A week passed quietly.
Life in the palace settled into an uneasy calm—until the day of the Royal Hunt arrived.
The entire kingdom buzzed with excitement.
That morning, Prince Leon emerged in full royal attire, his presence commanding as ever. Snowflake was carefully placed beside him inside the royal carriage, resting on embroidered cushions as the horses pulled them toward their destination.
The journey was long, but Snowflake stayed close to the prince, his white fur standing out brilliantly against the dark velvet of the carriage.
When they finally arrived and stepped down from the royal carriage—
Every gaze turned toward them.
Nobles.
Knights.
Court mages.
Servants.
All eyes fixed first on Prince Leon—
And then slowly shifted to the small white fox at his side.
Whispers spread instantly.
"A fox…?"
"That's the Crown Prince's companion?"
"How unusual…"
Snowflake felt the weight of countless stares press down on him. His ears twitched nervously, but Prince Leon's calm presence beside him kept him steady.
Leon walked forward without hesitation.
Soon, he met the king and queen.
King Aurelius Glacierborn stood tall and imposing, his aura sharp and powerful, while Queen Selene Glacierborn watched with composed elegance, her eyes briefly softening when they fell upon Snowflake.
"So this is the fox," the queen said quietly.
Leon inclined his head. "Yes, Mother."
The king studied Snowflake for a moment longer than necessary, but said nothing.
After some time, horns echoed through the forested grounds.
The Royal Hunt was about to begin.
Prince Leon turned slightly and beckoned a maid forward.
"Take Snowflake to my royal tent," he instructed calmly. "Keep him inside. Do not let him wander."
The maid bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Highness."
Snowflake was carried gently away, the sounds of gathering hunters fading behind him as they reached the large, guarded royal tent.
Inside, it was quiet.
Too quiet.
Snowflake settled onto a soft cushion—when suddenly, a familiar blue light flared before his eyes.
A system window appeared.
[⚠️ Emergency Quest Activated]
[Objective: Protect the Crown Prince]
[Threat Level: Critical]
[Warning: Prince Leon Glacierborn is in imminent danger]
Snowflake's heart slammed against his chest.
"Protect… the prince?" he thought.
Outside, the horns sounded again—louder this time.
The hunt had begun.