Chapter 832 Plot of the Hidden Clan
“Of course. The hidden clan’s annual fall hunt is just around the corner. I’ve summoned all of you here so that I can invite you to participate in the fall hunt.”
The hidden clan had retained their tradition from the past. They would hold the annual Prayer Ceremony, as well as a hunt during spring and fall.
Most men in the wealthy families of the hidden clan had learned to fight since young. They were skilled at archery on horseback. Since the technology was progressing, both bows and guns were allowed in hunts.
When Eleanor had finished speaking, Dominik added, “The hunting festival will be held for five days, and the winner will be greatly rewarded.”
“It’s just a hunt, so why extend it to five days?” Hendrey expressed his confusion.
“The hunting grounds are located between Mount Manos and Mount Gazette. Since the land between the mountains is huge, this time round, the hunt tests speed and survival skills in the wild and self-preservation. Not counting the time allocated for the hunting festival, the hunt itself will take only four days. Also, the prey will be revealed on the morning of the festival, and whoever hunts the target and arrives at the finishing line first will be crowned the winner.”
Dominik explained the process briefly, then added, “If anyone can find the prey and return to camp within the first day, the game will end right then.”
When he finished speaking, the crowd exchanged glances and began whispering to each other.
Veronica looked at Matthew next to her, then said in a small voice, “According to what I know, the hidden clan’s hunts always ended within two or three days. Looks like the hunt this time isn’t as simple as it seems.”
Her thoughts echoed in the minds of everyone present.
Tiffany instantly panicked as she said quickly, “Hunts are reserved for skilled people, right? I’m just a weak woman, so I won’t be joining.”
The situation would be perfect for slipping in a murder or two. If she joined, she feared that her life would be at risk.
“What are you scared of? You have Hendrey protecting you, right?” Eleanor smiled as she said, “I have already signed up for everyone present. If Hendrey participates in the festivities alone, he can’t stay by your side to protect you, so it’ll be even more dangerous for you.”
Just like that, she completely refuted Tiffany’s argument.
Stuck between a rock and a hard place, faced with a threat and a warning, Tiffany could do nothing but comply.
“Yes, Princess Eleanor has a point.” Antheena nodded in agreement.
When she spoke, she was looking at Tiffany. However, when she finished speaking, she cast a meaningful glance at Veronica, a hidden glint flashing across her azure eyes.
Coincidentally, as Antheena was looking at Veronica, the latter looked at her as well. The two met each other’s gazes and quickly looked away.
Even in that fleeting moment, Veronica could feel the murderous intent in Antheena’s gaze.
“I’ve not been feeling well recently. I do not wish to participate.”
Veronica declined straight out, and she wasn’t negotiating with Eleanor.
Even though their plots were written obviously on their faces, Veronica still needed a reason to decline.
Being able to decline was one thing, but having the intent to decline was another.
However, she had underestimated how low the Ledgers could go.
“Hahaha…” Dominik laughed heartily. “It’s just an event, and everyone is just joining in for fun. However, Madam Hayley hasn’t appeared in public for years, right? Tomorrow, my mother will be announcing the news that Madam Hayley and her biological daughter have been invited to the hunting festival. Of course, my mother has already talked to Madam Hayley about this.”
At that, he suddenly questioned, “Do you not know of this, Miss Murphy?”
The unexpected query caught Veronica off guard. She subconsciously glanced at Matthew, then flashed a smile at Dominik. “She meant to inform me today, but since Princess Eleanor invited me to the palace, I couldn’t wait for her.”
She was referring to none other than Hayley.
