23. Riding Double
Ciel returned, leading a white horse.
“Wow… what a beautiful horse.”
“Yes.”
I walked up to the horse, extended my hand to its muzzle, and called its name.
“Lillie. Have you been well?”
Lillie neighed softly in response to her name and gently nudged my cheek. I stroked her while nuzzling her face.
Her ears were tilted back, so I reached out and stroked her further.
Recently, I had been under a lot of stress, trying to maintain a convenient scenario that ignored reality while repeatedly doing things I didn’t want to do. This was incredibly healing.
We had several other horses boarded at this ranch, but Ciel had chosen this one, as expected.
Lillie, being a mare, had a gentle disposition, listened well, and was obedient. She was a prized horse that anyone would want, but also perfect for a beginner to get used to riding.
With Ciel’s guidance, I was now confident I could handle any horse, even without a saddle, but a docile horse was easier, and I could simply enjoy riding.
And this horse was a special gift from my late father on my sixteenth birthday.
She was only about a month old foal at the time, so she was now seven years old.
My father wasn’t stingy with dresses and accessories necessary for social occasions, but he wasn’t the type to give personal gifts.
My mother was the same; she showed her affection through words and actions, not material things.
Perhaps it was a consideration to prevent me, the eldest child of a family with immense power, from becoming arrogant.
So, I hadn’t expected anything for my sixteenth birthday… my coming of age celebration.
But he gave me an unexpected gift.
I had never asked for anything.
I was given spending money, but I left my clothes to the tailor and only bought recreational books. Since I never pestered my parents, I might have been a difficult child for them.
My mother had passed away, and I had expected my birthday party to be the only gift from my father.
Indeed, there was nothing at the party venue. Later, he uncharacteristically took me to a ranch outside the capital, where he introduced me to Lillie.
I fell in love with Lillie at first sight.
I diligently made time between my noble education—and other training—to visit the ranch frequently with Ciel, caring for Lillie. I was truly happy when she was finally ready to carry a rider.
My father passed away just two years after giving me Lillie.
――I wish I had talked to him more.
Because I realized that he had been watching over me, in his own way.
Perhaps it was Ciel’s suggestion, but even so, I believed he cared enough about me to listen to her advice.
My father was gone.
I was the head of the Vanderwaals.
But he had left me something.
The Vanderwaals’ assets. Title, land, cash, jewels, art, connections—everything tangible and intangible.
And the small memories, represented by Lillie.
…And Leticia.
The biggest, but also the most troublesome gift.
She was also the difficult matter that occupied most of my thoughts now.
Since learning about my sister—about [Moonlight Liberium]—I had been completely preoccupied with it.
I couldn’t neglect my duties as head of the family.
So, I hadn’t been to the ranch recently.
“I’m glad you’re doing well.”
I lightly ran my fingers through her mane, smoothing it, and patted her neck before stepping away.
“How nice…”
Leticia murmured softly.
I turned and smiled slightly.
“You’re about to ride her now.”
Today, I intended to be a little less mean.
I was in front of Lillie. Although she was gentle, an accident involving a horse could be fatal. I couldn’t afford to ‘joke around’ too much.
Whether it was fate or something else, I was keenly aware of its lack of support these days.
“Oh, no, not that… I mean, never mind.”
“?”
I didn’t understand what my sister was trying to say, but I beckoned her over.
“Greet her. Politely, but without being subservient. You are also this horse’s master.”
“Yes. —I’m Leticia. Nice to meet you today.”
Lillie neighed softly, her lips trembling slightly, in response to being addressed.
“Leticia, I’ll help you. First, put your foot in the stirrup.”
“Yes, Elder Sister.”
She put one foot in the stirrup as instructed, without any wobbling.
Her response was good.
“Can you balance and swing your leg over the saddle?”
“I can’t, Elder Sister.”
Only her response was good.
“Lady Adelheid, I will—”
“Ciel, please.”
I had no experience teaching someone to ride.
Ciel’s assistance felt like being supported while still moving on your own… and it didn’t take long for the movements to become ingrained in my body.
I had heard that Ciel, who was seven years older than me, had been thoroughly trained in all sorts of knowledge and skills ahead of me, for my sake.
Teaching while still learning herself, she was always someone who walked ahead of me.
It didn’t take long for Leticia, under her guidance, to be able to swing her leg over the saddle with assistance.
Noble young ladies varied, but for those who were pampered and raised as if riding was out of the question… even Ciel wouldn’t have been able to teach them so quickly.
I had been quite thoroughly trained by Ciel.
Apparently, the reason was, “In case of an emergency, if you can’t ride a horse, your options for escape are limited. Your chances of survival decrease.”
A reason unique to the Vanderwaals.
Ordinary young ladies were taught riding for health and figure maintenance through moderate exercise—and, more importantly, to be able to accompany gentlemen who enjoyed riding.
“Now then, Lady Adelheid… do you need any assistance?”
“No, Ciel. …You trained me, after all.”
I chuckled at her rare attempt at a joke.
I placed my hand lightly on the saddle, put my foot in the stirrup, and swung myself up behind Leticia, who had already removed her foot from the stirrup. I adjusted my position, placing my feet in both stirrups, and sat down.
Ciel took the lead rope.
“I will take the lead rope.”
“Thank you.”
With Lillie as the horse and Ciel leading, I had no worries.
“Eek!?”
Leticia let out a strange cry when I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind.
I ignored it, assuming she was startled by the suddenness, and held on firmly to make sure she didn’t fall.
“Leticia, are you uncomfortable anywhere?”
“My chest feels tight…”
Leticia said, trembling and looking down.
My anxiety lasted only a moment.
My sister cried out in a muffled voice, as if in agony.
“This position… Elder Sister is too close, it’s bad for my heart…!”
I didn’t quite understand what she meant, and my mind drifted to the distant stars in the night sky.
For now, I decided to ignore it.
Leave a Reply