The festival was approaching, and most students were busy with preparations.
“Nikolai.”
Nikolai turned at the sound of Alexei calling his name, his eyes widening in surprise. He wasn’t the sort to be easily fazed, so the reaction took Alexei aback. Only after thinking about it did he realize why: Until now, he’d only ever addressed Nikolai by his family name.
Inwardly, Alexei was flustered by that realization. Outwardly, his expression didn’t budge.
After a pause, Nikolai smiled. “Hey there, Alexei.”
Several emotions welled up in Alexei’s chest, like a rising tide. No one his age had called him by his given name in a long time. Nikolai always called him “Duke,” and hearing “Alexei” made him feel strange—almost ticklish. At the same time, he was pleased, amused at himself for being so shaken by such a small thing, and, above all, deeply relieved.
“Did you need me?” Nikolai asked.
“Not really... I just came to see the horses. They’re the renowned horses of Krymov, after all.”
“Oh!” Nikolai beamed.
They were standing on the academy’s riding grounds. Riding lessons were part of the boys’ curriculum. It was unthinkable for a nobleman to be unable to ride, so the lessons focused on advanced skills like fighting on horseback rather than learning how to ride. For that purpose, the academy kept many horses.
However, the seven imposing horses before them did not belong to the academy. Their glossy coats and dignified demeanor showed the attentive care and strict discipline they received. Even in an unfamiliar place, they were perfectly calm, responding eagerly to the smallest movements of the young men riding them. At times, they even seemed to guide their riders in the right direction.
The riders were classmates of Nikolai and Alexei. They’d be recreating a jousting tournament for the festival. It had been Nikolai’s idea, and to motivate his classmates, he’d offered to bring several warhorses from House Krymov.
Nikolai’s house was famous for providing demonic horses to the imperial family and a select few nobles. But those weren’t the only coveted horses they bred. The horses used to mate with monsters and refine bloodlines were also highly sought after. Some of those prized horses had just arrived at the academy, and the students participating in the matches were currently practicing with them.
“Any of them catch your eye?” Nikolai asked.
Alexei chose his words carefully. “They’re all fine horses. My knights would be desperate to ride any of them.”
It was praise—with a hidden meaning. Knights would be thrilled to have them. In other words, they were not the sort of horse the duke of Yulnova himself sought. Alexei had to balance consideration for his friend with his pride as a duke, and the comment struck that balance.
Nikolai nodded, satisfied. “I’m sure you have better horses in your stable.”
“I do. Horses of Krymov lineage, of course.”
Nikolai laughed.
“I heard,” Alexei said, recalling something, “that the real treasure of the House of Krymov isn’t one of the demonic horses renowned throughout the empire, but a mare.”
“That’s true. Our princess is a beauty who’s charmed a monster so thoroughly it keeps returning to her.” Nikolai’s tone was light, but this was one of his house’s trade secrets. He wouldn’t have said it to just anyone—he trusted Alexei.
Alexei smiled. “Nothing is more powerful than a truly charming woman, is it? I’ve come to understand that recently.”
His eyes were still on their classmates practicing when Nikolai glanced over. Alexei wore a soft expression, quite unlike the ones he usually showed.
It made Nikolai reflect. He’d been in Alexei’s class for three years and had seen him ride. He knew Alexei loved horses. As the heir to House Krymov, he also considered Alexei an impressive rider. Since the start of this school year, Alexei had changed a great deal. It was something Nikolai attributed to Ekaterina’s influence.
Nikolai’s father, the count of Krymov, wanted to give Alexei a demonic horse. He’d found Alexei promising ever since their first meeting, when the boy was only ten. One of the great missions of the head of House Krymov—or hobbies, depending on how you framed it—was to find promising individuals and gift them horses to help them succeed.
However, Alexei felt responsible for allowing his father’s followers to kill the demonic horse that had belonged to his grandfather. He’d sworn never to covet one for himself, and he was an incredibly stubborn person who lived by his oaths.
He’s too damn serious!
It was painfully obvious how much Alexei admired and respected demonic horses, and Nikolai wanted him to have one. Simple as that.
The power of a woman, huh?
Despite his obstinance, Alexei often changed his mind when his darling sister was involved. Nikolai had seen it many times.
He hummed before asking, “Speaking of charming women... I heard Ekaterina’s birthday is in December. Is that right?”
“It is. I’m planning a grand celebration for her, so I’d be glad if you came.”
“Sure thing.” Nikolai smiled brightly. “Look forward to celebrating with you guys. I’ll have to think of a present that’ll make her really happy.”