"Whew… I avoided that."
Lionel let out a sigh as soon as he turned his horse away. He did not look back to see Cassian at all. He just kept riding until he was away. Only then did the tight feeling in his chest disappear.
Phew… at least now I'm safe.
He felt safer now that he was not close to the area.
Lionel straightened up and focused again.
Alright, he thought. I think I just need to hunt on my own.
He guided his horse forward and made it walk. Since he was now separated from Cassian, he was free. He wants to find a decent target. He was still aiming to win.
His eyes scanned the area first. He spotted a few rabbits, but he ignored them. They were too small and not worth that much.
He continued riding, moving to the other side of the forest. He was minding his own business when suddenly a shadow passed over the ground.
Lionel wasn't paying attention to it that much, thinking that it was just a regular bird. However, when he lifted his head slowly, his eyes widened.
Yes, it was a bird, but it wasn't just any bird.
The bird's red and golden feathers was what immediately caught him. They were shining faintly even from a distance, catching the light as it glided through the sky. Its wings were wide and elegant, and its tail's feathers were long and sharp.
Oh shit…
"Isn't that a…"
A royal bird.
It was really a royal bird. They were a rare species that stood at the very top among all the species of birds in the empire. Among hunters, they were known as the best of the best. They were fast, sharp-eyed, and almost impossible to catch.
Long ago, these birds were kept only by the royal family. They were raised inside the palace grounds, admired for their beauty. Their feathers were used for quills and clothes, meant only for the royal family.
But as time passed, the birds slowly became extinct. To save them, they were released into the wild to give them a free life.
Because of their intelligence and speed, they avoided people and other dangers. They moved farther and farther away from cities and villages. People said they lived now in the deep mountains and that seeing them was harder than actually meeting a member of the royal family.
That was why Lionel was amused right now. Even he, who was born in a good family, hasn't seen one yet in his entire life.
His lips curved into a small smile. Of all places and of all times, who would imagine that a royal bird would appear right in front of him?
I really have strange luck, he thought.
Slowly, Lionel got off his horse again. He moved with care, making sure not to startle it. The bird was now nesting in a tree that was close to him.
Lionel knew that a royal bird was worth more than enough points to secure his victory. No one would even question it. But as his excitement grew, another thought followed it.
I don't want to kill it. Lionel frowned slightly.
These birds were rare to the point of being legends. Killing one just for a game felt wrong. Even if the rules allowed it, he did not like the idea. But letting it go was also hard.
He lowered his bow and thought for a moment. Then his eyes lit up.
Maybe… he thought. Maybe I can catch it using my powers without hurting it.
If he could trap the bird instead of killing it, he could still present it alive and release it afterward.
It's not bad to try. Lionel took a deep breath and removed the ring from his finger. He looked to his left and right, and when he was sure that there was no one, he raised his hand.
Soft light gathered around his fingers immediately. He slowly focused, shaping it carefully. A thin circle of light formed in the air.
His plan was simple. He would create a cage of light around the bird and pull it towards him.
Slowly, he lifted his hand higher, guiding the light upward, but The royal bird noticed it at once.
Oh no, Lionel hastily stopped expecting the bird to fly away. However, instead of flying away, the bird folded its wings slightly and glided straight down to him.
"Huh?"
Lionel froze. He made the light in the air disappear as the bird descended. Seconds after, it suddenly flew to his direction.
"What?" Lionel was completely stunned at what he was seeing.
The royal bird flew past him and landed lightly on his horse's back. Its wings barely made a sound as it gracefully settled. The horse moved a little but did not panic, as if it could also feel that the bird meant no harm.
"Wait…" Lionel murmured.
The bird tilted its head and looked at him. Its sharp eyes studied his face, then it opened its beak.
"Tweet Tweet tweet."
"Huh? Are you trying to talk to me?" Lionel blinked.
The bird let out another series of sounds, softer this time. "Tweet, chirp, tweet."
It hopped once, then turned its head again, watching him closely. There was no fear in its posture. If anything, it looked curious and interested in him.
Lionel lowered his hand and placed his ring back on his finger.
"You can understand me?" he asked quietly.
"Tweet. Tweet."
Lionel's heart started to beat faster.
What the… am I turning crazy?
That was when a chime rang in his head.
[Ding!]
A familiar transparent window appeared before his eyes.
[Royal Species Detected]
[Status: Unbonded]
[Warning: Language data unavailable]
[Royal Bird Language Understanding is currently locked. ]
[Requirement: Form a bond with the royal bird to unlock basic communication understanding]
[Bond Progress: 0%]
Lionel's jaw fell to the ground.
"You have got to be kidding me."
The bird chirped again, almost proudly, as if it could sense his reaction.
"Tweet tweet tweet tweet."