Chapter 576


    <b>Theme horse and the wise princess be the wise horse andme princess</b>


    The moment the start signal was given, Rakuro leaped forward. A gant neigh resonated as it kicked off the ground and began to run. With one step, its body set into motion, and by the second step, it had be one with the wind. It was the unmistakable gallop of a swift horse. It was an overwhelming start, living up to its reputation of being called the Moonhare of Moonhares.


    Xiaolei was in high spirits and pleased to hear the people’s loud cheers.


    She then turned around to look for her opponent, Mia, and was shocked.


    “Princess Mia isn’t here?”


    Looking carefully, she saw that Mia and her horse were quite a distance away, not too far from the starting point. Mia and her horse were cantering slowly and leisurely, almost as if they were setting out for a pic.


    When Xiaolei saw this, she clicked her tongue softly.


    “Damn, isn’t she quite capable? I cannot underestimate her, no.”


    Groaning with frustration, Xiaolei turned her gaze forward.


    While Xiaolei clicked her tongue atop her horse, her father, Fuuma, wore a look of frustration on his face.


    He watched Mia and her horse take a rxed start.


    “Damn you. You didn’t take the bait even when provoked. How rude…”


    Princess Mia’s bold and majestic run indicated that Fuuma and Xiaolei’s n had failed.


    That’s right, the battle had already begun before anyone took the first step. Xiaolei had intentionally tried to provoke Mia and get her riled up!


    Those who had participated in past horse match-ups knew very well that the most important thing was to not increase the horse’s speed too much right at the beginning.


    In a two-day-long race, the lead taken at the start would hardly make any difference.  It was not possible to get the horse to gallop at full speed throughout, and it was inevitable that it would slow down at some point. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that the sprint at the start was just for show.


    Moreover, in a horse match-up, the biggest challenge awaited at the veryst leg of the race.


    That was the long, gradual uphill climb to the finish line at Stargrass Rock.


    In an essentially t grasnd belt, there was only one high hill, and its peak was the final goal for the horse match-up.


    That meant it was vital to save the horse’s stamina until the very end. Initially, it was actually better to hold back a little instead.


    Despite that, Xiaolei dashed forward at the very start.


    It was a strategy to lure Mia, an inexperienced rider, into self-destruction. The n was to make her chase after Xiaolei and exhaust her horse’s stamina right in the early stage of the race.


    Xiaolei had plotted to destroy Mia’s motivation and crush her spirit by disying the overwhelming difference in ability between the two horses right at the very start.


    “I can’t believe she didn’t fall for it…”


    Normally, if your opponent in apetition went ahead, you would try to chase and catch up to them.


    You would usually ept the challenge right from the start, especially when provoked like that.


    Despite that, Mia ignored it.


    She didn’t seem to mind that her opponent was quickly pulling ahead and instead chose a deliberate, rxed pace for the start.


    “I see. So she is not just all talk.


    That calmposure is indeed impressive.


    It seems that she is called the Wisdom of the Empire, and there is no doubt that she is a wise princess.


    However, no matter how exceptional the rider, you can’t do much with that inferior horse…”


    It’s obvious that the horse match-up depended on the horse’s ability.


    “If only she had brought a horse that was equal to Rakuro…


    If she had brought along a horse of the Fire n, it would have been a totally different result. Hmm, but I will definitely crush those pretty words about horses having no rankings. ”


    She spat out the words at Mia’s figure in the distance.


    Well, regarding the kind of ideal start taken by the wise princess, Mia Luna Tearmoon, there was no need to even point out that she had not thought that far. That much was a given.


    As usual, Mia had entrusted herself to the will of the horse. Thus, it was actually the so-called me horse’, Tofu, who had decided on the leisurely start.


    That’s right, as a warhorse, Tofu knew.


    Without knowing whaty ahead, it was better to avoid wasting stamina unnecessarily.


    The prudent strategy to preserve energy was decided by none other than Tofu itself.


    Well, anyway, in the current situation, Mia was actually theme princess riding a wise horse. However, there was no one who was aware of it.


    ‘<i>Hmm, as expected, this is a leisurely pace. If it were Kun, things would definitely not be like this. Well, it’s easier for me though.</i>’


    As Mia was swaying back and forth, a thought suddenly urred to her.


    ‘<i>But if I take it too easy, it won’t be much of an exercise. Perhaps I need to exercise a little harder?</i>’


    Mia was of the mind that when you have an idea, you should act on it immediately.


    So Mia lightly tapped Tofu on the back.


    “Tofu, let’s pick up the pace a bit.”


    Tofu perked up its ears, and after a brief pause, increased its pace.


    “Oh, so you decided to chase? As expected, you really have  good instincts.”


    Mia heard a sudden voice. Looking to the side, she saw a horse approaching and lining up next to her. The rider was the n Chief with therge build, who had spoken to Mia at the n Chiefs’ meeting.


    “You are…”


    “Hahaha. This is not our first meeting, but allow me to introduce myself once again. My name is Moku Gouma. I am the Chief of the Wood n.”


    “That’s very courteous of you. I am Mia Luna Tearmoon. It’s reassuring to have the n Chief himself apany me.”


    As Mia smiled, Gouma nodded in admiration.


    “Still, I was amazed that you did not fall for Xiaolei’s provocation.


    You seem to be well aware of the irond rules of the horse match-up. Impressive.”


    Mia quietly shook her head at Gouma, who wasughing cheerfully.


    “No. I am simply letting this horse do as it sees fit.”


    Mia did not arrogantly boast that it was natural for someone like her.


    After all, this person was a n Chief in the Equestrian Kingdom and an expert. He would easily see through her if she tried to lie.


    ‘<i>Moreover, this person has shown a considerably favourable and kind attitude towards me.  If I pretend to be skilled but end up making a mistake and reveal my faults, then a person who might be my ally could end up getting upset with me instead.</i>’


    ‘<i>I should be humble and honest here.</i>’


    ‘<i>That’s right, I want to live like Tofu here.</i>’


    That was what Mia was thinking.