Cynthia hadn’t been very optimistic about her plan at first, but as the events slowly unfolded, the raven-haired girl came to realize that her partner’s gamble might actually pay off even better than she imagined.
Not only were Emilia’s two most prominent opponents now wearing each other down, but the girl herself was also left completely alone, free to play the role of a fisherwoman amidst the chaos.
Of course, Emilia wasn’t one to startle the fish and lose the bait in a panic, and was still patiently waiting for the right moment to strike while observing the situation.
In the meantime, she could always pass the time pretending to prepare for the annual events and teaching her adorable little companions how to handle horses. After all, aside from having its own little advantages, it was also a lot of fun.
Of course, none of them would be ready in time to vault, but that was something she planned to do on her own anyway, so it hardly mattered.
Aside from Crystal, Dixie, and Koko, there were four more girls she had to teach before the annual events to be able to pull off the polo match. Penny would naturally never miss such an opportunity to get close to her princess, and the other three were also somewhat familiar faces.
The serious class B spectacled girl, Adele, didn’t surprise her much, since she seemed to have received quite a bit of recognition from the ‘knights’, and neither did Hazel, who was one of the top-ranking seniors.
The third girl turned out to be the rebellious young sister of the boy who had ‘saved’ Sam during the race at the Bucherer’s, Thea.
Although Emilia was slightly surprised to see someone who didn’t even show up for the club meeting before being selected, she didn’t mean to question or interfere with Penny’s decision-making process.
Learning of their experience, however, it became clear to Emilia that Thea had been chosen solely because she already knew how to ride horses. The crimson-haired girl had no idea how much the girl had to beg to be given a chance to make up for her ‘sins’ as a newer member.
Naturally, it was impossible to teach them everything she knew in just a few weeks. But they could always learn the basics first and practice on their own later.
Although all the horses here were supposed to be exceptionally well trained, and their trainers were also watching by the side in case something went wrong, Emilia still lectured her little ducklings for nearly half an hour before they even caught the sight of a horse.
”Remember, no matter what happens, you shouldn’t panic. Even if you’re clueless, remain calm and wait for me to help you, okay? Your partners can feel your emotions, and when you panic, so will they.”
All seven of them nodded like little chickens, and Emilia couldn’t help but find it a little funny, especially Dixie. With her physique, the horse probably had more to worry about than the girl when it came to accidents, but some things shouldn’t be mentioned even if they were true. “Okay then…. Each of you can pick the horse you like the most, and then we can start?”
”Yes!”
”I’ll go first!”
Their excitement at being able to choose their own horse was both palpable and infectious, and the crimson-haired girl couldn’t help but smile as she watched them rush ahead of her into the stable, listening to the trainers introduce each of the horses’ personal quirks.
Of course, since they would be busy on their own for a while, Emilia wasn’t one to miss the opportunity to tease her partner.
’So, dear Cynthia… aren’t you glad I didn’t let you dissuade me from pitting Black Tiger against the Gray Wolfe?’
Cynthia had already started to feel complacent, thinking that Emilia either forgot all about it, or didn’t dare to mention it again, so she couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed. “T-They weren’t like this in the original timeline… H-How could I have known?”
Emilia clicked her tongue with delight. ‘You can’t just blindly believe in everything you’ve seen in the original timeline, you know?’ She twirled a strand of crimson around her finger with a smile, eyes twinkling mischievously. ‘Although it might be true that the Black Tiger at that time was able to come on top of the Gray Wolfe in each and every conflict they had, don’t you think there is a crucial difference between then and now that you ignored?’
Cynthia couldn’t help but frown. “And that is…?”
The crimson-haired girl smiled. ‘Think, Cynthia. If this conflict were to happen ten years in the future… who would be leading the Gray Wolfe?’
”…!”
Knowing that her partner had finally realized what was wrong, Emilia grinned. ‘That’s right. If things went according to the Gray parents’ original plan, Alexander would be able to take charge of their company after the fake competition, and would be responsible for a majority of their decisions.’
But of course, Cynthia wouldn’t be herself if she accepted her mistakes so quickly. “E-Even if you say that, aren’t both Amos and Alexander bad at… well, everything they do?”
Emilia couldn’t help but sigh. ‘Ah… how cute and naïve…’
The raven-haired girl furrowed her brows in displeasure. “What did you just say?”
Of course, Emilia only thought she was more adorable when pouting. ‘Hm? Is it wrong to compliment my adorable partner?’
When she put it like that, Cynthia couldn’t find a reason to get angry, although she still felt like something was wrong. “W-Well…”
Emilia chuckled. ‘Fufu… anyway, Cynthia, you have to realize that just like it is among people with talent, even idiots can be at different ‘levels’. And if we are to compare Amos and Alexander… one is definitely more of an idiot than the other.’
”… I honestly can’t tell.”
The crimson-haired girl couldn’t help but sigh. ‘I can’t blame you.’
Perhaps even she wouldn’t be able to tell which one of them was worse, if not for Crystal’s help.
Even though the blonde girl had only met Alexander once, her confidence when she told Emilia that he had to be the stupidest man she had ever seen left the crimson-haired girl with a profound impression.
As someone who’d had many ‘opportunities’ to interact with the hero, how could the blonde girl be unfamiliar with his ‘talent’?
Although she thought most of them were very cute and naïve, just like her partner, Emilia still firmly believed in her little girlfriend’s judgment. And as facts had proven, her trust wasn’t misplaced at all.
Of course, there was still one thing that kept bothering Cynthia, and since Emilia had teased her enough already, the raven-haired girl decided that she might as well ask. Anyway, it’s not like she could be embarrassed any further. “I have a question! Won’t doing things this way just be worse for us in the long run?”
The crimson-haired girl blinked. ‘Why would you say that?’
Cynthia tilted her head in confusion. “Because… isn’t it bad to have a more competent enemy?”
’Oh…’ Emilia couldn’t help but chuckle. ‘Do you think I would let those little twins turn against me after I’ve helped them out?’
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