Chapter 43……………………………………
Unlike a full-scale monster extermination that required mobilizing real force, the Pegasus family’s monster hunt was more ceremonial in nature.
Yet, even if only a few monsters were to be hunted, participants still had to face and confront the creatures directly.
“Where monsters appear, anything can happen.”
Moreover, any accidents that occurred during the event were considered something that any participant had to accept as part of tradition.
Even Lin, as the sole heir of the Pegasus family, could potentially get hurt during the monster hunt.
Theodore, however, had no intention of letting her face such risk.
“As I said, Sir Peonal still seems to think he’s an elder of this family. I can’t let someone unqualified meddle in our family’s affairs.”
Of course, he had no intention of accepting that ridiculous “stand-in heir” Peonal was pushing.
It was obvious that Peonal was just a tool for those vile individuals who coveted Lin’s position.
It was better to nip any budding threat toward Lin in the bud.
Instead of answering Peonal’s unsolicited question, Theodore signaled the guards in the banquet hall.
“It’s rude to let a guest witness someone overstepping their authority like this.”
“What? You’re going to kick me out of our family’s ability ceremony?”
Seeing the approaching guards, Peonal shouted, forgetting even basic manners.
Caught in the embarrassing position of being forcibly removed, he had no room to save face.
Frantically searching for an escape, Peonal’s gaze fell on Lin, who was watching him blankly.
“This is it!”
Rather than trying to extract an answer from the Acting Head, he could draw one from the child, who knew nothing of political tactics.
“Lin Pegasus, can you face a monster?”
With everyone’s eyes on her, if the Pegasus heir merely responded with “I’m scared. I can’t do it,” it would essentially seal Peonal’s victory.
“It’s okay. If you’re scared, just say so. I’ll take responsibility and excuse you. Don’t be shy—just speak up.”
“Excuse me?”
“You don’t have to fight a scary monster yourself. Someone else can do it.”
Of course, this “someone else” was Pein, whom the Elder Council had already picked as their pawn.
Pushed forward once more by Peonal, Pein reluctantly stepped up in front of Lin.
Unaware of Lin’s plan to use a different ability than before, Pein trembled inwardly, imagining her hidden potential and growing anxious.
“Now! Just say you’re scared or don’t want to!”
Peonal’s eyes glimmered with anticipation as he forced her for an answer.
But he had completely underestimated Lin.
“Let someone else fight?”
The naive provocation touched Lin’s pride.
She was proud to be the “Guardian Pegasus.”
Her mother and grandfather had always lived to protect others.
As their daughter, as Lin Pegasus, she wanted to embody the true spirit of the Guardian Pegasus above all else.
Being excused or sidelined was absolutely unacceptable!
“I! Can do it!”
“What?”
“Lin, wait.”
Theodore, approaching her, whispered that she didn’t have to answer—but Lin shook her head.
This was her fight.
Just like her mother, who never avoided a challenge, Lin wasn’t going to let her opponent walk away unchallenged.
“Hah. Lin. Are you saying our heir can fulfill her duties? Do you understand what that means?”
“Of course!”
Peonal, having prepared this scene, twitched his mouth in disbelief.
Lin raised her index finger and declared:
“As a Pegasus, I will protect people! I will defeat the monsters!”
“…With your shining horns?”
Peonal’s twisted tone was dripping with sarcasm, but Lin remained confident.
“I will do it.”
“…My hooves won’t forgive this.”
“You want to bet?”
Lin’s eyes sparkled as she threw down the challenge, answering his mocking mutter.
Momentarily flustered, Peonal reminded himself that the child was only six and tried to regain composure.
“Fine. It’ll just make me look ridiculous.”
“Uh-huh. That’s okay. If you’re not confident, you can run away.”
“What?”
Who knows what this little one is thinking?
Peonal, trying to escape by stepping past the guards, felt a vein bulge in his forehead.
“Alright. Let’s do it! Acting Head, you won’t interfere with a proposal made directly by the heir of our family, right?”
“……”
“Good. I bet that you can’t hunt a single monster. If even one rabbit-sized monster is caught, I’ll tear it apart with my hooves or mane!”
“I’m not interested in your hooves or mane.”
“…Ha! Fine. What do you want?”
“Money!”
“What?”
Peonal’s face went blank for a moment.
Then he raised one corner of his mouth in a smirk, glancing at Theodore.
“Hah! How heartbreaking. The precious heir of Pegasus needs allowance money? Did we budget too stingily? My, my, how worrisome!”
“Uncle Theo always gives me plenty! Don’t say bad things when you don’t know, you half-bald man!”
“Wha—what?”
Lin’s face turned red with anger. She hated anyone saying mean things to her beloved uncle.
Abandoning all mercy, she opened her mouth, ready to put the man in his place.
“Don’t give me your useless mane. Give me coins. As many as the monsters I hunt!”
“Ha? Fine! I’ll give you coins equal to the size of the monsters you catch. Shiny gold coins!”
Peonal shouted, daring her to catch the monsters.
Lin’s eyes widened slightly, surprised at his generosity.
“Huh… I didn’t mean to milk him that much.”
Feeling a twinge of conscience, she realized she hadn’t expected such an easy target.
“Phew. Good. I’m looking forward to this! …Let go, I’ll walk out myself!”
With a loud snort, Peonal was surrounded by the approaching guards and escorted out of the hall.
Watching his pathetic retreat, Lin felt a pang of pity.
“Sorry, shiny uncle. I’ll make sure to take the gold properly.”
While silently thanking the helpful figure aiding her path to wealth, Theodore glanced at her with a worried expression.
At this rate, she’ll have to participate in the monster hunt.
Since Lin had spoken up, letting her back out in front of others would tarnish her honor as heir.
Though she was still young and could technically withdraw her statement, it would affect her future authority as successor.
Theodore, naturally, had no intention of allowing that.
“First, check which of my sister’s magical tools Lin can use. Assign additional knight escorts…”
As Theodore strategized on how to ensure Lin could participate safely, the surrounding knights, having heard the commotion, approached her with concerned expressions.
“Miss, are you alright?”
“What a rude fellow! But miss, one doesn’t always have to stick to what one says.”
“Step aside and let me handle this. Lin, we’ll start special training tomorrow. I’ll teach you all practical hunting skills.”
Amid the bustling crowd, Lin quietly lowered her head and covered her mouth.
Contrary to the onlookers’ concern that she might be frightened, she suppressed her giggles with both hands, sneaking a sly smile.
From the moment she confidently proposed the bet, she already had complete faith in herself.
“Some monsters are only as big as horses or even carriages, right?”
