Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters-Chapter 982 - 46 Another Hunt (Middle)_2
Chapter 982: Chapter 46 Another Hunt (Middle)_2
In the blink of an eye, two figures were almost at close quarters.
Siegfried’s lance pointed straight at the boar’s spine, and at the moment of contact, he felt a huge reactive force transmitted through the lance. Yet, he still held the lance steady, unwavering.
With the combined momentum of the warhorse and the wild boar, the tip of the lance pierced into the boar’s body like piercing through water, followed by the socket and then the shaft.
The lance entered through the spine and exited the lower abdomen, brutally piercing through the boar’s body, stabbing into the frozen soil of the hunting field.
Siegfried released his grip on the lance, creating distance from the boar.
The boar continued to rush forward a few steps before collapsing fiercely.
Two attendants immediately entered the hunting field, ending the boar’s life with a steel spike, also ending its agony.
Sporadic applause arose outside the hunting field, in contrast, the applause from the women’s viewing stand was much warmer.
With only shin guards for protection and no helmet needed, Siegfried almost immediately captured the attention of the ladies and madams upon entering the arena.
…
[Royal Stand]
“Marshal Hernan,” the Emperor asked, “what do you think?”
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Behind the Emperor, an old military man in uniform stepped forward half a step upon hearing the question: “Although the first thrust was not successful, the second thrust was clean and spectacular.”
The Emperor’s voice was magnetic and calm: “Being from Castile, you are most entitled to judge Earl Harlan’s skills. Are you willing to bestow upon him the honor of cutting the beast’s ears and tail?”
“Certainly,” the old military man bowed deeply: “Your Majesty.”
The Emperor nodded slightly.
Flags at the royal stand waved three times again, and the band played a celebratory tune.
Siegfried dismounted, staring at the muddy, blood-smeared carcass of the wild boar, his brows furrowed with distaste, hesitant to proceed.
A chestnut-haired military man walked quickly to Siegfried’s side from across the fence, closed the boar’s eyes with his hand, and then proceeded to cut off the boar’s ears and tail for Siegfried.
“Hurry and salute His Majesty,” said Farnan as he wrapped the ears and tail with his glove, handing them to Siegfried: “Please, do not embarrass His Majesty or disgrace the people of Castile.”
Siegfried sighed, took the trophies, and walked before the royal stand, bowing deeply.
Even warmer applause and cheers rose from all corners of the hunting grounds, especially from the women’s viewing stand.
Siegfried pretended to casually glance at the young girl sitting beside the Emperor.
Princess Elizabeth intentionally turned her body away, pretending to speak to her maidservant, ignoring the blonde knight.
Below Siegfried’s stern expression was hidden anger and pain. He bowed again, then strode toward the women’s viewing stand to accept the cheers and congratulations of the noble ladies.
Farnan watched everything, sighing deeply in headache.
The attendants dragged away the carcass of the wild boar, and the horn sounded again—a gladiator was entering the field.
Unlike before, this entrance music was repeated three times, signifying that the final knight was about to appear, and the combat with beasts was approaching its end.
The royal stand returned to a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, the Emperor smilingly looked at the old soldier: “Is it Little Hernan taking up the rear this winter hunt?”
“Yes!” The old soldier replied with a hint of pride and joy.
The Empress also gently asked, “Does Little Hernan have a matrimonial engagement?”
“He has been serving with me in the army since a young age,” the old soldier appeared slightly ashamed: “It has delayed his marital affairs.”
The Empress covered her mouth with a smile.
During their conversation, a young knight in dazzling attire jumped into the hunting field.
The young knight wore ornate clothing, with cuffs, collar, and hem embroidered with gold threads in the style of Castile.
The knight’s silver steed was also meticulously adorned; its mane neatly braided, and the tail near the buttock tied up to allow the remaining part of the tail to hang in the air and flutter with the wind.
No sooner had the silver knight entered than he received cheers far warmer than those for Siegfried, especially from the younger generation of Castilian nobles, who shouted and cheered vigorously.
Unsurprisingly, this silver knight was Marshal Hernan’s young son, Little Hernan.
…
Marshal Hernan occupies a very special position in the politics of the Empire.
Firstly, Marshal Hernan originated from the Castile Peninsula and is of pure Castilian nobility;
Secondly, Marshal Hernan holds the highest military rank among today’s Castilian nobility and is the only Castilian noble in charge of the New Army;
Last but not least, although Marshal Hernan holds high power and has notable military achievements, his title is low, merely a Baron.
Moreover, the Hernan family is not a traditional prestigious line of Castile.
Marshal Hernan is merely the son of a bankrupt knight, sent to serve as an Attendant from a young age, and despite his greying temples, he never obtained nobility status, remaining a swordsmanship instructor in the Ducal family of Tarlac.
It wasn’t until the succession war for the throne twenty years ago, that the then over forty-year-old Old Hernan finally emerged prominently.
He decisively joined the New Army, starting from a soldier, repeatedly establishing extraordinary feats, advancing through the ranks, and ultimately becoming one of the three Imperial Marshals personally appointed by the Emperor.
For the younger generation of Castilian nobility, Marshal Hernan is their idol and role model, hence it is no wonder that Little Hernan received such enthusiastic cheers as soon as he entered the arena.
“In a nutshell! Marshal Hernan is not only one of your Castilians but also a close confidant highly trusted by His Majesty.”
[Marvey], wearing a ceremonial hat, went on endlessly, unfolding Empire’s secrets to the audience: “His dual identity makes him a binding agent between the Castilian nobility and the Empire’s core, also making him a crucial tool for the Emperor to stabilize the Castilian faction.”
