Noel Estelia and Orcus Estelia's visit was surprising, but not entirely unexpected. The fact that the imperial family took direct action was astonishing, but it was within the realm of possibility for the imperial family to send someone as a gesture of goodwill.
The engagement between Edelweiss and Kraus was very significant.
It was an engagement between two major noble families that could boast of being among the handful of powers in the Empire, to the extent that no one could currently rival them. I knew well the strength Kraus possessed. If we set our minds to it, we could easily take over half of the southern regions from the Empire and establish a separate kingdom, having enough power to rule without any shortages.
That being the case, was Edelweiss any different? Considering the harsh conditions of the northern lands where people could barely survive without magic, Kraus might find it easier to control the north rather than trying to dominate the south.
Of course, this was an extreme example, since any attempt to declare a separate kingdom in the presence of Altaire, and the history of unity under the Empire would be treated as heresy. Nevertheless, it showcased the significant influence of the two families in the empire.
No matter how powerful a force was, it had no meaning if it couldn't be controlled.
The visit from the Estelia imperial family was undoubtedly to confirm if there were any ulterior motives behind my engagement with Elena. While the truth was that the engagement started as a casual conversation between friends, it might appear differently to others.
It was something that passed by almost without mention in the original story, and I knew that neither my father nor Duke Joachim had any special intentions about it, so I wasn't particularly worried.
If there was any problem, it would be the fact that Orcus and Noel came here themselves.
Although the Emperor held high regard within the Empire, sending the Crown Prince and Princess, who were ranked first in the imperial succession, to a place that could be considered enemy territory was equally puzzling. I didn't understand this decision.
If the two of them were to be taken hostage, how would they handle the situation? Although Kraus had been quiet for a long time, there was no guarantee that the events I mentioned earlier would not happen. Even the emperor knew this better than anyone else.
If they had to be sent, shouldn't at least one of them have been left behind in the Imperial castle?
'Make friends...'
My father's words passed through my ears.
"What nonsense…"
"Damian?"
"Ah. It's nothing, Elena."
It was something I said in my mind, but it accidentally slipped out of my mouth. Thankfully, it seemed that only Elena, who was sitting closest to me, heard it. I glanced at her in response to her curious gaze and then looked at those sitting across from us.
Orcus and Noel...
The two of them entered the dining hall shortly after Alphonse arrived.
As soon as Orcus stepped into the room, his gaze met mine. After a few seconds of staring, he flashed a playful smile and took his seat. I wasn't sure if he meant to make me feel at ease, but that smile made me cringe inside.
It seemed like I was destined to have bad luck with this person, and I hadn't wanted to get involved with him in the first place.
Orcus was a man who showed no signs of wavering, even in the presence of a swordsman who could take his life at any moment. He had spoken with my father without any apparent concern, which surprised me.
Noel, who sat next to him, said nothing, but her twinkling eyes told me what was she feeling. From Noel's perspective as a swordsman, a Sword Master was an ideal existence.
Still, I had expected Orcus to show at least some caution toward us, but he was very skilled at hiding his emotions.
It was true that Orcus was a character who excelled not in physical strength but in other areas, unlike the other guys, so I didn't think it would be easy to figure him out.
I trusted my father's words, but I couldn't help but wonder what Orcus was truly thinking.
As someone who was suspicious by nature, he would undoubtedly try to probe me at least once. If something strange happened during this encounter, things might take an unexpected turn in the future. So, I remained on guard in case Orcus asked me anything probing.
My father's conversation with Orcus didn't seem to carry much significance; it felt more like a formality. After exchanging a few words, Orcus turned to me again, flashing a smile, and started talking.
"By the way, Lord Demian, as far as I know, you are the same age as me, is that correct?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I am sixteen this year."
"In that case, you will be entering the academy in the same year as me. Oh, did you have no intention of attending the academy? According to what I heard from Noel, someone of your caliber wouldn't need to attend classes."
"You're exaggerating. I do plan to enter the academy."
I shook my head in response to Orcus' question.
Estelia Academy, named after the imperial family, was a prestigious educational institution where students were strictly selected. But if one were a noble of the empire, they were basically eligible to enter.
Although it was not a requirement to attend for nobles, most young members of noble families choose to go there. The reasons vary from building connections to attracting talented individuals to their own families.
I, too, wanted to attend the academy for those reasons.
"Why? What is there for you to learn at the academy?"
Orcus seemed puzzled by my answer. It appeared that he, being from the imperial castle, didn't understand why nobles attended the academy despite not being obligated to.
Recalling my father's words before coming here, I replied, "Attending the academy isn't just about learning something. For example, it's also about making friends."
Then, our eyes met again. Orcus smiled, seemingly satisfied with my answer, and nodded. It seemed that he had no particular thoughts on this matter. Fortunately, it looked like I could pass this without any problems.
"Exactly. At the academy, you gain more than just academics. By the way, have you already talked to the Count about that matter?"
"Not yet."
"Then you'd better tell him now."
'What is it now? Is there something else?'
After turning his gaze back to Father, Orcus spoke some cryptic words. However, it seemed Father understood his meaning and immediately replied to Orcus's question with a smile, without saying anything to me. Upon seeing that smile, Father's previous words echoed in my ears.
'Could it be?'
"I heard that a hunting competition will be held in the southern regions in a few days. It's been quite a while since His Majesty visited the south for an inspection. His Majesty has instructed me to participate in the competition and, at the same time, conduct an inspection."
'I see.'
It appeared that my father's words about the Emperor's statement were genuine after all.
The hunting competition was only a week and four days away, so it seemed highly likely that the two siblings would stay in Kraus for at least that long. Making friends overnight was practically impossible, so I wondered if their extended stay was solely for participating in the hunting competition.
What on earth was he believed in to carry out such actions?
Does the Emperor have any means to restrict my father and Duke Joachim's actions?
Orcus, who was talking to me, looked somewhat bitter.
It was understandable. Unlike Noel, who excelled in her own field, Orcus was specialized in magic. While there was no rule preventing a magician from participating in the hunting competition, the spring hunting competition was intended for pure martial arts competition among warriors, not hunting monsters but animals.
In other words, to participate in this competition, one must either wield a bow or hold a weapon.
"There is one concern I have, though. You see, I've never tried hunting before. So..."
"Wow!!"
Before Orcus could finish his sentence, a cheer erupted throughout the dining hall. All eyes turned from Orcus to the side. When the noise subsided after a moment, the hall fell silent.
It was no wonder that Noel, who had come with Orcus, was the one cheering at his words.
Leaving her moment of joy behind, Noel realized that everyone was looking at her, and she lowered her head, avoiding the focused gazes, and said, "Ah, oh. I'm sorry... I, I'm just too happy..."
'No, why? Why is she reacting like that?'
'Both of them came together, right? Why are their reactions so different?'
I couldn't understand Noel's reaction, so I turned my head back to look at Orcus. As soon as our eyes met again, he smiled blankly and then quickly looked away, diverting his gaze from mine. But his ears were turning red, and it seemed like Orcus was embarrassed by Noel's reaction as well.
To forget about what happened just now, he continued laughing for a long time. And as his laughter was about to end, he seemed to have something on his mind that he hadn't mentioned yet, or perhaps it was to change the subject, but he unconsciously started talking to me again.
"Oh, um... Congratulations on your engagement, Lord Demian, Lady Elena."
"...Thank you."
'Well, he said it too soon.'
--- END OF CHAPTER ---