Chapter 572

Chapter 572

Not of One Mind!

After finishing the Chiefs’ Meeting, Mia thought, ‘Hehe, I think I was quite smart this time. I wonder if that damn glasses will praise my wisdom?’

Mia was in high spirits and felt proud of herself as she met up with Ludwig and the others. They then returned together to the building where the Forest Clan was staying.

There, Mia told Ludwig and the other main members the results of the Clan Chiefs’ Meeting.

“A Horse Match-up Ceremony? And Mia-sama will be participating in it...”

Ludwig furrowed his brows as he heard the details.

“Yes. I heard that it’s like a long-distance horse race taking place over two days.”

The starting point for the race was the Southern Capital, and the end goal was a place called Hoshikusa no Iwa, or Stargrass Rock.

“I see. It is unclear if we can beat the Mountain Clan rider, so it makes sense to lose under the best possible conditions. But...”

Ludwig perfectly read Mia’s thoughts before she could explain her intentions. However, for some reason, the way his words ended carried a subtle hint of denial.

Mia was a little curious about that, but before she could question him, Ludwig let out a sigh.

“But in any case, we need an escort. Let’s have the Princess Royal Guard ready immediately.”

After saying that, Ludwig turned his attention to the accompanying Royal Guard beside him. However, Mia interrupted, “There is no need for someone very strong. It seems that the Equestrian Kingdom will be providing escorts. Well, more than a guard, they might be more like a referee.”

Then, Mia remembered what happened earlier.

Immediately after the meeting, the Chief with a strikingly large build suddenly approached her and spoke to her.

“Your Highness Princess Mia, I thank you for your proposal and your courage, as well as your goodwill towards the Equestrian Kingdom. During the Match-up, the people from my clan will act as your escorts and protect you properly. Even if the Mountain Clan folk try something, we will keep you safe.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

When Mia tilted her head, puzzled, the Clan Chief politely explained to her.

Apparently, the Horse Match-up was a sacred and austere ceremony for the people of the Equestrian Kingdom. Therefore, to prevent any wrongdoing, not one but three Clans would send two representatives each to act as observers, accompanying and monitoring the participants at all times. Since the concerned parties this time around were the Mountain Clan and the Forest Clan, their members would be excluded. Of the remaining ten clans, the nine clans would be divided into three groups to carry out the observation and monitoring. And the single remaining Clan, the Water Clan, who were the guardians of the other main city of the Equestrian Kingdom, the Northern Capital, were the only ones permitted to act as judges and would always be present to ensure fairness. They were a Clan of Priests who dealt with sacred rituals since ancient times. The Water Clan had a deep relationship with the Principality of Belluga, and Rafina was also seen talking familiarly with the Clan Chief.

“That means there will always be eight riders accompanying you, both to monitor and to protect.”

And not just any ordinary eight people. It was an honour for the people of the Equestrian Kingdom to monitor the Horse Match-up ceremony. Therefore, each Clan would send their finest riders and horses.

There was no scope for any form of cheating. But at the same time, it also meant that there was almost no way for Mia to win. After all, even under normal circumstances, Mia’s chances of winning were slim, so naturally, she would lose without cheating.

‘Well, I was planning to lose originally anyway, so it is not a problem. In any case, I am glad that the risk of assassins is reduced. It’s important to have a clear perspective.’

“So, even if we provide guards, they will have to stay quite a distance away?”

“Yes. I think that should be allowed. It is necessary to camp at night, and during that time, guarding and providing supplies seems to be permitted. But if you get too close, I might be accused of cheating, so it might be best not to do anything that might appear suspicious. Besides, horses carrying armoured soldiers might not be able to keep up with us.”

Mia joked, but the soldier from the Princess Royal Guard, who was listening nearby, nodded with a serious look on his face.

“I see. That’s right. We can’t do anything that would give someone the opportunity to criticise Mia-sama’s victory.”

“Huh?”

“So you already have a plan to win. But I’ve heard that sometimes the course can be so harsh that riders could lose weight even in just two days. I can’t let you participate in something like that...”

“I see... is that so? In that case, there’s no way I won’t participate!”

Mia shook her head with a resolute look on her face and then folded her arms with satisfaction.

‘The Horse Match-up is amazing. It can be done in just two days, and you can also get some exercise. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.’

Once again, Mia was pleased with the correctness of her decision.

The problem that had been troubling her and had to be dealt with before her showdown with Abel’s sister seemed close to being resolved. Mia finally saw a glimmer of hope!

Moreover, even though the race was said to be harsh, it was nothing for Mia, who had lived through the hell of the revolution.

‘It’s just a Horse Match-up. There was nothing to be afraid of!’ thought Mia excitedly.

Well, from a rational point of view, it was unlikely that a course so harsh that one would be worn down in just two days would be chosen for a foreign princess. It was more likely to be an easier course, something that even a child could manage.

‘With this, I won’t lose even to the Serpent Priestess!’ thought Mia with a smile.

“Hehehe, victory is certain.” Mia muttered.

“That is not something that I can let pass.”

Mia turned around to look and saw Xiaolei standing there with a menacing look in her eyes.

“Oh? Xiaolei-san, I look forward to our Match-up.”

Ignoring Mia’s smile, Xiaolei walked straight towards Aima and bowed deeply.

“Lady Aima, I’m sorry for what happened before with my father.”

However, Aima shook her head with a hard expression on her face as she refused the apology.

“No. Those are the values of the Equestrian Kingdom. We sold our sheep and got money in exchange. There was no injustice in that. Therefore, there’s no need for you to apologise.”

It was obvious if one thought about it. The Twelve Clans always helped each other. They probably always thought it was natural to do so. In contrast, the Fire Clan was not a part of that circle of mutual aid.The Fire Clan, just by themselves, tried to build a relationship of parity with others.

For them, the matter with the Mountain Clan was merely a business transaction. Even if the Mountain Clan had some ulterior motive that caused them to fall into a desperate situation, it was their own fault for not seeing through it. That was why there was no reason to apologise. Accepting one-sided benevolence was not in their nature, and acknowledging it would damage their pride.

Mia sensed a deep rift between them and felt that a forced reconciliation would only result in further cracks in their relationship. Once again, Mia felt satisfied with the option that she had selected.

“However, Princess Mia...”

Before Mia realised it, Xiaolei was glaring at her.

“Well, what is it, Xiaolei-san?”

“I need you to prepare yourself, okay? This insult towards me, this declaration of victory even before the match has begun. I will never forgive your contempt towards Rakuro and me.”

“Oh? No, that’s not what I meant.”

“I’ll show you, okay?”

Without listening to Mia’s explanation, Xiaolei turned on her heels and left without looking back.