Book 19.5: Chapter 3
“Not bad. Not bad. It’s a good horse.”
I dismounted. I patted the red fur akin to flames on the battle steed. The horse was clothed in a beautiful red fur from head to toe. Its neighs were clear and legs were strong. When it ran, it felt as though I was riding the White Deer King. I rarely had that impression as all other horses felt slow to me after getting used to the White Deer King.
Alex jovially sat down at the table with me. He watched the guard carefully lead the horse away. He complimented, “Your Majesty, you truly have a miraculous power. To be honest with you, the horse had never been tamed, yet it obediently lowered its head as soon as it saw you.”
“If you dared to give me an untamed horse, I’m sure you have other intentions.”
Alex quickly waved it off. With a smile, he replied, “What are you saying? It should have been tamed, but it was not possible at Troy City. As such, I decided it was better to entrust it to the imperial family’s horse trainer. It appears that there is no need for him now, though. With you present, there is no need for a horse trainer.”
I shook my head with a smile. Two teacups were placed before us. In a cold voice from overhead, I heard, “May I ask what you are suggesting, gifting His Majesty a horse?”
Alex and I both froze. My current maid wasn’t Luna; Luna was at the Imperial Palace with Freya. My current maid was Bai Lu. The White Deer King went back to the elven forest if I was correct. I didn’t know why she had to go back, though. I wanted to spend the anniversary celebration with her.
Everyone was aware of Bai Lu. She never dared to speak loudly in my presence. In fact, she rarely raised her head to look at me. She just earnestly completed her tasks and accompanied me. At first, I wanted to communicate properly with her; however, I eventually gave up as, every time I tried, she’d go red in the face and ears. That never changed. Having her quietly follow me wasn’t bad. Unlike Luna, who’d sometimes be firm, the gentle and obedient maid was probably a better fit for my preference. This time, however, Bai Lu’s cold voice and gaze that contained a tinge of violence gave me the impression that it wouldn’t be beyond her to leap over and chop Alex’s bird head off.
Perplexed, Alex explained, “I… I-It is a present for His Majesty, is it not…? It is a rare horse that performs magnificently. I think His Majesty will really like it.”