The Libra King and Mias Loyal Servants

The Moonhorse Court was a large paddock tucked away in a corner of the imperial capital. It was mostly used by young nobles to practice riding, but Mia was using it today as well.

She yelled, Lets go, Silver Moon! as she flicked the reins of the horse, whose name was definitely not Silver Moon. Still, it did what it was told and moved into a trot.

Mia smiled happily as she felt the horses back move in a way that was getting more and more familiar.

Im getting pretty good at this, I think. Silver Moon, dont you think so?

In response, her horse gave a snort.

She couldnt help but feel like the horse had just insulted her with that snort, as if the horse was telling her Buddy, all youre getting good at is getting heavier.

She gave it a mean look. Yes, she was talking to a horse and didnt like what it said back. It might have been a sign of how good her imagination was.

Mia had kept the same riding schedule ever since she got back to Lunatear. She would practice for two hours every day.

On top of that, she kept practicing dancing. She had never worked out or done anything so hard before in her life.

As spring turned into summer, she spent her days doing a lot of things that got her moving.

I have to say, getting the body moving does feel good Oh? What is she doing?

Anne, who was supposed to be waiting for her in the changing room, was standing at the entrance to the paddock. She looked at her maid with interest and turned Silver Moon toward her.

Anne? Whats going on?

Your Majesty, both Sunkland and Remno have sent envoys.

Oh, yes. Those people. I guess Keithwood is one of them?

Mia said as she got off her horse.

Anne gave her a soft towel right away. She took it and wiped her face to get rid of the sweat before taking a deep breath.

Anne turned around and said, Uh, well, about that but she didnt finish the sentence.

Three people in hooded travel cloaks were coming toward them.

Mia thought, Huh. I thought they would be taller.

Her excitement started to fade a bit.

Since its Keithwood, I thought one of them would be shorter, so Im surprised that the other two are the same height. It looks like Remno didnt send that Diamond Legion guy after all. Shame

Her cool, logical demeanor only lasted ten seconds, until the figures took off their hoods.

Well, the other two. The first to reveal himself was Keithwood, as she expected.

Its great to see you again, Princess Mia.

Its my pleasure, too, Keithwood. Thank you very much for helping me with this. Im going to put myself in your care, she told him before looking at the two people behind him.

And these gentlemen, Im guessing I havent met them yet?

She smiled at them in a perfectly polite way, but when she heard their voices, the smile froze on her face.

Oh, I dont think we need to introduce ourselves, Princess Mia. I see youre quite the diligent rider. Impressive. Not everyone can stick to a practice schedule during the summer break.

The voice was one she knew.

Wait. What? How? Why?

She made several sounds of confusion as the two figures took off their hoods.

Abel? And Sion? What are you both doing here?

The two princes gave each other cheeky grins.

Abel said, I was a little worried about you, so I asked Sion what to do.

Huh? I dont, so what?

In short, we decided that we would both follow you as guards. It really is a great idea. I never thought it would be this easy to sneak out of a country.

But Is this, uh, okay?

She had a worried look on her face as she looked from one prince to the other.

I guess it depends on what you mean by okay, Sion said with a shrug.

Its not exactly going well, but I think well be fine. After all, you and Miss Esmeralda and I are just going on a cruise. How could anything go wrong?

He really meant what he said, based on how he said it. Keithwood, who was standing behind him, rolled his eyes and let out a long sigh.

Keithwood said, Well, it wont be the first time His Highness has given everyone a few heart attacks. He was trying to calm everyones fears, but mostly his own.

I guess sneaking into another country to go on a cruise isnt as crazy as some of the things hes done in the past.

Oh, Keithwood, you really get your work cut up for you, dont you? Even though Sion is your boss, I understand how hard it is for you. It must be hard to keep up with all of his strange ideas Taking care of the mess he made I feel sorry for you.

She felt bad for what he was going through. She was the one who started the horse sandwich trouble, so she understood how hard it was for Keithwood to deal with Sions whims.

She wasnt very good at noticing irony that had to do with herself.

Your Highness, Im sorry to bother you, but I need a moment of your time.

Ludwig showed up and rushed toward her.

As for the rest of your plans for the day

Hey, good to see you, Ludwig. I think the last time we saw each other was in Remno.

Ludwig turned around in shock and blinked at the person talking.

Who? Whoa P-Prince Sion?! And Prince Abel? Why are you here in Tearmoon?

Keithwood stepped in to help Ludwig figure out what was going on.

I see To escort Her Majesty

Ludwig said when he understood what was going on.

At least on paper. Well, as official as it can be when you dont have permission to go on a foreign cruise, Sion joked.

For me, its more like a vacation with the people who will have my back in the upcoming battles. Its an honor to go on this trip with you all.

Ludwig made a respectful bow.

You are a gift to all of us. Knowing that two well-known princes will be joining Her Highness gives me a lot of peace of mind. Thanks to you both.

Sion regarded Ludwig. For a while, the princes face was hard to read.

I dont know why Im happyno, Im happier than that Your words, Ludwig, bring me a lot of comfort. But I dont know why. Weve only talked to each other once before, briefly, in the Kingdom of Remno. Still, your approval makes me very happy.

It makes me happy that you like what I say. Im sure youll take care of Her Highness well. I want to thank you for your kindness on behalf of the whole empire.

Ludwig looked at the two princes and then bowed his head even more deeply.

On this day, the loyal servant of the Great Sage of the Empire, Ludwig Hewitt, and the future Libra King, Sion Sol Sunkland, made a connection.

In the previous timeline, the two souls paths eventually went in different directions. Now, however, they are finally united under Mias banner.

Mia, on the other hand

Wait, if theyre coming as guards, theyll have to go on the cruise with me. And well be wearing swimsuits on the cruise, so Oh my!

She lightly patted her stomach.

It was moving.

Only a little bit.

But it could just be that her mind is playing tricks on her. She didnt try again, though. She did try harder the next time she went horseback riding or danced.