Chapter 195 An Invitation from the Economic Faction
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Today, Ayumu found himself enjoying a hunt in Duke Ralka’s vast forest, invited by the economic faction of nobles led by the Duke himself. Apparently, they wanted to lift his spirits after his recent suspension—a thoughtful gesture he appreciated.
Having been pushed to work tirelessly until now, Ayumu mused that being temporarily relieved from his duties as chief researcher of the Magic Engineering Division and his responsibilities as a Lord had its perks. Hunting amidst the Duke’s woods, teeming with deer that even commoners could only dream of seeing, was certainly one of them.
”Impressive, isn’t it, Sanai? My forest,” Duke Ralka said, beaming, sending hunting dogs and forest wardens to drive the prey toward them like a scene from a Siberian wilderness.
”I… I don’t even know what to say. I’m amazed! Truly, Your Highness, a forest of this scale, maintained with such care… few nobles can match this,” Ayumu replied, carefully flattering as always.
”Hahaha, you exaggerate, my friend!” the Duke chuckled, clearly pleased with the praise.
Though Ayumu had free rein to hunt any game, even the grandest, he chose a suitably sized stag to avoid taking the spotlight. Moments later, the dogs and wardens cornered the target, and Duke Ralka, bow in hand, effortlessly shot the massive stag through the head, ending its life instantly and humanely. The display drew natural applause and cheers from Ayumu and the others.
”Amazing! Such a magnificent creature! At least a ton in weight, I’d wager! If there’s any trick to this, please, Your Highness, do teach me!” Ayumu exclaimed, making sure to elevate the Duke’s pride.
The Duke, clearly enjoying himself, smiled. “Well… if there were a trick, I’d be glad to share it. But there’s none. And my apologies, Sanai—this hunt was meant to honor you, yet I stole the spotlight,” he said, chuckling.
”No, no! What delights me most, Your Highness, is simply being invited to such a lively gathering. Truly kind of you,” Ayumu replied sincerely. “But… this stag! How shall we transport it? Surely a beast of this size is no easy task.”
Indeed, thirty infantry were soon mobilized, ropes and pulleys in hand, to lift the massive deer onto a wagon pulled by eight horses. Duke Ralka remained in high spirits the entire time. So pleased was he that he even gifted Ayumu a magnificent new bow, fashioned from the antlers of the stag he had just taken down.
Ayumu also ensured his own prize—another stag—was loaded onto a wagon and sent to Luruna’s father’s meat-processing facility. The venison, wild and flavorful, proved delicious, and Sasami in particular was thrilled, devouring it with such enthusiasm she seemed ready to eat even the bread-plate it had come on.
Pleased with the gift, and with work on hold for the moment, Ayumu decided to send Sasami home with jerky and ham made from the deer’s hindquarters. She expressed gratitude more openly than ever before, using a horse-drawn carriage service he had personally arranged.
With Sasami safely on her way, Ayumu could rest assured that he would no longer have to worry about the enraged Yoluminette faction chasing her with swords drawn—a frequent source of stress. Or, perhaps, given how commonplace such scenes had become, he realized he never truly had to worry in the first place.
Ayumu found himself mulling over how the extraordinary was steadily becoming his everyday reality, leaving him quietly puzzled for some time…
Notes:
• Sasami – Birene girl, small and sharp-eyed with messy brown hair | First in Ch.126 | Servant maid from the slums, does chores with chaotic energy | Has many starving siblings she secretly sends wages to | Bonds with Cocoa as her junior but constantly drags her into trouble | Meets Ayumu as part of the first servant group, wakes him with flying tackles and endless pranks | Unique note: loudmouthed gremlin who hides deep loyalty and homesickness behind mischief
• Yoluminette – Elandric warrior from Keldan, tall and sharp-eyed; first in Ch.146; master swordswoman using Ten-Man Slash; no family known; fought and slew bandits before Ayumu arrived, then joined his forces; stoic yet prideful, often escalates fights over petty things like cream puffs. takes “senpai” pride very seriously
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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