"Lord Buck, as a hunter who had fallen into darkness, Viddens had already crossed the line of what the guild could tolerate. We have confirmed his hostility towards you, as well as his actions against you. Your slaying of him was beyond reproach."

  McKinley gazed at Buck with sincerity, his tone steady, attempting to convey the Hunter’s Guild’s impartial stance on the matter.

  Before Buck could respond, McKinley continued, "I must clarify one thing—Viddens' actions in no way represent the position of the Hunter’s Guild. You should be aware that Viddens was affiliated with the Royal Capital’s Church, and the Church has long been displeased with your father’s stance."

  Buck raised an eyebrow at these words, inwardly musing—just as expected. He had long suspected that Viddens’ hostility toward him was no mere coincidence. Now, with McKinley’s words confirming it, he was even more certain that the reason lay with his father.

  As a borderland noble, Viscount Hein Frank had long wavered between the empire’s two major factions. The conservatives, centered around the Church and the Royal Capital’s aristocracy, were opposed by the radicals, represented by many powerful frontier lords. The two sides had always been at odds over numerous affairs.

  With the King of the Goliath Empire growing older, the struggle for succession among the princes had intensified, pulling these factional disputes into an even deeper conflict. In such turbulent times, a viscount who commanded a strong military force yet remained undecided was bound to provoke the ire of those in the center of power.

  McKinley had explicitly pointed out that Viddens had been sent by the Royal Capital to deal with Viscount Frank and his son, but Buck had a different view. In his eyes, killing the viscount’s only heir would only push the enraged noble straight into the opposing camp—an error far too foolish for the aristocrats of the Royal Capital to make.

  McKinley had expected that by blaming the conservatives, he could provoke Buck into an immediate fury, redirecting his ire toward the Royal Capital.

  However, Buck saw through the truth in just a second.

  The Fourth Prince, His Highness Roland, the most prominent figure of the radical faction, ruled over a domain in the southern borderlands and held significant influence among frontier nobles and the Hunter’s Guild. He was the most likely suspect behind the attack.

  "I have heard that His Highness Roland has been making great efforts to win over the border nobles in Greenfield City lately. It’s a shame—my father did not accept his invitation." Buck’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile.

  McKinley’s expression stiffened slightly. He had tried his best to avoid bringing the prince into this conversation, yet Buck had so directly pointed to him.

  "Indeed… what a pity," the old hunter murmured, momentarily at a loss for words.

  Unexpectedly, Buck’s tone took a sudden turn, and he began praising the Fourth Prince.

  "In my opinion, His Highness is undoubtedly the one we border nobles should rally behind. My father must have been too old and stubborn to reject the prince’s goodwill. As for me, I look forward to meeting His Highness…"

  "This…" McKinley’s lips twitched slightly, taken aback by Buck’s abrupt shift in stance.

  "I will make sure His Highness sees my sincerity. Surely, Prince Roland will uphold justice for me. And of course, the Hunter’s Guild will continue to protect House Frank, won’t it?"

  Protect you? With your current strength, do you even need protection?

  The old hunter took a slow, deep breath before nodding. "I will relay your message. Rest assured, Lord Buck—such incidents will not happen again."

  In truth, the Hunter’s Guild had delayed approaching Buck for an entire year because they had noticed that Viddens’ assassination attempt had done nothing to shift Viscount Hein Frank’s political stance.

  His Highness had given McKinley two choices: the first was to quietly eliminate Buck, escalating the conflict beyond repair—but McKinley knew he could never accomplish that. Thus, he had chosen the second option: to ease the tension between both sides. After all, Prince Roland was about to return to the Royal Capital; he did not wish to leave behind an uncertain variable at the border.

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  Yet now, the situation seemed to have taken an unexpected turn. Buck Frank had responded with surprising cooperation, even proactively expressing a desire to meet the prince. Did this mean…?

  McKinley pondered this carefully, feeling that his trip here had not been in vain. Concluding their rather cordial conversation, he took his leave from the small chapel.

  "In three days, you will come of age. Allow me to offer my early congratulations—I hope you will meet the one you wish to see at your banquet."

  Buck adjusted his hat, watching the old hunter depart with satisfaction.

  Three days from now, he would reach adulthood. Unknowingly, a full year had passed since he arrived in this world—a year of torment, cursed by malevolent spirits, filled with hardships and struggles.

  But after a year of growth and preparation, he finally had enough confidence to step beyond the lands of Viscount Frank and into the vast world beyond.

  At dusk, a grand banquet was being held at the Frank Castle to celebrate young Buck’s coming of age. The castle was adorned with lanterns, and the glow of lights illuminated every corner, creating a festive atmosphere. Servants bustled around, serving guests in an orderly yet busy fashion.

  Buck had returned to the castle the day before. When his father, Viscount Hein Frank, received him in his study, he coldly informed Buck that he was to choose a fiancée at the banquet the following day. This was not a request but an unquestionable order. Clearly, the Viscount viewed Buck as nothing more than a tool for continuing the family line, given that he was the only son. Had Hein Frank not been wounded in battle, losing his ability to father children, Buck would not have been his only heir.

  Buck did not object to this and paid little attention to the matter. On the day of his coming-of-age ceremony, though his eyes occasionally wandered over the many young ladies present, the only person he truly cared about was none other than Prince Roland.

  As expected, Prince Roland appeared at the Viscount’s castle. Hein Frank greeted the prince with his usual indifferent demeanor, while Roland, in turn, showed impeccable courtesy.

  Truthfully, Prince Roland was a man of extraordinary charm. With the signature golden hair of royalty, his deep blue eyes like a vast, serene lake, and a slender yet upright figure, his handsomeness was undeniable. His demeanor was warm and gentle, like a prince straight out of a fairy tale. He smiled courteously at everyone, with no trace of royal arrogance.

  Even when an awkward servant spilled wine in front of him, Roland showed no sign of anger, his good-natured temperament eliciting admiration from those around him. This left Buck with a positive first impression of the prince—provided that his manners were not mere pretension.

  Just as the Count’s daughter, Sherry Gustav, who was almost certainly the one chosen by Buck’s father to be his fiancée, approached him with a reserved smile, Buck gently pushed her aside without even meeting her gaze.

  In the midst of Sherry’s astonished stare, Buck walked straight toward Prince Roland, who seemed to have been waiting for him at the entrance of the garden, greeting him with a warm smile.

  “Is it true that the notorious Buck Frank, who is said to be a bully of women, doesn’t like women at all?” Sherry, unable to recognize the modest prince in the dim light, watched in confusion as Buck ignored the young, beautiful girl and instead walked toward a man. She couldn’t help but speculate to herself.

  “This is quite surprising,” Sherry mused, her curiosity piqued. “No wonder he’s been so reckless all these years without any rumors of illegitimate children.”

  She tried to follow the two men into the garden, but other guests blocked her path and drew her into their circle. When she turned back to glance at the garden, Buck’s figure had already vanished.

  ...

  “Buck Frank, I must say, I am truly impressed.”

  “Your Highness Roland, your courage and character deserve my utmost admiration.”

  Buck and Prince Roland strolled through the labyrinthine garden, walking leisurely side by side, hands behind their backs. The surroundings were quiet, save for the sound of their footsteps echoing softly against the cobbled path.

  Buck’s gaze lingered on the unguarded back of the prince’s neck, and he silently pondered—if he were to act right now and strike down the prince, there was likely no one who would stop him. It was for this reason that he held a certain admiration for Roland’s bravery.

  Knowing that he was an extraordinary individual, Roland dared to approach Buck alone—either he was truly ignorant and reckless, or he had absolute confidence in himself.

  Was this behavior perhaps an attempt to provoke Buck into action?

  Breaking the silence, Roland spoke. “I’ve heard that Buck Frank is a complete scoundrel, and if he were to suddenly perish, no one would shed a tear.”

  Buck remained calm, unaffected, for the scoundrel described in the rumors was not truly him.

  Roland turned to face him, noticing his indifference, and nodded slightly. “It seems that the rumors are not entirely true. What has changed you?”

  “It was your Highness’s threat, and the encroachment of darkness,” Buck responded with a smile.

  Roland smiled in return, and compared to Buck’s gloomy grin, his own was like a refreshing breeze.

  “Looks like you’ve already figured it out.”

  “Indeed, but that does not mean anything. I have chosen to join.”

  “Your father is still hesitant.”

  “But I have decided to join.”

  Their conversation may have sounded perplexing to others, yet at this moment, they both clearly understood each other’s intentions. Roland’s smile deepened with a look of genuine interest.

  “Actually, ever since Viddens’ failed attempt, I’ve been quietly observing you for the past year.”