Mia + Horse Mia = ? ? ?

Unfortunately, Mia remained oblivious to the impending danger. In more ways than one, this would undoubtedly set hearts pounding.

Whoa! Rafina exclaimed joyfully from atop the horses back. I wasnt expecting us to be so far off the ground! The view from up here Its similar to the view from Saint-Noels Stargazing Tower, but theres something different about it. Its difficult to put my finger on it!

Rafina turned back toward Mia with a grin, who tilted her head in response. How strange I wonder why shes so composed. Mia wasnt expecting her to be nearly so calm. She was so stunned that all she could do was stare questioningly at Rafina. But I used to get so panicked whenever I rode horses! Mia, with a smug grin plastered on her face, was supposed to assuage the fearful Rafina with a lecture on the wonders of horseback riding, relentlessly guiding Rafina into becoming a capable rider! Her horseback ride of abstinence was already falling apart.

Hmph. I wonder whats gotten into her Ill have to rework my plan. This calls for

Hey, you two. I see things are going smoothly.

Just then, Mias thoughts were interrupted by a gallant voice. It was Abel, standing beside them in the horse-riding gear he had just changed into. Seeing his charming figure, Mia couldnt help but let out an enamored sigh.

If he came all the way out here, does that mean he wants to enjoy some horse riding with me? A horseback ride with Abel, huh? Mia took one glance at Abels sharp appearance and decided she couldnt wait! Her horseback ride of abstinence was now nothing more than dust blown away with the wind.

Were you planning on lending us a hand?

Well, yeah, I was. I thought youd be fine by yourself, Mia, but I felt like I could use the exercise. Abel turned toward Rafina, his head held in question. My apologies, but is this your first time riding a horse, Miss Rafina?

Yes. Ive only ever traveled by carriage before.

I see. In that case, would you allow me the honor of leading the horse carrying you two princesses? Abel looked back at Mia. How about it?

It almost feels presumptuous for me to ask that of you, Abel

Ha ha ha! You neednt worry about that. I just wanted to spend some time with you. Seeing Abels dashing wink, another enamored sigh escaped Mias lips.

Thus, their relaxing horseback ride began. The horse walked along, a tranquil clomp, clomp accompanying each step. It was just as docile as the guard had promisedincredibly steady and never showing any signs of going out of control.

My! This horse really is gentle! I hope Miss Rafina isnt afraid. I wonder how shes enjoying this

Just as that thought went through Mias mind, Rafina abruptly brought up a question.

Hey, Mia? When youre usually riding, how do you make the horse gallop?

Rafinas eyes sparkled with wonder. She seemed completely enchanted, as if she was a child who had just received her first toy.

You see, at her core, Mia is someone who gets easily carried away. The sight of someones pleasure at her actions is enough to drive her into high gear.

Hm, well Usually, I Mia turned toward the guard by her side who had the task of protecting the two of them. Do you happen to know if these plains continue onward? Were not going to suddenly come to a cliff or anything, are we?

The land will stay flat for quite a while. There are no cliffs or any sort of other dangerous terrain.

I see Well then, Miss Rafina. How about I take you for a short gallop?

Huh? But

Mia addressed the hesitating Rafina with a smile. The real pleasure of horse riding is when youre running at full speed! One with the horse, you become the wind. Its a sensation that can only be felt on a horses back, and Id like for you to experience it too!

Mia cast her gaze to Abel, and once again, he shrugged his shoulders.

Got it. Ill go get my own horse ready and follow after you two.

Well then, I guess thats it! Well be heading out.

H-Hold on a second, Your Highness. You cant just

Mia flashed her panicked guard a mischievous grin. Itll be perfectly fine! We wont be going too far. She turned to Rafina. Shall we be on our way?

Her words were spoken with incredible volume, as Mia had gotten completely carried away! Her victory at the Horsemanship Tournament and her success at escaping the wolfmaster had inflated her ego. And so, Mia silently urged her horse forward, completely unaware of the pitfall that was lying right beneath her feet.

Following Mias orders, the horse dashed forward, the wind that blew past them getting stronger and stronger.

Waaah!

Rafinas silken hair danced behind her as she let out a cry of joymusic to Mias ears!

Oho ho! Dont get satisfied quite yet, Miss Rafina! Were nowhere near top speed. Forward, Silvermoon! yelped Mia, unable to stop her high spirits from leaving her mouth.

To clarify, their horses name was not Silvermoon.

Moving on, just like that, they continued to dash through the grassland plains. When they had finally returned to their senses, they realized that they had come quite aways from their carriages, which were now just specks in the distance.

Hm, maybe its about time I turned back

Mia stopped her horse and turned it the other way, back toward the direction they had just come from.

Right then, Rafina piped up in a whisper. Huh? Mia, do you know what that could be?

Over there? I have no clue

Following Rafinas pointed finger, Mia took a moment to think before her face turned a ghastly pale white! Kicking through the weeds and letting out cries of war was a group headed straight for their carriages. Plus, Mia had seen them before!

My! Could they be that group of bandits?!

The horseback brigands they had bumped into on their way to Sol Saliente were back for vengeance!

Mia

She could hear the trepidation in Rafinas voice. Mia gave a slow nod, hoping to allay her fears.

W-We have nothing to worry about! Dions stayed with the carriages, and the Princess Guard are some of the most capable soldiers out there! Theyll have these thieves running for cover before you know it!

For just a moment, Mia had been on the brink of panic after seeing the band of brigands herself. However, she quickly regained her composure; Dion Alaia was with the rest of the group, after all.

We were fine on the way here! Im sure things will be the same this time too!

Just as those comforting thoughts went through Mias head, she quickly realized her mistake. The brigands heading toward their party had suddenly stopped in their tracks and were now heading straight toward Mia!

Ah! This is bad Theyve found us!

Mia was certain that as long as they hadnt done anything to provoke the group, she and Rafina would be fine. So, of course, this sent Mia into panic mode. Still half in her state of stupor, Mia turned her horse to face the opposite direction of the bandits which was also the opposite direction of their carriages.

Agh! Miss Rafina, make sure you hold on tight!

Rafina was immediate with her reply. Wait, Mia. Lets trade places.

As soon as the words had left her mouth, Rafina maneuvered herself to sit behind Mia.

Huh? But, Miss Rafina

Between us two, Im taller, so it must be hard to see around me, right? The bandits are getting closer. We better hurry!

My You have a point!

Mia followed Rafinas lead and sent their horse dashing forward.

Well be fine! We can outrun them!

Mia, you see, was confident. She had beaten Ruby at Saint-Noels Horsemanship Tournament and had even outrun the wolfmaster! This, of course, meant that shed be able to shake the average bandit off their tail. But what really gave Mia comfort was

I-If I keep on running, Dion will catch up to us eventually! A man like him will be able to drive back these bandits single-handedly! I mean, even if theyre chasing us down, theyre still so far away! Outrunning them will be a piece of cake!

Mia had complete certainty in these musings, but there was one thing that had slipped her mind: Kuolan was a much better horse than Mia had thought!

Onwards! Shake off these enemies and lets get back to our friends! Giddyup!

Mia gallantly addressed her horse. When spoken to like that, her horse had never failed to meet her demands, turning her into the wind. Mia was certain that just as the violent tempest, theyd be able to shake off their enemies. However

Huh? Mia found herself at a loss.

Why havent we become the wind yet? This horse isnt picking up speed at all! Th-This isnt right! Why in the moons arent we getting any faster?!

Mia watched as the brigands drew closer and closer. Masks covered each of their faces, hiding their expressions and making them ever more ominous.

Wh-Why is this horse so slow?!

Mia peered into the horses eyes and her jaw dropped to the ground!

This horse looks absolutely lifeless!

Not in its dazed eyes, nor in its drooping mouth, or even in its absentminded expression, could Mia find a single ounce of anxiety. It was the exact same face Mia would make when counting the leaves to kill the time!

Thats right, Mias ultimate riding technique of the Flotsam was reliant on having a first-rate horse. If the horse was going at one hundred, Mia would completely rid herself as not to add a minus fifty through her riding technique. That was the true nature of her method. However, this horsethis Mia ver. Horsewasnt even strong in the first place. Just as two unmotivated Mias would result in nothing, her Flotsam technique was absolutely useless.

Before Mia even had the chance to notice, she had been forced into a position where shed have to actually try!

Urgh! Agh! It appears theres nothing else we can do. Mia looked over her shoulder. Miss Rafina

Rafinas shoulders jumped.

Hold on tightly. Make sure you wont be able to fall off.

Her voice was soft, but full of conviction.

I cant let Rafina fall off! Thatd reflect on me terribly!

Just imagining it had Mia shivering in fear. If she was the only one to be saved in a situation like this one, one wrong step would have people doubting if Mia had shoved Rafina from the horse in an attempt to save herself. A cold sweat dripped down Mias back.

Plus, Mia couldnt get that Rafinas earlier grin out of her mind. Every time she remembered it, Mias chicken heart fluttered.

Hmph! If only shed give me the same look of disgust she used to! Then I wouldnt have to hurt my sensitive conscience!

You see, Mia was completely lacking in the ability to cut down anyone and anything else to save oneself, a characteristic often associated with tyrants. Which meant Mia had to do whatever it took to save Rafina as well. As a veteran, she needed to put all her effort into ensuring Rafina didnt fall, but

I dont have that luxury right now! My hands are completely full as it is!

She had to find an escape route while also figuring out how to kick this horse into action. It was impossible for them to keep away from the bandits until help arrived. Now, she needed to get back to the carriages by herself. And so, she also needed Rafina to cling onto her for dear life. Mia softly placed one of her hands onto Rafinas, which were wrapped around her waist.

Well find our way back and ensure safety for the rest! I promise!

Mia

There was a slight tremor in Rafinas voice.