Chapter 870 A Beautiful Place
Sure enough, once Susan got on the horse, Hugo took the reins and led her, allowing her to experience the joy of horseback riding.
The scenery was absolutely stunning. Green hills, tulip patches, distant castles and manors, flocks of sheep here and there, bright sunshine, blue skies, and fluffy white clouds—it was like stepping into a fairytale.
Hugo, sporting a top hat and riding boots, guided the horse while chatting with Susan.
"Not many folks around here, huh?" Susan's voice echoed in the breeze.
"Yeah, it's always been pretty quiet. A lot of young people have moved to the city," Hugo said, smiling up at her.
"Yeah, the signal here is terrible. My phone's got no bars, not even a hint of internet," Susan said, frustrated she couldn't contact Isabella to let her know she was okay.
Hugo looked up and said, "Honestly, that's kind of a blessing. Keeps the place from getting overrun and losing its charm."
Susan nodded and smiled. "True that."
A bit later, Hugo asked, "Want to let your friend know you're safe?"
"Yes, please." Susan nodded.
"Someone's heading to the city tomorrow. They can send a telegram for you," Hugo said.
"Telegram?" Susan was surprised.
She thought telegrams were ancient history, but apparently not here.
"People around here aren't big on emails," Hugo chuckled.
Susan couldn't help but laugh too.
Then, out of nowhere, Hugo started running.
The horse followed suit.
At first, Susan was nervous as the horse picked up speed, but it was a gentle pace, and she quickly got the hang of it.
Then Hugo sped up, and so did the horse. Susan felt the wind rushing past her ears.
A joyful smile spread across her face as she got used to the rhythm.
Hugo kept running until he finally stopped, catching his breath.
Seeing him panting, Susan pulled out her handkerchief and handed it to him.
Hugo gratefully took it and wiped the sweat from his forehead and cheeks.
Afterward, he looked at the embroidered handkerchief and slipped it into his pocket.
Susan was taken aback, not expecting him to keep it.
Hugo smiled and said, "I'll give it back after I wash it."
Susan felt a bit guilty. She thought he wanted to keep it, but he just wanted to clean it first.
While she was lost in thought, Hugo jumped onto the horse behind her.
"Hold on tight!" Hugo shouted, raising the whip and giving the horse a couple of taps.
The horse neighed and took off.
Susan let out a soft yelp, caught off guard as the horse surged forward.
This time, Hugo's chest was pressed against her back. He held the reins with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist, galloping down the hillside.
Susan felt the wind whistling in her ears, and Hugo's embrace from behind made her feel somewhat awkward. But she wasn't scared anymore; she had gotten the hang of horseback riding.
For the next three days, Susan rode with Hugo every day. When they got tired, they'd head back to eat and rest.
By the end of those three days, Susan could ride the horse like a pro.
Riding through the grass and woods felt incredible, like she was floating on air. The wind on her face and the raw feel of nature were exhilarating.
That afternoon, Susan and Hugo were having lunch in the garden.
Susan looked up at Hugo, who was eating with his head down, and smiled. "Hugo, I think I want to head back to Northstar City tomorrow. Thanks for being so hospitable these past few days."
Hugo's hand froze mid-bite.
Then he looked up and smiled. "Don't you like it here? Why not stay a few more days?"
Susan glanced around at the mountains, castles, and flowers, feeling a bit torn. "This place is amazing. I'd love to spend my life here if I could, but my kids are back in Northstar City. I can't stay away too long."
Hugo smiled and said, "How about one more day? I'll drive you to Rainbow City to catch your flight the day after tomorrow."
Hugo's heartfelt invitation made Susan hesitate.
Hugo smiled and glanced at the chestnut horse nearby. "You've really bonded with that horse these past few days. Don't you want to ride it a bit more? You won't find a horse like that or scenery like this anywhere else."
Susan's eyes fell on the chestnut horse. She had grown attached to it. It was gentle and strong, carrying her up and down the hills countless times. Horseback riding had been a blast. Honestly, she didn't want to leave, but this wasn't her home, and she had responsibilities back in Northstar City.
While she was lost in thought, Hugo suddenly started reciting something.
At first, Susan didn't pay much attention, but then she realized he was reciting poetry. It was a bit obscure and hard to follow.
But she caught some of it and frowned.
"What did you just say?" Susan asked, puzzled.
Hugo quickly lowered his head, touched his nose, and smiled. "Oh, nothing. Just a poem I remembered. It seemed to fit the moment, so I recited it."
That made sense. Nobles must be into stuff like poetry, music, horseback riding, and swimming. Maybe Hugo was just expressing his feelings for beautiful scenery, so she didn't think much of it.
"Alright, let's leave the day after tomorrow," Susan agreed with a smile.
Hearing her agree to stay one more day, Hugo lit up like a kid. Susan couldn't help but smile too.
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