Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

In the room where intricate engravings resembling the beauty of nature adorned the walls, a girl with purple hair cascading down to her waist sat at her desk, sipping her tea. The room was a masterful blend of elegance and luxury, the engravings capturing the essence of flourishing forests and serene rivers, each detail carved into the wood with painstaking precision.

The subtle glow from the chandelier overhead cast a warm light across the room, highlighting the richness of the engravings, which seemed to pulse with life as if the forest itself had been brought indoors.

Expensive furniture made of rare woods and adorned with fine craftsmanship filled the space, with shelves lined with books and documents. The air was filled with the faint scent of lavender, a calming presence that matched the serenity of the surroundings. The girl was sitting at her desk, a delicate teacup resting in her hand as she glanced over the documents in front of her.

Among those documents was the invitation to the banquet—a key piece that she had secured just as Astron had desired. It hadn't been difficult. Her family name alone held enough influence in the Southern side of the Valerian Federation to open doors, and acquiring an invitation was as simple as mentioning who she was. The weight of her family's name made things run smoothly in this part of the world, and that power was something she wielded with subtlety and precision.

As she scanned the papers, her eyes narrowing in thought, a soft knock at the door pulled her from her concentration.

The door creaked open, and Alfred, ever composed and elegant, stepped inside.

"Alfred."

The girl said, looking at the man entering.

His sharp, formal appearance contrasted with the calm, natural atmosphere of the room. With a polite bow, he addressed her.

"My Lady," Alfred began, his tone measured and respectful. "The dress you requested for the banquet has been prepared and delivered. It is ready whenever you wish to try it on."

Maya placed her teacup down on the saucer with a soft clink, a smile gracing her lips. "Ah, wonderful. Thank you, Alfred."

Maya rose gracefully from her chair, smoothing her hands over the delicate fabric of her gown as she stood. Her movements were as fluid as ever, but there was a subtle shift in her demeanor—something even Alfred, her ever-watchful butler, couldn't quite place. The excitement she held for this banquet was unlike the usual demeanor of the members of the family that he had been serving.

Typically, such affairs had little appeal to her nor the Lord of the family.

Alfred's sharp mind noticed the change, though his face remained as impassive as always. It wasn't in his nature to question his Lady's choices, but this particular situation had piqued his curiosity.

"My Lady," Alfred ventured cautiously, "forgive my inquiry, but I must admit that I find it unusual for you to take such an interest in this banquet. I know the significance of the guests attending, but our family has rarely concerned itself with these gatherings. Might I ask what has piqued your interest in this one?"

Maya paused for a brief moment, her fingers brushing over the stack of documents she had been reviewing. Her blue eyes flickered with an unreadable expression before she smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"You've always been observant, Alfred," she acknowledged, her tone light yet laced with something deeper. "But there's no need for concern. This is a personal matter." She turned to face him fully, her smile growing more genuine. "Let's just say there's someone I'd like to help."

Alfred gave a small nod, though the answer only fueled his curiosity further. It was rare for Maya to place personal importance on something outside her usual circle, even more so when it involved the affairs of others. The Lady had always been independent, self-reliant, and somewhat distant from the power games played in the higher circles of society.

Still, it wasn't his place to press further.

"As you wish, My Lady," Alfred replied, his voice unwavering. "The dress is in your private fitting room. Shall I escort you?"

Maya nodded, gesturing for him to lead the way. As they walked, Alfred couldn't help but think of the exquisite gown that had been specially commissioned for the event. It was a masterpiece created by the finest tailors using the most luxurious silks and materials from distant lands. The craftsmanship was impeccable, and no detail had been spared to ensure it was worthy of someone of Maya's stature.

The gown itself was a blend of deep, regal hues—rich purples and blues intertwined with silver accents that seemed to shimmer in the light. It had been designed to capture attention without being ostentatious, an elegant display of refinement and power. It was a dress meant for someone who could command a room with presence alone, and Maya certainly fit that description.

Upon entering the fitting room, Maya approached the dress, running her fingers over the soft silk fabric. Alfred watched silently as she examined the gown, his curiosity still gnawing at him.

Who could she be helping? And why now?

As if sensing his unspoken thoughts, Maya turned slightly, her smile returning. "Alfred, sometimes things require a little… personal touch. This banquet will be important for several reasons, but mostly, it's a chance to support someone who has helped me in ways they might not even realize."

Alfred's brow furrowed slightly. His Lady rarely showed such vulnerability, especially when it came to matters of personal connection.

"I see," he said after a beat.

Alfred, ever cautious and deliberate with his words, observed his Lady closely, his mind whirring with the puzzle pieces she had subtly laid before him. There was a lingering question that had been tugging at him since the recent preparations began. He took a measured breath, then spoke carefully.

"My Lady, if I may inquire… is this person you intend to support the same individual you ordered to be received by the airship?"

Maya paused for a moment, her fingers still tracing the elegant gown before her. She glanced at Alfred with a slightly amused expression, impressed as always by his perceptiveness. Of course, someone like Alfred would notice even the smallest details—after all, the way people arrived at their estate was no simple affair.

The Evergreen family was not like other noble families of the Valerian Federation. While many rulers governed their lands with visible authority, overseeing bustling cities and villages, the Evergreen family operated differently. Their vast estate, located deep within secluded lands, was rarely visited by outsiders. The city below their jurisdiction saw very little of the Evergreen family, and their presence in the greater political landscape was equally understated. Their mansion, perched in a desolate location away from the prying eyes of society, was often seen as a place of mystery.

Rarely would the Lord of the family, or even its members, appear in public. Invitations to their estate were even rarer, typically reserved for only the most essential of guests, and even then, the protocols for arriving at the mansion were meticulous. Visitors were brought by airship, as Maya had arranged for a certain guest, further emphasizing the secrecy and isolation surrounding her family.

Maya gave Alfred a small nod, acknowledging his sharpness. "Yes, Alfred. The one I had ordered to be received is indeed the person I'm supporting. He's… special."

The butler inclined his head, his expression remaining neutral despite the newfound information. His curiosity deepened, but he knew better than to pry further without invitation.

Alfred cleared his throat softly, maintaining his respectful tone. "I see, My Lady. That does explain the special arrangements. I assumed as much, given that our visitors are few and far between."

Maya let out a soft chuckle. "It's not often that we bring someone to the estate, especially not with such care. But… he's worth it."

Alfred remained silent, letting his Lady's words settle in the air. There was a weight behind them that he didn't miss, though he couldn't entirely discern the nature of her connection with this individual. The fact that she had arranged such precise details, going so far as to have this person arrive via airship to their secluded mansion, suggested this was no ordinary relationship.

It was also unusual for Maya to show such personal involvement. Despite her kind nature, she typically kept a professional distance, especially regarding anything linked to her family's affairs.

"You've always been careful about who you associate with, My Lady," Alfred ventured. "This must be a person of considerable importance to you."

Maya met his eyes briefly, a fleeting vulnerability crossing her features before her usual composed smile returned. "He is," she admitted softly. "More than he knows."

The butler gave a respectful bow. "As always, my Lady, I trust your judgment."

Alfred's brow furrowed slightly, though his voice remained as composed as ever. "While I trust your judgment completely, My Lady," he began carefully, "I must inform you that Lord Evergreen will be returning to the estate tomorrow evening. Have you considered how you will introduce this individual to him?"

Maya's expression didn't falter. She remained seated at her desk, her fingers lightly tracing the edges of the documents before her. Through the window, the vast expanse of the forest stretched out, its trees swaying gently in the breeze. There was a glint in her eyes as she took in the view.

"The Lord will likely be curious," Alfred continued, his tone respectful but pointed. "He may wish to know why you've chosen to attend this banquet, something you have rarely shown interest in, and why you've taken the step of inviting someone to our estate."

Maya smiled, the gesture serene yet purposeful. Her eyes, now focused out the window, reflected both calm and a hint of mischief. "Oh, I expected nothing less from him," she mused. "He's always been thorough when it comes to family matters, hasn't he?"

Her tone was light, but there was an undeniable firmness to it as if she had already anticipated this moment and had made her peace with the scrutiny she would face. She stood from her chair, her movements graceful, and took a few steps closer to the window.

"Truth be told, I've been intending to introduce him to the family for some time now," Maya said, her voice soft but resolute.

"And….. Isn't it better to keep things open for the person you hold dear? So that they can never leave your side."

Alfred could not help but widen his eyes since there was a crazed smile on his lady's face.

And a certain crimson glint in her eyes.

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