The Veteran Runner and the Hot milk
“So, you’re from the Fire clan… ” When Mayun looked at Aima, she averted her gaze in an aloof manner. Mia then turned towards Aima and said “Ah, I see. That’s right. Um, Aima-san… Her name is Ka Aima, and she does not wish to speak to anyone from the Equestrian Kingdom, is that correct?” In response to Mia’s question, Aima nodded.
“Even if I die, I will not speak to anyone from the Equestrian Kingdom.” Aima declared. As soon as she said that, she turned to look around. The only people invited into the tent were Mia, Rafina, Abel, Citrina and Bel. The object of Aima’s fear was standing guard outside.
After giving it some thought, she amended her words: “I won’t actively talk with anyone from the Equestrian Kingdom.”
‘Oh my, that was quite the compromise! ’
It seemed like she was scared of the deadly aura of the invisible Dion. Looking at Aima’s state, it was reasonable to assume that Mia found the situation troublesome and was sighing internally. However that was not the case. That was because Mia had remembered exactly who she was.
Mia Luna Tearmoon was a Runner – a soldier entrusted with messages on the battlefield, and a skilled one at that!
If the runner was a veteran like Mia, there was no need to run long distances to the point of death to bring back reports of victory from the battlefield. A swift gaze at the spot would do it. There was no need for anything else.
‘Was there a job as easy as this? Paired with some delicious food, would anyone even have the right to complain? No, it would definitely not be permitted. I will be able to taste some delicious milk later, so I have to make a good impression by working hard. Hmm. I’ll do my best.’
The precious milk was supposed to be a reward for a job well done. However, were she to get the milk in spite of not doing any work or by doing a poor job, Mia’s conscience, or more like her little chicken heart, would not permit it.
In summary, Mia was willing to do her best so that she could enjoy the exquisite milk wholeheartedly without any ill-feelings.
Setting aside Mia’s inner monologue.
“I don’t have to explain anything. If you think about it, you should be able to understand the reason for it.” said Aima and then looked towards Mia “Don’t you think so, Princess Mia?”
Mia gave a pensive nod and said “I think what Aima means is that she has a legitimate reason to not talk.”
It might not have been particularly necessary, but Mia tried adding a summary. Having run out of ideas, Mia was trying her best to put on a show to display her hard work.
“I see. However, I think that it is a matter of perspective. From our point of view, you left the country willingly of your own accord.”
“What…” Aima was about to say something but fell silent immediately, looking towards Mia and grinding her teeth.
‘Hmm. Yeah, this is a bit troublesome after all.’
Mia was on the verge of giving up, her drive was precariously close to collapse. Just as her flames of motivation were about to be extinguished…
“Please excuse me, Chief. I have prepared drinks for the guests.”
Several women entered the tent and placed ceramic cups in front of Mia and the others.
“Hmm… this is… ”
Mia’s little nose twitched at the sight of the steaming hot ceramic cup containing the enticing white liquid.
“It is warm milk, freshly taken from our sheep. Fresh milk is the best, if I say so myself. Please, go ahead and taste it.”
Following Mayun’s recommendation, Mia picked up the cup in her hands. She gently blew on the milk to cool it down and then took a small sip.
A searing heat rushed through her mouth, but Mia endured it and was rewarded as the flavour blossomed on her tongue.
“Oh… this is it.”
It was a pleasant sweetness. For a moment, it seemed dense like honey; however it melted away smoothly while passing through the throat, leaving behind a refreshing aftertaste.
Mia sighed in satisfaction, savouring the exquisite flavour she had never tasted before. And then she took another sip.
“I see. So this is the taste of the milk from the Equestrian Kingdom. It’s really rich and has a robust flavour, giving off a slight sweetness as it rolls off the tongue.”
Then Mia gently placed a hand on her chest.
“Oh, I never thought a day would come when my heart would be so moved by the taste of milk. It’s truly wonderful.”
It was either the deep emotion or perhaps just the calories that set Mia’s brain into motion. As her mind slowly geared into action, she realised the futility of letting them argue with each other.
“By the way, may I ask what happened between you and the Fire clan?”
Mia had come up with a plan. Understanding the reason for Aima’s resentment towards the Equestrian Kingdom, could help them find a solution to resolve the whole troublesome situation.
“I see. That’s right. In such a situation, it is only proper to share the story since we got you involved.” said Mayun with a smile.
“Well, what do you think? Since we are all gathered here, how about we listen to the story accompanied by the sounds of the lute?”
“Wait, Father. There is no need to bring out the musical instrument right now. ”
For some reason, a sullen-faced Malong was trying to put a stop to it.
“What are you saying? Wouldn’t it be boring if I just explained? Since we have the best singer in the Forest clan here, why not listen as a gesture of our hospitality?”
Mayun smiled brightly and picked up the round lute that was placed nearby.
“This is the story of the beginning of our Equestrian Kingdom as well as its thirteen clans. ”
And thus, Mayun began the story as the melancholic sound from the strumming of the lute accompanied his words.
