406. New Treasure-Hunting Plan: The Bone-Biting King's Legacy
Dawn came quickly.
As the first rays of sunlight fell into the mountain forest, the Varland Knight watched expectantly as Happy Stick—covered in bruises from being kicked by a terrifying horse—rode out of the mist atop a majestic Shadowmane Warhorse. His equally bedraggled brothers looked on as he strode proudly into view and came to a stop above the forest's sacred pool.
The spring flowing down from the mountaintop reflected the morning light. It was as if a radiant cloak had been draped over the warriors who had just completed their cavalry trials, making them shine brilliantly.
Countess Sheryl arrived before the ceremony began, too.
After all, legally speaking, the Winged Cavalry belonged to her family. But when she saw the especially majestic warhorse beneath Happy Stick, both she and the Varland Knight changed expressions. Clearly, the identity of the old horse that Brother Stick had tamed at the cost of more than a dozen broken bones was no ordinary one.
It wasn't just the Winged Cavalry captain and Sheryl. A few of the mountain folk elders also began whispering when they saw the horse.
"Isn't that—"
The Griffon Knight cried out in shock. Beside him, Knight Sunny said quietly,
"Yes, you're seeing right. It's the 'Shadow King'! The old count's warhorse, lord of the Shadowmane Warhorses, and the mount of every head of the Secomel family. It must have sensed the rise of the Secomel domain!
"It would rather submit to someone else than miss the chance to lend its strength to its second home!
"Ah, the Shadow King's loyalty still shines as brightly as ever, even after four hundred years of hardship.
"Its return is a symbol!
"There can be no doubt about it. The Secomel family and the Winged