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Chapter 23: Beastly Off-Roading

As the carriage rolled on, the bustling streets gradually fell behind, replaced by the lush greenery of the countryside outside the window.

Charlotte couldn’t help but ask, “Where are we going?”

“Well… you’ll know when we get there,” Roy teased, keeping it mysterious. “I promise you’ll love it.”

A perfect score was still not enough.

What Roy truly desired was an answer beyond perfection.

He had more surprises in store for the princess.

Before long, after winding down the tree-lined path, the cheerful noise of a crowd began to fill the air.

In the distance, countless young people were cheering with their hands raised.

The crowd wasn’t unusual, but the magical beasts were.

The large cages filled with rare magical creatures were the real reason for Roy’s trip.

Once the carriage stopped, Roy squeezed through the crowd with Charlotte in tow.

The lively spectacle before them was vibrant, with numerous vendors showcasing their exotic beasts while shouting their promotions.

“Take a look, everyone! Purebred kingdom magical beasts, top quality, honest deals!”

“Sign up now for just 1 silver coin to join the two-person magical beast off-road race! Experience riding creatures like the Lightning Python, Waterhorn Horse, Giant Stone Rhino, or even the Fire-Spotted Leopard, galloping through the wild! Don’t just sit there; seize the opportunity—this chance won’t come again! Men, only women ride horses, so come experience the true manly sport of Lionheart Kingdom! Young ladies, take this chance to see if your partner has what it takes—dare to show you the charm of Lionheart Kingdom!”

Magical beast mounts were a costly luxury, and even many nobles couldn’t afford to raise them as mounts, mostly riding ordinary horses instead.

However, in the Lionheart Kingdom, with its martial culture and abundant magical beast resources, a complete magical beast training system had sprung up.

Aside from the unruly Gale Wind Griffon, which could only be ridden by those who completed the trial, other kingdom youths would tame different magical beasts as substitutes.

Just like that vendor’s shout, in the Lionheart Kingdom, only women ride horses—noble young ladies wouldn’t be seen riding ordinary steeds; they’d have to have a couple of gorgeous Waterhorn Horses.

The magical beast trading industry was significant, and even homegrown sports like the magical beast off-road race thrived due to the Lionheart people’s vigorous promotion, taking root in the Academy City.

Charlotte understood this, considering this place belonged to the Lionheart faction.

“This isn’t our shop, is it? What are we doing here?”

“Definitely not here for a work visit,” Roy said with a grin.

Using the extraordinary disguise of the Emerald Council to hide his identity, he led Charlotte through the crowd to gaze at various exotic beasts.

“You’re tired of the usual royal view, but coming here just to have fun is refreshing, right?”

Since acquiring the Gale Wind Griffon, Charlotte had participated in griffon races multiple times, often finishing at the top.

Though she was interested in other magical beasts, she had to maintain her noble decorum as a princess, never stooping to ride anything other than a griffon.

A fun, commoner’s activity like this was something she had never experienced before, sparking her interest as she scanned the surroundings, searching for a partner to join her.

During this time, Roy shot a knowing glance at the head vendor.

The vendor, already briefed in advance, immediately approached with enthusiasm.

“Your Highness… um, I mean, Miss, feel free to pick any magical beast you fancy!”

“If you’re a newbie, I recommend the gentle Waterhorn Horse. It may not be fast, but it glides through mud like it’s on a smooth path—truly the best companion for a beautiful lady like yourself…”

Charlotte interrupted without even looking up: “I heard you mention the Fire-Spotted Leopard?”

“Other than the flying creatures, that’s probably the fastest mount on the Western Continent, right?”

“Uh, yes, but…”

The vendor suddenly seemed distressed.

“Uh, we do have one, but that beast has quite the temperament. Even the knights of the kingdom might struggle to tame it; I’m afraid that you might…”

Charlotte frowned: “You think I can’t do it?”

Roy was struggling not to laugh: “You think she can’t?”

“N-no, of course she can!”

Knowing in advance that the young lady in front of him was actually his superior’s superior, the vendor didn’t dare refuse and led her to the Fire-Spotted Leopard’s cage.

But the vendor was worried about potential mishaps, aware that the girl was indeed a princess.

If the Gale Wind Griffon was wild, the Fire-Spotted Leopard was pure flame—a beast that only obeyed strength and couldn’t be considered a military mount; it could be a real handful.

Only a knight of the kingdom who could prove their worth through a raw fight would earn the right to ride it.

As the cage opened, seeing Charlotte step inside without saying a word, the vendor was too frightened to breathe.

If not for Roy remaining completely calm beside her, he wouldn’t have dared let her enter.

In the shadows, sensing someone’s approach, the large, spotted leopard lazily opened its eyes, revealing its skepticism before revealing its teeth, seemingly trying to intimidate.

Then it froze.

Because to it, this was no mere two-legged creature, but a living lion!

Charlotte’s smile looked to the leopard as if a fiery lioness had opened her gaping maw, showing her fierce white fangs, ready to take a bite.

Magical beasts were far more sensitive to extraordinary power than humans; just one look, and the Fire-Spotted Leopard recognized its place, squishing its mouth into a w=w shape, too scared to move while Charlotte happily petted its head.

It even let out a strange “meow” in return.

“???”

Such a bizarre scene even made the vendor wonder if he had bought a fake leopard.

Roy was already unfazed.

Not only did he know Charlotte’s strength, but he had also planned every detail for today’s birthday outing, including having a magical beast mount that Charlotte liked and would submit to her.

Moreover, he had prepared to accompany her in this off-road race, fully committed to enjoying every moment together.

Roy glanced back, noticing some familiar faces had already chosen their mounts and lined up.

If he let these customers, who had never ridden a magical beast, compete against Charlotte, how could she have a good time?

So, he had long arranged for some members of the Lionheart faction to disguise themselves and join in, bringing some excitement to the race.

Out of loyalty to Charlotte, no one refused; they were all eager to celebrate her birthday.

As a result, the gold Roy had intended to use to persuade them wasn’t necessary, so he exchanged it for that ruby bracelet.

With the accompanying players in place, Roy approached Charlotte: “Are you ready?”

“Of course…”

Just then, a commotion erupted in the distance, with an odd noise breaking through the festive atmosphere.

“Why can’t we participate in the race? Are you scared?! The Lionheart knights surely can’t just be a bunch of sick cats?!”

The moment those words were spoken, the kingdom youths managing the magical beast sales became furious.

And Charlotte’s expression darkened for the first time that day.