Chapter 590
Chapter 590
Princess Mia Asserts Her Case
After settling matters with the Mountain Clan, Mia headed towards Fuu Kouma.
He was standing near the Stargrass Rock, where the chiefs of all the other clans had also gathered.
‘That is convenient. Since I was prepared to lose, I had not thought about how to proceed. However, now that I have actually secured my victory, I must assert my case with clarity.’
As Mia walked towards the chiefs, she suddenly noticed the gazes of everyone around her. They were all staring at her with sparkling eyes!
‘Hmm. Well, since I’m the winner of the horse match-up, it’s only natural that I attract attention.’
Mia began to gloat slightly in the warmth of her victory but quickly pulled herself together.
‘As they say, the meal isn’t over until you’ve finished eating the cake for dessert. I must be vigilant. I cannot let down my guard until the very end.
Be humble. Be modest.
“I won because of my skills, so you must do as I say!”
I cannot say something like that and make enemies.
The victory felt great, but I cannot celebrate just yet.’
“Esteemed Chiefs, and everyone who watched the match-up,”
Mia began, addressing both the chiefs and the onlookers.
“I was able to win thanks to the heavens. Not just the heavens, but many factors along the way were in my favour. I don’t believe that my horse, Tofu, and I won solely due to our own skills. Xiaolei-san was the most excellent of riders, and Rakuro was the swiftest of horses. Please, join me in offering them our applause.”
She made sure to properly praise Xiaolei and Rakuro.
“However, it is also a fact that the horse match-up has yielded results.
I will now use the words of your great ancestor, Elder Ka Seima:
‘The only time you may disagree is during the match-up. After that, you must accept the results and abide accordingly.'”
She emphasised the decision to accept the Fire Clan, slyly incorporating the story she had heard from Xiaolei to bolster her point with the words of their revered ancestor!
She would borrow whatever authority she could. Using the authority of others to speak was one of Mia’s usual tricks.
“I am confident that the Twelve Clans of the Equestrian Kingdom and the Fire Clan, who share the same ancestor, can come together once again and join hands in cooperation.”
Then, she paused and pondered quietly.
‘Is it possible to convince them with just the results of the match-up and the authority of their ancestor?’
She thought for a moment and reached a conclusion.
‘It’s not enough! I recall hearing the excuse, “We tried it, but it was impossible!” several times during the revolution. It’s an excuse that I, too, have often used.’
In that case…
Mia opened her eyes and added.
“Of course, there will be hardships. Patience will be required. We can foresee these challenges now. However, someday…”
Mia took a deep breath, placed her hand on her chest, and spoke.
“Someday, you will walk together again as one people. That is what I believe. Therefore, I request everyone to make constant efforts, work hard, never give up, and move forward, building a stronger bond one step at a time, laying one brick at a time.”
Mia emphasised that they should not let it all end with the excuse, “I tried, but it didn’t work…”
“This is the outcome of the match-up that your ancestor asked you to abide by. Even if you are unable to achieve it at first, don’t simply give up. Work hard until the very end! I hope that we can build a better relationship between the Equestrian Kingdom, now united once again as the Thirteen Clans, and our Tearmoon Empire.”
The Equestrian Kingdom was a unique nation. There was no single King or ruler. Instead, there were twelve Clan Chiefs. Therefore, it was not enough to have good relations with just one chief.
‘Building friendly relations while all the chiefs are gathered will make things convenient later on, so I should make my appeal as strongly as possible.’
“Not just Xiaolei-san, I hope to form bonds of friendship with people from all the clans.”
Mia concluded loudly and cheerfully.
‘I’ve charged straight to victory! Perfect!’
As Mia basked in self-satisfaction, she noticed Ludwig running towards her from afar.
‘Hehehe. I think I did quite well this time. Even if the one running over is that damn glasses, there’s absolutely nothing he can criticise me for.’
Mia was confident, but she immediately grew uneasy when she saw Ludwig’s stern expression.
‘Uh-oh. Did I make a mistake…?’
As she nervously shifted her gaze, Ludwig bowed his head and spoke.
“Your Highness Princess Mia… I’m sorry.”
“Um, did something happen?”
“Citrina-sama went missing last night.”
“…What?”
Mia’s mouth dropped open upon receiving the shocking news.
“Huh? How on earth did that happen?”
Mia struggled to comprehend, but Ludwig’s next words brought her back to her senses.
“The Princess Guard, who were in charge of the watch, have stated that they will take responsibility for this matter once it’s resolved.”
The outrageous statement filled her with a sense of impending crisis.
“Ludwig, you understand, don’t you? Such actions are unnecessary. If they believe it is their fault, they need to atone with their actions. Please convey that to them.”
The Princess Guard was Mia’s lifeline. With even a single member missing, that lifeline would become thinner and thinner, and there was no way Mia’s chicken-heart could bear that fear.
“We need to hurry and find her. Let’s seek the cooperation of the people of the Equestrian Kingdom.”
With that, Mia turned her gaze towards her new allies.
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