Preparations had been made and time had passed until the date of the hunting ceremony arrived. Damian, Seraphine, and Adrian departed from the capital mansion and journeyed to the forest near the capital where the ceremony was to take place.
Mariana and Damian's siblings also intended to participate in the hunting ceremony. However, Adrian intervened, deeming it too dangerous for them to face the potential malicious plans of the chaos order.
While Marina and the siblings did not know anything regarding the chaos order plan and were initially upset and disagreed with Adrian's decision, they ultimately followed his orders. The patriarch's authority held significant weight in this world, even if it seemed unreasonable.
Since Damian's arrival, his relationship with Adrian had slowly begun to mend. The initial awkwardness between father and son had given way to genuine communication and the expression of feelings. While they may not have engaged in extensive conversations, the tension between them had eased, and a more comfortable dynamic had emerged.
Adrian Ornstein, in addition to being a Marquis, was a formidable swordmaster skilled in both mana manipulation and close combat. His esteemed status granted him a personal knight and an army, making him a protector of the empire. His skill is definitely enough to fight against the chaos order member effectively.
Finally arriving at the hunting ceremony site, they found the waiting area bustling with people, both men and women. Numerous tents were set up for the nobles to change into their hunting attire and take breaks. The autumn weather provided a cool and comfortable ambiance for the attendees.
As Seraphine stepped down from the carriage, Damian offered her assistance, sensing her nervousness amidst the unfamiliar aristocratic crowd.
"It's going to be alright, Seraphine. They might engage in some initial nonsense, but it's all talk without substance," Damian reassured her, patting her shoulder gently.
As Adrian made his way to his tent accompanied by his knights to prepare for the upcoming ceremony, Damian and Seraphine found themselves wandering around the area, taking in the surroundings. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of excitement and tension as participants and spectators alike gathered for the event.
As they strolled, their attention was caught by the presence of two adult nobles walking nearby. These nobles seemed to notice Seraphine and exchanged glances, their expressions revealing a sense of confusion and curiosity. It was clear that they hadn't seen Seraphine before and were taken aback by her presence among the participants.
Whispers passed between the two adult nobles, and it was evident that they were discussing Seraphine's presence. Their demeanor implied a certain judgmental attitude, as they regarded her with skepticism. In their minds, the hunting ceremony was an affair meant for knights and nobles, not for a maid like Seraphine. However, they did not know that Seraphine was already considered a noble from the Miller family adoption.
Seraphine, although aware of the nobles' gazes upon her, maintained her composure and held her head high. She was accustomed to such attitudes, having faced similar skepticism and judgment in the past due to her status. However, her determination and her mission to help ensure the safety of the event fueled her resolve.
Typically, higher-ranking nobles are greeted and welcomed by those of lower rank. However, in the eyes of the public, the Damian family's status has yet to be fully restored to its former glory. Many perceive the Ornstein family as financially strained, anticipating their imminent decline.
This strategic approach serves multiple purposes for Damian: establishing an appropriate platform to declare his status and authority, regaining attention, and assessing the sincerity of various noble families towards him.
As they made their way back to their tent, a young nobleman of similar age approached them. His demeanor seemed devoid of any ill intentions, indicating his amiable disposition.
"Greetings, Sir Damian. It has indeed been some time,"
The young man addressed Damian with a respectful bow. Despite being the son of a viscount, his status ranked lower than that of a marquis. In the midst of the Ornstein family's financial hardships, there were those who remained loyal and supportive, such as Baron Miller and Viscount Launce.
"It's a pleasure to see you, Edwards. How have you been?" Damian reciprocated his old friend's courtesy.
"I have been well, Sir Damian. Right now, my father is discussing something with your father. He's calling for you to meet him immediately," Edward informed Damian.
"Got it, let's go, Seraphine," Damian began, attempting to lead Seraphine back to the tent. However, Edward intervened, raising his hand to halt them.
"Sir, your father specified that he only wishes to meet with you at this time. It's a matter of confidentiality," Edward explained, gesturing to prevent them from proceeding.
"Is it absolutely necessary? I don't want to leave Seraphine out here alone," Damian's concern was evident in his voice. Leaving a girl of lower status among the nobles was akin to leaving a lamb in a tiger's den.
"This is your father's directive, not mine. Please understand," Edward's tone was uneasy as well.
After a moment of contemplation, Damian let out a deep sigh. He reluctantly decided to follow the order, but before he left, he made sure to convey something to Seraphine.
"If anyone dares to bother you, don't hesitate to stand up for yourself, alright?" Damian advised.
"Don't worry, young master. I won't let them get away with it easily," Seraphine responded confidently.
Damian nodded in acknowledgement, leaving her side to enter the tent with Edward. As he did so, Seraphine sensed a change in the air – it felt like a pivotal moment was approaching.
A trio of elegantly dressed young noblewomen, led by one dressed in vibrant red attire and holding a fan, elegantly approached Seraphine. It was evident that they had been waiting for this moment, perhaps to engage in conversation or more likely, to attempt to humiliate her.
"Well, it seems the clichéd public humiliation is upon us, as is often the case in noble events like this," Seraphine muttered under her breath, her voice a blend of annoyance and resignation.
"But I must admit, I find it rather amusing. I'm now quite eager to witness the kind of nonsense they're about to spew," Alice chimed in with a hint of excitement, her virtual voice bubbling with anticipation.
The group of young noblewomen continued their approach until they stood right in front of Seraphine. The apparent leader, with her red ensemble, elegantly folded her fan before she began to speak, her tone laced with condescension.
"Who are you, and what are you doing in a place like this?" the lead noblewoman demanded, her words dripping with arrogance.