidence in them.”

Then what was the ideal amount? In the first place, becoming emperor was probably a way to avoid being the villain. An evil tyrant was a villain, so he would be the opposite. The Hunters Festival was a chance to meet the crown princess, and the emperor. He had to choose his hunters carefully. If the other nobles saw him selecting many hunters, it would be detrimental. But on the other hand, it was a surefire way to win. A careful balance had to be struck.

Francis walked around the market. Merchants shouted offers at him, but he ignored all of them. A determined townsman waved him down, and showed off his wares. Small wooden crafts, and trinkets of carved wood. An eagle, a wolf, a spider, a sword, a tiger, most shapes could be found. Francis sighed, and walked forward after taking a short look.

If they were bringing it to hunt, there were several criteria to be fulfilled. Lightweight was a must, and with the density of gold, it was out. Perhaps iron.

“Hey,” he turned around and asked, “Any accessories for sale?”

“Accessories? For your boyfriend, eh?”

“Ah, girlfriend, or like. Though not really.”

“Haha. Sure, sure. A pretty girl like you would have one.”

“Well, I’m looking for a small, light accessory. Maybe like a ring, or bracelet?”

“Maybe steel? Or iron?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Then I have just the thing for you,” he took out a box from behind him, “Rings, necklaces, and more. Take your pick.”

Shiny silver metal glistened in the sun. Tucked into cheap fabric, and blocked with a box cover, it resembled the jewellery stores that he remembered somewhat. One of them in particular caught his eye.

Two individual and separate iron wires were twisted and turned. The ring’s band was made of those, and they intertwined like branches and roots of a tree. There was a small opening for a gemstone, and it was what he wanted.

“How much for this?” he pointed at the ring in the corner.

“Ah you have a good eye, miss. For you... 1 gold.”

That was impossible. It was as if a ball of mud cost the same amount as a cheap sword. It was no doubt a scam. Even the imposter knew that.

“Is that a joke?”

“Nope. Although... I can give you a discount, for a price, of course.”

Francis felt a chill down his spine. That man’s intention was obvious. With those newly revealed lecherous eyes, it was no mystery.

“No. I’m leaving,” he said.

Francis turned around and walked away. There was a crunch of wood as he stepped, though. That sound alerted him. Swinging back, he saw the seller crushing a trinket beneath his feet.

“Miss! How could you!” he said to anyone that would listen.

A small group formed around the commotion. The townsman reached down to the ground and picked up the broken toy. His eyes had a glint of pride, as if guaranteed of his victory. And, he had a creepy look, like he wanted to enjoy the situation. That was a villain if nothing else.

“What happened?” someone asked in the crowd.

“Huh? Did she break something?”

“Urg, what’s his plan? Isn’t this the third time something has happened at his store?”

“How are you going to pay for it?” he cried out.

His scheme was obvious. The reason why he waved Francis down was probably that. A pretty person, and he looked weak. Not to mention, that man was still under the impression that the person he was framing was a young girl.

“I’m not. You broke it, so why should I?”

“Are you blaming me after you did it? I don’t think the Rayleighs will like that...”

“What does this have to do with them?”

“Oh I work under them, don’t you know? I wonder if I should tell them about you?”

“You can go ahead and try, but I don’t think you’ll get very far.”

Katalina chuckled at her lord’s words. She herself was within that crowd, watching the commotion. A heavy silence descended onto the marketplace.

“And how are you so sure about that, missy? That dragon bloodline will punish you severely,” he tried to bluff again.

“Then let’s go. Through the forest. Shall we go and find the duke?”

It was a tipping point. If the scammer refused, he would be caught lying. And if he accepted, the duke himself would be the overseer for his punishment. There was another option, however.

“Sure. Lets go,” he kept his wares.

He chose the third option. Of course, Katalina wouldn’t let it happen. But was she comfortable with killing a person in the middle of the forest?

She stepped out of the crowd, and the scammer gulped. With her hand firmly clasped on her blade, she approached the two. Many pairs of eyes were on her, watching her every action. In the worst case scenario, a fight might break out.

“Now, now. I saw everything. Mister, why don’t you stop trying to pull this scheme? You were caught out by this lady here.”

“And who the hell are you?” he snarled at her.

“Just a passing adventurer. But I saw everything, so there’s no use to keep this scam on. And, you should hide that knife when thinking about taking a hostage.”

“How did...”

Metal clanged against a wood box. Reflecting the bright sunlight off the blade, his knife dropped down onto his boxes. It fell behind him, out of Francis’ sight. He didn’t even notice a blade. If his guard wasn’t there, what might’ve happened?

“Fuck off!” a townsman shouted.

The mob rushed in, filling in the gaps between Francis and Katalina. Fist and feet against skin, they made sure the scammer was punished. The young master clicked his tongue as he waded through the crowd of people, who made way for him. As the son of the duke, he relished in thinking up potential punishments for that conman, but ultimately decided that vigilante justice was enough. Soon after, as the crowds began to disperse, a man was left lying on the ground, battered and bruised.

“Well,” Francis said.

“Ug...” that man groaned in pain.

With a quiet laugh, he watched that man’s suffering. No doubt that several bones were broken. His arms were contorted and bent and unnatural angles, and his face resembled a victim of a group of angry bees that wanted to destroy him. With a face that swollen, it would be miraculous if he was able to see.

“You know, I really want to crush that head of yours,” Francis said.

“Miss?” Katalina shot a sidelong glance towards the young master.

“Ah! Of course I won’t, though.”

What was he thinking? It came naturally, as if on instinct. Like something had leaked inside him.

“Right, let's go then. I’ll find another seller.”

The townspeople continued with their day like nothing happened. The hustle and bustle returned, and sellers were once again haggling with buyers. Clay pots, cheap fabrics, there was an abundance of choice. The merchants themselves didn’t stay still. Pushing their carts along, shouting out loud, they were trying to earn enough to eat. Nothing ever stayed still. The marketplace was full of moving parts, and stalls were dismantled and shifted around.

“Want to get something to eat? As a snack, maybe?” Francis asked.

“Sure. Then we’ll need to go to the food district,” Katalina answered.

She grabbed his hand, and pulled him through the crowd of people. Like a fish being reeled up, cutting through water. She led him past several streets, and they entered into a large area. The road was wide enough to accommodate several pushcarts at the same time, though no merchants passed through that area during that time. Instead, bars and restaurants lined the street.

“See anything that interests you?”

“I’m fine with most things. Your choice,” Francis shrugged.

“Hmm. Then there.”

She pointed towards a small restaurant by the corner. It didn’t particularly stand out and was painted in a grey colour. As such, it blended in with the grey bricks of the buildings around it.

Pushing open the door, a waitress greeted them. Wooden tables were arranged neatly around the small restaurant, and quite a few patrons sat by the counter. They took a seat near the window, with a full view of the street they were just on.

“What could I get for you two?” a waitress asked.

“Uh, roasted tuen for me. Make sure that the cook pours the oil back on it,” Katalina said.

“So a roasted tuen, with the oil on top. And for you, miss?”

“Could I get a salad, maybe?”

“Alright. So one roasted tuen, and a tossed riut salad. Any drinks for the two ladies?”

“Ah, just water will be needed,” Francis said.

“Okay, and I’ll bring them when they’re ready,” the waitress said before walking away.

“Hey,” Katalina leaned towards Francis, “Why a salad?”

“I need to maintain a good figure.”

“You really are more of a miss than a mister, huh?”

“Well, I can’t exactly compete with the men in my family, can I? They have infinitely more combat victories than me.”

“Well, that’s alright, my lady. A man is not quantified by his combat achievements, though I did hear that Edmond Ren is getting quite popular among certain women.”

“Who’s that? I’ve never heard of him, that Edmond Ren.”

“Oh? He’ll be at the Hunters Festival. You’ll be able to meet him. Arcleus candidate, you know.”

“An Arcleus candidate. Edmond Ren. Tell me about him.”

“I don’t know much, but apparently he’s partly responsible for the subjugation of the beast wastelands. He’s a holy knight, I think.”

“Hmm. He sounds interesting.”

Katalina chuckled. The waitress returned with a plate and a bowl. Laid out on the wooden plate, an aromatic smell lured Francis’ attention towards the steak. A fairly small cut, but the oil exaggerated its size. Meanwhile, he received his bowl of salad, with leafy greens.

“That’ll be 14 silver,” the waitress said.

“Ah, I’ll give one gold,” replied Francis, sticking his finger into the bag of money.

“Okay! I’ll bring back the change.”

He ate his salad. The green vegetables crunched as he chewed, and the dressing added additional flavour. Bitter, bland, salty, there was a combination of flavours in each region of salad. It seemed that it was not tossed well.

“So, any ideas?” his knight asked.

“Yeah,” answered the young master.

Once they left, he sprung into action. Going directly to an accessory shop on a nearby street, he browsed through the items. And in the end, he bought several items. A ring made from iron wrapped from iron wire for Katalina. And two matching pairs of earrings for his two sisters.