Mias Strategy : The Pegasus Princess in the Match-up

In a high-risk, winner-take-all gamble, the winner is greatly rewarded while the loser bears all the risk. This was not how Mia liked things.

The moment Aima decided to accept the challenge, there was no way to stop the situation. In that case, what was the best thing to do?

After a flash of inspiration, Mia made the decision to participate in the Horse Match-up herself.

Mia spoke proudly, brimming with confidence as if she had a solid chance of victory.

However, her core idea was the spirit of Isnt it fine even if I lose?

Even Mia was not so reckless as to think she could compete with someone from the Equestrian Kingdom in a horse riding event and win.

Even if I worked hard at horse riding for about a year, it would still be difficult for me. Mia thought rather recklessly.

However, she did not believe she could win. In that case, what exactly was Mia aiming for? The goal was losing under the best possible conditions.

Fortunately, the food aid itself was guaranteed. Elder Kouma and the others deemed it to be natural. In that case, it should be fine to be satisfied with that. I do feel sorry for Chief Mayun, but regarding the issue of the return of the Fire Clan to the Equestrian Kingdom, we have no choice but to let time resolve that.

If Mia lost, the only remaining problem would be that the horse she rode would be taken away by Fuuma. Actually, Mia wasnt particularly worried about that because Kouma had said, The loser, if asked, must give up their horse to the winner.

It seems like they are looking down on East Wind, a.k.a. Tofu. So, if they end up asking for my horse, it would be nothing more than an act of petty revenge.

Indeed, that would mean they had no honour. Based on his actions towards the Fire Clan, Fuuma was already in a bad spot reputation-wise. By winning the Horse Match-up, he could prove his innocence. That would be a fair reward for his victory. But if he chose to take the opponents horse in addition to that, what about that? Not because he actually wanted the horse, but as a form of harassment. How would that look in the eyes of the other Chiefs?

Moreover, the fact that Im not a member of the Equestrian Kingdom but a princess from another country should work to my advantage in this case.

No matter how well Mia could ride a horse, it was only good enough for a princess of a foreign country. Compared to people of the Equestrian Kingdom, who had been riding horses ever since they were born, it was obvious that she would be no match! Thats why it was good!

Kouma had said it was natural for the reward to match the risk involved. However, if Mia was the opponent, then there was no danger there.

Hehehe, if anything, if youre scared of losing to me, then you need to stop calling yourself a member of the Equestrian Kingdom. Winning a Sure win Match-up and then taking the horse of an opponent you did not approve of? That would be undeniably disgraceful! A truly shameful act! Even if Tofu were to be taken, I do not expect it to be treated poorly.

After all it was the Equestrian Kingdom. Mia had absolute faith in their love for horses. However, this time, It would be a horse taken by the victor of the Match-up as a form of harassment and the additional condition was that it was the horse of the Princess from a foreign country. Would it even be possible to treat it poorly? The answer to that question would be a definite no. In fact, to save face in front of the other Clan Chiefs, Fuuma would have to take good care of Tofu and make sure that it never got injured or sick.

Wouldnt going to Fuuma-sans place and enjoying a comfortable, horse-like life be better for Tofu than continuing as a war horse?

Mias entire thought process was organised around the premise that she would lose in that manner, and hence she appealed to everyone present.

I dont think that using wolves is really that bad, is it?

I will probably lose, but since I am the centre of attention at the moment, I will continue to make my case.

As I listened to everyone speak, I have been thinking about this. It is true that in the past, there must have been a lot of anxiety around the time of the expulsion of the Fire Clan. Everyone must have been worried when they were suddenly told that wolves would be raised alongside them. I think the leader of the Clan made a reasonable decision.

Even Mia would have made a similar judgement. For the chicken-hearted Princess, it was quite easy to understand that thought process. However, Mia slowly shook her head.

I can understand the judgement of the people at the time. However, to be bound by that decision to this moment cannot be considered wisdom. The Fire Clan have been properly raising their sheep right up until they had to sell them to Fuuma-san. Even the horse that Aima-san rode is splendid. Doesnt that mean the Fire Clan are living the exemplary life of the people of the Equestrian Kingdom? Therefore, I cannot understand the problem with raising wolves.

The Fire Clan had proved that there was no problem with raising wolves. In spite of that, if people felt hate, then according to Mia, the prejudice was the same as that held by a picky eater.

Its just like when I assumed that Yellowmoon tomatoes tasted bad and refused to eat the stew prepared by the Head Chef. This behaviour is the same as how I acted back then.

All the thoughts that were passing through Mias head were the bitter memories of that day. As someone who knew that kind of regret, Mia could just not overlook this matter. Hence, she needed to say it.

If thats what everyone insists on, then it cant be helped. However, I just cannot understand everyones feelings. But, even then, shouldnt everyone reconsider before following that belief zealously? After the long-awaited reunion with the people of the Fire Clan and talking directly with them, should you not reevaluate after facing Aima-san and Roufa-san properly? If not, wont you end up missing something really important?

The Yellowmoon tomato stew had become one of Mias favourite foods. If she had remained trapped by the belief that Yellowmoon tomatoes were disgusting, she would have missed out on their wonderful taste and also the kind feelings of the Head Chef. Mia spoke up because she did not want them to follow the same path as her and repeat the same mistakes she made in the past. The truth in Mias heartfelt speech touched the hearts of the Chiefs.

While everyone was at a loss for words, the only one who spoke was Kouma.

I see. The truth of your point will be revealed in the Horse Match-up.

What do you think? It might be evident even without asking God.

With an extremely high possibility that Mia would lose, she had no choice but to try and make her point.

In any case, I pray this reunion will be good for the sake of the Equestrian Kingdom.

Indeed. I sincerely wish for that.

Nodding deeply, Kouma turned his attention to Fuuma, the head of the Mountain Clan.

However, Lord Fuuma, you cannot lose. You must prepare the best horse befitting the Equestrian Kingdom.

Huh? Ah, no, but, uh, um, well. I cant do something so immature. I still dont think it is a good idea to participate in the Match-up. But if we prepare the best horse, theres no chance for Princess Mia to win. The Princess said that there was no ranking for horses, so Im sure shell ride her own horse, right? Then we should also match that

Fuuma seemed reluctant, which was quite natural. After all, even if he won, there was nothing to be gained. So there was no need to send out the best horse. However,

What are you talking about? Its only natural to prepare the best horse for a Sacred Horse Match-up. If youre the Chief of one of the Twelve Clans of the Equestrian Kingdom, its only right that you prepare a horse worthy of your name.

Upon hearing Koumas words, the other Clan Chiefs agreed. Even though she was the Princess of the Powerful Empire and could ride a horse to some extent, it could not be allowed for a person from the Equestrian Kingdom to lose to her. It was only natural to prepare the best horse to guarantee a victory. At the same time, it was also meant to be a way to discipline Fuuma. After all, not only did he not help his Clan brothers in their time of need, but he also took advantage of their desperation to buy their sheep. The Chiefs believed that such an unscrupulous person should be punished. Thats why Kouma would not let Fuuma cut any corners. It was a warning that he would have to bring out his precious horse and participate properly in the Match-up.

However, it would certainly be immature for you, a Clan Chief, to deal with a Princess who is not even a member of the Equestrian Kingdom. I believe you have a daughter around the same age as the Princess. I think it would be a good idea to make your daughter the rider. Dont you agree?

Koumas intention was to prepare the best horse but offer the Princess a handicap in the form of a young rider as her opponent.

You mean Xiaolei? Nobut

Fuuma seemed to mutter some kind of complaint in response. However, he nodded his head in agreement, realising that he had no choice. Since he had committed an act of grave injustice against the Fire Clan, his options were limited.

And thus, the participation of Mia Luna Tearmoon, who would later be known as the Pegasus Princess, in the Sacred Horse Match-up was decided.