Chapter 46 -

"It seems I have to go there."

I pointed to the postcard on the table, sitting across from Amon. We had just met again after I had eaten and drunk enough to feel thoroughly stuffed, thanks to his insistence.

"Does this mean you want to learn horseback riding so you can travel all the way there?"

"That's right."

I nodded confidently.

"It's a long way, and the road is rough, isn't it? You said even riding a horse would take several days. Since a carriage isn't an option, learning to ride is my best choice."

"Well, that makes sense, but…"

"One week of lessons, and then I'll leave. What do you think?"

Amon's expression shifted oddly. He seemed baffled but not upset—more like someone indulging a child's impossible whim.

"Forgive me, milady, but that's absurd."

"Why? Is horseback riding that difficult?"

I had assumed it wouldn't be too hard as long as I practiced keeping balance since the horse would be doing all the work. Apparently, I was wrong. Amon responded in a tone tinged with amusement.

"Not necessarily. Our knights' horses are well-trained, so you'd probably get the hang of it after just a few sessions."

"Then what's the issue?"

"The problem is, that's only true on flat ground and at a slow pace."

"Ah…"

I recalled the map, which depicted treacherous mountain ranges near the desert. Traversing such paths on horseback must be a challenge.

"Then how long would I need to train?"

"Are you really planning to ride there yourself?"

Amon looked genuinely surprised as if he hadn't expected my persistence.

But the single clue pointing to the true culprit had appeared in my dream. I couldn't give up so easily.

'Granted, it was a fantastical dream, and it might have just been inspired by staring at the postcard before falling asleep…'

Still, I had to confirm it. How would I feel standing in the place holding Julia's memories?

Resolute, I nodded. Amon sighed deeply.

"Hmm…"

He pondered for a moment before asking, "Have you ever ridden a horse before?"

"Well… maybe. I don't really remember."

"So, you haven't."

I pressed my lips together before suddenly remembering something. "Oh! I did ride with Sir Yuste recently!"

"Excuse me?"

"When we fled to the hideout, remember? He said even the coachman couldn't be trusted and insisted I ride with him. He did treat me like luggage, though."

"Did he now."

I nodded vigorously. "Yes, and we rode really fast! It was a bit scary but not too difficult. I think I'll adjust with some practice."

"Then how about this?"

Amon's tone suggested he'd had a clever idea.

"Why don't you try riding my horse?"

"Your horse? Why? I've already ridden Sir Yuste's."

Amon raised a slight eyebrow.

"Carlyle and I are different, are we not? Besides, riding to a hideout across flat terrain isn't the same as navigating rugged trails."

"Um…"

"Try riding my horse first. If you still think you're up for it afterward, I'll personally train you. What do you say?"

The offer was tempting. Even if it proved tough, I could act nonchalantly, and respecting Amon's opinion seemed the polite thing to do.

"Alright!"

I nodded confidently.

For the first time, I realized something—when fear is overwhelming, you can't even scream.

The wind roared in my ears, chilling me to the bone. I couldn't open my eyes. Half-reclining as my body tilted back, I felt as though I'd lose my balance at any moment and plummet to the ground.

'This isn't just rugged terrain; it's practically a cliff!'

I wanted to cry out in frustration but dared not. If Amon startled and lost his grip, the solid support of his chest behind me might vanish.

The jolts from the rocky path reverberated through my body, the speed dizzying. Amon had been right—this was entirely unlike riding with Carlyle.

"The road ahead will be even rougher than this!"

Amon shouted over the wind near my ear, but his words barely registered. All I wanted was to scream that I'd given up on learning horseback riding. If only I could open my mouth.

"Milady!"

Amon called again. I clenched my eyes shut and shook my head.

"Lady, open your eyes."

"Hnn…"

Please stop calling me… All that escaped my lips was a feeble groan.

"You'll be fine. Trust me."

"No, I don't want to!"

A low chuckle rumbled in my ear.

'Huh? Did I just say that?'

"You won't be afraid."

I finally noticed that the fierce wind had subsided. Hesitantly, I cracked my eyes open. And then—

"Wow…!"

A breathtaking view stretched before me. The capital lay sprawled below, everything beneath my feet.

"How is it?"

"It's… beautiful."

I answered, spellbound. The breeze tousled my hair, filling me with a profound sense of freedom. I took a deep breath, and the troubles that had tormented me in solitude felt like a distant lie.

The world was astonishingly beautiful—the touch of the wind, the air filling my lungs, the rustle of leaves.

I simply existed in that moment, unbound by my name or appearance. I was entirely present, reveling in the fullness of the world around me.

"I think I may have been too eager," I admitted quickly. Amon burst into laughter. We had stopped at the hilltop, sitting down to rest and talk.

"Does this mean you've given up on learning to ride?"

"Well…"

That wasn't an easy question to answer.

"Is there no other way to get to Fedel?"

"You mean you still want to go to Fedel, even if it means giving up riding."

I nodded slightly.

"Is there a specific reason?"

Amon asked cautiously. He didn't know why I'd shut myself in my room for three days, so my sudden determination naturally piqued his curiosity.

"Actually, I had a dream."

"A dream?"

"My parents were in it."

I decided to share a bit of the truth.

"When I woke up, I suddenly remembered. I had been to Fedel with my parents before. It sounds silly, but it felt like fate. Like I have to go."

"I see."

Amon stared straight ahead as he spoke.

"Over the past three days, Eloise and I investigated the Fedel region. We looked into many areas but found nothing substantial. We couldn't even link it to the main suspect, Baldi Bolev, or Selena Bolev."

"So, it’s just a random address?"

"I wouldn't say that. Perhaps we might uncover new clues by going there in person."

I turned to face Amon.

"Are you saying…?"

"I think it's worth visiting. After all, we have no other leads."

"Does that mean you'll teach me to ride?"

Amon nodded.

"However, it’s uncertain how long it will take for you to handle trails like the one we just traversed. So how about this? You can ride with me, like earlier."

"What?"

"You’ve already experienced it; you know it’s not easy. But we’ll spend a week on riding lessons, and after that, you’ll ride with me. How does that sound?"

Since I would still get to go to Fedel, I had no reason to refuse. I quickly nodded.

"I’m fine with it if you are."

"Of course. Now, we just need to receive Leon’s approval."

"Leon?"

Amon turned toward the white horse tied to a tree nearby—the one that had brought us here.

"His name is Leon?"

"Yes. He’s been with me since I became a squire. He’ll be crucial on this journey."

I approached Leon, standing up. His taut muscles were hidden beneath his white coat, and his mane shimmered in silvery gray. His brown eyes, clear and beautiful, gazed at me.

I cautiously placed my hand on his forehead, stroking him gently.

"What do you think? Will you come with me?"

Leon leaned into my touch, closing his eyes as if he had been waiting for the question.

"He says yes. It seems the lady has charmed him."

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