LIGHTNOVELONLINE
Chapter 575
Mia’s Battle Ride: The Fluffy Armour Charge
It was finally the day of the Horse Match-up ceremony. Many people from the Equestrian Kingdom had gathered in the Southern Capital. Of course, it wasn’t possible for people from all Twelve Clans to attend, but a significant number from the neighbouring clans were present. The sacred festival of the Horse Match-up had everyone’s blood pumping with excitement.
The first to appear before the excited crowd was Xiaolei, the rider of the Mountain Clan. The young maiden rode the best horse possessed by Mountain Chief Fuuma. It was a horse named Rakuro, whom Fuuma referred to as his beloved daughter. The first thing that caught everyone’s eye was the horse’s perfectly groomed mane. The people gathered around exclaimed that it was sleek and lustrous, shining brilliantly like the mane of a majestic lion. It had clear eyes that looked straight ahead, giving off a royal aura and providing a glimpse of perfect health. With a straight snout and tight, lean muscles from the neck down to its forelegs, Rakuro was considered an ideal swift horse by the people of the Equestrian Kingdom. Its hind legs struck the ground powerfully, displaying a strength that surpassed even their imagined ideals.
Rakuro lived up to its name, embodying the ephemeral, vivid light of morning dew glistening in the sun at dawn.
People gasped in admiration at Rakuro, the beautiful, majestic, queen-like horse. They felt they could stare at it all day without ever growing bored.
“That’s the famous Rakuro of the Mountain Clan…”
“As expected from a horse known as the Moonhare of Moonhares.”
“Ah, I can see why Lord Fuuma is so proud of it. It is truly magnificent.”
The words of praise were directed not only at the horse but also at the rider.
Xiaolei, with her straight back and perfect posture, paraded the horse in front of the crowd, manoeuvring it almost as if it were an extension of her own limbs. Her riding outfit was thin and light, crafted from high-quality fabric procured in the Remno Kingdom, shimmering in a way unfamiliar to the people of the Equestrian Kingdom.
“What magnificent riding skills! Both the horse and the rider are truly splendid.”
After being struck with admiration, the people suddenly froze in shock. For completely different reasons, they were unable to look away from Mia and her horse, who had made a late appearance.
“Uh, um, that’s…”
They were suddenly at a loss for words. This was because Mia was dressed in fluffy clothes meant for children of the Equestrian Kingdom, clothes typically worn by beginners learning to ride a horse for the first time!
Mia, bundled up in a thick and bulky suit, sat astride her horse, wearing a blank expression that matched her mount’s. It was as if her soul had fled to some faraway place, with only the vast grassland reflected in her eyes.
As for the horse carrying the bulkily clad princess, it looked a little misshapen. Its glossy coat was certainly not bad. The colour of its coat was a shade of moonlight, and although it was not as shiny as Rakuro’s, it did have a healthy sheen to it. Its clear eyes and stout, but well toned body indicated that the horse was very well taken care of.
However, everyone still thought they would make for a bad opponent, especially because of the appearance of the person riding the horse…
“That’s quite a nostalgic outfit, Princess Mia. Are you expecting rain or snow today?”
Xiaolei slowly approached Mia, took in her attire, and then glanced up at the clear blue sky.
She shrugged her shoulders and said with a mocking, belittling sneer, “Or are you too scared to ride unless you wear that?”
In contrast, Mia remained silent. Completely silent.
There was no hint of anger, embarrassment, or even a smile of false bravado on her face. Her eyes simply stared straight ahead.
That’s right, Mia had already blocked out all the surrounding noise. Right now, she was concentrating with all her heart and mind.
Her talk with Gorka, the Empire’s horse maniac, the high expectations and worries of her loyal retainers, and several other factors had made Mia restless. Thanks to Anne, she had somehow managed to return to her original purpose.
But what was that purpose? Yes, that was…
‘Enjoy the horse ride and get thin! That is what’s important!’
‘That’s it! That was my original goal in deciding to participate in the match-up… No, was it actually that?’
While there was some room for doubt, it was the goal that Mia wished to realise.
“Have fun…riding the horse…”
Muttering to herself, Mia reminded herself of her goal.
‘As expected of Anne. She’s truly reliable. Not only did she help clarify my goal but she also provided some encouraging information.’
‘Sweat as much as possible…It’s a little hot, but if it requires this degree of effort, it should be fine.’
“If it’s this level, it’s quite simple…”
Mia continued muttering to herself.
‘And, after that…well, as long as it’s within reasonable limits… I think aiming for victory is not a bad idea.’ Mia thought.
After all, Tofu was a horse in the Empire’s army and Gorka, a member of the Princess Royal Guard supported it with full confidence.
In that case, no matter what Mia thought, perhaps there was a chance to win.
‘If I don’t believe in the horse of the Tearmoon Empire’s army, then who will? In a moment of crisis, the Princess Guard are the loyal knights who will protect me. Therefore, I must respect that and protect their honour with all my strength.’
Likewise, Mia decided to trust the Royal Guard’s horse as well.
“If it’s you, we can win, Tofu.” Said Mia as she stroked its neck.
She then looked up to see Xiaolei make an incredibly determined expression on her face.
“Hehe, that must be hard on the horse too. Well, do the best you can.”
“Oh, Xiaolei-san. I look forward to our competition. Let’s both do our best.”
Mia smiled in reply, but Xiaolei glared bitterly at her and moved away.
Tofu watched Xiaolei leave with its usual cool, blank expression.
The man at the starting point held a big, crimson-coloured flag in his hand. He raised it high in the air and then spun it around once…
“May the Divine Will be revealed through your ride! Let the Horse Match-up ceremony begin!”
The crimson flag, like a falling star, was lowered…
And the Horse Match-up ceremony began.