YLTESCIA: A Reincarnator's Tale in the Lands of Merusia (3)

Chapter 482: Crossing the Finish Line

CHATTER CHATTER CHATTER

Everything was bright and dandy, the scent of grass rolling in the air as the expansive green plains stretched towards the horizon, meeting with the vast blue sky and a few mountains and forests popping off along the way.

It was yet another bright and sunny day with the symphony of the wind playing along with the boisterous chatter of the crowd, everybody talking with everyone they know and laughing from time to time as they told jokes.

Neighs, nickers, and stomps could also be heard all over the place, all sorts of horses present left and right coming in all colors, patterns, varieties, breeds, heights, and all sorts of unique physical features which aren't common to see elsewhere.

"Waah... There are so many horses..." ［Yuna］

"Hm? What's wrong? Why is your voice so downcast?" ［Grey］

"Mmn... Well... I'm just nervous... You're the strange one for acting fine. I thought we're here in this together..." ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. I'm also nervous, you know? But I'm also excited. Other than in televisions and internet videos, I haven't seen horse racing up close. Don't you think it makes your heartbeat a little faster?" ［Grey］

"It does... But... Uuu... I'm still nervous..." ［Yuna］

It was finally time for the qualifiers, and with all sorts of people coming from all over the region, there were hundreds of participants gathered around, each with their own prized horse and also their medals along with them.

The current event may be an annual, regional competition, but there have also been several racing tournaments all year round in various cities. Champions from such places now gather in Galderia to see which one of them stands at the top.

Of course, amongst those champions was Berns who has been winning events and tournaments left and right in his hometown. He is still in his mid-twenties yet he had already overtaken the veterans he had come across.

Yuna was already used to being the center of attention, but seeing all the flashy and veteran competitors surrounding them was more than enough to make her feel dizzy. She has been restless since early in the morning, her heart unable to calm down.

"Hahaha. This sure is nostalgic... Don't you think so too, Yuna?" ［Grey］

"Eh...? I thought you've never been to horse racing before...?" ［Yuna］

"No, not that, silly... I meant the situation... When we first registered in the Guild, you were also nervous back then. In fact, you were even shaking, weren't you?" ［Grey］

"Mou... It's been so long... Just forget it already... It's embarrassing..." ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. I don't think I will... It's a precious memory, after all..." ［Grey］

It has been over two years since then, and a lot has happened. They've fought strong monsters, challenged the labyrinths, explored different continents, destroyed criminal organizations, and now, they are even participating in a horse racing event...

Just reminiscing of the past was enough to calm Grey's heart down. He chuckled to himself as he recalled the different and absurd experiences they've been through, the warmth of his hands soon touching the young lady's, holding her in surprise.

"They say holding hands can make people feel calmer and more at ease. I thought it might help out a little bit." ［Grey］

"... I'll take you up on your offer then..." ［Yuna］

They weren't the exact same words they used nor were they in the same situation in which they await their examiner. However, simply holding hands and walking side by side made Yuna's heart flutter, her nervousness thawed by warmth.