LIGHTNOVELONLINE
Chapter 574
Anne’s Small Betrayal
The Match-up was scheduled to take place in five days. After the decision was made, each of the Clan Chiefs scrambled to select the fastest horses and riders from their clan and dispatch them to the course.
In the meantime, Mia was also busy with her preparations. Although the race lasted only two days, it was still a long journey. Therefore, it was necessary for Mia to be well-prepared.
Although riders would be accompanying the two participants, it was not possible to request their help. Essentially, for the entire duration of the horse race, the participants had to manage everything themselves. The only time they would receive any assistance was if they encountered a troubling emergency.
That was something Mia actually desired, or rather…
‘It can be a good rehearsal for when I actually get into trouble. I’ve never done any long-distance riding because everyone always stopped me, so this is just perfect.’
In case a revolution broke out due to some careless mistake, Mia wanted to be well- trained in advance to escape alone on horseback.
“The course runs from the Southern Capital to Stargrass Rock, and we will use this water source as a stopover.”
Chief Mayun of the Forest Clan explained as he pointed to the map laid out in front of him. Having been part of the accompanying riders’ group before, he was knowledgeable about Horse Match-ups.
According to the map, the course started in the Southern Capital, headed westward, made a stopover at the water source, then turned eastward. The goal was a place slightly north of the starting point in the Southern Capital.
“This time, there are several water sources along the course, so it won’t be too harsh.”
“I see. In that case, it would be fine to choose any one of the water sources as a camping site.”
“That’s right. There might also be some small streams that we have not yet identified.”
“If we already know the location of the water sources, there is no need to go through that trouble. Hmm.” Mia nodded in thought.
‘Of course, like us, a horse is a living creature and needs food and water. In the event that I need to escape alone on horseback, it is essential to plan for locations where food and drink supplies can be replenished. Well, if the escape route includes grasslands, then the horse can eat as much grass as it wants.
However, carrying a certain amount of horse food supply might slow us down, but it would allow us to make progress even in harsh terrain and make it difficult to track us down. In that case, even some variations to the escape route might be possible.’
Thus, Mia’s escape plan grew increasingly complicated. Whether the day would come when she would have to actually execute it remained to be seen.
“But obviously, there are certain things you can’t know until you actually try them. That alone will be a good experience.”
Well, Mia tried to encourage herself with those words, but she still couldn’t shake off the anxiety.
‘After all, I need some kind of strategy to actually win. But, um…’
Mia was intensely contemplating that.
Then a big problem occurred when Mia tried on her riding clothes.
Mia looked down at her clothes, tilted her head slightly in puzzlement, and posed a question to Anne, who was standing behind her.
“Anne, this is really… what do you think?”
“It suits you well, Mia-sama.”
Anne replied, smiling with satisfaction. Mia had never doubted the words of her loyal retainer, but she couldn’t help but be suspicious of what Anne had just said. That was because, at that moment, Mia looked…fluffy.
It’s not that I ate too much! That’s a big misconception.’
Rather, it was just that her clothes were very bulky and fluffy. It was clothing used in the Equestrian Kingdom—an extraordinary item made with an abundant quantity of sheep wool on the surface, with the oil in the wool acting as a water repellent, making it excellent for both rainy and cold weather.
“The mornings and late evenings will certainly be chilly, but won’t this gear make it too hot? Also, if I put on something this heavy, it will be tough on Tofu…”
“No, actually. I already checked with Gorka-san before coming. Since Tofu is a war horse, compared to the soldiers in heavy armour that it is usually used to carrying, this weight is nothing.”
Anne answered promptly.
‘I see. Tofu is a war horse. Usually, the Royal Guards, who are, of course, without a doubt heavier than me, ride it. Since I can move freely in these clothes, it means that this weight should not cause it to even flinch.’
“But… In order to aim for victory, wouldn’t lighter clothing be more advantageous?”
Seeing Mia’s doubt, Anne made an anxious expression and said,
“And… Well, I heard that if you sweat while exercising, it can help lose weight.”
“Oh my! Is that true?”
Mia fell for the bait, hook, line, and sinker!
Anne, on the other hand, felt a little guilty and averted her eyes awkwardly.
“I think I’ve heard something like that before. It might just be a rumour though…”
“I see. A rumour.”
Mia crossed her arms quietly. Although it lacked credibility, she felt that the rumour was worth investigating.
‘Hmm… It’s true that dried mushrooms do seem to have a slimmer texture. In the first place, there is a rumour that completing the Horse Match-up can make one leaner. Add to that the rumour of sweating during exercise by wearing thick clothes. If I combine both, I wonder what would happen? Wouldn’t I be even better prepared to meet Abel’s sister.’
‘It would certainly be better if I could win the Horse Match-up. However, I must not forget my true objective. There is a saying that if you chase after both the mushroom and the rabbit, you will catch neither and will have to cook an empty pot. That’s right. I better remember that.’
‘Isn’t it better to focus on a single goal?
Shouldn’t I get my priorities straight?
Isn’t that what Anne is ultimately trying to convey?
So basically, she put together this fluffy outfit to help me achieve my goal.’
“Anne…”
Mia was the kind of person who listened to the advice of her loyal retainers. So she smiled gently at the retainer who had enlightened her.
“Anne, I appreciate your concern and thoughtfulness.”
‘Thanks to Anne, I was able to prioritise the goal that I set out to achieve and also confirm the conditions for my victory.’
Therefore, Mia said with confidence, “With this we can win.”
“Mia-sama…”
Anne’s voice trembled slightly as she answered.
She had a fear. It was about what had transpired on the way to the Equestrian Kingdom when they had a run-in with the Fire Clan. Anne had later heard that Mia had fallen off her horse while riding with Rafina. For a moment, she thought of a world without Mia, and her heart had trembled. Due to this, Anne was actually against Mia participating in the race.
She wanted to do her best to prevent Mia from ending up in danger. Since Mia had decided that it was necessary for her to participate in the race, there was no way for Anne to voice her opposition. In that case, what could Anne do? After thinking diligently, the answer she had come up with was the bulky fluffy suit.
Aside from being effective rain gear and offering protection from the cold, there was one more use for the clothing: in case of a fall, it would cushion the impact and prevent injury. It was standard clothing worn by children of the Equestrian Kingdom when they began to learn horse riding. Even in the unlikely event that Mia were to be attacked, she would be safe. The clothing was the solution that Anne arrived at after her discussion with Malong.
Of course, Anne was aware that the bulky clothes would definitely pose a disadvantage to winning the race. It was perfectly obvious to anyone that lighter clothes would enable the horse to move faster. In spite of knowing that, Anne was forcing her selfishness onto Mia.
Although it was out of concern for Mia’s own safety, it was undoubtedly an act of betrayal to Mia, who was aiming for victory.
It was an action that deserved punishment, and advice that would naturally be rejected.
However, Mia accepted it with a smile.
Moreover, she asserted, “With this we can win.”
Mia not only accepted all of Anne’s selfish feelings but also eased her anxiety by declaring assured victory.
“Mia-sama…”
As Anne reflected, Mia gave her a smile brimming with confidence.