Chapter IV-VI:

Huntmaster's Side

When Harvey found the dead bloodhound, he realized the teeth marks were from those of wolves. Not only do they travel in packs, but they were nowhere to be seen.

He hastily climbed back onto his horse and galloped as fast as he could.

By the time the houndmaster tracked the horse hoofs back towards his princess, all he saw was a bloody mess. Panting, he muttered in horror, “What in God’s name happened?” But even if he was shocked, seeing Eilane unharmed, he quickly disembarked and bearhugged her. “Thank the Gods that you’re alright, Princess!”

Although he wasn’t sure what had happened, the two children were completely mute the entire way back.

The next few weeks went by in a whirl. Harvey was scolded heavily, but Eilane made sure he didn’t get fired. “He did his best to protect us!” She adamantly yelled at her father, the King.

Although Harvey’s face went as white as a sheet at having to witness the most powerful person in the nation being scolded, he also couldn’t help but admire the little girl and thought: This girl’s got guts.

He was a simple servant that was happy being able to raise his hounds and track animals and craft items gained from the hunt. But he was also a bit moved that she would protect him like that. The man didn’t really care about engagements or whatever, he himself thought the little princess was too young to be getting married anyways.

Still, when he heard that Prince Rafael never contacted the little princess again, he tried to pay more attention to her, hoping she didn’t feel lonely.

To his surprise, Eilane Erst rode even more fiercely and laughed even more brightly while practicing her swordplay. When he looked at her, he thought she was really enjoying life.

Bah! All the better for it, that gutsy princess was too good for him anyways.

Thus, the future queen procrastinated the idea of marriage today as well.