Robert summons came sooner than Noah expected.
"A hunting festival?"
The servant who had come to inform him replied respectfully:
"Invitations come to the head of the family from time to time, but he rarely accepts one."
After the servant’s repeated explanations, Noah understood that Robert usually had no interest in such festivals or invitations.
He left the palace with faint curiosity about the world beyond its walls. According to the original body’s memories, he had never left the palace before.
Unfortunately, just as Noah expected, the carriage shook violently whenever it left the paved roads. Hydraulic suspension did not exist in this world. He had nothing to do for hours except watch the same scenery and practice some magical techniques.
Robert watched him for some time before saying:
"Travel usually helps nobles and gives them frequent moments of inspiration to improve their magic, especially during childhood."
Noah did not answer and continued training.
Robert replied sarcastically, as though he was enjoying Noah’s discomfort during his first journey:
"This suits you. Now you have more time to train."
Noah did not know if Robert was mocking or encouraging him no matter how he look at it robert’s face was too calm and difficult to read, so Noah merely frowned and ignored what he said.
As the days passed, Noah’s mastery of magic improved little by little. What had initially been a random mass that did not deserve to be called a stone began to gain clear edges and a straight shape resembling a blade.
In less than a week, Noah was able to form a piece of ice the size of a short sword.
Robert stared at what he had made with displeasure.
"Training with a sword improves a noble’s appearance, but do not make the foolish mistake of devoting your life to it as a fighting style."
"Hmm? You speak as though using a sword is despised."
Noah had expected knights to be among the most important forces in a world that combined magic and bladed weapons. Even a powerful magician could become helpless if a knight managed to get close to him.
But Robert clicked his tongue.
"The age of swords is over. The only reason knights remain is that they still have a use alongside nobles. Do not forget. Knighthood has already lost its path."
Robert looked at the ice sword before continuing.
He pointed at the ice sword.
"In the past, weak nobles had to fear a knight for his entire life. Now, a gun can stop his charge and kill him with one pull of the trigger."
Noah considered his words before falling deep into thought.
After several days, the procession arrived in the region of Nantes. The region included wide areas of pine forests, and its income depended on timber and aquatic resources. The city looked active behind the open gate, but everything changed as soon as House Lupton’s procession entered.
People were talking in groups before scattering in fear as soon as they saw the procession.
They disappeared into the alleys and behind the buildings as though something was chasing them.
Noah watched them through the carriage window.
He did not understand why they were fleeing like that. It was enough for them to move away from the road, but they looked like rats that had seen a cat enter their hiding place.
The procession passed through the places they had cleared. Eyes appeared from the shadows and watched cautiously. Then some of those watching came out a little after the soldiers moved away.
Their clothes were dirty and ragged, regardless of their age. House Lupton’s soldiers compared their orderly dark clothes with what those people wore and did not try to hide their mockery.
One of them shouted:
"Move aside, you scum! This is a procession for those of the Superior Bloodline!"
"Superior blood..."
The disorder spread again until they fled one after another.
The carriage continued through empty roads despite the people everywhere. Noah could feel their eyes following him from behind the windows and corners, but no one dared to approach.
After arriving, Noah stayed inside the carriage and claimed he was tired from the journey. Robert went to meet the other nobles.
When he returned, he shook his head and said:
"Staying here will not benefit you. Not all the invited guests have arrived yet. You need to build some social circles."
Noah did not answer and continued training quietly.
The Great Hunt began three days later.
The celebration was held on a luxurious terrace overlooking a wide plain. Its size suggested that it had been built specifically to host this kind of event.
Every table was filled with food, and the servants continued moving between them while carrying plates and drinks. The glasses were filled with red wine, and the musicians began playing with fingers worn out by training and work.
The nobles did not begin their conversations until the music grew louder.
Noah listened to their words for some time, then lost interest. They exchanged pleasantries and turned every trivial conversation into a matter worthy of discussion.
He remained in his place, touching the rim of his glass with his finger, while Robert stood near him.
"It does not seem that you intend to get to know anyone."
"I have no desire to."
"Did you inherit social anxiety from your father?"
Robert looked at him mockingly, but his cold expression did not change.
Father and son continued moving the food around their plates in silence until an excited voice rose:
"The preparations are complete, honored guests. The Great Hunt will begin!"
The faces turned toward the plain.
One of the nobles said:
"I heard that the forests of Nantes produce patient and stubborn prey. I hope the long journey was worth the trouble."
The host answered:
"We chose prey that will not disappoint you, but I hope you pay more attention to the hunters this time."
"The hunters? Has anyone worthy of fame appeared in Nantes?"
The host laughed.
"We have spent ten years preparing since the last hunt. I am certain that the show will impress you."
Two groups began moving across the plain.
One of them was far away, so Noah could not distinguish its members. The members of the nearby group wore dark military uniforms, and each of them carried a long barrel over his shoulder.
Noah’s eyes widened slightly.
"Hmm, guns?"
Robert looked at him.