They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 164 - 164 Different Opponents

Chapter 164: Different Opponents Chapter 164: Different Opponents He reached the end of the track, pulling the horse into a flawless stop, the beast’s nostrils flaring as it huffed, as if knowing it had just stolen the spotlight.

Without a word, Asher turned the stallion around, heading back with the same arrogance that made him both admired and feared.

The final kingdom to showcase their horse was Roxurun, the legendary breeders of the finest horses across all lands.

The anticipation among the audience was thick, if there was one kingdom everyone expected to dominate this event, it was them.

Then, emerging at the far end of the track was Prince Ankhbayar of Roxurun, riding a stunning brown stallion that looked almost too perfect to be real.

Its coat was sleek, shining like polished mahogany under the sunlight, every muscle defined and strong.

Unlike the previous horses, this one moved with an effortless grace, as if it wasn’t just running but gliding across the ground.

Ankhbayar sat atop the stallion with a quiet confidence, his frame lean but well built, every movement precise.

His riding gear, though tight, highlighted his toned physique, and the contrast of his slender form against the raw power of the horse beneath him made him even more striking.

As he guided the stallion forward, the control he had over the beast was absolute.

Unlike the aggressive dominance of Gigangum’s prince or the noble elegance of Haran’s, Ankhbayar’s command over his horse was almost like a conversation, silent, mutual understanding.

He wasn’t forcing the horse to perform; he was merely allowing it to shine.

The crowd was captivated.

The moment he passed, a new wave of shrieks and gasps erupted from the young ladies.

“Oh, he’s so refined!” one whispered, clutching her chest dramatically.

“I thought Asher was the peak, but look at Ankhbayar!

He’s, he’s, perfect!” another wailed, nearly falling over.

“I swear, if he looks in this direction, I’ll die,” someone else whispered breathlessly.

The more experienced horsemen in the audience nodded in appreciation.

This wasn’t just a display of strength or beauty, it was mastery.

Roxurun’s horses were legendary for a reason, and Ankhbayar had just proven why.

Even some of the other princes watched with interest.

There was no doubt about it, this was Roxurun’s domain.

Ankhbayar reached the end of the track and pulled his horse to a smooth stop.

The stallion neighed softly, as if acknowledging the audience’s admiration, before Ankhbayar gently turned it around and made his way back with the same calm, unshaken composure.

As the display of horses concluded, applause echoed through the grand stadium.

The audience had been thoroughly entertained, but now, anticipation thickened in the air.

The real competition was about to begin.

No one paid much attention to the smaller kingdoms’ horse displays after the major kingdoms had showcased their finest breeds.

While impressive, they simply couldn’t compare to the grandeur of Roxurun’s legendary horses or the prideful showcases from Lionara, Haran, Dixan, and Gigangum.

Now, it was time for the true test.

The horse race.

This was where strength, skill, and raw determination would shine.

No matter how well a kingdom bred its horses, victory would ultimately depend on the rider.

And in this, every major kingdom was determined to prove its superiority.

The system was simple: lots were drawn to determine one on one matchups between the fifteen participating kingdoms, including the four great powers and Lionara.

At first, the major kingdoms avoided competing against each other, their riders instead being paired with challengers from the minor kingdoms.

Excitement rippled through the crowd as the first match was announced.

“Lionara versus the Southern Kingdom of Azmira!” Expectant eyes turned toward the staging area, ready to see the first prince of Lionara take his place.

However, whispers filled the stands when it wasn’t Prince Somto who stepped forward, but First Princess Ebere.

Gasps spread like wildfire.

“Why is the first princess competing?” someone murmured.

“Shouldn’t the first prince be the one representing Lionara?” “After everything yesterday… maybe she’s proving herself again?” Ebere, dressed in sleek deep red riding gear that accentuated her commanding presence, walked toward the waiting horses.

She carried herself with undeniable confidence, making it clear she was not here to lose.

Her short, soft hair was tied back into an elegant hairdo, and her piercing gaze was filled with determination.

Her opponent, a noble from Azmira, stiffened under the pressure.

He had expected to compete against prince Somto, not a princess, but Ebere looked completely unfazed.

There would be time for the princesses to compete, and this was a competition meant for the princes.

Many among the gathered royals were not pleased to see a princess taking the stage so soon.

Their eyes shifted toward First Prince Somto, but not with admiration, with malice.

As the highest ranked prince among the competing kingdoms, excluding the two visiting princes from the previous day, Somto had long been seen as the one to beat.

Princes from other major kingdoms had eagerly anticipated challenging him, determined to prove that he was not superior to them.

Now, however, the first match featured his sister instead of him, and many took it as an insult to the competition itself.

One such opponent, the prince from Azmira, made his displeasure known.

Already mounted on his horse, he suddenly dismounted with an air of arrogance.

His boots hit the ground with a sharp thud as he strode toward the royal seating area, his posture exuding irritation.

Stopping just before the Lionara royals, he turned to face King Ikechukwu directly.

His voice rang out through the hushed stadium.

“What is this, Your Majesty?

Why am I competing against a princess?” The disdain in his tone was unmistakable, he didn’t even bother to mask it.

Ebere smirked, tilting her head slightly.

“What?

Are you too afraid to compete with me?” Her voice rang out with confidence, her smirk daring him to respond.

But the prince from Azmira did not even glance her way.

He acted as though she hadn’t spoken at all, his eyes remaining firmly on King Ikechukwu, still waiting for an answer.

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