47 The Hunt (3)

Emperor Thornton's voice resonated through the lively gathering as he continued with the ceremony. "Now, for our second-placer," The Emperor paused, and a warm smile graced his face. The anticipation in the audience heightened as they awaited the announcement they already suspected.

"In second place, hunting a wild boar and gaining an impressive thirty points, we have a participant many of you have looked forward to seeing — Grand Commander Caym Fairburne. Please come to the front," said the Emperor, his voice carrying authority and warmth.

The crowd erupted into applause, a thunderous symphony of approval that echoed through the hunting ground. Caym made his way to the elevated platform, his stern expression remained unchanged.

Caym briefly cast a glance at the Ásjáns, the silver-haired group standing among the other participants, the. "I can't discern the Crown Prince's motivation for winning the competition," he thought. "But let's see."