CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP
Heavy steps rang out in the air in rapid succession, clouds of dust brewing time and time again as the winds blew with mischievous gusts. Rough breaths and nickers joined the rumble, creating quite a hectic cacophony.
Amazing muscles roared like lions in the savanna, bright eyes gleaming sharper than saggers, and beats like thunderclaps ringing from the sky. Horses followed one after another, their riders riding along the wind as they swayed.
Everyone was serious and full of determination, holding tightly yet gently on their reins and steering the direction of their trusty steeds. The horses turned a corner and more dust was scattered, a veil of dust rising along a curtain of sand and dirt.
"Waah～! You're so amazing, Elder Brother Grey! Elder Sister Yuna!" ［Eliza］
"I want to ride next, please～!" ［Galvin］
"And here I thought they were afraid of horses... This is no fun at all..." ［Helen］
The spectators by the side aren't exactly quiet either, cheering on the names of their favorite riders and clapping from the sidelines. The children were especially excited, squealing and squeaking like the little cuties that they are.
As for the ones they are cheering for, it was Grey and Yuna, and ever since they had their first practice, they have been getting better and better everyday. It has only been a few days yet they already possess the skills one needs several years to acquire.
Both of them have already learned the 4 basic gaits, namely: walk, trot, canter, and gallop, and have also learned quite a few skills like posting, dismounting, jumping, stopping, maneuvering, and so much more.
As one would expect from Merusia, there are also skills which are possible because they are in a fantasy world. Examples are the high leaps, docking, drifting, parkour, vertical trots, dashing, rumbling, and all sorts of things which just sounds insane.
"Good going, Grey! Yuna! Just keep it up!" ［Berns］
"Mister Berns! How many more laps do we need to do?" ［Grey］
"Just 5 more! After that, we'll take a short rest and review." ［Berns］
"Alright! Then we'll make it quick! Hyaah!" ［Grey］
The current course Grey and Yuna are using isn't like before. They now have a lot of obstacles on the way and some even made and conjured with magic. It was all to increase their efficiency in training and save up some time.
There are even some obstacles which need the rider to separate from the horse, jump up, and fall back to the horse. And even more insane are the traps located here and there to take the riders from surprise, from spring traps to pitfalls.
Berns was the one who taught them, but even he couldn't believe the rate at which the two were learning. They are geniuses amongst geniuses and can finish off an entire course which advanced riders like him might find difficult.
To be honest, there isn't much left to teach Grey and Yuna, only some polishing of their skills and collecting some experience. He just wanted to repay them at first, but now, he wants to see how far they can go. The spirit of a teacher.
"Would you look at that, Berns! Your mentees are gonna surpass you!"
"If it comes down to that, don't worry too much. We'll treat you to a drink"
"Shut up, you maggots! You're just jealous that I get to teach Their Highnesses! You just don't know how good it feels to see your students succeed! They are the geniuses of the centuryー No, the millennium! The very best!" ［Berns］
Not only are Grey and Yuna good at learning and absorbing Berns' teaching like a sponge, they also have great stamina which wouldn't lose out to anyone. No matter how much they ride, they never show any sign of exhaustion.
The same could also be said for the horses. Even if they do run out of breath, the two would just cast some recovery magic and let them rest a little bit before continuing on with their training. They can practice all day!"
"Yeah, yeah, sure. Let's just go with that."
"Hahaha! You're getting rusty, Berns! Maybe you won't even pass the qualifiers!"
"Ahh! You're making fun of me, aren't you, you bastards!" ［Berns］
Grey and Yuna continued to race around the horse course, switching from one gait to another, jumping the obstacles, and evading the traps located everywhere. They did so without any difficulties, making them seem like experts in horse riding.
They galloped, galloped more, and galloped even more. It took them no time at all to complete the 5 laps Berns asked them to, finishing it all in just a couple minutes, and coming to a complete stop as soon as they crossed the finish line.
Their gait has changed down from a gallop to a stop, and then to a walk. They held on the reins gently, asking the horses to head towards where Berns and the others were before dismounting and hopping back to land.
"How was it, Mister Berns? Do you think we can compete in the qualifiers?" ［Grey］
"The qualifiers...? Hahaha! Even if it's the horse racing competition itself, I see no reason why you won't win! You're both spectacular!" ［Berns］
"Even us who've ridden for a long time wouldn't be able to do what you do!"
"Ahh～! If only we had more time, I would have loved to teach you myself. I'm sure I can make even clearer instructions than Berns."
"Oi! What do you mean by that?! Aren't you worse than me?" ［Berns］
As usual, Berns and his friends were rowdy and lively, however, their skills cannot be denied. Even Logan, the owner of the stables, recognizes their skills as advanced and exceptional amongst the younger generations.
Especially Berns. Though he has been using most of his time teaching Grey and Yuna because of how fun it was, whenever he practices on the training course, he shows skills which are far advanced than anything Grey and Yuna has ever seen.
His twists and turns were efficient, his commands were right on the mark, his control over his horse was second to none, his ability to notice traps and obstacles before him was superhuman, and he was extremely experienced. He was the best.
Grey and Yuna have learned a lot from him, but their few days of experience could never hope to match Berns' expertise. They haven't seen other professional riders yet, but they are sure he'll be in the top of the race.
"You did very well in your run, but I can't help but notice a few things. It's not exactly your fault, but your horses..." ［Berns］
"It's their personality, right? Mine's quite a bit temperamental, isn't it?" ［Grey］
"Not only that, it's also rash and too competitive at times. As for Yuna's, hers is just a little bit stubborn and careless. It's something you need to take into account if you're going to be an expert rider. Then, there's also..." ［Berns］
Of course, not every run is perfect. There were still some areas they needed some working on, especially when it came to their control over the horses. They aren't vehicles, after all. They also have their own wills.
Berns taught Grey and Yuna how to control the horses better, but the best way was still knowing them better. Turning the horse's personality to an advantage is what makes a ride a true expert, enabling them to ride any and all kinds of horses.
"Hmm... The skills are easy to hone, but the horses' personality... That's a little tricky... It's something that needs more time, isn't it?" ［Grey］
"Un... I thought people were just kidding when they say we have to be one with our horses, but it's harder than I thought... It's like raising your own children." ［Yuna］
"What about a reward system? Do you think it will work?" ［Grey］
"I don't know... They already eat the best foods here, so I doubt there's anything more they want to eat. We can't just feed them anything, either." ［Yuna］
"You could play with them, give them a bath, or treat them to something relaxing. This is something you must learn on your own, so I'll leave it all to you." ［Berns］
In the end, Grey and Yuna were left puzzled about how to treat their own horses. It was like finding the rug balance in how to treat a competitive adult and a child who loves throwing tantrums. They were a lot of work.
Grey and Yuna aren't using the same horses they rode on the first day either. They are now riding Logan's most prized hybrid horses which are bred from domesticated Bicorns and are bred for speed and endurance.
Grey's horse was so reckless and temperamental that during the first time he rode it, it bucked and galloped like a mad horse, his trauma during the previous horse riding incident recurred and he felt quite nauseous, his world spinning once again.
Thankfully, Grey wasn't the same person he was before. He used everything he learned from Berns and tamed the horse during the second time. It was still a little rowdy, but it went well in the end, the horse giving up soon after.
"Then, since you're done practicing, we'll be using the tracks for about half an hour."
"You've been going at it since this morning, right? Take a little break, will ya?"
"Right! You may not get tired, but the horses are different. They also need rest."
"Hahaha! We'll show you how racing really is!"
Loud and boisterous voices adrift in the air, Berns and his friends soon took to the tracks and started to practice with their horses. They started walking at first, then speeding up to a trot and a canter, then galloping in the end.
Just like their performance during the past few days, it was something to behold and a good chance to study some tips and tricks. Grey even shot a video of them racing around the track and watched them a couple of times when they got home.
NEEEEIIIGGHHHHH CLOP CLOP CLOP
"Oh, are you hungry already, Jasper?" ［Yuna］
"Looks like Wilson is thirsty too. Let's head back to the stables first." ［Grey］
"Un! I was thinking the same thing too!" ［Yuna］
Guiding their horses by the reins, Grey and Yuna then headed back to the stables and placed their horses in their pens. They also removed their saddles and reins, allowing them to move more comfortably and freely.
They also poured some cool water in their drinking basins and some fresh fruits and vegetables in their food crates. There was also some hay, but it was better to give them more nutritious food that fuels them throughout the day.
Lastly, Grey and Yuna used some magic to cool down the pens, clean the horses, healed their fatigue, and a tiny more things. They also took out some brush to stroke their mane and fur. They seem to love it very much.
"Fufufu! You sure love being brushed, don't you? You suddenly become more tame and relaxed. What a good horse～!" ［Yuna］
"Haah... I wish kine is also the same. This one is just too rash and reckless... If only I could use my aura to teach this one who's boss." ［Grey］
"You mustn't, Grey! That would scare all the horses here!" ［Yuna］
"I know, I know, that's why it's even harder for me... Haah..." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! That's karma for using your abilities to cheat～!" ［Yuna］
The horses' names are "Jasper" and "Sven". The first one was a pure white horse with a stubborn and sometimes clumsy nature, tripping on some obstacles if not guided properly. He was easy to control, and easily tamed by food.
As for Sven, he was a dark bay horse with patches of white appearing all over its body. It also has longer fur than Jasper, and is quite reckless and hot-tempered. It has been a few days since Grey rode him, and it still acts recklessly at times.
Since both horses are bicorn hybrids, they have much bulkier builds than normal stallions and are much stronger. They also have two small horns protruding on the front of its skull... Though, rather than horns, they actually look more like bumps.
They will be the horses Grey and Yuna will be riding during the qualifier, sponsored by Logan for free. In exchange, he will get publicity and he could get early access to a new flavor of instant coffee they are working on... Life was easy for them...
"Elder Brother Grey! Elder Sister Yuna! Over here～!" ［Eliza］
"Oh! Liz! Everyone, too! Be careful in approaching the pens, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Don't worry. We're holding the kids' hands so they don't run off." ［Helen］
"Hmm... It's been a long time since I was inside a stable..." ［Owen］
They may be bored, but out of nowhere, everyone headed inside the stables to meet up with Grey and Yuna. They parade around like a little band with Helen and Owen holding the hands of the children so they don't suddenly run off.
There aren't many horses in the stable they are in and they are all tame, but it would still be dangerous if the kids spook the horses and cause trouble. They are well-behaved children, but it's still better to be safe than sorry,
"So you really are joining the competition, huh... I thought you were scared of horses, but seeing you right now... That seems unbelievable." ［Helen］
"We already got over that, and it's not like we can just quit now that we've come this far. Do you even know how excited the kids are?" ［Grey］
"Un! We will surely participate in the competition, one way or another!" ［Yuna］
"Waah... That's some fighting spirit right there..." ［Helen］
They only wanted to sign up before because of the kids' pleas, but now that they experienced horse riding for themselves, they are now determined to win and do whatever it takes to make it to the event.
After all, they already received all sorts of help from everyone and even made deals while they were at it. It was only natural that they do their best and repay everyone with the best results they could give. They are both fired up.
Most importantly, now that they are no longer scared of horses, Grey and Yuna could finally enjoy the stables during their dates. It was only a little thing, but it made all the difference. Yuna was especially enthusiastic about it.
"Anyway, what are you doing here, Helen? I heard about the kids, but I thought you were busy helping the inn." ［Grey］
"Mom and Dad allowed me to go out, and so, I'm going out on a date with Owen! He said he knows how to ride a horse, so here we are!" ［Helen］
"Well, it's been quite some time since I rode one, but it shouldn't be too hard to relearn some things again. Helen also suggested we do this." ［Owen］
"I never rode a horse before, after all! And! I also want to see how Grey and Yuna are doing! I thought I'd cheer on you two even if you make some mistakes!" ［Helen］
"Haah... So that's the real reason..." ［Grey］
With such a plan in mind, Owen and Helen went ahead and rented a horse from the stables. It costs quite a bit, but since it was a rare opportunity, they might as well. It was as if Helen was back to being a child again, acting all eager and excited.
As for the kids, they were all left to Grey and Yuna's care, feeding, grooming, and playing with the horses along them. Surprisingly, Sven and Jasper are much gentler to children, allowing them to pat them though they just met for the first time.
Being a noble, Eliza was also trained in horse riding, however, rather than renting her own horse, she wants to ride with Grey and Yuna and play with them. It was more fun that way, and she also wanted to be spoiled a little... She really resembles Yuna...
"First off, helmets and body protection! Don't ever ride horses without them, okay? You could get seriously hurt if you're unlucky." ［Yuna］
"What about Big Sis and Big Bro? Why are you not wearing one?" ［Bella］
"That's because Big Bro and Big Sis are grown ups, and we know how to ride a horse. We are super strong, after all!" ［Yuna］
"Then I want to be super strong too!" ［Bella］
"Me too! I want to be strong like Big Brother Grey and Big Sister Yuna!" ［Galvin］
Over half an hour had passed and the horses already had some rest, but seeing as the kids wanted to ride the horses, Grey and Yuna asked Berns and the others to just go on for as long as they wanted, which the latter agreed quite easily.
They once equipped the saddle and the reins to the horses, and also had the children wear protective gear, even doubling it with barriers just to be sure. They also made sure that the children were in good condition, making sure they were all healthy.
"Elder Sister Yuna... Do I really have to wear a helmet? I'm already a C-ranker... Falling off a horse won't hurt me..." ［Eliza］
"No can do, Young Lady. No matter how strong you are, you will always be a child in our eyes. So tuck in your helmet and secure your protective gear." ［Yuna］
"Uuu... But I wanna be like Elder Brother Grey and Elder Sister Yuna..." ［Eliza］
"Fufufu! Don't be too stubborn, now, and... Aren't you a big sister right now? Elnart, Galvin, and Bella are watching. Be a good example for them, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Uuu... Okay... But can we have ice cream later?" ［Eliza］
"Of course! We'll eat as much as you want." ［Yuna］
Eliza was a little sulky at first, but with Yuna's unbeatable expertise in children, it didn't take long before she followed obediently. Though it did cost some ice cream which the other children also asked to have some later.
With the saddles now equipped and the children now safe and secured, Grey and Yuna then lifted Galvin and Bella to the saddle and hopped on soon after, making sure to hold them tight before giving the horses a soft bump and riding the wind.
As usual, they all started with a slow-paced walk, soon speeding up until they were trotting along the practice fields. Grey and Yuna also created some obstacles with earth magic, making it a little bit more exciting for the children.
"Faster! Faster! Let's go faster!" ［Galvin］
"Hahaha. You heard that, Yuna? It seems like we're still not fast enough." ［Grey］
Soon enough, they sped up to a canter, the sound of footsteps resounding in the air. The children asked to speed up some more, but they never made the horses gallop. They are still children, after all. There is a limit to what they can handle.
They rode with Galvin and Bella for about 10 minutes before coming to a stop, and after a bit of rest, it was finally Eliza and Elnart's turn, the two having the best time of their lives and Eliza screaming to the top of their lungs.
They repeated a cycle of riding, stopping, and switching a few more times, the children riding with either Grey or Yuna in an alternating pattern. Everyone was laughing and giggling, lightning running through their veins.
"Ohh～! We're really high up! This is amazing, Owen!" ［Helen］
"Woah! Be careful! You'll really fall over if we continue like this." ［Owen］
"Ah, sorry... I'll be behaving now～!" ［Helen］
"Alright... Just hold on tightly. I'll start picking up the pace.
As for Helen and Owen, they were also having the time of their lives, enjoying their date to the fullest in one of their rare days off. Owen is often busy with work, after all, so they have to make use of the little time they have together.
Just like that, time passed by in a flash and after playing with the children for a while, Grey and Yuna then rested the horses before going on another round of practice. This time, they tested out their limits and used even harder obstacles.
They might have even gone overboard, creating high ramps and practically making the horses go flying. Thankfully, they weren't just normal horses, otherwise, they might have broken a couple bones in the process.
DONGGGG DONGGGG DONGGGG DONGGGG
Grey and Yuna spent the whole morning like that and only rested when the noon bells rang throughout the city. They brought back the horses to their sheds and treated them like before before heading to their own resting area.
There, a lot of the riders were resting and there was also a cafeteria of some sorts. Of course, Grey and Yuna brought their own handmade meals and everyone had a good time, munching on the dishes and enjoying heaven as they should.
They also chatted about a couple of silly things and immersed themselves in some warm social interactions. Everyone had stories to share, especially Eliza who came from a different city. There were all sorts of things to talk about.
"Haah... I wonder if we can really make it through the qualifiers..." ［Grey］
"Grey... If you two can ride dragons and even do aerial somersaults with them, then a horse race is nothing. No one is as crazy as you are." ［Helen］
"I guess you're right... But Helen, you sure are harsh with your words..." ［Grey］
"Are you crazy, Big Bro?" ［Bella］
"No, not really... Now eat your lunch before it gets cold." ［Grey］
There were also some worries shared, but after hearing Helen's words, it seems like all of them were nothing but unfounded. No one just rides a dragon casually, after all. They just continued eating their lunch.
Noon soon passed and the two continued practicing throughout the afternoon. They took some breaks in between, but it was a pretty intense day for everyone. Such a cycle continued until the sun set over the horizon and everyone finally went home.
The very moment Grey and Yuna got home, the very first thing they did was take a nice dip in the bath. They have been sweating all day and have been covered in dirt. They have been using magic to clean themselves, but a hot bath was still the best.
"Fuwaah～! I feel revived～!" ［Yuna］
After a hot bath, Grey and Yuna then chugged a nice glass of cold fresh milk to cool themselves, seating themselves on the sofa and having some warm cookies together whilst they cuddled and enjoyed one another's warmth.
"Hey, Grey... Do you think we can pass the qualifiers tomorrow?" ［Yuna］
"I don't know... Maybe we won't... Maybe we will..." ［Grey］
"Isn't that really vague? Can't you use your eyes to see?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I can't see that far into the future, you know... Well, there is one thing I do know... And that my fiancée is the cutest in the world." ［Grey］
Yuna was ready to hear a serious answer, but instead, she was teased by her ever so playful fiancé. She was happy that he thinks so, but at the same time was also a little annoyed, puffing her flushed cheeks a bit as she pouted.
"Mou... I was being serious, you know...?" ［Yuna］
"I was also being serious. Yuna is the cutest, after all. Hahaha," ［Grey］
"... Dumny..." ［Yuna］
They're just a pair of idiots, after all...
CHAPTER 481 END