Princess Mia Gets Going

The next day, Mia and her group left the Forest clans village. Mia, the girls and Abel rode in separate carriages, each surrounded by members of the Princess Imperial Guard. Following closely behind were the members of the Forest clan, led by Malong.

In the afternoon, they stopped to take a break.

I guess its about time

Choosing the right moment, Mia began to move quietly. Mia had a goal to accomplish.

Abel, do you have a moment?

Hmm? Do you need something?

When Abel was suddenly addressed, he tilted his head in surprise.

Would you like to go for a little ride?

Mia spoke softly as she gazed up at the sky, observing the vast blue expanse ahead. A smile played on her lips as she slightly squinted in the bright sunlight.

Look, its such nice weather. Im sure itll be refreshing, right?

Of course, Mia didnt just want to go on a ride for the sake of it. It most definitely wasnt an attempt to settle her stomach from drinking too much hot milk last night. Instead, she genuinely wanted to talk to Abel. Mia wanted to know what Malong had said to him and why he was feeling so sad.

No, but

Taking the initiative from Abel, who seemed hesitant, Mia called out to her own guard.

Dion-san, I want to go for a little ride. Would that be okay?

You want to go for a ride?

Dion looked shocked when he heard that.

Didnt you run into some trouble just the other day when you did that?

Dion shrugged his shoulders, but his expression stiffened when he saw Mias face.

Do you absolutely have to go?

Yes. Its important.

Mia stared back at Dion and held his attention, refusing to back down.Mias basic rule when speaking with Dion Alaia was to maintain eye contact and definitely not avert her gaze. Mia had predetermined her strategy in case she ran into Dion in a forest. If she took her gaze off of him even for a moment, there was a high possibility of being attacked. Therefore, keeping eye contact, she would slowly back away and then run.

Well okay, I understand. In that case, Ill stand guard from a little distance.

Ah, in that case, theres no problem. My warrior wolf is keeping an eye on the surrounding area.

For some reason, it was Aima who said that with a smug look on her face.

Aima, who had been treated like a bandit until they arrived at the Forest clans village, was now serving as the guide to the Fire clans location and had been released from her restraints.

On the contrary, I have reservations about placing trust in that.

Dion sent a sharp look at Aima but she refused to meet his gaze. Unlike Mia, Aima adopted a different strategy, attempting to get past Dion by completely avoiding eye contact. Mia looked on in admiration at Aimas unexpected tactic.

Aima took a deep breath to calm herself and then looked intently at Mia.

Princess Mia, I am deeply grateful to you. I was hoping to repay you, if only a little, for all that you have done for my clan.

Hmm, is that so? Well, if thats the case, then okay.

Based on their observation of Aimas personality thus far, it seemed to be a safe bet. Aima would stand to gain nothing from having Mia and her group attacked by wolves there. Additionally, Abels presence was reassuring, and Mia felt everything would be fine with him there.

So, what do you think, Abel?

Okay. Then with your permission, I shall accompany you.

So, without further ado, Mira promptly looked around for a horse that she could ride.

Hmm, thats right. Ah, I like this one.

Mia approached a horse that was already familiar to her an equine version of Mia herself. Mia smiled as she approached the horse, which was leisurely munching on grass.

This one is quite the gentleman. Its noteworthy how he put himself on the line to protect me. Its wonderful.

After praising the horse for a while, Mia spoke to Gorka, the Imperial guard, who was busy brushing it.

What is the name of this horse?

Gorka was a veteran soldier in the Princess Imperial Guard. Originally a member of the Imperial Guard, Gorka wasnt particularly skilled with the sword, but he possessed a talent for breeding horses. Ludwig noticed this, and now Gorka was in charge of managing the horses for the Imperial Guard.

Thank you for the praise, Your Highness. This horse is called Tofu East Wind.

Tofu? I see, thats an unusual name. What is the origin of that name?

Please let this horse run lightly like the wind blowing from the east. With that kind of wish, it was namedat least thats how I remember it.

I see, thats a really elegant name.

Mia looked at Tofus face while nodding in agreement.

As usual, it seemed to be spacing out, not showing any sign of understanding the word elegant or anything for that matter.

Hmm. I like his majestic calmness. Ill choose this one. Gorka-san, I would like to go for a long ride on this horse, is that okay?

Ah. That should be fine. Im sure you can enjoy a leisurely long ride with this horse.

Gorka wasnt particularly surprised to be called by his name. It was well known among the members of the Imperial Guard that Princess Mia had already memorised their names. Thats the reason why he wasnt surprised at all, but it did leave him with a pleasant feeling.

Please wait a moment. Ill put on the saddle now.

In order to ensure a comfortable ride, Gorka was naturally meticulous when putting on the saddle. Eventually, Gorka completed his job perfectly and bowed deeply to Mia.

Please enjoy your ride.

Yes. Thank you.

Then, Mia and Abel galloped into the grasslands. Maintaining a little distance, Dion and Aima served as guards, while Bel, Citrina, and Rafina, acting as curious onlookers, casually followed behind them. Mia, however, remained completely unaware of their presence.