QTMWSFC Chapter 44.2

She originally just wanted to go out and buy an ordinary set of clothes. But Lant had already thought everything through for her, and so thoughtfully at that! This was forged from priceless Blue Flame Crystal! Even her father the king could not easily afford a set like this.

“I’m glad you like it.” For the first time, Lant overstepped his bounds and gently patted Freya’s head.

If possible, he really wished Freya would never have to know the truth. But there was no helping it. That day would come sooner or later…

Freya did not know why he looked like he wanted to say something but held back. She was simply surprised, shy, and happy that he touched her head. He was usually so proper that he almost never made physical contact with her, aside from occasionally holding her hand.

“Thank you. I will come again if I need anything.”

Lant settled the remaining payment and draped a coat over Freya. The two left Keane’s shop and headed to the horse market.

Due to the recent large-scale recruitment of knights, the original once-every-four-years selection had now been changed to once every two years. Naturally, the horse market was busier and more lively than before.

When Lant chose Light, he had gone entirely by instinct. So this time, he decided that Freya should also trust her instinct.

As the Saintess, she was, to some extent, favored by the heavens. The horse she chose was bound to be extraordinary. Therefore, Lant decided not to interfere and let her do as she pleased.

In the end, Freya selected a small white horse. Its only drawback was its bad temper. It was very irritable, constantly snorting at people, looking as if it might kick at any moment.

But it was so undeniably beautiful that Freya adored it. The two of them decided to buy it anyway. Freya named it Snow because its hair was as pure and clean as snow.

Strangely enough, Snow was really obedient in Freya’s hands. It seemed nothing like the ill-tempered little white horse it had been before. Even the shop owner found it unbelievable. He tried to approach Snow again, but Snow snorted at him.

The shop owner: …

Well, sometimes fate is just that wonderful.

After buying Snow, Lant found a secluded spot and used teleportation magic again to transport himself, Freya, and Snow to the Solnak Plains.

Startled by the sudden change in scenery, Snow let out a frightened neigh.

Freya comforted it quickly.

Snow: That scared this horse to death…

Although startled, Snow’s fondness and favorability towards Lant suddenly increased.

It seems that this person protecting its owner is very formidable!

“Today, we’ll start with the very basics. That is getting on and off the horse.” Lant led Snow and helped Freya mount.

Her earlier excitement and exhilaration gradually faded. Sitting on the horse’s back, Freya suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of instability and nervousness. When Snow’s pace quickened even slightly, she instinctively lay flat against the horse’s back.

Snow moved its head slightly, seemingly confused by its rider’s reaction.

“Right… I’m sorry, I was too nervous…” Freya forced a smile and slowly sat back up straight.

“Princess, would you like me to take you for a ride first so you can get familiar with it?” Lant patted Snow’s head, glanced at the horse, and then asked Freya.

Snow let out a soft “Hum,” as if agreeing with Lant’s suggestion.

“Yes. I think that would be good!” Freya agreed immediately. It was her first time riding a horse. She really needed someone to make her feel safe.

“Then, Princess, forgive my rudeness.” Lant swung onto the horse behind her, encircling Freya as his arms passed around her waist to hold the reins. “I’ll lead you at a slow walk first. Then, shall we speed up?”

Freya was so nervous that she could barely breathe. She nodded like a chicken pecking rice.

This was the closest she had ever been to Lant! She could smell a faint, fresh scent on him. His chest was pressed against her back, radiating a continuous warmth. It was particularly obvious in this season of late spring and early summer when his clothes were thin.

The fragrance of flowers on the girl’s body was delicate and pleasant. Her soft, golden hair blew against his neck in the wind, as if plucking at his heartstrings.

Lant also felt somewhat unnatural, but he forcefully suppressed it.

Now is not the time to be distracted!

Although Snow had a bad temper, it was remarkably patient with Freya. Lant guided it in several slow laps, and it remained very obedient the whole time.

“I’m going to speed up now.” After three or four laps back and forth, Lant gently flicked the reins and gave Freya a warning.

Freya could not help but hold her breath.

Snow’s pace grew faster and faster. Freya clung tightly to the horse, pressing her whole body against Lant.

Her nervousness gradually subsided during the continuous gallop. The exhilarating thrill of speeding along slowly replaced her initial fear and tension.

“Princess, Snow is your partner. Try to trust him,” Lant said in his steady voice from behind her, giving Freya a strong sense of security.

The speed gradually slowed. Freya’s cheeks were flushed red from the wind, but her eyes sparkled with excitement. “I think I can try again on my own!”

“Alright.” Lant dismounted, took hold of the reins again, and let Freya try by herself.

This time, she was noticeably much better compared to the first attempt.

With trust and familiarity, Freya was no longer so afraid of heights or so fearful.

The two practiced from daylight until dark. They did not head back until the sky was filled with orange-pink sunset hues, and eventually the stars began to dot the night sky.

Thanks to the high-quality equipment, although her back, arms, and thighs were sore after a full day of practice, she did not suffer any scrapes or abrasions like most beginners.

After dinner, Freya returned to her room and carefully removed her equipment, storing it in the spatial ring Lant had given her.

Then she took out her magic book and the needle and thread for making protective charms.

Freya was determined to learn a new, more advanced spell and make an even better protective charm for Lant.

When Lita saw that her princess’s room light was still on, she thought about reminding her to rest early. But seeing how absorbed her princess was, she eventually left silently and gave up on the reminder.

Oh well. It is better not to disturb a girl who has already lost her heart.