What Emilia lacked the most in her first life was, without a doubt, freedom.
Not to mention being able to do whatever she wanted or being able to speak her will, even the ability to think by herself was stripped from her using a combination of brainwashing and drugs.
Thus, it was no surprise that when she finally discovered freedom and happiness, they became what she enjoyed and yearned for the most, even after all these years.
Although being a princess came with some restrictions of its own, Emilia was extremely grateful for the countless privileges it had allowed her as well, including letting her acquire numerous skills.
And if one were to ask her the hobby she enjoyed the most in her second life, it would undoubtedly be to ride on a horse aimlessly, letting the wind lead her to a destination unknown.
Some say that when riding a horse, one could borrow freedom, and perhaps those who lack independence the most could feel it most profoundly.
Naturally, Emilia was well aware that this was no more than a momentary illusion.
A horse can lend its rider the speed and strength they lack – but those who are wise would remember that it was no more than a loan. But even so, she enjoyed comforting herself like this every once in a while.
Even Crystal was dazzled by the bright smile on Emilia’s face as she galloped with the Friesian, as it reminded her of the moment that she had ‘accepted’ Emilia’s proposal.
Maybe at this moment, the little beauty was as happy as she could be, and Crystal couldn’t help but smile and push her own horse to move faster as well. Maybe once she was good enough, they could ride side by side, and she could see that bright smile up close.
Ever since their proficiency reached what the crimson-haired girl considered to be an ‘acceptable’ level, Emilia only spent an hour or so instructing them in person before she rode around on her horse without a care in the world.
Of course, although her personal guidance was effective, Crystal believed that everyone actually learned faster when they hadn’t had their minds turned to mush by Emilia’s teasing. This was especially so for Koko, who was already quite lacking in self-control.
Cynthia didn’t interrupt her partner during the ride either, and it was only after Emilia returned from her ride and dismounted that the raven-haired girl expressed her dissatisfaction. “Do you really like this beast so much?”
Although Cynthia didn’t disdain animals as much as she did mortals, she still didn’t believe in taking comfort from their companionship. After all, their lives were too short, and getting attached was, in her opinion, simply bringing harm to oneself.
Emilia smiled after handing the Friesian’s reins back to the old trainer. ‘Well… not as much as the one I had before, but she’s not bad.’
Cynthia hesitated for a while before sighing in defeat. “Well… even if you like riding beasts, you should wait till we get to a better world. These ones… are too short-lived.”
Emilia hummed thoughtfully. ‘Cynthia… have you been to a lot of worlds?’
The raven-haired girl hesitated, but in the end, she knew that unless she was willing to reveal some of the things she had kept hidden, it was impossible to answer her question.
Emilia didn’t seem to mind the silence, though, and continued with a smile. ‘Well, I’ll take your advice.’
Cynthia coughed, feeling a little guilty in her heart. “I-If you can tell me what you want in a mount, I-I can keep an eye out for you when looking for the next world?”
Her partner seemed a little surprised at first, but Emilia didn’t refuse her offer as she had expected. ‘Oh… I’m not sure, but I can tell you what I like about horses.’
Feeling Cynthia nod with interest, Emilia smiled. ‘They are noble, but not conceited. Their friendship comes without envy, and their beauty is devoid of vanity. We share the same goal, desiring freedom, but are also bound and unable to truly obtain it in the truest sense. Still, we can feel it from time to time, and make the most out of those moments.’
Of course, she didn’t speak the last point in her heart. Although they were willing to serve those they acknowledged, they would never truly be ‘slaves’ to another’s whim.
Cynthia couldn’t help but be stunned. ‘How come I never realized that the princess I picked up had so much in common with a horse? Should I have done a more thorough ‘background check’ on her soul?’
Fortunately, Emilia couldn’t hear her thoughts, and continued speaking her mind. ‘Oh, and it’s also crucial that not only must they not mind taking me along for a ride, but they should also enjoy my company!’
Cynthia was almost about to roll her eyes, thinking how one wouldn’t even have so many requirements from their heirs as this little princess did from her horse, but unfortunately their conversation was interrupted when Koko came rushing towards her with a delighted squeal. “Emilia~!”
Surprisingly, the freckled girl actually reached her target without being dragged back by Dixie or scolded by Crystal, who both followed her with a wry, helpless smile.
Emilia gracefully accepted the shorter girl into her arms and patted her back in confusion. “Is everyone already done for the day?”
Koko rubbed her face into the crimson-haired beauty’s nape with a sigh of contentment. “No, it’s just that Crystal promised me she’ll let me hug you if I didn’t fall off my horse, and I didn’t!”
Seeing how proud she was, Emilia didn’t want to burst her bubble either, so she just rubbed the freckled girl’s slightly wet hair with an amused smile. “Did you already shower? Not going to practice anymore?”
Koko grinned brightly. “Ehehe… I didn’t want to risk it, you know! What if you were disgusted that I was sweaty or smelly?”
Emilia could tell that she was really just scared of being beaten up and dragged back by Dixie, but the brown-haired girl didn’t dare to say it.
She couldn’t help but squeeze Koko’s slightly chubby, freckled cheek with a smile. “Well, are you happy now?”
Of course, how could Koko be unhappy? Any day that she managed to take a sip against the gorgeous, tempting nape of her goddess was a good, bountiful day. Moreover, she had even gotten a ‘one up’ in front of Dixie, and discovered how useful Crystal could be! To say that her days were looking bright would be an understatement. “I’m very, very happy!”
Emilia chuckled. “Then continue to work hard, okay? I have something to do today, so I’ll be leaving early, but I’ll test everyone before the annual events, and the excellent performers will get a kiss!”
Crystal could tell from her mischievous wink that the crimson-haired girl planned to give them an ‘extra-special’ reward in case they ‘won’.
The blonde heroine didn’t dare let her mind wander in that direction anymore, lest her blush become too obvious to everyone else. ‘Luckily, Dixie can’t just run and jump around without a horse, so I might still stand a chance.’
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