The Emperor arrived shortly after, accompanied by Empress Selena and Queen Leon.

Zaphyr’s presence drew every gaze the moment he stepped down from his carriage. He wore a white suit trimmed in gold, a scarlet cape lined with white fur draped over his shoulders neatly.

Empress Selena followed beside him, her gown a deep crimson that matched the Emperor’s cape. Her expression was composed yet distant, and a loose white coat wrapped around her thin figure.

Queen Leon, on the other hand, carried himself with quiet grace, his sapphire cloak trailing softly over the snow. He didn’t bother exchanging glances with the nobles like the other two.

Zayden immediately placed a hand on Eiran’s shoulder, urging him to bow. Ren followed his movements graceful but cautious, keeping his eyes fixed on the ground.

When the Emperor’s gaze swept over them, Zayden straightened, offering a firm salute. For a fleeting moment, their eyes met, making Zayden recall his conversation with his father regarding Enzo.

Once the Emperor settled on his throne, followed by his wives, the other nobles greeted them gracefully.

"The Crown Prince has not arrived yet?" Zaphyr asked one of his attendants, his voice low. If the nobles were to notice his absence, they would surely make a big fuss out of it.

"I-I believe he went to bring Crown Prince Rihaan, Your Imperial Majesty."

Zaphyr narrowed his gaze, still searching for Soren among the crowd, just in case. But his attendant was right—his eldest son was nowhere to be seen.

"Your Imperial Majesty, where is the Crown Prince?" one of the nobles asked, a sly grin curling his lips.

The Emperor’s jaw tightened, his gaze shifting toward the elderly man.

"He must be on his way. Considering the amount of work he had to do to prepare for this event, I am certain he won’t let it go to waste," Selena replied for the Emperor instead. She gently placed a hand over his, urging him to remain calm. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Leon forced himself to remain silent, though the urge to retort: And what does his whereabouts have to do with you?, burned on his tongue. He wasn’t the kind to remain still about such things; however, he couldn’t do much in the presence of the Emperor and Empress.

Once they arrived, the delegation of Hianshu stepped forward to greet the Emperor. From the way most of them bowed, it was clear to anyone that there was no true respect in their hearts for Zaphyr. Yet, no one dared to point it out. Not out of fear—after all, what non-human would ever fear humans?—but simply because they couldn’t afford another war against them.

Even if they were mere mortals, the humans had, over the centuries, created countless weapons capable of killing non-humans just as easily as their own kind. Still, it was a small comfort that humans could not do what non-humans could—take lives and extend their own.

Zayden scanned them as if studying an open book. They weren’t even trying to hide their disrespect. His jaw tightened, teeth gritting as his glare darkened.

Ren noticed the sudden shift in the General’s expression. Just moments ago, he had been smiling—now, fury clouded his eyes.

"My Lord," Ren spoke softly, his voice calm but firm. "Don’t let it upset you."

The dark-blue-haired man turned toward him, and the moment his gaze met Ren’s, the anger faded from his eyes.

"You’re right," he said with a faint smile.

Today was a special day. He wouldn’t let it be ruined because of the Hianshu delegation.

A horn sounded, blown by a man who stood at the northern side of the throne, a few kilometres away. Francois Leduke was the master of the hunt who had been appointed by the Emperor for the hunting festival.

The murmurs of nobles quieted instantly as the ceremony was about to start.

"The rules of the hunt remain as they have for generations," the man announced, his voice carrying over the cold air by the mike.

"Each participant will enter the forest with one weapon of choice. No magic may be used unless in defence of one’s life. It is forbidden to team up with another participant. Only one servant is permitted for each participant. Killing another participant is strictly forbidden and will be punished by exile or execution. Those who capture the most prey before sundown shall be declared the victors."

He paused, scanning the crowd before adding, "Beasts released this year include snow deers, white wolves, and—" his voice faltered briefly before his voice rose, "—one frost leopard, marked with a silver crest. Whosoever captures it alive will have a wish granted by the Emperor."

A murmur spread through the nobles. Everyone knew what that meant—a wish granted by Zaphyr wasn’t something easily earned. It promised political power, trade privileges, and a seat closer to the throne. Some nobles’ eyes glimmered with excitement, while others gleamed with greed.

Zayden folded his arms, expression unreadable. "A frost leopard," he muttered under his breath. "So, that’s what he’s after this year..."

Ren tilted his head slightly.

"He?"

"Crown Prince Soren," Zayden replied quietly. "He has been after that creature since last winter. Said it was the only one he couldn’t outrun."

Before Ren could respond, another horn sounded—sharper this time, signalling the start. Knights and nobles began moving toward their assigned paths, the crunch of boots over snow echoing through the still forest.

"Ren, come with me." Zayden tilted his head toward the trees.

The servant glanced at Eiran, unsure whether to follow. After all, the boy needed someone to look after him.

Just then, a tall figure approached. The Archduke. Even if Ren hadn’t seen him in years, his face was one impossible to forget.

"Zayden, why are you still here? Everyone else is preparing to leave."

"Well... Eiran—"

"Hello, little one," the Archduke said with a warm smile, leaning toward the boy. "Do you mind if your fathers go hunting without you?"

Eiran shook his head.

"Papa is the one getting worried for no reason."

The Archduke straightened, his gaze shifting to Ren.

"I’ll look after him, if it reassures you."

Ren hesitated for a moment. Then, he looked at Zayden who gave him a quiet nod.

"A-Alright," he lowered his head. "Please take care of him for me," he bowed.