Fun Girls Party 2: Rafina Decides to Learn Horseback Riding

The conversation continued until a little past midnight. At that point, Rafina, seemingly satisfied with the girl talk, said, Phew Well, how about we call it a night?

Upon realizing she could finally enjoy some much-needed sleep, Mia threw herself onto one of the three beds. Yes, three. Anne had insisted on sleeping on the floor, but Rafina adamantly refused to allow it.

When wearing pajamas, were all equals, so we should sleep as equals too, no? Rafina declared. At her insistence, they got a third bed and positioned it beside the previous two so everyone could sleep together.

Thisgap between the beds It seems like you can fall through thought Mia as she yawned. Before she had a chance to drift off, she heard Rafinas voice.

By the way, Mia, has the whole engagement issue with Miss Esmeralda been straightened out yet?

Hmmwha? Uhh Yes, pretty much Mia reflexively answered before her drowsy brain comprehended the question. The subsequent chill was enough to wake her up. Had she told Rafina about the real reason for her trip to Sunkland? No She never mentioned the complicated circumstances she came to sort out.

Uh-oh. This might be a problem Too late now.

I see Rafinas expression grew pensive. There was something I wanted to discuss with you, but You probably have plenty on your plate already, and Id rather not burden you any further. Also, the situation has changed a little, and it doesnt seem like Ill be needing your help immediately, so just keep what Im about to tell you in the back of your mind, okay?

After that oddly long preamble, she began to quietly tell her story.

You see, Malong came to me the other day and asked for some advice.

Malong? What kind of advice? asked Mia.

Youre probably aware already, but lately, there have been reports of a gang of horseback bandits causing mayhem in Sunkland

Ah Those people Mia wasnt just aware. Shed come face-to-face with the very same bandits.

Moons, I completely forgot about those people They were the ones who were originally supposed to assassinate Sion.

I certainly do know about them, but Whats the matter?

Within Sunkland, there is a growing contingent of voices claiming its the Equestrian Kingdoms doing, and that war is inevitable. However, Malong doesnt think the bandits are from his kingdom.

I see. So thats why youre here. I assume you came all the way to Sunkland to mediate that issue in person?

If hostilities break out, countless lives will be lost. No amount of effort is too much when it comes to preventing war, Rafina asserted, her voice calm but resolute. The issue is, well Even if its not the Equestrian Kingdoms doing, to some degree, it still concerns them.

What do you mean?

Her curiosity thoroughly piqued, Mia turned toward Rafina, only to find Rafina doing the same. Both girls ended up on their sides, regarding each other from across the thin chasm between their beds.

Have you ever heard of began Rafina, holding Mias gaze. The lost clan of the Equestrian Kingdom?

Lostclan? Mia blinked with obvious confusion.

Its said that long, long ago, the Equestrian Kingdom was made up of thirteen clans. Granted, this is something Ive only ever heard about from other people, and the Equestris have no cultural custom of recording their history on parchment, so everything is preserved through word of mouth and ends up being oral tradition. Even within the kingdom, no one has any direct knowledge of these events But anyway, the point is that supposedly, theres a clan that no longer existsthe lost Fire Clan.

The surname of Equestris represented the clan they belonged to. The Lin in Lin Malong, for example, meant forest. Malong, therefore, belonged to the Forest Clan. Some of the other clans included Wood, Tree, Wind, Mountain, and Hill. Mia was aware of all twelve existing clans, but shed never heard of the Fire Clanthose with Ka as their clan name.

And the bandits causing trouble in Sunkland might be from the lost Fire Clan said Rafina. Thats what the people in the Equestrian Kingdom suspect, anyway.

I see. So theyre not directly responsible, but it might be the doing of people who used to be part of their tribe

Mia mulled over the implications. Fortunately, the story proved interesting enough to slightly lift the fog of sleepiness. In addition, thanks to the mental stimulation of their extended discussion of romantic interests, her brain still had enough juice left to do some work. When in romance mode, Mia was neither an introvert nor an extrovert. She was an amorvert, who recharged by thinking and talking about love-related matters.

In that case, I suppose we cant entirely blame Sunkland for misunderstanding the situation.

Indeed Though its also possible that their misunderstanding is intentional

They could be using their suspicion of the Equestrian Kingdom as a pretext to justify an invasion for the purposes of annexing the Equestris land. It was a line of thought that had no doubt crossed the minds of the more militant Sunkland nobles. Many of them were probably delighted by the situation.

True. Thats a definite possibility. I assume the purpose of your visit this time is to push back against those voices, then? asked Mia.

Its one of them. The other purpose is to look into the possibility that the assassin who attacked you might be a member of that lost clan. Ive been asking around to see if theres anyone in the gang of bandits who resemble that assassin.

You mean the wolfmaster

The whisper didnt come from either of them. Glancing toward the speaker, they found Citrina grimacing, her face appearing slightly pale.

Dont worry, Rina, Bel reassured, noticing her friends discomfort. Its okay.

Citrina rolled over and gave Bel a tight hug. Thanks. Citrina nodded, and the tension in her expression eased slightly.

Bels right. I wouldnt worry too much about him. After all, even I managed to shake him off Oh, I know. How about we all go for some horse riding lessons together? Mia suggested on a whim.

To be clear, she didnt shake him off. Shed miraculously survived his pursuit, and it had been the closest of shaves.

Itd be good for Bel and Rina, in case they ever end up in a situation when they need to escape. If they have some experience on horseback, theyll be able to ride on their own, which frees me up to ride alone. And riding alonemeans riding lighter. And my horse will run faster, making it easier for me to get away.

Make no mistakefirst and foremost, Mia was always looking out for number one.

Together? Um Mia, would that happen toinclude me as well?

Hm? Mia arched a brow at the dumbstruck look on Rafinas face. Well, sure. I dont see why not. You should definitely join us, Miss Rafina. We can even try going on some long rides. Theyre great for clearing your mind.

Long rides Rafina whispered to herself. Going on long rideswith friends I was just invited This is I cant believe Her indistinct mumbling continued for some time before she replied. Yes Yes, I think I will, Mia. Id love to go on long rides with you!

Mia had expected Rafina to agree. What she hadnt expected, however, was the immense amount of accompanying enthusiasm.

The following morning, Mia was nowhere to be found. On the beds, that is.