Project Necro is an official initiative by Re:Library.

The sky was clear and refreshing on the morning of the hunting tournament.

In the northern lands of Jurnova, at this time of year there was already a faint hint of autumn in the breeze. Even the blue of the sky seemed paler than Mikhail’s summer-sky-colored hair.

“What fine weather we have.”
“Yes. It is cool here in Jurnova, I’m grateful the weather doesn’t get too hot.”

To Ekaterina’s words at the breakfast table, Mikhail replied. Aleksei and Flora were seated at the same table.
This time, it was not that Mikhail trained in the morning with Aleksei and then joined breakfast as how it was before. The place where they were dining together was not even in Jurnova Castle, but one of the ducal villas on the outskirts of the northern capital. Since it was close to the hunting grounds where the tournament would have been held, they moved there the day before.

This villa was built for hunting, and overall it had a masculine, somewhat rugged impression. Hunting bows, arrows, and spears were displayed inside, along with large stag antlers and various other trophies from past hunts. It was not intended for long stays, so it was rather compact to be a ducal villa.
Even so, as part of the prince’s reception, the servants had carefully prepared it in advance, polished every corner. It was a rather comfortable lodging.

As for calling it “compact,” when they first arrived Ekaterina had indeed thought so—and later reflected on it.
I meant, you could call this a mansion and nobody would complain.
If this were in Tokyo’s 23rd ward, the real estate price would probably be in the tens of billions of yen.
As a former corporate slave, I strongly felt that I must not start judging things by the standard of Jurnova Castle, as it is practically a world heritage site. Yes, I am a duke’s daughter in this life, so it’s natural for me to take my home as the standard… Even so, I did not want to forget the sensibility from my previous life in which living in a “castle” as the norm would be unthinkable.

.

Today’s hunting tournament will start in the morning. It is a large-scale driven hunt, mobilizing nearby villagers as beaters and making full use of hunting dogs to drive the prey.
Once the animals are driven into a designated area, the participants in the tournament will pursue them and compete for their catch.
They’d finish the hunt in the evening, return to the villa with the game, and enjoy a garden party while the venison is cooked in a gigantic hearth in the garden.

“I see you’re looking forward to the hunt, Lord Mikhail. I pray that you will secure a great prize.”
“Thank you. We might even encounter a Golden-Horned Great Horned Auroch, so pray for my fortune.”

Mikhail added that request with a mischievous air.

This villa also displayed the horns of Great Horned Aurochs. They are enormous, true to their name.
Among them, there was one pair of golden horns. The horns were not painted; they belonged to a Auroch whose horns were that color.
It’s not well understood why the horns have taken that color, but records said it had been an extremely ferocious Auroch. It was speculated that the discoloration may have been a symptom of illness, and that its ferocity was due to suffering from pain.
Even so, it was said that its meat tasted much better than that of a normal Great Horned Auroch.
It seemed sick, and they still ate it?

“You are a person of high value. Should we encounter such a thing, please leave it to the others.”

Said Aleksei, his face serious. Mikhail smiled gently.

“I will try to. However, if such a ferocious beast were to attack the village, that would be nothing but disaster. I wish to do what I can for the people.”
“Your sympathy for the people of Jurnova is much appreciated.”

I could see through his desire to capture a rare prize, though.
But those words were not lies either. After all, when a magical beast appeared back at the academy, he did rush over without any hesitation.
You’re such an admirable child, Prince.
And he is right. The people of Jurnova who waved, smiled, and briefly interacted with him—if they were attacked by a ferocious magical beast… we can’t just let that happen.

“If such a creature were to appear, though my power is slight, I too would wish to do my utmost to protect our people.”

Carried away, Ekaterina declared this.

“Ekaterina.”

Called by a voice heavy with pressure, Ekaterina snapped back to reality. I’m sorry, I got carried away.

Aleksei rose from his seat. He went to her side and took his sister’s hand.

“My Ekaterina. My sister, my life, my love. You are my very life itself; your existence is equal to my heart. It terrifies me even to imagine it, but if I were to lose you, my heart would stop beating at once.”
“Onii-sama…”

I’m sorry, my dear siscon Onii-sama. I accidentally pressed your overprotective switch again.

“You are a frail and delicate thing by nature. And yet, whenever something happens, you’d disregard yourself and expose yourself to danger. I understand that you possess an exceedingly noble disposition befitting the finest lady.”

No, that’s the siscon filter idealizing your little sister. It’s still going strong this morning.

“Even so… Please, I’m begging you.”

Gently, Aleksei tightened his grip on her hand.

“Think of your foolish brother, for whom you are the only reason to live. Just imagining danger approaching you made my chest tremble. Promise me… that you will never again shield someone and make yourself their shield.”

It’s fine, I don’t do that so often. Only that time at the academy when the magical beast appeared.
Ah, but it probably looked that way too when we encountered the Demon Dragon King. It seemed Oleg, my guard knight, gave an excessively beautified report…

Still, whether unavoidable or not, it is true that I made Onii-sama worried repeatedly. To think I would make his chest tremble and cause him pain—this is unforgivable for a brocon sister!
Yes, full apology.

Ekaterina wrapped both her hands around the hand of her brother.

“How could I forgive myself after causing you such worries? I promise that I will never act recklessly. Please set your heart at ease and enjoy the day.”
“Thank you, my goddess.”

Aleksei smiled.

“I will protect Lady Ekaterina, Your Grace”

Flora declared, her voice filled with determination.

“I awakened to holy magic in order to protect Lady Ekaterina. Though my studies are still incomplete, I will certainly protect her.”
“Thank you. Those are truly reassuring words.”

Receiving such words from Flora, who had a record of repelling magical beasts, seemed to put Aleksei at ease. His expression softened somewhat.

Ekaterina peeked behind Aleksei, and found Mikhail pressing his forehead. Seeing that, her heart was filled with sorry.
Just because your flower compliments couldn’t match Onii-sama doesn’t mean you need to fall in despair, Prince!
If anything, if you got this good with your words, you’d only make everyone confused!