Chapter 576

Chapter 576

The lame horse and the wise princess become the wise horse and lame princess

The moment the start signal was given, Rakuro leaped forward. A gallant neigh resonated as it kicked off the ground and began to run. With one step, its body set into motion, and by the second step, it had become one with the wind. It was the unmistakable gallop of a swift horse. It was an overwhelming start, living up to its reputation of being called the Moonhare of Moonhares.

Xiaolei was in high spirits and pleased to hear the people’s loud cheers.

She then turned around to look for her opponent, Mia, and was shocked.

“Princess Mia isn’t here?”

Looking carefully, she saw that Mia and her horse were quite a distance away, not too far from the starting point. Mia and her horse were cantering slowly and leisurely, almost as if they were setting out for a picnic.

When Xiaolei saw this, she clicked her tongue softly.

“Damn, isn’t she quite capable? I cannot underestimate her, no.”

Groaning with frustration, Xiaolei turned her gaze forward.

While Xiaolei clicked her tongue atop her horse, her father, Fuuma, wore a look of frustration on his face.

He watched Mia and her horse take a relaxed start.

“Damn you. You didn’t take the bait even when provoked. How rude...”

Princess Mia’s bold and majestic run indicated that Fuuma and Xiaolei’s plan had failed.

That’s right, the battle had already begun before anyone took the first step. Xiaolei had intentionally tried to provoke Mia and get her riled up!

Those who had participated in past horse match-ups knew very well that the most important thing was to not increase the horse’s speed too much right at the beginning.

In a two-day-long race, the lead taken at the start would hardly make any difference. It was not possible to get the horse to gallop at full speed throughout, and it was inevitable that it would slow down at some point. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that the sprint at the start was just for show.

Moreover, in a horse match-up, the biggest challenge awaited at the very last leg of the race.

That was the long, gradual uphill climb to the finish line at Stargrass Rock.

In an essentially flat grassland belt, there was only one high hill, and its peak was the final goal for the horse match-up.

That meant it was vital to save the horse’s stamina until the very end. Initially, it was actually better to hold back a little instead.

Despite that, Xiaolei dashed forward at the very start.

As Mia was swaying back and forth, a thought suddenly occurred to her.

‘But if I take it too easy, it won’t be much of an exercise. Perhaps I need to exercise a little harder?’

Mia was of the mind that when you have an idea, you should act on it immediately.

So Mia lightly tapped Tofu on the back.

“Tofu, let’s pick up the pace a bit.”

Tofu perked up its ears, and after a brief pause, increased its pace.

“Oh, so you decided to chase? As expected, you really have good instincts.”

Mia heard a sudden voice. Looking to the side, she saw a horse approaching and lining up next to her. The rider was the Clan Chief with the large build, who had spoken to Mia at the Clan Chiefs’ meeting.

“You are...”

“Hahaha. This is not our first meeting, but allow me to introduce myself once again. My name is Moku Gouma. I am the Chief of the Wood Clan.”

“That’s very courteous of you. I am Mia Luna Tearmoon. It’s reassuring to have the Clan Chief himself accompany me.”

As Mia smiled, Gouma nodded in admiration.

“Still, I was amazed that you did not fall for Xiaolei’s provocation.

You seem to be well aware of the ironclad rules of the horse match-up. Impressive.”

Mia quietly shook her head at Gouma, who was laughing cheerfully.

“No. I am simply letting this horse do as it sees fit.”

Mia did not arrogantly boast that it was natural for someone like her.

After all, this person was a Clan Chief in the Equestrian Kingdom and an expert. He would easily see through her if she tried to lie.

‘Moreover, this person has shown a considerably favourable and kind attitude towards me. If I pretend to be skilled but end up making a mistake and reveal my faults, then a person who might become my ally could end up getting upset with me instead.’

‘I should be humble and honest here.’

‘That’s right, I want to live like Tofu here.’

That was what Mia was thinking.