I waited by the carriage, tapping my foot impatiently. The sun is setting, the sky turned yellowish-orange in colour. The warm breeze caressing my face, pushing back the strands of my hair. What a romantic setting, yet here I am, locking eyes with the brown horse in front of me. Oh, the breeze was actually coming from its nose, every time it let out a snort.
"Entity, I don't know how to ride a horse," I finally expressed my concern.
*Eh, just mount it and ride it.*
"Easier said than done," I sighed at the useless advice. "How the hell do I steer it? What if it ran uncontrollably?"
*Then it would be funny,* entity snickered.
"F—-ing bastard," I grumbled, sustaining the little patience I had. "Anyway, where is that girly-faced guy? Is he putting on makeup or what?"
Without a warning, a voice crept behind me."I don't need makeup," it said.
Being alarmed by the unwelcome surprise, I quickly turned on my heels, feeling goosebumps all over my neck.
"Gods, what the hell?! Make a sound, please!"
Once I saw him, though, my guards instantly dropped. Mesmerisation surged through me, and I'm not covering for it whatsoever. The sight was enchanting, even for me. Correction, especially for me. His silver hair, half slicked back. Dark red outfit with silver buttons, ruby brooch and black luxurious cloak draped down his right shoulder. The evening glow just gave him an even more dramatic look.
"Woah, you look good. As if you just popped out of a fairy tale somehow," I nodded in approval.
"…and you loo-"
"Ah, ah, stop. I don't want to exchange banter with you now," I quickly cut him.
"…"
"Then, could our prince charming please step onto the carriage? Perhaps you need an assistance of some kind?" I asked sarcastically.
Lucius looked into the carriage before back at me, asking,"….You're riding a horse?"
"Yeah, duh. I'm a knight, after all."
After a silent nod, he quietly stepped onto the carriage and took a seat. Once he settled in, I swiftly closed the door and turned back to the horse. The horse snorted yet again, blasting hay-scented gust on my face.
"Alright, Cassie," I moved to its side, patting the saddle. "Let's work well!"
Mounting on it with a 'HUP', I tried to get comfortable. Since Catherine's body is tough, I believe it's a huge advantage. Maybe I could do it easily even, or so I thought.
*Idiot, sit up straight! STRAIGHT! Why are you slouching?! YOUR ALIGNMENTS ARE ALL MESSED UP!* Entity yelled.
"I'M TRYING, YOU JERK!" I yelled back.
My hands clutching tightly onto the reins as I tried to correct my posture. The bumpy journey would have caused quite a damage on my back, had I not protected it with my mana. Cassie was especially hard to control, getting all jumpy as if throwing a tantrum. Am I doing this wrong or it simply hated me?
*KEEP YOUR ASS. ON. THE. SADDLE! DO YOU WANT TO GET THROWN?!*
"AGHH, I UNCONSCIOUSLY DID THAT!"
*THE REINS! HOLD ONTO THE F——IN' REINS PROPERLY!*
"AREN'T I, ALREADY?!"
Perhaps I really did it wrong as Cassie was running straight ahead, where a large tree trunk was laying on the ground. Before I could even let out a yelp, Cassie jumped and snorted proudly.
*Seriously? Who is controlling who?* Entity let out a disappointed sigh.
"Ugh, just shut up! I'm concentrating!"
As I was steering Cassie away from jumping over a boulder, clutching firmly on it with my legs every time it tried to throw me away, cursing back at the sassy entity, the chaos caught the attention of the other knights. Thankfully, it's a familiar faces.
"Are you alright, dame Catherine?" Knight 1 asked, looking concerned.
"AHAHAHHA, YES! I'M FINE!" I unintentionally exclaimed.
In fact, I'm not. It was a terribly disastrous ride! I almost got thrown down the cliff, and that's where entity had to use the third plot armour. Hence, I'm good at riding a horse now, or it's just that Cassie became less mischievous. One way or another, I am safe!
"You should've just put it into use earlier," I sighed.
*It's called an armour for a reason. I can only activate it when you're in danger.*
"That's—ugh…made sense," I relented.
After another couple of hours, we arrived by the grandiose, luxurious and other words to describe riches of a palace. Even the fountain is embedded with gemstones while the pathway is made out of white marble stones. Damn, I could get rich if I just got my hands on that statue itself! The exclusive sight had made me gawking around in amazement all the way through.
*Gosh, this place smells like money!* I thought, wiping any drool that might came out.
The Leonhart carriage stopped by the entrance of the main palace, a butler awaits below the flight of stairs. As the escort, I dismounted the horse and opened the carriage door for Lucius. Being the protagonist he is, Lucius got out of the carriage stylishly. Perhaps he'd just looks good doing anything, considering the rule of 'sparkle, sparkle, roses' filter.
"…the knight's feast is being held in the Glacier Hall by the right wing," Lucius told me while adjusting his cape. "Take turns with the other knights," he said before entering the palace.
"Alright, my Lord." I bowed, crossing my right arm against my chest.
Now that we're in public, I shouldn't act too casual. Thinking back, I never used any honorifics with him from the start nor did I talk to him respectfully deserving his status. Since he didn't seem to mind it anyway, I'll just continue to treat him like a buddy-buddy.
After Lucius disappeared into the ball, I followed the other knights to keep the horses in the stable. Putting aside the resistance showed by Cassie, the process went smoothly. There were a lot of other horses, indirectly proving the large number of attendees tonight.
*Anyway, it's yet to be my shift, let's just enjoy the feast!* I hummed to myself.
As I entered the hall, various mouth-watering smell penetrated my nose, teasing my salivary gland. My stomach automatically grumbled, as if pleading for me to stuff it as soon as possible.
*Wait a little bit more, my poor tummy. I'll fill you to the brim!*
While striding towards the buffet, I couldn't help but noticed the crowds around it. The knights were quite rowdy, busy socialising with each other. Not really wishing to indulge in the same convo, I quickly placed a piece of steak and some mashed potatoes onto my plate, sneaking away to the calmer side of the hall. Another accompanying knight of Leonhart march is there, peacefully sipping on a cup of tea.
"I'm glad that you're an accompanying knight, too, sir William!" I patted his back, setting down the plate next to him.
"I'm also pleased to work with you again," he nodded lightly with a smile.
I didn't recognise him before, but he was kind enough to greet me first back at the Leonhart's manor. What can I do, I didn't saw his face back in the Scourge. He wasn't mentioned in the novel, either. Maybe he's like a minor character around?
Black hair and green eyes, tanned skin with neatly trimmed beard. He gives off quite a strong impression, like that chivalry thing. William has a big and bulky built, topped off with a firm expression. However, his gentle personality contradicts it all! An embodiment of a gentle giant!
"I just came for the food, to be honest," I admitted, popping a piece of steak into my mouth. Each time the juice seeps out, I immediately fell into a state of ecstasy.
*So good!*
"Haha, that is understandable!" William lets out a deep chuckle, so deep that it is akin to a rumbling. "We hadn't had any proper meals for a while. Even back at the manor, the others are busy filling their stomachs!" he exclaimed before taking another sip of his tea.
Despite looking like a thug, William is a very well-mannered gentleman. Even the way he drinks is graceful! However, I had to hold myself back from laughing at the situation. I mean, just look at the small teacup in his gigantic hand!
*How funny!*
Covering my laugh with a cough, we continued on with a few small talks to pass the time. I also took the chance to gobble up most of the delicacies served from the appetiser, main dish to the desserts. Even William was surprised by the amount of it.
*Gosh, I'm in heaven!* I rubbed my full belly in satisfaction.
While I was burping out some excess gases, a brunette, male knight approached us.
"Dame, your turn," Justin, the previously referred as Knight 1 said.
"My shift already?" I let out a long sigh.
There's a reason as to why we were advised not to eat too much. When the belly is full, the body became listless. The only thing I'm thinking off of now is being comfortably tucked in bed!
Seeing my reluctance, William whispered to me, "If you're tired, you can call for my turn earlier."
"Ha…That's just overworking you—…..though I might use it. Don't take back on your words!" I perked up at the offer.
"I won't, dame," he chuckled, shaking his head slightly.
Getting back on my feet, I waved my goodbyes and left the hall.