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ROUGHLY half of the riders had performed when it finally came time for Siraiya and Noah’s turn.
A murmur ran through the crowd when their names were called. But that was a good thing. In a competition of beauty, whatever the reason may be, it was always beneficial to draw the eyes of the spectators.
The first segment consisted of the academy’s designated routine, followed by a free performance that the rider could create for themselves. These taxing routines required a horse that could stay focused. While each segment was of shorter duration than normal dressage races, riders had to make up for that with their showmanship.
Noah entered the grounds at Siraiya’s direction. The horse was already lifting his hooves high off the ground as if he were skipping along the racing venue. This was a gait called a “passage.” Not only was it a difficult move, but he was showcasing it before the start of the race, meaning he would receive no points for it. The audience seemed to forget their manners as they cried out in shock.
They couldn’t believe that this was the same Siraiya Brooke who couldn’t even ride a horse one year earlier.
But I wanted them to squirm. After all, Siraiya and Noah’s talents were the real deal.
“Do my eyes deceive me…? Hey, is it just me, or is he really beautiful?”
“You’re right… He’s so tall and well-built, and an amazing rider, too…”
I caught snippets of one conversation in particular. The young ladies were more startled by Siraiya’s exposed face than by his horsemanship.
It’s too late. You can’t take Siraiya from me, even if you finally realize how amazing he is. I get to be the one to make him happy. As I boasted in my mind, Siraiya bowed to signal the start of his race.
Noah took off again, carrying out each designated move as if he were dancing of his own free will. But Siraiya was signaling to Noah subtly enough that the audience couldn’t spot it. The judges, who adored horses, looked very pleased by Siraiya’s perfect riding posture as he maneuvered Noah with ease.
Picturing how shocked they would be if they knew that Siraiya and Noah had only met roughly one month earlier, I couldn’t stop myself from giggling. When I lowered my head to hide my laughter, I spotted Pierre and the other boys discussing something outside the racing grounds.
They wouldn’t possibly go that far, would they?
These boys were still the sons of nobles, after all. They would never sully their statuses as gentlemen by sabotaging a better performer out of jealousy, would they?
Well, it seemed my estimation was far too generous.
Just before the free performance began, the boys spread out around the racing grounds and began to pull out or kick down the poles. That startled Noah, who bucked. Siraiya tried to calm him, but Noah was agitated and breathing heavily.
How could they be so reckless? I looked back at the boys and found them smiling and waving at the audience as if they expected praise. Now I see. They think bullying Siraiya is a natural, justifiable act.
No one would have sympathized with Siraiya, an illegitimate son, if this sort of bullying were restricted to inside our small classroom. Siraiya probably would have accepted such treatment without a second thought.
But Pierre didn’t understand that things were different here.
Not only was the race a public event, but the crown prince himself was observing as the special judge. The boys made a big mistake disrupting an official competition so aggressively.
“What do you think you’re doing to Lord Siraiya?!”
“You’re just a bunch of hoodlums! Someone, call the security guards!”
I turned and saw those loud shouts coming from the two girls who used to follow Eddie everywhere. Their words spurred intense booing directed at the boys. Most of the discernible voices came from female students.
“Get those thugs off the field!”
“What an embarrassment to our student body!”
“Leave the race alone!”
The unexpected jeers visibly flustered the boys. Even as the security guards took them away, the blood drained from their confused faces. They couldn’t figure out what they’d done wrong.
I was glad to see them escorted off the premises, but that didn’t change the fact that the flow of the race was broken.
Noah seemed to have calmed down thanks to Siraiya’s reassurance. He lifted his snout to show acceptance, signaling to the rider that he was ready to obey the next commands. Siraiya sensed this and tugged the reins gracefully. But after a moment, I realized the music performance for his free choreography wasn’t starting.
I looked over at the orchestra off to the side of the racing grounds and found them exchanging glances, appearing to be deliberating on something. It seemed that the performance couldn’t begin before the poles were back in place.
Siraiya and Noah would have to leave the field temporarily while the course was set back up. However, between the scheduling and the issue of horses getting antsy, the chances of the performance being cut short by the judges were high. After all, they couldn’t waste His Royal Highness’ precious time.
Siraiya and Noah were ready to perform. If only the orchestra would just begin their accompaniment…
“Siraiya! Noah!” I stood up from my seat and yelled as loud as I could.
Villainesses were anything but quiet. Hearing a woman shout so loudly was enough to make the crowd fall silent in shock.
“Let us dance. Are you prepared?”
I only needed to raise my voice a little bit. That was more than enough for it to carry across the silent racing grounds.
Siraiya’s eyes went wide, and he looked my way. But then, he smiled softly and nodded, answering the question I’d just posed.
I inhaled, filling my lungs with air.
No longer would I deplore the fact that I’d been reincarnated as a video game’s villain. It was time to make the most of the body I’d been given. I was going to use these gifts to save the person I loved.
I decided to perform the passionate dance song that Siraiya had practiced with Mother. As the breath exited my lungs, I turned it to voice and sang fervently. It vibrated the air of the racing grounds, taking a path straight to Siraiya and Noah.
Noah began to move nimbly, ignoring the lack of poles set up on the field. The audience gasped, impressed, then fell silent once more. No one could tear their eyes away from the captivating pair.
Once the conductor raised his baton, the orchestra quickly began accompanying my song. That wasn’t a problem—I’d already given Siraiya all the help he needed. I cut the song off after one last line and sat back down in my seat.
Oh, that’s right. This song is the game’s opening theme, isn’t it? I realized with amusement.
Siraiya and Noah performed with perfect unity, step after difficult step, in time with the music. The judges were leaning forward over their desks, watching the pair in awe.
At the last beat of the song, Siraiya and Noah jumped into the air. They weightlessly soared over the few remaining poles. It was an unusual move for dressage, but our competition still included show jumping, so this could potentially earn him even more points.
The proof of this was in the crown prince, who offered his first standing ovation of the competition so far. He applauded as Siraiya gave his closing bow.
The audience gulped in awe. After a brief silence, they broke out into cheers.
Siraiya had been treated unfairly throughout his life. But now, an entire crowd was commending his achievement.
My heart was quaking.
Well? Do you see that, everyone? My beloved is such a brilliant, splendid person.
✦ ✦ ✦
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THE performances concluded, and with that, it was time to hear the results.
Each winner’s name was called in order. Finally, Siraiya and Noah’s names were announced as the champions.
The crown prince personally handed Siraiya his trophy. “You gave us the most magnificent performance out of anyone, even despite the unfortunate interruption. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Lord Siraiya Brooke. I was very impressed by your efforts.”
Siraiya accepted the trophy, lifted it into the air, and found my eyes in the crowd. The red ribbon tied around his wrist fluttered in the breeze.