WCMP 27

chapter 27

I didn’t even know if the real Rieli had ever learned how to ride a horse.

I had vaguely thought we’d ride the carriage partway and then walk, never imagining I’d actually have to ride a horse. My assumption had been way too short-sighted.

I had lived a life without even getting close to a horse, let alone riding one. What was I supposed to do now?

Still, I couldn’t just keep quiet about it, so I decided to tell the truth with tears in my eyes.

“Um… Your Highness, I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to ride a horse…”

“….”

I hesitantly admitted the truth, feeling guilty.

Arvan paused, seemingly thinking about something, then spoke.

“In that case, you’ll ride with me first. Considering the horse’s stamina, you can alternate rides with me, Adel, and Rix. As you can see, the deputy commander is quite heavy. If you ride together with the princess, the horse won’t manage it.”

“Yes, yes! That’s fine. We’ll do it that way. But what about the carriage and the other horse?”

“We’ll let the horse loose and leave the carriage here. This area is isolated and there are no monsters nearby, so it should be fine.”

“But what if someone steals them…?”

“That can’t be helped. We’ll depart again immediately if that happens.”

I couldn’t understand his calm attitude about someone possibly stealing such an expensive-looking carriage.

With a sigh, I looked at the carriage, then, on impulse, climbed onto his horse as Arvan helped me up.

But the feeling was stranger than I expected.

My body stiffened without me realizing it, and Arvan leapt gracefully onto the horse behind me.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

“….”

I didn’t hear what he said, too nervous to focus. It was my first time riding a living creature, and I didn’t know how to move. When the horse shifted slightly, I froze completely.

Then, a large hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me gently backward.

“…Ah!”

I had forgotten he was behind me, and a small scream escaped.

The warmth at my back and waist, along with the voice near my ear, reminded me that Arvan was right there.

“Don’t tense up, and don’t lean too far forward. We’ll walk slowly until you get used to it. If you’re nervous, you can hold onto me.”

Oh my… my heart felt like it was going to explode.

Was he even human? His arm around my waist felt solid, like marble. Yet it was warm enough that I could feel the heat through his clothes.

I had noticed before that his hands were warm, but now that one was holding me, the sensation was strange.

And the feeling of his muscles behind me—his abs and broad chest pressing slightly against my back—made my nerves tense even more.

‘This is insane…!’

Once I became aware of it, all my attention went to his back and sides, and I had no idea what to do. Being pressed against someone like this, someone so strong, was a completely new and embarrassing experience.

My face burned. I fidgeted nervously, feeling watched by the knights riding beside us.

Don’t look…!

Rix had a satisfied smile, while Kal glanced at me briefly with his usual stoic expression before looking away. Seirin, seeing my flushed face, smiled like I was cute.

That annoyed me, so I narrowed my eyes, glaring at her. She pretended not to notice, but her lips were still curled in a smile.

At least it was comforting that the one who had caused my face to burn was right behind me and didn’t see this.

Because I was a beginner, we had to ride slowly, just a little faster than walking speed.

Thanks to Arvan holding me firmly, I gradually got used to it and started to feel more secure.

Feeling brave, I tapped his hands at my waist.

“Your Highness, I think it’s okay to move a little faster now.”

“Understood.”

As soon as I said it, he gradually increased the speed. My butt hurt a little, but excitement made me unconsciously grip Arvan’s arm tightly with both hands.

He flinched slightly at my sudden grip, and I quickly apologized.

“Sorry, did I hold on too tight?”

“…No. If you’re nervous, hold on as much as you like.”

I felt him tighten his hold on my waist slightly. His usually low voice sounded even quieter now.

Since we were so close, I assumed he was just speaking softly. Even though I wasn’t really nervous, I didn’t correct him, enjoying the situation silently.

As we continued at a steady pace, I grew more comfortable and relaxed. My attention started drifting from the scenery to the man behind me.

I placed my hand on top of the one that had been holding me. My hand felt tiny compared to his.

“Look at the veins…”

His hand was impressive. I didn’t normally like prominent veins, but on him, they somehow looked perfect. Even his nails were neat.

I absentmindedly ran my fingers along his hand and forearm. Arvan gently removed his hand from my waist and immediately held mine, gripping it lightly.

I looked up and froze, surprised by how close his face was. My heart raced uncontrollably.

“…Please, don’t touch so much.”

This time, I could feel his voice lower than usual. I couldn’t tell if he was annoyed or embarrassed.

“Yes, I’m sorry…”

I had been fiddling with his hand too much, so I decided to stop.

After enjoying time in Arvan’s embrace for a while, we had lunch, and then I rode with Seirin.

Riding with her was different from riding with Arvan. Considering my height, Seirin was at least ten centimeters taller than me, with a strong, trained build like a knight. She wasn’t as big as Arvan, but strong enough to hold me comfortably.

Riding with Seirin was much easier. I could relax, lean comfortably, and complain jokingly when my thighs hurt, keeping a cheerful mood as we rode uphill.

I noticed her warm, caring gaze at me, like she was looking at a small, harmless animal. Whether consciously or unconsciously, she tried to take care of me.

It felt strange, but it was nice to be looked after, so I stayed quiet and enjoyed it.

Thinking back, at the Duke’s mansion, I had been taking care of my new younger brother, Amon. Here, it was the opposite—I was the one being looked after.

‘…Does Amon feel this way too?’

As we climbed, the path steepened and our speed slowed. After dinner, I rode with Rix. At first, it was awkward, but Rix’s friendly personality quickly made things comfortable, and we chatted easily.

He spoke naturally, without formality, which made me relax.

Now, as the sun set, it was time to sleep—not in a carriage, but together in a temporary barracks.

My heart raced a little, and I felt nervous. I had usually slept easily wherever I laid my head, but that was back in Korea. This body had likely never slept outside a proper bed.

It seemed I wasn’t the only one worried; the people preparing the barracks kept looking at me. I smiled at each of them to show I was fine.

Still, Seirin and Rix clearly looked concerned.

Kal, who hadn’t spoken much before, surprised me by offering me his blanket.

‘…Do I really look that uneasy?’

It was strange, but also comforting, to see them care about me.