Chapter 192: Fog in the forest
As the rest of the group continued to mount their horses, some had already decided who they wanted for their riding companions. Meanwhile, the remaining men and women paired up with each other randomly.
"Why didn’t you go with Prince Charming, Ardolf?" Raylen asked Emily.
"I didn’t see the point when I know how to ride my own horse," Emily replied, lifting her chin, which brought a hint of amusement to the Storm King’s eyes.
"Showing off that you are the better rider?" Raylen asked her, and Emily’s eyes moved back to meet his gaze.
"In that sense, all men like to show off," Emily responded to his words.
"Believe it or not, they do. They want to catch the fair maiden’s hand, but it seems the fair maiden likes to swat away anything that comes near her." Raylen’s clever blue eyes locked onto hers. He continued, "Poor lads, they will need to work harder. Keeping yourself in a tower, waiting for the men to slay the dragon and whatnot, all before they find you. You cruel dragon murderer," he added with a grin.
Emily rolled her eyes at him and replied softly, "I don’t expect them to fight dragons, nor am I locked in a tower," although the idea sounded appealing to her. She secretly longed to be desired, to have men fight for her, without becoming disheartened or turning away from her, she thought to herself. She wasn’t asking for much.
"Princess," Raylen called her, and when her eyes met his, he said, "It seems like you have inherited your grandmother’s spirit, but you don’t know how to wield it. Some cards are uniquely held by women, but you are playing the cards of men."
Before Emily could question him, Raylen moved past her and made his way to the front, while Beatrice brought her horse next to him, leaving Emily to be flanked by Julius Ardolf and Marshall Travis on either side.
Mr. Ruiz snapped his fingers, and the servants, each holding a scroll, approached the riders to give them their instructions. He explained, "These scrolls contain clues to your quest. Remember, you have an hour and a half before the game ends, at which point, you are to return here. We hope this will be a memorable event for all of you, and that you enjoy it to the fullest."
The man then raised a gun to the sky and fired it, announcing, "The hunt begins now!"