Meige Manor, on the banks of the Tussock River in Backlund's northwestern outskirts, was hosting its first hunt since autumn began.
Of course, this seemingly exciting activity actually amounted to shooting small animals released into the manor's hunting grounds. Apart from a few gentlemen who rarely exercised spraining their ankles, there was no danger involved.
As evening approached, the guests returned to the manor in groups, some carrying their prey and others empty-handed. They would hold a barbecue dinner on the lawn using the animals they had hunted.
The Maht family, who had brought Hazel along after her recovery from a serious illness, gathered around a grill and roasted two rabbits themselves. Member of Parliament Mori Maht, who had served in the military and handled firearms, was reasonably proficient, but the women in his family could only assist by passing him seasonings.
The tall, obese steam-powered automobile tycoon Framis Cage directed his servants to turn the venison on the grill while complaining that such large chunks of raw meat took too long to cook. But those who knew him understood that when he was genuinely complaining, he would not be smiling and looking around. He only behaved this way when he wanted to show off something but felt it inappropriate to be too direct.
As the sky gradually darkened, the barbecue on the lawn reached its liveliest point. Everyone shared the food they had grilled, savoring the fruits of their own labor even if they were not particularly delicious. The gentlemen's restrained conversations, the ladies' reserved smiles, and the children's cheerful cries mingled together, brightening this ordinary weekend.
Watching the lively dinner, the manor's owner, Dwayne Dantès, sat contentedly in a chair in the corner, holding a glass of locally produced white wine. He seemed immersed in the satisfaction of