The Princess's Challenge
Rakak's words were entirely predictable.
The plans Mu-hyuk had laid out.
It would just be a reiteration of those.
"…What if we do it this way?"
"Go ahead. We're heading to the Kairon Continent soon anyway, so piling on the work now is probably better."
"Of course. I'll just handle the management."
"Then get it started. I can update you on the rest through the communication orb."
"Understood. Looks like things are about to get busy. Please stop by on the day you depart, my lord."
"Of course. Thanks for your hard work."
"Yes, sir!"
Rakak walked away.
Mu-hyuk watched him bustle off for a moment before turning back.
Things should be fine for a while now.
All that remained was attending the banquet.
And the public auction.
Once those were done, he'd head to the Kairon Continent.
Acquiring the hidden power there—that was his top priority for now. With his thoughts sorted, he opened the chat window.
He mounted his warhorse and rode to the hunting grounds.
"Over here!"
"On break, huh?"
"We just finished. Let's hunt right away."
"Sounds good."
They immediately began massacring monsters.
Kieeeek!
The beasts' shrieks echoed without end.
*
He occasionally stopped by the village to check on construction, spending the rest of his time hunting.
It was plenty enjoyable just not being trapped in a confined space like the Tower of Death.
And the thrill of luring weaker ones en masse after picking off the tougher ones, then converting them all to experience in one go—it was a refreshing change from his usual hunts.
"Lure-hunting's not bad, huh?"
"I love it!"
"Man, it's been forever since I hunted this cleanly."
"Stresses me out less?"
"Totally."
"This is the last day for it, though."
Sung Min-woo turned at those words.
"Oh, heading to the Kairon Continent tomorrow?"
"Yeah, after the public auction tonight."
"Oppa, you said you're going to the banquet too, right? We'll just chill. We didn't get invites anyway—if we tag along and can't get in…"
"Hmm, true."
"Yeah, so go have fun."
"Got it."
Time was about right anyway.
"Sun's starting to set…"
Mu-hyuk stood.
"I'll be back."
"Cool. We'll hunt here."
"Alright."
"Oppa, no eyeing other girls."
"Don't worry."
"H-Have a safe trip."
"Yeah."
After goodbyes, he summoned his warhorse.
Let's go.
An hour's ride brought him to Abenso Village, where he used the warp gate to step onto Hemil Empire soil.
Dismounting, he headed to the castle, flashing his noble insignia to the guards and entering.
Pretty quiet?
Thinking that, he walked toward the central area.
But… where?
He didn't actually know the banquet's location.
Should he find Duke Amur?
Or head to the emperor's garden from before? As he pondered, a group bustled out from somewhere.
"Hurry!"
"Yes!"
"You there, careful not to drop the food."
"Got it!"
Women in maid outfits.
Men in work clothes.
Carrying decorations and food toward somewhere. He could guess the destination without asking, but just in case, he spoke up.
"Excuse me."
"Yes?"
"Heading to the banquet hall, right?"
"Why do you ask…?"
Mu-hyuk showed his noble insignia.
"S-Sorry!"
"It's fine."
"But why are you looking for the banquet hall…?"
"Got an invite but lost."
"Ah, follow us then."
"Thanks."
He trailed the maid.
After a winding path.
"Here we are."
They reached the banquet hall.
No nobles yet.
"There! More to the side!"
"Not there! Further!"
"Over here!"
"Hurry, please!"
Standing idle amid the bustling crowd felt awkward.
Maybe help out? As the thought crossed his mind, a chill swept in.
Hm?
The workers kept glancing at one spot.
He turned.
"Ah…"
There stood the princess, expression impassive.
She spotted him too.
"You there."
"Yes."
"The one I invited before?"
"Yes."
"Come here."
Mu-hyuk approached.
"Hmm, you were impressive then."
"Pardon?"
"Blocking my strike."
"Ah, yes…"
"I'll expect the same at this banquet."
Her words stirred needless unease in Mu-hyuk.
What now…?
Of course, he couldn't ask outright.
"It'll start soon. Wait."
"Yes, Princess."
"Everyone, wrap it up quick!"
"Yes, yes!"
The princess checked details herself, issuing orders.
Most Illusion noble NPCs didn't join prep—they delegated and arrived fashionably late to shine.
But she was different. She oversaw everything hands-on.
Hmm.
Mu-hyuk stepped back, watching the hall take shape.
Moments later.
Soon after completion.
Here they come.
Dressed-to-kill nobles appeared.
"Princess, greetings. Count Hamurn here. This child is…"
Introducing his offspring.
"Oh, yes. Count Hamurn."
She cut him off.
"Ah, yes. Princess."
"Enjoy the banquet."
"Understood…"
Count Hamurn's face twisted briefly, then he smiled and turned away.
Similar scenes followed. She was cold and curt to most.
Only a select few got her genuine smiles and warmth.
Brutal.
Hidden daggers flying everywhere.
Stifling, just then—
"Hm? My disciple?"
Familiar voice from behind. He turned.
"Huh? Master…?"
Valsian tilted his head.
"What brings you here?"
"Got an invite."
"You?"
"Yes."
"Ho, interesting."
"Why are you…?"
"Talking like I can't be here."
Mu-hyuk flinched.
"No way."
"You look suspicious."
"Absolutely not."
"Fine, I'll let it slide—though I don't buy it. Anyway, since you're here, proper introductions."
"To whom?"
"Follow me."
Valsian led him to the princess.
"I'm here, Princess."
"Thank you for coming."
Her tone was quite deferential—shocking Mu-hyuk behind them.
But Valsian nodded casually, as if natural.
"Oh, this one. My prized disciple."
"Pardon? Really?"
"Yes, surprised to see him here."
Her gaze shifted to Mu-hyuk.
"He surprised me before too…"
"Did he?"
"Yes. Anyway, enjoy yourselves."
"Heh, will do."
After greetings, Valsian dragged Mu-hyuk around.
Some fawned deeply just for being his disciple; others were perfunctory, or shot veiled hostility.
"Remember that last guy?"
"Yes, well…"
"Unlikeable sort. Don't forget."
Viscount Herbon's disdainful eyes especially—he'd linger. They stirred dim memories of his paralyzed, powerless days.
"Got it."
"Good. Next…"
Mu-hyuk followed.
"Long time."
"Aigoo, Your Excellency."
The viscount used honorifics with Valsian.
Valsian spoke casually.
That alone hinted at his stature.
More impressive than I thought.
Light greetings led to weighty info.
"Plans going forward?"
"What plans? I'm retired."
"Heard bringing Count Alteon won't be easy."
"I know."
"Perhaps…"
"Hey, watch it."
"Oops, understood."
Mu-hyuk absorbed the political chatter.
Tensions with Kairon Continent mounting.
Many nobles raised Valsian-related topics on sight—likely knowing his war prowess.
"If worse comes…"
"Me, this old bag of bones, exerting myself?"
"Come to think, Your Excellency's age…"
"Kek, enough teasing."
"Sorry."
"No matter. If things get dire, my disciple here'll step up."
Gazes turned.
"This young man?"
"Yep."
The more he heard, the uneasier the situation felt. War might actually break out.
If so…
Finding Kairon Continent's hidden power gets harder.
Need to hurry.
He scrapped leisurely plans, revising mentally—then the princess rose. Her presence was immense, unavoidable. All heads turned, Mu-hyuk included.
"Thank you all for attending. Today, I propose something to Sir Valsian's disciple from that fateful connection, Viscount Mu-hyuk."
"Hm…?"
Mu-hyuk's eyes widened at his sudden name.
"I saw your skill dodging my sword last time."
"Ah, yes."
"Show me your true ability today."
Was it always like this?
Or the crowd?
Her aura chilled the air.
Ha, seriously…
Such absurd pressure.
Normally, he'd nod agreeably.
Sure.
While answering.
But now, showing off felt loathsome. Like clowning for the crowd.
No games. Plus, fully aware it was a game, her presence didn't crush him.
"I…"
Without her next words, he'd have refused outright.
"I know it's inconsiderate, but I must confirm here. Will you grant my request?"
A plea muddled refusal.
What to do…?
As he pondered, a quest popped up.
The Princess's Request
Whether capricious or bold, the princess makes a potentially rude request at the banquet. Show overwhelming skill before the watching nobles.
Reward: One of the Princess's treasures.
[Accept?]
[Yes/No]
A quest with fantastic reward too.
Treasure…?
Not just any—the princess's own treasure. Show skill, get an item deemed worthy by imperial blood. Too good to pass.
Fine, just a display.
He swallowed reluctance and hit yes.
"Understood."
"Good. But we need an opponent…"
Viscount Herbon stepped forward as if waiting.