Chương 13: Approaching the “Princess”

My goal for this celebration banquet was to check the stats of every single Hero candidate, but it was proving to be more difficult than I'd anticipated. To trigger the skill from Halunar's eye, I needed to maintain a steady, unwavering gaze on my subject throughout the entire data-reading process. However, the hall was packed, and people were constantly on the move. I'd managed to scan only about twenty people, and the party was already beginning to wind down. Time was running out.

I had to prioritize the most urgent tasks. While I might have other chances to encounter the remaining candidates, there was one particular person I could only get close to during this banquet. The question was, how could I approach that area without drawing too much attention? Should I just slip in quietly? It was crowded enough over there. I was weaving through the throng to get closer to where the "Princess" was seated when a familiar voice called out, stopping me in my tracks.

"Asher, what exactly are you doing?" That useless Jullius... he certainly has a knack for picking the worst possible moment to interfere! Wait. Actually, I might be able to use him to my advantage.

"Young Master, I was looking for you. I thought you might be speaking with the Princess, so..." Up until now, Jullius hadn't been able to get close to the "princess". It seemed he either felt that jostling through the crowd was beneath him, or he had simply forgotten. However, the Griffin family and the Royal House shared close ties; offering a greeting was practically mandatory. As if only just remembering this, Jullius blinked.

"Oh, now that you mention it... I really should go show my respects to the Princess."

"Would you like a fresh glass of wine, then? And perhaps a glass of juice for Her Highness?" Jullius looked at the empty glass in his hand and nodded.

"Good idea. Go fetch them, quickly." I hurried to grab two new drinks, returning just as he had successfully carved a path toward the "royal" figure who sat at the center of everyone's attention. I quickened my pace, almost breaking into a run. As I reached the spot where Jullius was beginning his formal greeting, I leaned my body forward... The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Young Master, I've brought the wine— Ah!" The two drinks on the tray soared through the air in a graceful arc before splashing directly onto the elegant white gown of the "Princess" seated there. The surrounding crowd let out gasps of horror. I lunged forward, shoving the "priestess" standing nearby out of the way, and whipped a handkerchief from my pocket. I cried out in feigned terror:"M-my deepest apologies, Your Highness! I didn't mean to... P-please, let me clean this up..."

I dropped to my knees before the "Princess," vigorously scrubbing at the expanding stains on her skirt. The girl's eyebrows furrowed in irritation. I knew this was my only window, so I tilted my head up slightly and whispered just loud enough for one person to hear:"Rachel Hustler. Meet me at the Cathedral square tonight." The moment the words left my lips, two of the "Princess's" royal guards seized my shoulders and yanked me backward.

"Who are you? How dare you be so insolent toward Her Highness?" Jullius's face had turned a sickly shade of green from embarrassment, but he was forced to speak up.

"He... he is my assistant. He's always been this clumsy. I will certainly discipline him when we return! Please, do not misunderstand. I assure you he meant no harm..." He then turned to me, his brow knotted in pure rage.

"You! Get out and wait for me outside! You are a disgrace to our family name!" I didn't need to be told twice. I scrambled away, making a beeline for the Cathedral exit. The banquet came to an end. On the carriage ride back, I was subjected to a non-stop barrage of insults from Jullius. He ranted that he would never take me to an important event ever again, how I had brought shame upon the Griffin name, and how much face he had lost. My official punishment: a three-day detention.

Did he really think I'd just lock myself in my room for three days? Of course not. I had a very important appointment tonight. In Averula, people take their dinner immediately after the day's final bell. Normally, there would still be some nightlife, but since the Awakening Day had passed and monsters were active once more, night markets and large gatherings now shut down before sunset. I waited until most of the inhabitants of the Griffin manor were asleep before slipping out.

It was then that I discovered a new function of my left eye: its night vision was superb. Thanks to this, I could easily navigate the streets, which were illuminated only by the faint moonlight, and make my way to the square in front of the Cathedral. The square was vast, lined with rows of trees and paved with stone. At this hour, it was deserted, save for the occasional guards patrolling in the distance. I chose to sit right by the central fountain so I'd be easy to spot.

Based on those strange skills belonging to the person named Rachel Hustler, I had a few theories about her background. Her skill set was perfectly tailored for stealthy scouting or assassination. For someone like that to willingly allow the Princess to "steal" her position as a Hero candidate, she must be a shadow guard working for the Royal House - or more specifically, the Princess's personal secret guard. The only question was: how deep did this shadow guard's loyalty run?

I was lost in thought when I felt something cold and sharp pressed against my throat. A low voice, sounding neither entirely male nor female, whispered right into my ear:"Who are you?"