Chapter 1: Our Hearts Are One...or Not

After finishing up with the Meeting of Chieftains, Mia met with Ludwig and the others to return to the lodgings of the Forest Clan, all the while gloating in her heart.Oho ho! I was really quite something back there. There’s a chance even that stupid four-eyes will praise me for my deep intellect! There, she filled Ludwig and the other key members of her crew in on the proceedings.

“A Matching of Steeds, is it? And Your Highness plans to participate...” moaned Ludwig as he wrinkled his brow.

“Precisely. As I understand it, it’s a two-day long-distance horse race.”

The race would start at the Southern Capital and end at a place known as Stargrass Rock.That was the Matching of Steeds.

“I see... It’s uncertain whether Her Highness will be able to best a Mountain Clan rider. In which case, logic states that the best solution would be to lose under the most favorable of circumstances possible. Yet...” Before Mia had time to offer an explanation, Ludwig had predicted her thoughts perfectly. However, his statement appeared to somewhat end in negation. This began to weigh on Mia’s mind, but before she could follow up on it, Ludwig let out a sigh. “No matter the circumstance, procuring a convoy is in order. I’ll have the Princess Guard begin with preparations immediately.” He glanced at their member in attendance.

“I don’t believe there’s a need for such extreme security. I hear that the Equestrian Kingdom will be supplying their own guards. But well, they appear to be more referees than guards...”

Mia took a moment to recall earlier events. Once the Meeting of Chieftains was over, a burly chief had suddenly approached her.

“Princess Mia. I express my deepest gratitude to your suggestion, courage, and sympathy for our Equest