The Historical Song of the Equestrian Kingdom ~ Gulp… Gulp ~
“It was a long time ago, a very long time ago – the tale of the beginning of our nation. A young shepherd lad who lived on this land and went by the name Kuolong, took the Holy Messenger as his bride.”
Mayun continued to sing as he strummed the strings of the lute.
“This is a historical song. We, the people of the Equestrian Kingdom, do not have a culture of keeping records in written form, so we pass on the history of our clans in the form of songs.”
Listening to Mayun’s explanation, Mia recalled: ‘Hmm. I’ve heard of this before. Didn’t the story go something like the Holy Messenger , who married Kuolong-san, brought horses with her, and that’s how the Equestrian Kingdom began? The people who originally lived as shepherds transformed into equestrian people around this time. I think that is what I heard from Malong-senpai.’
Mia sipped her milk and ruminated on her memories while the song progressed.
“There were thirteen children born to Kuolong. They were the great ancestors of the thirteen clans of our Equestrian Kingdom. The first child, Fulong, guided the clan with deep insight like the forest and thoughts unfettered just like the wind. The second child…”
‘Deep insight like the forest meant that he was most likely the ancestor of the Forest clan.‘
“The third son, Seima, was clever and wise. He taught them how to master the abominable fire that scorches the grasslands and brought prosperity to the clan.”
‘Mastery over fire. Aima did mention the name Ka Seima, so that meant that he was the original ancestor of the Fire Clan. He was the third son, I see. ‘
Apparently, each child had a particular trait and was assigned a name based on that. This name eventually became the basis for the Clan name.
“Eventually, Kuolong’s life came to an end at the ripe old age of three hundred and sixty years. He was laid to rest in the grave with his beloved wife, and thus began a new era for the thirteen clans of the Equestrian Kingdom. Each of the thirteen sons of Kuolong lived well beyond the age of two hundred years, becoming Clan Chiefs ruling over not only their grandchildren and great-grandchildren but also the generations that followed.”
“However, for hundreds of years… the people of the past sure lived a long life.” muttered Mia.
“According to the Holy Scriptures, the first people lived up to a thousand years, although there is some debate about whether they measured time the same way as it is now.”
Mia nodded in response to Rafina’s whispered comment, then shifted her gaze back to Mayun.
The song was finally reaching the climax, delving into the problematic feud with the Fire clan.
“The first son, Fulong of the Forest, thus says : Brothers, let’s join hands and continue to live on this blessed land, for it is here that we can find happiness and fulfilment. And the brothers all agree.”
The people of the Equestrian Kingdom lived in peace on the plains.This harmony felt natural as they were all brothers, related by blood. Even those who came from outside could trace their ancestry back to common ancestors. It was believed that even if some dispute arose, it could be easily resolved before escalating into anything serious.
Mayun began playing the lute, striking the strings with precision. The air seemed to tremble with the increasing tension. Mia was silent and drank the second serving of milk that was poured without saying a word. It was very sweet and delicious.
“However, there was one who disagreed – Ka Seima of the Fire clan. And so, he said to the first son, Fulong of the Forest :
I want to aim higher. The burning fire wishes to transcend the wind and reach for the stars.
As if possessed by something evil, he continued.
I shall learn to command our enemy – the wolf. By obtaining the power to command the wolf, I will reign supreme over this land.”
‘Hmm, the power to control the wolf. Seems very ominous. I feel like this person is kind of similar to my stupid ancestor. ’
As Mia listened, she felt a sense of unease.
Apparently, Rafina also thought the same thing, as she turned to Mia with a serious look on her face. “If the book ‘Those who Crawl the Earth’ could have a chapter on ‘How to topple a Nation’, it would not be surprising if it also had a chapter on the subjugation of wolves. At least, that’s what I think.”
“When Rina was with them, the Wolf handlers did not read anything like that. However it wouldn’t be strange if there were writings like that. Those wolves were extremely smart , so they could be used in battle. However, it wouldn’t be surprising even if they were revered as Gods.” Citrina nodded with a serious expression as she spoke.
The Central Orthodox Church had laid out a unified order, but the Chaos Serpents planned to disrupt the old order by creating an alternative God and persuading people to believe in this new deity. Under normal circumstances, this might have resulted in a new form of order, with believers adopting a new set of beliefs that were evil and twisted, yet still a form of order. However, if the whole purpose of the new God was to create disruption, then there would be no foundation for the new theology.
Once they had gathered sufficient believers, it would be easy to reveal that it was fake, as it was originally created as a false alternative. However, what would happen when the people who had left the Orthodox Church and embraced a new belief learned that the doctrine they clung to was a pure work of fiction, a worthless fabrication? Would they fall into chaos, confusion and despair?
This prospect was far more detestable and disturbing than the idea of using wolves in battle. It was also very realistically possible and chilling.
Gulp, gulp. ‘Suddenly I heard the sound of someone making that noise with their throat. Was Bel being overwhelmed by tension? Even that Bel! I swallowed my saliva. It wasn’t just Bel; everyone seemed to sense danger, and their faces were tense.’
Gulp, gulp. ‘I heard the sound once again.’
It was Mia, none other than Mia!
It was the sound of Mia drinking the remaining hot milk in order to get a refill.
