Chapter 22 : The Princess

My stomach has been in knots ever since we were asked to line up and take a sequence number. The sequence number is used as a call for incoming soldiers to undergo a series of ability tests that we haven't even learned here. For the first time in my life I want to be the last one or a few people before the last one.

At first, I thought it was an impossible thing. Then I remembered Gerard's words saying that among all the troops, I sucked the most. Although he didn't actually say I sucked, I got the hint that he thought I sucked, more or less he said it like that. In my head.

This means that apart from me these soldiers already have a basic foundation for the abilities that will be tested. from all the series of tests we are emphasized to ride and archery. Even though in the end we will use guns, we are required to be able to archery. They said that arrows and using a gun are the same thing, only the tools are different. Of course that's just nonsense, it would make sense if they said that they were saving money on the purchase of silver bullets.

The first test was riding and Gerard stood beside the two assessors to call out the order numbers. I noticed that each person took 5 minutes to go through the test which contained both riding and archery. I was number 83. Apparently it had been a long time since my nerves had been tormenting me since number 1 was called.

I didn't move from the testing ground at all. I wanted to learn by watching those who managed to get on the horse, bring the horse running, jumping, and last but not least braking. Everything seems so easy, I'm so confident that I can do it too.

've watched dozens of people and now I've reached call number 75. there are only 7 people left before me and the nervousness is getting to me like a giant hand is squeezing me.

Like everyone else, I also visit my horse, Wilder. yesterday when I visited him he was still silent to me. it seems that he is still a little angry with me even though I have repeatedly tried to explain to him that it was not me who hit his ass.

Today I came with some fresh leaves that I picked up from the corner of the field. Just like a wife trying to persuade her husband, I tried to look friendly and pleasant. I even brought a gift-- the leaves. I hope this is enough to make him be willing to reconcile with me.

When I arrived at Wilder's stable, I was shown by Angela who was there doing something with Wilder's hind legs. A flash of all the nasty things Angela had done burst into my memory like rabbits that hadn't come out from behind the bushes.

There were no good memories of Angela, so the first thing that came to mind was that Angela was doing something bad to my horse.

"What are you doing here? What are you doing with my horse?" , I asked suspiciously.

I went in and closed the 1 meter high iron gate and blocked it with my body. I didn't want her to leave without explaining what she was doing.

Angela stood up and took a deep breath in front of me then gyrated her waist while grinning funny when she saw the handful of grass I was carrying, "Wait, are you trying to get along with this horse?", she chuckled, "That's funny."

"Stop talking out of your ass and answer my question."

"Why? Do you think I intend to steal your horse?"

"It seems so," , I said as I crossed my arms in front of my chest, "Is there anything else? There's no way you came just to see what horse manure looks like, right?"

"Well, I didn't expect your mind to be so mean. It's good that I don't feel too bad for you because of the last incident."

"Enough. I've forgotten about it. Now tell me your plans. You're not trying to mess with my horse again, are you? Come on princess, have a fair competition."

"Ha! Why would I do that if I wanted to beat you? There's no need to do anything and it's pretty obvious that you're not my opponent. Get out of my way." , Angela said sternly.

Unable to stand her arrogance, I swatted away her hand that was trying to push me aside, "I was trying to think nice things about you, Princess!", I snapped, unconsciously raising my tone.

She smirked, "Captain Gerard asked me to come check on your horse. Why, are you going to assume I'm in cahoots with Gerard now?"

I was stunned, "Gerard? But w-why?"

" You ask him. Just get out of the way! It'll be my turn in a minute." , Angela pushed aside and slammed the fence quite hard as she left.

It was now a research object for my mind. I wouldn't be surprised if Angela would comply with Gerard's request, as they did seem close. The big question was why? why would Gerard ask her to check my horse? Get over yourself, Anne! Maybe Gerard checked all the horses and didn't have time to check mine so he asked Angela to do so. Yes, that sounded more plausible.

My efforts to bring grass as a bribe and apologize for not my mistake have paid off.

Wilder didn't resist when I stroked his neck up to his head, until when I tried to mount him, he moved and his legs jerked restlessly. Seeing that I abandoned my intention. When he calmed down again I tried again, but this time I did it very slowly. The result was still zero and I decided to return without Wilder.

I heard that horses are one of the most sensitive animals. So, before leaving, I wanted to see Wilder's face and even put my forehead together with his.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable or accidentally hurt you. This is my first experience with horses. I hope we can get along.", I said hopefully and went back to the testing ground.

I saw Angela was already on her horse, beside Gerard. I'm sure the horse he was riding was not a horse from this place, but he brought it directly from the kingdom. It was clear from the horse's posture and also the color of his hair that it looked shiny. Very well maintained. Maybe she was the only person who brought her own horse here.

The two of them seemed so engrossed in conversation with each other. I'm not sure who spoke first, but looking at Gerard's response, I can conclude it was Angela who approached Gerard.

I continued to watch them until my eyes finally met Gerard's. He was looking at me with a confused look on his face.

I wasn't sure if he was confused by me looking at him or if it was just the heat of the sun. the answer I got right away when I saw Gerard whispering to Angela, followed by Angela settling down to look at me too. Now both of them were looking at me and laughing as if I was wearing a Halloween costume on Easter.

Our staring contest stopped when Gerard had to call the next participant. It was Angela. They were still talking to each other just before Angela entered the arena. It was unusual for Gerard to encourage an entrant.

For some reason, I didn't like it.

Angela did so well. All the jumps and obstacles she had to pass were passed very smoothly, as if the horse was a part of her. Some people clapped their hands, it was that good, even I myself unconsciously gave her a clap.

Similarly, during archery, out of five targets, Angela managed to shoot an arrow and climb in the circle of numbers 8 and 9, where number 10 is the core point of the center of the target. For numbers 8 and 9, it is considered very good, considering the distance between the ground and the target is quite far. When our eyes have confirmed the arrow is right at number 10, in fact, once it shoots, the wind can change its direction at any time and in any direction. That's why the examiners were satisfied to see Angela's results.

" She's really good! Is she a new troop? There's no way a new troop can be that good!" , said someone behind me sounding very excited.

"You're right! She's definitely Captain Gerard's rival for the next captain appointment. Damn, I'm not sure who I should choose." , added another, chiming in.

I had to admit that Angela was indeed that good and that fact made me very jealous. My mom has always insisted that I should do my best and be the best, no matter what I do because I am mom's best daughter. I'm sorry mom, this time I'm being the worst. It's a shame if I die in the coming days and have to see you. I don't have the face to face you.

The compliments kept coming from the others and my ears got burning from hearing them. Some of them even openly shouted Angela's praise. As I expected, she would be arrogant by not responding, as if all the compliments were well-deserved. She just went through it all with her chin held high.

Before I knew it, time had passed and the call had reached number 82. As Angela put the horse back in the stable, I decided to move closer to Gerard so that he wouldn't have to yell for number 83, which was me. He glanced at me for a moment without saying anything and returned his attention to soldier number 82.

"You didn't bring your horse? Even if you're not sure you can, you should try." , he asked after number 82 moved on to archery.

"Wilder seems to be mad at me, he doesn't want to come." , I replied with a wry smile.

"You can use my horse." , he said then whistled by putting two fingers in his mouth and a horse came galloping over.

"Go ahead. It's your turn." , he said.