Hera could only see a big ck dog, disguised as a horse in front of her now. Sheughed as she shook her head while heading in to get the saddle for Diamond. But before she could reach the saddle, a big hand reached for it first, and a vani scent hit her nose. It smelled so good that she momentarily closed her eyes to savor the scent.


    When she opened her eyes, she met the most beautiful ruby eyes that sparkled in the dimly lit corner of the stable. They were like two precious gems, gleaming with warmth and curiosity. Looking straight at her amber orbs, the owner of the beautiful eyes noticed her moment of reverie. His eyes crinkled slightly in delight as he continued to lock eyes with her, sharing a silent connection in the quiet of the stable.


    After she realized that she was openly ogling at Xavier, she awkwardly cleared her throat, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she tried to retrieve the saddle from him.


    "I’ll help you with it," he offered, his gaze lingering on her flushed face, a gentle warmth in his eyes.


    This was the first time she had looked directly into Xavier’s eyes and studied them closely. She realized for the first time that they were a stunning shade of ruby, as he was often either closing his eyes for a quick nap or his hair shadowed them, making them appear darker from certain angles.


    "But Diamond might not like it..." Hera exined, voicing her concern that Diamond might make a fuss, as Bry had described.


    "You can calm Diamond down while I saddle him up," Xavier suggested, not waiting for her response as he approached Diamond from the side.


    Afraid that something wrong might happen to Xavier, Hera dashed forward to Diamond and started to caress its neck while she made Diamond look at her only. Diamond felt a presenceing closer from the side and immediately tried to wiggle from Hera again and again.


    "Diamond, be good. We’ll runter, okay?" Hera could only try to talk to Diamond, even though she knew that the horse might not understand her, but it was still a better distraction than nothing.


    Her gentle words seemed to soothe Diamond’s nerves slightly. Hera cocked her head in confusion, exchanging a nce with Xavier, who returned her gaze. "See? I told you," he said, offering her a reassuring smile before returning to his task.


    Shortly after, they emerged from the stable, Hera leading Diamond by the reins. As they approached the track, Zen was already circling around on his horse,pletely absorbed in his activity, oblivious to Hera and Xavier’s arrival.


    "Another race?" Xavier suggested as he mounted his horse.


    Hera’s eyebrow arched in subconscious inquiry, triggering a sudden recollection of Xavier’s initial wish to her upon winning their bet. Unbeknownst to her, this was precisely why he had swiftly proposed another race; Hera had yet to fulfill the wish by addressing him as "Brother Xavier" or simply "Vier."


    After this realization dawned on Hera, she averted her gaze, feigning forgetfulness. As if sensing her thoughts, Xavier strategically positioned his horse directly in front of Diamond, effectively blocking Hera’s potential escape route, should she attempt to use the excuse of training or any other pretext.


    "It appears you’ve forgotten our wager," Xavier gently reminded, a seductive smile dancing on his lips as his gaze traced her features.


    Hera attempted to feign ignorance, but Xavier refused to relent, holding his ground without retreat. If she took a step back, he countered with a step forward. Hera pouted, meeting his gaze. "Brother Xavier..." She said a little softly.


    "Can’t hear." Xavier teased lightly.


    "Brother Xavier," Hera dered a little more confidently, her inner monologue providing a steady reassurance: <i>’It’s simply a matter of addressing him differently. What harm could it do? I can’t be a sore loser...’</i> With resolve strengthening her stance, she met his gaze once more, this time exuding a genuine smile of confidence.


    After shing him a smirk, she gracefully mounted Diamond and deftly maneuvered backward before urging her horse into a spirited sprint, gradually leaving Xavier behind. Sensing her determination, Xavier opted not to pursue the matter further, content in having achieved his desired oue. Instead, he fell into step with them, joining in their training without further ado.


    After two hours of rigorous training, alternating between running, resting, and familiarizing themselves with their horses, they finally returned their steeds to the stable. Tenderly caring for their equinepanions, they provided them with nourishment and water before sending them off to their respective corners for well-deserved rest.


    As Hera stepped out of the stable, she found Aunt Sabby waiting just outside the door. Upon spotting Hera, Aunt Sabby’s eyes lit up, and she rushed over, sping Hera’s arm warmly. "Hera, you’ve just finished your training, haven’t you? You must be exhausted. Come over to my house and rx with your team," Aunt Sabby urged, momentarily forgetting Hera’s earlier deration about not being able to join them for meals anymore.


    "Aunt Sabby, it’s alright. We’ve already prepared something," Hera reassured, giving Aunt Sabby’s hands a gentle pat as they rested on her arm.


    "Don’t try to deceive me, dear. You’ve all been toiling away tirelessly all day, and then training on top of that. I’ve heard how challenging it is to earn points for food. If you don’t eat well, where will you find the energy for tomorrow’s work?" Aunt Sabby voiced her concern earnestly like a mother hen.


    Hera couldn’t suppress a chuckle as she inquired, "And did the participant assigned to milk the cow say that?"


    Aunt Sabby nodded absentmindedly, not delving too deeply into the implications of Hera’s words.


    "Was it someone under your watch this time?" Hera teased yfully, injecting a hint of gossip that the vige women always enjoyed.


    "It was the redhead. But there’s something off about her," Aunt Sabby remarked, her tone betraying a sense of unease.


    "Hmm," Hera took a second look at Aunt Sabby, realizing only then that Aunt Sabby might possess a keen intuition. "Then, did she help clean the barn off of shit?" Hera said, not even being shy talking a little crudely like the vigers.


    "She didn’t. She mentioned her stomach wasn’t feeling right, iming she was too hungry to work," Aunt Sabby disclosed, sparing no detail.


    Hera couldn’t suppress a chuckle. "Did anyone think to offer her some food?"


    "Well, you see... None of us were exactly in a state to offer food, considering we were all covered in shit and reeked of it. Plus, she’s so delicate-looking that we hesitated to invite her into our homes. If something were to happen to her, we’d be med for it," Aunt Sabby exined with a sigh, voicing the shared concern of the vigers.


    Hera couldn’t help but burst intoughter, oblivious to her surroundings. This was by far the best news she’d heard yet. The thought of Alice’s crestfallen expression and the likely disappointment she must have felt when her scheme failed, only to backfire on her, was enough to have Heraughing uncontrobly.