The secret system of the Gallant Heir

Even after returning from the inner world, one thought refused to leave my mind—how could I ever face a 7th-circle mage when I couldn't even defeat a 3rd-circle one? The gap was overwhelming. The difference in power was like the sky and the earth.

I clenched my fists.

Five years. That's all the time I had. If I wanted to be strong enough to survive the crisis ahead, I had to use every single day to improve. Training, fighting, and learning—there was no other choice.

As I was lost in thought, a voice called out from outside my room.

"Young master, the princess has arrived to meet you."

I frowned. Lucia? Again?

"What? Is she planning to visit me every day now?" I muttered under my breath before sighing. "Alright, Bell, I'll be there in a bit."

Just then, Ignis, who had been resting nearby, stretched her arms and smirked. "Ohh, your fiancée is here? I want to meet her too."

I gave her a deadpan look. "Why do you want to meet her? This has nothing to do with you."

She tilted her head, placing a hand on her hip. "I think you forgot something, kid. I'm your battle companion. That means you don't get to deny me anything." Her tone was full of arrogance.

I sighed in defeat. "Fine, fine. You can come. Let's go."

With that, Ignis and I left the room and made our way to the garden.

The garden was as peaceful as ever. The white roses wrapped around the gazebo swayed gently in the cool morning breeze, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Sunlight peeked through the gaps between the trees, casting dappled shadows on the neatly trimmed grass.

Lucia was sitting at the same table as last time, dressed in an elegant pale blue gown. She held a cup of tea in her hands, her golden curls shimmering in the sunlight. But despite her graceful appearance, I had a feeling this wasn't just a casual visit.

I walked toward her and spoke in a relaxed tone. "Princess, I know you're my fiancée, but isn't it a little rude to visit me every day?"

She smiled slightly, but there was a sharpness in her eyes. "It's not like I want to, but I heard a rather interesting rumor."

I raised an eyebrow. "A rumor?"

She nodded, setting her teacup down. "I heard that my dear fiancé is living with another woman. Shouldn't you at least introduce me to her?"

I sighed, already regretting this conversation. I glanced at Ignis, who was grinning as if enjoying the drama.

"Oh, you mean Ignis? She's my maid. She was a slave before, and her former owner was mistreating her, so I saved her."

Lucia's gaze shifted to Ignis, who stood confidently beside me, her arms crossed. "Hmm… my fiancé has such a big heart," she said, her tone neutral. "But she doesn't look like a slave to me."

I shrugged. "Believe whatever you want. That's the truth."

Lucia didn't push the topic any further. Instead, she folded her hands on the table and spoke with a more serious expression. "That's not the reason I came today. I actually have something important to tell you."

I leaned slightly forward. "What is it?"

"Tomorrow, there will be a hunting competition," she said. "My father—the king—will be officially announcing our engagement during the event. You'll need to attend."

I blinked. A hunting competition? Now, that sounded interesting.

I smirked slightly. "Alright, I'll be there." Then, after a pause, I added, "And… thanks, Princess, for personally delivering the message."

Lucia didn't say anything, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

With that, I turned to leave, motioning for Ignis to follow.

As we walked away, a nagging thought crept into my mind.

Why did she come personally to deliver the message?

She could've just sent an invitation or had a messenger inform me. There was no reason for her to visit in person.

I sighed, shaking my head. I really can't understand this girl.

As I stepped into my room with Ignis, a familiar voice echoed in my mind.

"Host, you have been assigned a mission."

I froze. Lili?

"It's a Yellow Rank mission: You must deal with the trouble at the hunting competition."

My eyes narrowed. "Trouble? What kind of trouble?"

There was no response.

I clicked my tongue. "So something is going to happen tomorrow… Well, I suppose this could be a good chance to gain some real battle experience."

But a Yellow Rank mission… That meant the difficulty wouldn't be low.

I leaned against the wall, lost in thought. I just hope it's not something beyond what I can handle.

The Next Day: The Hunting Competition Begins

The sun rose over the grand estate, bathing everything in a golden glow. The crisp morning air carried the distant sounds of servants bustling around, making preparations for the grand event.

Bell had already prepared the carriage, and soon, I was on my way to the hunting grounds with Ignis and my parents. We traveled in separate carriages, the rhythmic clatter of wheels filling the silence.

As we arrived at the venue, my eyes widened in astonishment.

The hunting competition was set in a vast royal forest, filled with towering trees and thick vegetation. Sunlight streamed through the leaves, creating shifting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor.

Near the entrance was a grand clearing, where nobles and participants had gathered. They were dressed in fine hunting gear—some in elegant coats, others in light armor, each carrying bows, swords, or magic-enhanced weapons.

At the center of the clearing stood a massive tent, adorned with royal banners. Special seats were arranged for the king, the royal family, and other high-ranking guests. Servants moved around, offering drinks and refreshments, while knights in shining armor stood guard, keeping a watchful eye on the crowd.

From deep within the forest, the sounds of wild animals echoed—birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the occasional distant growl of a beast. A row of trained horses and hunting dogs stood ready, their handlers keeping them steady.

The atmosphere was electric with excitement.

Young noble heirs whispered among themselves, sizing up the competition. Experienced hunters checked their weapons, making last-minute adjustments. Everyone was waiting for the king's arrival—for the official start of the event.

I took a deep breath, adjusting my gloves as I surveyed the scene.

"So, this is the hunting competition…"

But more importantly—what was the trouble Lili mentioned?

I had a feeling I was about to find out.