Chapter 016: The Hunting Ground

Afternoon arrived in no time. Du Fan had already changed into hunting attire and left the mansion armed with a long sword and a bow. This time, however, he didn’t know why, but he only took Randy with him.
The two rode their steeds, escorted by the Blood Armor soldiers, and slowly headed outside the city.
Not far from Odinburg lay a forest, which was quite rare in the southern plains. It had originally been established by the southern army, but since large areas of the south fell into the hands of the Lani Empire, the forest disappeared as well.
Whether it was the Gavin Empire or the Lani Empire, there were very few forms of entertainment in their armies. Hunting, which could both relax one and improve horsemanship and archery skills, was a favorite activity among soldiers in both countries. This was also why Du Fan agreed to Gaffield’s sudden invitation.
On one hand, Du Fan knew Gaffield’s invitation likely held no good intentions, but if he refused on the spot, he might encounter even more trouble. It was better to take the initiative and lure them out to see what they really intended.
On the other hand, Du Fan’s fief was extremely close to the Lani Empire, so he couldn’t help but worry if he didn’t assess their military strength properly.
When Du Fan and Randy arrived at the forest, Gaffield and the others were already ready, waiting for Du Fan.
Gaffield had changed out of his plain robes and put on lightweight leather armor. He carried a long bow on his back, a curved sword and a long sword on his horse, with his smooth hair tied back, giving him a heroic appearance.
From afar, he saw Du Fan and Randy approaching on horseback and smiled slightly before leading his group to greet them.
“Duke, are you satisfied with my arrangements for today?”
Du Fan smiled faintly, nodded from his horse, and said, “Hunting… I haven’t done it in a long time since my last experience in the north. With Your Highness Gaffield inviting me, how could I not be satisfied?”
Gaffield’s smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained it and said, “As a guest from afar, it’s my greatest honor to satisfy you, Duke… and it’s also an honor for our Lani Empire, right, brother?”

As soon as his younger brother said those words, Du Fan finally noticed that behind Garfield, Leoport was also standing on horseback. At this moment, Leoport was wearing that silver armor again, along with a helmet that resembled that of a god of death, exuding an overwhelming aura of menace. Du Fan was filled with confusion—this Leoport was indeed strange. He usually seemed approachable, but Du Fan had seen him in that silver armor twice, both times radiating such a deadly presence. He didn’t know why. Immediately, Du Fan bowed to Leoport and said, “Your Highness Leoport, we fought once in the imperial capital last time, and it ended in a tie. This time, during this hunt, we must determine a winner!” Hearing Du Fan’s words, Leoport, whose face was hidden beneath his helmet, seemed to smile slightly and said, “Duke Du Fan, you’re being modest. Last time, I was defeated by you. This time, I doubt things will be any different…” After saying that, his gaze met Du Fan’s briefly, and both of them burst into laughter. Though they were laughing, Du Fan remained puzzled. What kind of hunt was this that Garfield was organizing? It surely had ulterior motives. Given Leoport’s shrewdness, he should be aware of this. Since Garfield had chosen to cooperate with someone from the Lionheart Family, Leoport could only work with his own Green Family—there was no doubt about that… But in this hunt, he didn’t show any other intentions at all… Could it really be just a simple hunt? Garfield couldn’t be that foolish, right? He didn’t bring anyone with him except Randy, who had an affair with him… If he didn’t make good use of this situation, then… Hmph… Over there, Garfield simply smiled and said, “Of course, we need to determine a winner in this hunt… But, Duke, please be lenient later! Your Green Family is a family of martial prowess; your archery skills must be unmatched in the world. I admit I can’t compare.” Du Fan smiled faintly and said, “Your Highness Garfield, you’re too kind. I only have a basic understanding of archery…” Hearing Du Fan’s words, Garfield didn’t say anything more. Instead, he suddenly clapped his hands and said calmly, “Well then, Duke Du Fan, let’s get started…” As soon as he finished speaking, a group of soldiers in black armor behind Garfield rushed forward at high speed toward the forest. With their charge, dust filled the air, and all the birds and animals in the forest were startled.

After charging for a while, those cavalrymen did not return but scattered in all directions around the forest, clearly intent on protecting the prey inside so they wouldn’t escape. Soon, several frightened deer rushed out of the forest, one of them blindly charging toward Du Fan and his group. Seeing this, Garfield smiled slightly and said to Du Fan calmly, “My lord duke, as a guest who has come from afar, please take the first shot!” In such hunts, generally only those of the highest status were allowed to shoot first, but failing to do so well could be a great embarrassment. Du Fan wasn’t sure what Garfield meant at first, and without time to think deeply, he simply smiled and said, “Then I, Du Fan, shall obey respectfully!” With that, he took down the iron-reinforced bow from his back and drew a feathered arrow from his quiver… With a whoosh, a silver streak flashed through the air, reaching the frightened deer in an instant, and with a thud, it pinned the deer to the ground. Du Fan put down his bow and arrow, smiled at Garfield, and said, “Fortunately, I didn’t lose much face. As for the second shot, it’s up to Lord Garfield!” Garfield glanced at Du Fan, a faint smile on his lips, before declaring loudly, “Good! Then let me take the next shot!” Before he could finish speaking, three more whooshes were heard almost simultaneously, and the remaining three deer were all pinned to the ground. Leopold put down his bow and arrow and said calmly, “Elder brother, let me take these shots on your behalf. Please don’t blame me…” Though his tone was calm, there was still a hint of tension beneath it. Du Fan wondered why Leopold seemed determined to anger Garfield today—what was his intention? Normally, having one’s prey stolen would be a great embarrassment, but Garfield, seeing this, acted as if nothing had happened. Instead, he clapped his hands and laughed, saying, “My younger brother is truly skilled—he hasn’t brought shame to our Lan Ni Empire… But this hunt isn’t something that can be decided so easily…”

With that, Garfield pointed to the forest not far away and said, “According to the rules of our Lannid Empire, whoever catches the most prey in the forest before sunset is the winner… Duke Du Fan, why don’t we play by those rules as well?”
Du Fan smiled faintly and replied, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!”
“Good,” said Garfield. “Then I’ll send a few guards to accompany you to ensure your safety!”
Du Fan shook his head gently and smiled, “No need. With Commander Landi protecting me, it’s already like having thousands of soldiers at my side! Right, Commander Landi?”
Landi wasn’t expecting the topic to turn to him so quickly. Though puzzled, he nodded and said, “Of course, I’ll protect the Duke!”
Du Fan laughed heartily, swished his whip on his horse’s rump, and then said, “Well then, Your Highness… I won’t hold back!”
With that, his horse charged toward the forest. Behind him, Landi and Garfield exchanged a glance before rushing after them.
The warriors around them also started shouting loudly. Without waiting for Garfield’s order, most of them had already charged off, leaving only Garfield and Leopold in the area.
As if by some unspoken agreement, neither of them moved. After a moment, Garfield suddenly smirked coldly and said, “Leopold, if you ruin my plans today, I guarantee you won’t be able to return to Odinburg ever again…”
After a pause, Leopold replied in a low voice, “If I were to cause trouble for you… I’d at least bring my Blood Armor Army with me… I came alone today. If you dare touch me, you know better than anyone what the consequences will be!”
Garfield snorted but said nothing more. He simply gripped the hilt of his sword and tapped his horse’s rump lightly. His horse immediately neighed and rushed forward, with several guards following closely behind.
Only Leopold remained in the area. He suddenly reached out and tapped his horse’s back a few times before finally laughing. “Garfield, Garfield… I just hope you won’t disappoint me today… Otherwise…”