Chapter 592

Chapter 592

Effortless As Breathing

Ludwig learned that Citrina had gone missing just moments before Mia crossed the finish line. Ludwig, Dion, and several other members of the Princess Guard had accompanied Mia while keeping a short distance from her. Although they couldn’t directly assist with the horse match-up, they continued to escort her, staying in a position where they could rush over if anything happened.

At the end of the two-day journey, they were feeling somewhat relaxed and relieved, watching Mia take off up the slope, when an urgent message was delivered: “Last night, the daughter of the Duke of Yellowmoon disappeared from her lodgings in the Southern Capital. Under the command of Saint Rafina, and with help from the Forest Clan, a search was conducted in the surrounding area, but no clues were found. Please return immediately.”

The moment he received the news, Ludwig clicked his tongue in frustration.

‘I made a mistake in my judgement. If they were going to target someone, I thought it would definitely be Mia-sama.’

The Serpents currently controlled the warriors of the Fire Clan, including a particularly strong fighter who could even handle wolves. As a result, even during the match-up, they were highly alert, wary that Mia might be attacked.

“I made a big mistake and misjudged the enemy. Now that I think about it, the horse match-up and Mia-sama’s participation were decided only a few days ago. Attacking Mia-sama during the match-up would be difficult even for the Serpents.”

Ludwig keenly felt the weight of his responsibility and gritted his teeth, but...

“Well, I don’t think you were wrong.”

Dion Alaia interjected with a wry smile and a slight shrug of his shoulders.

“Given that you can’t prepare for every contingency, it’s natural for you to prioritise the safety of the Princess as her retainer. Besides, the defences of the Southern Capital are not particularly weak. If the enemy managed to kidnap the young lady of the Yellowmoon House, it means they are more skilled—for now, at least.”

Then his gaze sharpened slightly.

“We must focus on what needs to be done now. I feel for the Princess, but as soon as she finishes her goal, we need her to return immediately to the Southern Capital and take command.”

The next likely scenario was that the Serpents would try to exploit the chaos to target Mia’s life. Therefore, they needed to avoid the folly of splitting their forces. It was essential to maintain their forces close to Mia and use them to investigate the whereabouts of Citrina. Most importantly, they needed to utilise the Wisdom of the Empire in the search for Citrina.

“Yes. That seems to be the best course of action.”

Ludwig nodded, adjusted his glasses, and then headed towards Mia.

‘Now is not the time to dwell on my responsibilities. Once everything is over, I can await Mia-sama’s judgement.’

Ludwig thought, deciding to shift his focus.

He had also received letters of resignation from those in charge of security, but those could also be addressed after everything was settled.

Calmly, he began to contemplate the future plan.

“Indeed. As the Clan Chief’s sister, it’s possible that Lady Aima knows where they are.”

Mia also looked taken aback when she heard this!

She had never thought of that!

Well, strictly speaking, it’s not that she never thought of it. It was just that, like many other things, it had been forgotten and pushed out of Mia’s memory.

“Moreover, we are in a situation where the Fire Clan owes us. It is quite possible to get them to cooperate. However, I wonder how Lady Aima will react...”

Ludwig then frowned, his expression turning troubled.

Fortunately, the reconciliation and acceptance of the Fire Clan into the Equestrian Kingdom were progressing smoothly. Currently, a meeting of the Clan Chiefs was being held, with the Fire Clan Elder, Roufa, in attendance.

They owed Mia a great favour, so they probably wouldn’t refuse her request.

However, asking Aima for her brother’s location was a double-edged sword.

After all, invoking the favour would mean asking her to betray her own brother.

‘I wonder if that would upset Aima-san...’

Mia grew flustered as she imagined the scenario.

After all, that was not her intention at all.

“Huh? Oh, no... I didn’t mean...”

Mia panicked and tried to deny the reality of the situation, which was outside her calculations, but...

“However, that’s the only option we have right now.”

“That’s true...”

With Ludwig’s firm statement that there was no other choice, Mia solemnly withdrew her own suggestion.

‘If Ludwig says that’s the only option, then it must be so.’

“I’m glad you understand. Well then, let’s ask Aima-san right away.”

Mia’s thoughts were as flexible as the jellyfish, effortlessly swayed like the air she breathed.