Chapter 23: The Libra King and Mia’s Loyal Subject

Tucked away in a corner of the imperial capital was a large paddock—the Moonhorse Court—primarily used by young nobles to practice their riding, and, today, by Mia as well.

“Let’s go, Silver Moon!” she shouted as she flicked the reins of the horse whose name was definitely not Silver Moon. Nevertheless, it obeyed and moved into a trot. Mia grinned with delight, feeling the increasingly familiar bounce of the horse’s back.

“I feel like I’m getting pretty good at this. Wouldn’t you agree, Silver Moon?”

Her steed snorted in response. For some reason, she couldn’t help but feel like the horse had just insulted her, as if the snort had been Horse for The only thing you’re getting is heavier, buddy. She scowled at it.

Yes, she was having a conversation with a horse, and got upset at its reply. It was, perhaps, a testament to the power of her imagination.

Ever since returning to Lunatear, Mia had maintained a consistent riding schedule. Every day, she’d practice for a full two hours. On top of that, she kept up her dance practice as well. Never in her life had she exercised—hell, done anything—so diligently. As the season turned to summer, she spent her days enjoying a great deal of physical activity.

“I must admit, it really does feel good to get the body moving... Oh? What’s she doing here?”

At the entrance to the paddock stood Anne, who was supposed to be waiting for her in the changing room. She gave her maid a curious look and steered Silver Moon toward her.

“Anne? What’s the matter?”

“Milady, emissaries from both Sunkland and Remno have arrived.”

“Oh, right. Those people. I assume one of them’s Keithwood?” said Mia as she dismounted her horse.

Anne promptly handed her a soft towel. She took it and wiped away the sweat on her face before letting out a breath of exertion.

“Uh, about that...” said Anne, trailing off hesitantly as she turned around.

Approaching them were three figures in hooded traveling cloaks.

Huh, thought Mia. They’re shorter than I expected.

Her enthusiasm waned a little.

I’d expected one of them to be shorter, considering it’s Keithwood, but I’m surprised the other two are the same height. It looks like Remno didn’t send that Diamond Legion fellow after all. Shame...

Her calm, analytical attitude lasted all of ten seconds—until the figures took off their hoods. Well, the other two figures. The first to do so revealed himself to be Keithwood, which she’d expected.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Princess Mia.”

“The pleasure is mutual, Keithwood. Thank you very much for your cooperation in this matter. I’ll be entrusting myself into your care,” she said before turning to the two figures behind him. “And these gentlemen, I assume, I’ve yet to be acquainted with?”

She greeted them with a flawlessly courteous smile, only for it to freeze on her face when she heard their voices.

“Oh, I think we can skip the introductions, Princess Mia. I see you’re quite the diligent rider. Impressive. Not everyone can stick to a practice schedule through the summer holidays.”

It was a voice she recognized.

“Wait. What? How? Why?” She made a series of bewildered noises as the two figures removed their hoods. “Abel? And Sion? What are you doing here?”

The two princes traded mischievous grins.

“I was a little worried about you,” explained Abel, “so I asked Sion for advice.”

“Huh? I don’t— Then... Huh?”

“In a nutshell, we decided that we’d both tag along as your guards. It’s genius, really. I never imagined you could sneak out of a country like this.”

“But... Is this, well... Okay?”

She looked from one prince to the other, her expression clouded with worry.

“Depends on your definition of ‘okay,’ I guess,” said Sion with a shrug. “It’s not exactly on the up and up, but we should be fine. We’re just going on a cruise with you and Miss Esmeralda, after all. What could go wrong?”

Judging by his leisurely tone, he actually meant what he said. Behind him, Keithwood rolled his eyes and let out a long-suffering sigh.

“Well, it won’t be the first time His Highness has given everyone around him a few heart attacks,” Keithwood muttered, trying to assuage—mostly his own—fears. “Compared to his previous antics, sneaking into another country to go on a cruise is...on the tamer side of things, I suppose.”

Oh, you’re a real workhouse, aren’t you, Keithwood? It’s okay, I feel your pain, what with having Sion as a boss. It must be hard trying to manage all his crazy ideas... Cleaning up after his shenanigans... You have my pity.

She sympathized with his plight. She, the instigator of the horse sandwich escapades, sympathized with how Keithwood had to deal with Sion’s fancies. She wasn’t particularly good at picking up on irony that revolved around herself.

“Pardon the intrusion, Your Highness, but I need a moment of your time.” Ludwig appeared, approaching her in a hurry. “Regarding your plans for the rest of the day—”

“Hey, good to see you, Ludwig. Last time we met was back at Remno, I think?”

Ludwig swerved in surprise and blinked at the speaker.

“Who— P-Prince Sion?! And Prince Abel? What are you doing in Tearmoon?”

Keithwood stepped in to fill in the details for the bewildered Ludwig.

“I see... To escort Her Highness...” Ludwig said after grasping the situation.

“Officially, at least. Well, as official as unauthorized participation in a foreign cruise can be, anyway,” Sion quipped. “Personally, I consider it to be more of a vacation with the people who are going to have my back in the battles to come. It’s a privilege to accompany you all on this trip.”

Ludwig bowed in respect.

“You are a blessing upon us all. It gives me great peace of mind to know that a pair of renowned princes will be joining Her Highness. Thank you both.”

Sion regarded Ludwig. For a time, the prince’s expression was unreadable.

“For some reason... I find myself glad— No, more than that... I find myself deeply comforted by your words, Ludwig. I’m not sure why. The only other time we’ve conversed was in the Kingdom of Remno, and then only briefly. And yet, your approval fills me with gladness.”

“I am honored that you appreciate my words. I trust you will take good care of Her Highness. On behalf of the entire empire, I thank you for your graciousness.”

Ludwig met the two princes’ gazes before lowering his head again in an even deeper bow.

It was on this day that a bond formed between the Great Sage of the Empire’s loyal subject, Ludwig Hewitt, and the future Libra King, Sion Sol Sunkland. Two souls whose paths had ultimately diverged in the previous timeline were now, finally, united under Mia’s banner.

Now, as for Mia herself...

“Wait... If they’re coming as guards, they’ll have to get on the cruise with me. And when we’re on the cruise, we’ll be wearing swimsuits, so... Oh my.”

She gave her tummy a light pat. It jiggled. Just a little. It could be her mind playing tricks on her though. Still, she didn’t try again. What she did do was try extra hard at her ensuing horseback riding and dance sessions.