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...”

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...