Chapter 71 70: Hunting Event (1)

The weeks leading up to the various events passed in a blur, Jahi and I losing ourselves in various heated moments throughout, while also practicing our magic and bladework.

Over these few weeks I had even leveled up, as I was now able to receive large amounts of experience from all those 'heated moments', which when paired with the experience I received from preparing meals, cleaning, and the excursions into the Fovos Forest to slaughter dozens, if not well over a hundred Hobgoblins each time proved to be quite lucrative.

My level now looked like:

[Level 21 (14,731/332,424)]

I kept the stat point for now, deciding to save it for when my stats were unlocked fully, which occurring to the system was just a few weeks, as I grew used to my body and the mana coursing through my veins fully seeped into me.

Currently Jahi and I were on the way to the Vesca Barony, where Fresca was from.

They invited Jahi and Leone to attend the small tea gathering first before asking if they would stay for the hunt that afternoon, which would be in the large birch forest the Vesca Family was proud of.

We would meet Leone there, before Leone and I would wait while Jahi went out on her hunt, since servants couldn't participate.

However, I didn't really care, as there was no challenge or thrill to be had in killing some powerless animal. When I stained my blade I wanted the thing I killed to look up at me, its eyes slowly going dull as its blood drained from its body...

I shivered slightly, wanting to return to Fovos Forest again to satiate myself, however I just sighed when I collapsed further into the comfortable seating of the carriage.

Jahr was asleep across from me, dressed in a simple black suit and pants, with long black boots riding up to her knees.

The bows and arrows would be provided at the Vesca Barony, as they wanted to give everyone a 'fair' chance, however most likely everyone would use their magic to strengthen their blows, or just utilize their blades.

I looked out the carriage window, admiring the rolling hills and light mist that was lit by the early morning sun.

Eventually we reached the Vesca House, our coachman showing the invitation and small emblem of Asmodia to the gate guards before taking us into the courtyard of the house.

Various marble statues lined the paved road, depicting many different species of animals. Besides them, there were a large rose bushes decorating the many pathways winding through the yard.

Taking a breath, I looked over to see Jahi still leaning against the back of the carriage, her lips parted slightly as she took in deep breaths.

Smiling, I leaned forwards and gently shook her shoulders, watching as her eyes fluttered open.

She yawned before leaning forwards, placing a quick kiss on my lips before opening the carriage door.

Stepping out before her, I offered my hand and helped her down, taking my place behind her as we made our way around the large house, towards the back where the tea party would be held in the garden.

A guard led us through the lands, before bowing and leaving.

I followed behind Jahi, my eyes wandering over the three large tables that were already split into groups, with the more powerful families in the center while the weaker heirs sat towards the edge.

A short girl in a long brown dress approached Jahi, her lips pulled into a gentle smile as she curtsied.

"Welcome to the Vesca Barony, Lady Jahi. I am Gia Vesca, and I hope you enjoy the party and hunt later today."

Giving Gia a light bow, Jahi smiled as she said "I am looking forwards to it, Miss Gia."

As Jahi bowed I gave a deep curtsy, before taking my place behind Jahi when she sat at the center table.

Beside her was Draka Klaki, who looked miserable as she had her servant fan her off. Her pale skin was glistening slightly, and she looked towards Jahi with a small smile, before turning to look back at the table.

She was dressed in a simple white dress, and I watched as she lifted her hand and traced a simple rune, creating a ball of ice that she quickly held against her wrist.

As Draka slowly melted in the humid air, a tall man looked over at Jahi, his face serious as he narrowed his eyes at her.

"Miss Jahi, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Ulysses Gragori, of the Gragori Dukedom."

Looking at Ulysses long blonde hair that was pulled into a ponytail, as well as his piercing blue eyes, I was reminded of the plundering warriors from the north in my old life.

Jahi nodded, smiling as she just said "It is a pleasure, Sir Ulysses."

Beside Ulysses was a thin woman, her eyes narrowed as she glared at Jahi.

"Name's Jillian Sariel."

Smiling towards the thin woman with long brown hair that was decorated with small golden clips, Jahi just nodded.

Jillian was a serious, grave woman, and her brown eyes were like stone as she looked at Jahi with slight irritation. She had sharp features, making her look like a hawk. However, the most defining were her long ears, which were sharped than what the Marquess jokingly called her 'knife ear' wife. Wearing a suit similar to Jahi, I assumed she would participate in the hunt as well, unlike Draka.

Those were the three heirs to the Dukedoms; Draka Klaki, Ulysses Gragori, and Jillian Sariel.

Sitting at the table, Jahi looked around and listened to the various introductions of the families from the Counts and Barons who had attended.

However, none were to important, at least for me, but I still made sure to put name to face so I could potentially track down whoever got to close... ahem, I mean so I could answer them respectfully, as a maid should. Yup.

There was only one seat left, which was at the center of the large table.

As everyone fell into small discussion, sipping on the tea in front of them, i watched as Leone made her appearance, her curvy body covered by a red silk dress.

Her ashen hair was still held up by her golden tiara, and I noticed that she had chosen an open front dress, displaying the crimson ritual circle above her cleavage with pride.

Walking forwards with a confident stride, she nodded to the three heirs of the Dukedoms, both Ulysses and Jillian smiling at her warmly.

However, when she approached Jahi and offered her hand, I saw those smiles fade as slight anger appeared in their eyes.

Taking Leone's hand, Jahi gently placed her lips on the back of it, smiling up at the blushing Leone.

Sitting down, Leone took a sip from her teacup, looking around the tables with a smile.

"Well, I hope I wasn't too late..."

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So, this was another introductory chapter; all three heirs of the Dukedom were introduced, and the only other major introductory chapter will be during the dancing event, where some important Count and Marquess Families will be introduced.

Those will be the cast of characters (mainly) for the Academy, other than the few commoners and teachers. So, I will be giving each their own motives and all that jazz later on.

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