Chapter 5

-So, in order to rectify the situation and clear up the misunderstanding, should I apologize to the ginseng seller?

-It would be nice. If you do not respect your people, then why should the people suddenly respect their ruler?

-Really. Tantalus answered shortly. "Then, dear Haneul, please accept my sincere apologies for the damage caused and let my personal physician examine your wound.

At this moment, the people who had gathered around us and recognized the emperor as the buyer almost fainted at these words. Yes, I was shocked myself.

-I accept your apology. But my aunt and my grandfather had already cured me. They both did great.

- Aren't you afraid that for refusing my help, I order you to be executed? With the same intonation - said Tantalus.

-No I'm not afraid.

- Your aunt won't mind if we ride? Tantalus glanced at Na Ree. She just shook her head in disapproval.

-Why is that? And I don't have a horse either.

- The horse is not a problem. The emperor snapped his fingers and ordered two horses to be brought in. I almost lost the power of speech. It was two works of art. One is dappled gray, the other is cream or Isabella Akhal-Teke.

-Oh my God! This is the Isabella Akhal-Teke! And this is gray in apples! Wow! - My hands trembled from the amazing magnificence.

-Pleasantly surprised. The commoner knows the breeds of the rarest horses. Incredible. Who taught you?

-His father was a groom, apparently there he was taught to horses. Haneul understands them like a fish in water. It was hard to tell if Na Ri was afraid or just in admiration for His Imperial Majesty.

-Then go ahead! Choose anyone and if you can even catch up with me, I will give you this horse! - Word of the Emperor? I narrowed my eyes. I do not believe

I him.

-Naturally! You can be sure of this.

I saddled a cream horse. Always wanted to ride on it. But in our corral, alas, there was no such.

-Does she have a name? I asked when we both

-

saddled our horses. -If you win, you can name it yourself

you please. Well, are you ready?

-Ready. What are the requirements?

-Do you see the overturned boat ahead? Whoever gets to it first wins.

-What happens if I lose? thought a little too late. That's what I'm talking about

"I'm taking you to the palace and I'll make a eunuch out of you!" That statement made my jaw drop.

-Then get ready to part with your horse! Let's go!

We took off with such speed that I almost fell off the saddle. Yeah, these are not the reins that they make now. Yes, my back is making itself known. But the risk of being exposed made me almost a terminator. Although I was now a little behind the emperor, I bent down and practically pressed myself against the withers of the horse. and rushing past Tantallus, I felt the taste of victory on my lips. Only a few seconds left and yes! The hooves, now my horse, were literally a few centimeters ahead of the royal horse.

-Well? What shall we call you? I asked - MY NEW horse and stroked her neck.

-A You really are a worthy young man! How old are you?

-Sixteen. - I answered briefly. - I'll call you Nara.

- How long have you been living with your aunt and grandfather? Tantalus suddenly asked. I didn't stop stroking the horse. So we went slowly towards the ocean.

- No, about three months. After my parents died in a storm, my aunt took me in.

-What are you doing? You also need to somehow help the remaining relatives. - The emperor pulled his horse by the reins, and I could not stop looking at it. Now I have my own horse! And not just a horse, but the rarest color! Where could they get it from?

-As soon as I was with my grandfather, I blocked the roof, insulated the house as best I could. I do hunting. My grandfather taught me how to shoot a bow correctly, and it seems to me that I am doing quite well. One part of the booty I bring home, and the other I sell. Money is also needed. In general, I do all the male work at home, no one will do it for me. On Ri from morning until late at night in the market, and grandfather is no longer at that age. And yes, he works as a doctor. If not for him, I would die from your blade. I reproachfully looked at His Majesty.

- Well, stop already! I did apologize! Tantalus exclaimed and I jumped OT suddenly. - So you will remember this until old age? The emperor said almost with resentment. At that moment, I hardly recognized him as THAT hard met in the forest. the person whom

-Axaxa! laughter. I escaped and I rolled off

"Great, now you're laughing at me too!" Tantalus pouted and turned away from me.

-Tell the people that you are now offended by me, no one will believe! Through tears of laughter, I said.