“Despite bringing them by reducing their numbers… Is it perhaps burdensome?”

Winter’s innocent inquiry left Cloé speechless. The statement that he had reduced and brought a hundred members of the order was truly contradictory.

Whether it was Winter who reduced them or the members who volunteered, the fact that none of them raised objections was surprising. After all, a hundred people might not be an excessively large number for a visit to the forest.

However, Cloé, who was not familiar with the usual thoughts and situations of the order, couldn’t point out that aspect. Well, perhaps these hundred individuals usually go to the forest for training.

Winter brought the bridle that Cloé had received from Kuhn some time ago. It seemed like he had gone all the way to the stable to fetch Cloé’s horse gear.

Handing over the reins that he tightly held to Cloé’s hand, Winter inquired, “Oh, by the way, about riding horses…”

“Now I can ride. It was a basic part of Empress education.”

Until recently, not knowing how to ride, Cloé relied on Kuhn’s strength, but now she could ride a horse on her own.

For an Empress who had to rule the country independently without the Emperor’s assistance, this skill was essential.

Watching Cloé effortlessly mount the horse, like a bird spreading its wings, grabbing the reins, Winter and the other knights couldn’t help but feel relieved.
Cloé probably wouldn’t know. The ability to ride a horse saved the lives of a hundred knights. There would be no one brave enough to survive, touching the Empress’s body without the Emperor’s permission.

As Cloé started moving on horseback, the knights executed the plan they had prepared earlier.

Before heading to the forest, they had to determine Cloé’s position. Although they had been to countless places and could easily find their way even with their eyes closed, it was different for her as it was her first time on this route.

Moreover, the forest was an unknown world where anything could happen. If even a wild animal came out and harmed her, it would be a big problem.

Therefore, they had to decide on the safest location for Cloé while wrapping her head.

Sending her to the front would be the most appropriate as the leader, but there was a risk of her getting injured by other animals or large branches.

The rear might be relatively safer, but there was still the possibility of wild animals coming from behind. Moreover, considering her status, placing her at the rear was impolite.

The center would be congested in the front and back, making Cloé feel frustrated. Also, with the gathered number of knights, collisions or getting stuck might happen if the balance between the front and back was not maintained.

In the end, after lengthy discussions, it was decided that Cloé would lead while Winter moved behind her. Other knights assisted on both sides, and some moved slowly at the back.

“…So, does that mean I’ll be behind Sir Winter?”
“Yes, that’s correct. For Her Majesty’s safety, to control and prevent Her Majesty from taking the lead, please understand this point. Winter explained the details step by step, perhaps to persuade Cloé.

Having listened to the explanation, Cloé not only didn’t get angry as Winter had worried but seemed rather perplexed.

“Uh, thanks for your consideration. You don’t have to go that far in the future. I hope you all feel at ease.”

It felt like overprotection. Even though it was her first time on this route and dealing with wild animals, the more she heard, the more she couldn’t hide her awkwardness.

However, the knights had no choice.

While they knew she was strong and great, the visual difference stimulated their protective instincts. The new master they had to serve, unlike the rough and tough guys, was small and cute, making it even more so.

Upon reaching the forest, they pointed out their training traces and explained them in detail.

On the opposite side of the forest, there were tricks set up for physical training. If they didn’t jump at the right time, there were logs flying towards them, or they had to jump high to cross wooden boxes.

Navigating that vast forest, avoiding various obstacles, and completing the course multiple times seemed to be their daily routine. It became evident that they devoted time only to training as if it were their daily work.”
“Before entering and after entering, they were devoted to training, making it awkward for them to form relationships with others. Moreover, even in the Imperial Palace, there were only knights training together, so Cloé was a stranger to them.

As they went along, something familiar caught Cloé’s eye. Targets were drawn on ten trees, one for each.

When the horse Cloé rode slowed down, Winter immediately turned around.

“This is…”

“Oh, it’s one of the pastimes rather than training. We assign duties like evening duty or cleaning duty, and after shooting arrows, we score and determine the order based on points.”