Chapter 517

Mia Shows Off Her Veteran Skills

Three days had gone by since Mia and her companions left the capital of Sol Saliente in Sunkland. With a sigh, Mia stepped out of her carriage, stretching her back and admiring the clear midday sky.

“Ah… What lovely weather! It feels amazing out here.” The autumn breeze that swept along the plains left her feeling refreshed. She couldn’t help but smile. “It’s perfect for some horseback riding!”

Her enthusiasm was met with a hesitant voice. “U-Um… Mia?” Mia turned toward Rafina, whose eyes were slightly upturned. Right now, the Holy Lady was not in a dress but in horse-riding gear. Seeing Rafina in such an outfit was rare, and Mia watched as Rafina squirmed in embarrassment.

“Hm…” Mia looked at the pants Rafina was wearing, then her own, especially the belt. Mia was troubled. She had to loosen it one more notch than usual! What a strange phenomenon! Why is my belt so tight? I don’t understand it at all! Perhaps it has something to do with Sunkland’s climate… She was avoiding the truth, but at least it cheered her up. Let’s just… exercise! I simply need to get my body moving!

“Of course, we’re going horse riding, Miss Rafina. It’s the perfect day for it!”

The reservation in Rafina’s voice contrasted with Mia’s beaming smile.

“But… wouldn’t you prefer to go on a ride with Prince Abel? I’d rather not interfere…”

A ride with Abel? Oho ho… Quite the tempting offer indeed.

A ride with Abel was music to Mia’s ears, even more so if she could use the opportunity to spend quality time with him! Well, in Mia’s case, it was probably more “dovey” than “lovey,” but it was still true. If she could enjoy some time with Abel, she wanted to, but… Mia pushed such thoughts away with a quiet shake of her head. The horse riding she was about to embark on wasn’t for enjoyment. It was a time of abstinence! She needed to get her condition in check!

What condition, you ask? Well, the condition she needed to properly enjoy the tasty delights of the Equestrian Kingdom! The butter they made was out of this world, and there were sure to be countless other treats awaiting her. But with the current roundness of her stomach, future regret was bound to prevent her from savoring them to the fullest. This exercise was necessary both to recover from her overindulgence in pastries and to enjoy the culinary delights with Abel himself.

She also had to consider the promise she made with Miss Rafina… Mia hadn’t forgotten the vow made at the slumber party or the slight smile that adorned Rafina’s lips in response. Now that she thought about it, that might’ve been the first time she was able to lift Rafina’s spirits with a present. Mia felt accomplished!

“I made a promise to you, didn’t I? Besides, horse rides are only fun when everyone can enjoy them together! As things are now, I’d have to leave you behind, and that wouldn’t be any fun!”

Rafina was left without words. “I see…”

Despite her slight nod, she still seemed to be holding back somewhat. It was then that Mia had a realization! Oho ho! I see how it is! Miss Rafina, you’re afraid of horses, aren’t you? Well, I guess they are intimidatingly tall…

With just that thought, Mia’s heart swelled with joy. “This horse is quite docile. I’m sure you two ladies will find it fit for one’s first experience on horseback. Though, it may be a little bit too compliant…” said one of the members of the Princess Guard, leading a horse behind him.

The horse’s eyes drooped with drowsiness, looking perfectly peaceful—or rather, it just looked spaced out. But for some reason, as soon as Mia set eyes on that horse, she felt a sense of kinship. Have I really never met this horse before? It’s excellent!

Mia turned to Rafina with a smile. “You have nothing to worry about! Unlike a certain more restive horse, this one won’t blow any snot on you. It definitely doesn’t seem like a troublemaker!”

“I-I see…” Rafina gave a nod of affirmation, but still, something appeared to be troubling her. “I’m sure you’re right.”

Oh ho! I didn’t know Miss Rafina was such a scaredy-cat! Oho ho ho! I was so calm and collected the first time I rode. Who would’ve thought Miss Rafina would turn out to be so different!

Thinking it was her place to take the lead, Mia elegantly mounted the horse with a refined “hupty-doo!” Yes, this horse was so docile, Mia was able to “elegantly” jump atop its back.

“Well then, Miss Rafina! It’s your turn. Come and sit in front of me.” With that, Mia tugged Rafina’s hand toward her. Borrowing help from the Princess Guard, Rafina was somehow able to get herself straddled on the horse’s back.

Mia addressed her, pride filling her chest. “Now, Miss Rafina, make sure you grab on firmly, okay? Even if you see an acquaintance of yours, or a trusty servant, you must not—under any circumstances—release both your hands from the reins. It would be terrible if you were to lose your balance and fall.” …Well, let’s just set that piece of advice aside.

“Things will be fine. So long as you hold on tight, it will be very hard for you to fall off!” Mia was sure that Rafina’s silence was due to her fear of horse riding, so she offered her kind words of encouragement. Perhaps it was just a trick of her eye, but Mia could see the dignity of a veteran exuding from herself.

She would never realize that it was all just her imagination. What had really kept Rafina silent was the overwhelming nervousness that came with a sudden scenic horseback ride with a friend, but Mia, of course, was blind to that fact. Thus began her heart-pounding horse-riding adventure. That’s right. There was one more thing that went beyond Mia’s realization. The resounding clomp of hooves from far beyond the hill, that menacing herd of cavalry that was approaching them…