I exhaled, wandering my eyes to the people near the pavilion and even sensing someone's presence nearby. I cannot afford to get caught, since I know it causes a danger to me and to my family. The fact that the Duke revealed to me that the one who lead the Blessed Knights is the Queen, means I hold the biggest secret of all and I have no choice but to take responsibility for it. Also, I was concealing my identity, which means they'll have to stalk me to get to know me and whether I'm an ally or an enemy. This made me more sensitive to my surroundings as I tried to change as quickly as possible behind the bushes.
When I was done changing my clothes, some of the hunters from my guild that I came with were still not there and some were back carrying their hunted animals. I know they are still wary of my presence and as a rookie, but I have no choice but to act dumb, as if I was incapable of hunting this demonic beast. I shook my head, convincing I can act perfect as I always do. The best way to save myself is to pretend. I hurriedly stepped out of the bushes and run towards them.
"Captain!"
"Captain Rowena! Where is she? Where is the captain?" I called out. Trying my best to put up an act and, without any hesitation, I went inside the pavilion to look for her. I immediately waved my hand in the air when I saw her. My eyes glistened with joy and anticipation to her.
"I apologize for interrupting you, Captain, but hear me out. Someone just gave me their hunt, and I suggest you look at this outside." I said, as I held my breath and lifted the pouch up.
"Interesting. Is it some kind of ox that you are so excited for me to see? Shall we take a look at it and price the product?"
"No, I kid you not, Captain. This isn't just an ox," I announced.
We both went out of the pavilion, including Sir Richard's wife. Captain Rowena called out to her people to give us some space. Some of her people decided to see what I was about to do with this pouch. It is excellent to delay the big surprise for a moment to fill their curiosity more.
When they gave me enough space, I first decided to take out all the small beasts I had hunted to lessen the suspicions about me.
"While I was hunting some wild animals, I came across a mysterious woman, who just casually gave me this beast. She said I can have this and sell it to the guild I belong to." I stated. After taking out all the beasts and wild animals, I hunted. When it was time to take out the big one, I could sense their anticipation of the beast I was about to pull out of this small pouch. There are some who are expecting nothing and there are some who think that what a rookie like me is doing is a waste of time and doesn't bother at all. I smirked secretly.
"A beast?" Captain Rowena asked. From what I remember, Duke Carlisle and the blessed knights were hunting this ancient demonic beast, so I believe the captain knows it too.
I took a deep breath as I pulled the stag out of the pouch. It even took me quite a long time to pull it all out. My body was too tired to exert more strength from all the hunting that had happened. "An ancient demonic beast also known as Folhath is what she said. This is a demonic stag who seduces its prey by creating hallucinations. I was terrified at first, but I didn't hesitate to take it since this might help the guild win the competition."
"So, as soon as I heard this was a demonic beast, I came back immediately to avoid any attack dog who might see me receiving this and sell it to you." I added. There was a moment of silence before the captain could speak. Shock was all over her face, and even the people surrounding us were in complete shock and just admiring the beautiful black fur and the bloody antlers of the stag. With what my physique looks like, I know they will have no expectation that a mere 15-year-old girl can hunt this beast easily and unscratched.
"Excellent! This is excellent, Lore!" She yelled in excitement and clapped. Everyone was starting to realize that I had secured the victory for them and started to cheer.
"We, the Chardonnay Guild, won the hunting competition on the very first day. Everyone, let us celebrate our victory tonight!" Captain Rowena declared. Making everyone cheer and yell proudly, and they even started to use their swords and shield to drum their victory.
"Wohooo!"
"All mighty and strong, the Chard guild of the empire!"
I didn't expect to bring the victory to the guild this easily. This stag must be very valuable compared to other beasts and wild animals here.
"My sisters, let's give this young lady, Lore, a hand for her bravery and luck!"
"Without her and that mysterious woman, we cannot secure the victory of this miracle hunting competition on the very first day!"
The people roared, clapped, and shouted my name happily. Immediately celebrating the victory of their guild, I couldn't help but smile proudly at them.
Captain Rowena put her hand on my shoulder and leaned closer to speak. "Lore, tell me who exactly gave you this stag, and I'll give you a large reward."
While the guild celebrated their victory outside, the captain and I silently went inside the pavilion alone. Securing the whole area and making sure we were alone, Captain Rowena offered me a seat.
"That stag," she said, looking straight into my eyes.
"Is not just any ordinary creature we might come across anywhere. They are vicious, devouring everything they come into contact with—a demonic stag known as Folhath of the Hellhound Kingdom. So tell me, who killed the stag?"
"She was wearing a cloak and mask with claw marks. I can only see half of her face and her voice, she's a woman of few words. I apologize, Captain, I was too late to ask about her name or even thank her for giving me the beast." I stated. I can feel a cold sweat in my neck falling down to my chest. What if she finds out I am half-lying in between my sentences? I remain calm. If I utter any suspicious statement, I may not be able to go back to my family and interrogate me even more.
"I understand, but did you at least tell her about our guild?"
"Yes, before she disappeared, I told her the name of our guild." I said, reassuring the captain.
"Good, at least for now she'll be familiar with the guild."
I nodded in agreement.
"You did a great job, Lore. I'm proud of you, therefore, I'll give you 500 gold coins and this badge." Captain Rowena said and pulled out a pouch full of gold coins and brought the badge back to me. I was in awe when I saw the shimmering cold coins. I didn't expect to receive such a large amount of money and another badge from this guild in just a matter of time.
"And for the first time, my dear brother brought me luck." She rejoiced.
"Thank you very much for your generosity, Captain." I said as I bowed my head to her. Captain Rowena tapped my shoulder while smiling brightly at me. I am too, proud of myself that I was able to secure the victory of this guild.
"Listen, Lore. If you need anything or if you want to join my guild, you are very much welcome here. We owe you a big victory. Now, go back to your family and celebrate it."
"Yes, my sincere gratitude to you once again, Captain."
After a quick celebration with the people of the guild, and on my way back, I decided to buy some toys for my brothers, some food, and a small gift for Archer.
"This hair tie will look very lovely on your husband. I guarantee you buy that one." The store owner said as she pointed out the simple floral green hair tie that I'd been eyeing for a while. She may sound like a very convincing business owner, but she was right. I happily smiled at the owner as I bought the hair tie. Archer, who usually ties his hair when he works, this hair tie will suit his beautiful red hair and be the perfect one for everyday use.
It didn't take me too long to arrive at the inn where we decided to meet up. I saw the three of them waiting outside the inn with Sir Richard. I run towards them with a big smile on my face. As soon as the twins saw me, they immediately ran to welcome me with a big hug.
"Welcome back, Madam Lorelai." Sir Richard said as they approached me.
"We-welcome, dear." Archer said, almost in a whisper. Sir Richard nudges him a bit, which makes Archer even more flustered. I frowned in confusion.
"I mean, it wouldn't be that bad to give his wife a welcome kiss, am I right madam?"
The twins and Sir Richard giggled, teasing the blushing Archer. I shook my head in disbelief. Would it be better if the wife were the one to kiss her husband after a long day at work? Archer is a very shy person, so I'll make the welcome kiss on his behalf.
I walked closer to Archer and leaned in. Despite the fact that Archer is three years older than me, I am taller than him. I gently kissed him on the forehead. I've never kissed a man in my entire life except my brother when he was young, so I couldn't help but blush and smile awkwardly.
I don't know where I got the confidence to do this. I thought to myself.
"Oh, dear Lord, you two look absolutely adorable. I miss my wife already." Sir Richard laughed as he said this.
"Oh right, before we go back home, I have a small gift for you, Archer." I said and pulled the hair tie out of my pocket. I took his hand and put the hair tie in his palm. He looked at me in surprise.
"Thank you," softly, he said. Archer stared at the hair tie in amusement. I turned to look at the twins and handed them a small bag full of toys.
"Just like what I promised, I also have a gift for my boys. Here are your toys, and remember to share them with each other, no fighting."
The twins excitedly received a bag full of toys and hugged me. "Thank you, mother!"
"Sir Richard, I also wanted to give a small gesture of gratitude for helping me, and I also wanted to give this sword back to you. I almost got killed by your wife," I said, giving her both the gift and the sword. He was giggling when he received them and apologized on behalf of his wife.
After that, we decided to go back to the castle before the sun set. We all had a great time at this event, although Archer keeps nagging me not to join the hunting competition ever again. I understand his worry. Despite our situation, he can't ignore the fact that I am still a royal, and if anything happens to me, his life is the price for failing to be the servant of the kingdom and keeping me alive.