"Yes, all of these," the horse-selling girl replied without looking up. Unlike the previous uncle, she seemed utterly indifferent to customers.

Her cold attitude made it hard for Wenwu to push further.

"Could you introduce them? I don’t know much about horses," Wenwu said, trying to strike up a conversation.

"Don’t know? Then why are you here to buy a horse?"

Good heavens—was this the legendary conversation killer? How could they even chat properly? The攻略 difficulty was insane. Wenwu took a deep breath to calm himself.

"That’s exactly why I’m asking. How about helping me out?"

The girl put down her work and looked up at Wenwu.

He studied her carefully. Though simply dressed, she had a pure, innocent aura that stirred a protective instinct.

"How much money did you bring?"

"Huh?"

"Tell me your budget, and I’ll show you horses worth that amount."

Wenwu froze. She was too blunt—he couldn’t admit he had no money and was trying to scam a horse with emotional appeals.

Seeing his long silence, she guessed, "You’re not here to scam a horse, are you?"

"H-how could I? Do I look like that kind of person?"

"Hmph..."

Hey, what did that cold laugh mean? Wenwu had a bad feeling.

"Dad! A customer wants a horse but has no money!"

"Wait, I’m not—"

Wenwu hadn’t expected her sudden move.

"Oh! Coming!"

Wenwu inwardly groaned. If he failed to get the horse, the judges might summon him for another "chat." He started scouting escape routes.

Soon, the horse-selling uncle and Silver emerged from the back, smiling warmly. "What kind of horse would you like to rent, guest?"

"Huh? Rent?"

"Ah, Master, why are you here? I said I could handle it alone," Silver said.

Silver was clearly playing along, so Wenwu cooperated.

"Ahem, I worried you might not be reliable. I came to check personally."

"So you’re together! Your subordinate is impressive, guest. He’ll be a remarkable figure someday," the uncle praised.

Wenwu didn’t know what Silver had told him, but the deal was done.

Turns out, the ranch had just launched a horse rental service. In its trial phase, no deposit was needed—just a promissory note, with rent paid later.

If only he’d known earlier! Why complicate things? And he’d been mercilessly teased by that girl. Wenwu silently grumbled.

After finishing the paperwork, Wenwu led the horse, ready to leave.

"Hey, you."

Wenwu glanced around, pointing at himself. "Me?"

"Yeah," the girl beckoned him over with a finger.

Wenwu approached.

"You know, I find you interesting. How about we try dating?"

Huh? What was this shift? Moments ago, she’d been so aloof. What’s with girls in this world?

But the most shocked wasn’t Wenwu—it was the uncle, now eyeing him strangely.

"Well... let’s talk when I return."

Wenwu mounted the horse with Silver and rode off quickly, fearing the uncle might change his mind and reclaim the horse.

In the palace laboratory,

"Mirantha, I was too harsh yesterday. Sorry," Desmona said while reading a book.

"No, Princess Royal, it’s fine."

...

"Monna, I need to speak as your friend—not your royal knight."

"Oh? What is it?"

Desmona set down her magic book.

"I heard what you told Wenwu yesterday. You promised him..."

"That’s right."

"But Monna, you already have a fiancé. Isn’t this..."

"So what? My body is just a tool for the empire’s stability. Hadi Kreist, the imperial marshal’s son—he’s a man I don’t love. Who I give myself to doesn’t matter, as long as it stays secret."

Mirantha couldn’t calm down. Finally, she hugged Desmona and cried like a child.

"Monna, I’m sorry..."

Desmona stroked her hair. "Mirantha, it’s not your fault. Blame my birth into royalty."