It was a beautiful morning, the sun rising over the horizon and the clouds drifting ever so slowly. The tiny birds zoomed through the city, perching on the roofs and tweeting a couple of times before flapping their little wings once again.
Everyone was busy and occupied with their daily work, some just going to bed after working all night and crunching through the hours. The morning may be noisy, but they just want to drift to dreamland, sleeping like a log soon after.
As for our main characters... Well, they are a different story... It was still early in the morning, yet they were already exhausted and stressed out, walking sluggishly along the streets and groaning ever so subtly as they took their steps.
"Uuu... Are we really doing this... I hate it..." ［Yuna］
"Well, we have no other choice. We did make a promise." ［Grey］
"Uuu... I just wanna go back to bed and sleep all day. Let's just cuddle." ［Yuna］
"I'd also love that, but we can't be having that, My Dear. Look, we're almost there already. It would be a shame to turn back now, wouldn't it?" ［Grey］
"Fine... Let's just get this over with..." ［Yuna］
The reason for such was the promise they made with the children already. They are to learn horseback riding and sign up for the horse racing competition later on. Though, there is a qualifier round beforehand, so they might lose even then.
They said it in the spur of the moment and prompted by the children's pleas, but a promise is still a promise nonetheless. Just remembering how sparkly and excited their eyes were is enough to make them choke.
"Can't we just join the race without horses? We're much faster, right? We're also more agile! That should amount to something, right?!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, don't be unreasonable. It's called a horse race for a reason." ［Grey］
"Tch. I hate how sensible you are sometimes, Grey." ［Yuna］
"And I love you very much, My Dear. Now, stop pouting and head inside. The earlier we head inside, the earlier we finish. Let's quickly get this over with." ［Grey］
Neither Grey and Yuna have good memories with horses, and neither really wants to see the stables once again, and yet, here they are, standing before the place where all nightmares began... They just don't want to see the children dejected.
With no other choice left, Grey and Yuna soon entered the stables, and sure enough, a large open area greeted them. It wasn't a race course to say the least, but it was spacious enough to have a few horses trot and gallop around.
The horses themselves are resting in their own horse pens and chewing on some hay. There were all sorts of colors and patterns on their hides, their manes looking smooth and silky, only showing how much the workers cared for them.
There also weren't just horses from the stables, but also some rare breeds from the people who arrived yesterday. It seems like the stables are offering a rental service for their pens and taking care of their customers' horses for them.
"Hohoho! I didn't think I'd meet you here, Your Highnesses." ［???］
"Oh, good morning, Mister Logan. We're here to rent some horses." ［Grey］
"I did hear from His Excellency. You are learning to ride horses, yes?" ［Logan］
"Well... One thing led to another, and now we have to try and enter the competition. Though, we might not even get past the qualifiers." ［Grey］
"That's quite the high hurdle, isn't it?" ［Logan］
Grey and Yuna were greeted by a man in his early forties. He was short and wide, looking quite adorable with his bouncy cheeks and his gentle voice. He was the owner of the stables and also a knowledgeable man about horses.
Since it was partly Galvin's fault that Grey and Yuna had to enter the horse racing competition, Cedric decided to use his connections and ask Logan's help regarding the matter. With his expertise in horses, he was the best teacher they could ask for.
Of course, they won't be riding just any horses either. At first, they will be riding some relatively normal stallions and once they get used to horse riding, they will then be riding on hybrids and test out where their skills really lie.
The hybrids are a cross between the stubborn Bicorns and regular mares through a few generations of selective breeding. They are amongst the best horses in the city, the best steeds one could ever ask for.
"Then, I'll go get the horses first. Please wait a while, Your Highnesses. I'm sure you'll love them." ［Logan］
"Ah! Mister Logan, are we starting with a race right away?" ［Yuna］
"Hohoho! Of course not. We'll kick our pace one step at a time until you get used to it. It might take a while, but there's no better teacher than experience." ［Logan］
"Fuuuh.... That's a relief. Thank goodness." ［Yuna］
"Hohoho! Then, I'll get going now, Your Highnesses." ［Logan］
As suddenly as he appeared, Logan soon left to go fetch his prized practice horses and have Grey and Yuna ride them later. He already picked the best horses they could practice with and all that's left is a little lecture.
With him out of the picture, Grey and Yuna then started exploring the stables and admired the horses present there. There were dozens of them, and surely enough, each and different one was unique, be it in physical features or personality.
They went left, they went right, they went center, and all over the place. Grey and Yuna scoured the whole stable and soon enough, they found themselves in the detached stables where the customers' horses were being kept.
"Ahh～! Yesterday was the best! I didn't know they had things like that in Galderia."
"Tell me about it. That mall was really something else."
"Can't believe my father didn't tell me about it."
"Me too. I would have some sooner if I knew." ［Berns］
Along the way, Grey and Yuna heard some familiar voices chattering by the distance. They were loud and lively just like they remembered, a few figures walking up to their pens and joining their horses, greeting them a good morning.
It was the rowdy riders from yesterday, Berns and his friends. From what it looks like, it seems that they rented some private pens from Logan and are staying there for the duration of the whole competition, seemingly having a good time so far.
"Hmm... Aren't those... Ah! The travelers from yesterday!"
It didn't take long before one of them noticed Grey and Yuna's presence, waving his hand like an idiot whilst he smiled brightly. The others also noticed them and did the same, greeting the two as they brought out the horses.
"Thanks a lot for your recommendation yesterday! The Rabbit's Den really had some good stuff we've never tasted before." ［Berns］
"Yeah! They had so many interesting dishes, it was so hard to pick!"
"Everything was delicious too! It was so good, we didn't even go to a tavern!"
"Kyaa～! Just thinking about it makes me hungry again."
They only gave a simple suggestion, and it seems as though everyone enjoyed their stay at the Rabbit's Den. Everyone was talking about it with such gleeful expressions on their faces, some reminiscing about the breakfast they just had.
As one would expect from rich families, they rented the best room in the inn and had a feast yesterday from how good the food was. They were so elated, they bought out the whole menu and gave everyone free meals to enjoy.
Helen had just told Grey and Yuna about what happened yesterday, and though they were thankful for having new customers, it seems like dealing with the rowdy riders was quite the burdensome task. They are just too lively.
"Right! We were waiting in the inn yesterday, but you didn't come. Did something happenー Ah! You don't have to tell us if it's private." ［Berns］
"No, it's not like that... There were just some things that we couldn't avoid. You could say it's something from work...?" ［Grey］
"I see... It must be tough, huh... Actually, there was one time..." ［Berns］
They didn't ask about it, not at all... But when they talked about work, Berns suddenly started yapping and ranting about his work experience as well, complaining about all sorts of things and letting out some steam from exhaustion.
Just like Grey and Yuna expected, Berns is from a well-off line of merchants, and his family actually owns the biggest company in their city. They are a vassal of the Lord and also their biggest supporter, making their duties extremely busy.
He is the heir of the company and so, he is even more busy than your average worker. He is so busy that the only enjoyment he has is horseback riding which he also shares fondness of along with his father... He is talking quite a lot...
"Hahaha. Sorry about this... Once Berns starts, it would be hard to get him to stop."
"Then, we'll be taking our leave first. We'll practice with our horses."
"Good luck, guys. See you later."
Berns was a complete and utter chatterbox. So much so that he didn't even notice his friends leaving him behind and started practicing on their own. There were stiff and wry expressions on their faces as they headed away.
His life, his random hobbies, his siblings, his work, his hobbies once again, and so much more. The more time passed, the more Grey and Yuna got confused as to why they are even listening to his words, his words coming in one ear and out in the other.
It has already been several minutes and while they hoped Logan would save them, there was still no sign of him. Grey used his eyes to look for him, and it seems like he is still talking to one of his workers, a troubled expression on his face.
"And then I saidー Hm? Did those guys leave me alone again? Those good for nothing idiots, when did they leave?" ［Berns］
"Umm... They left quite a while ago, just when you started talking." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! It must be quite some time then. Sorry to trouble you with my stories, and thanks a lot for listening. Let's just continue some other time." ［Berns］
Finally, the man stopped his chattering and shut his mouth. He apologized to the two a little bit about how noisy he was and asked if there was something they needed in return for wasting their time. He may be a chatterbox, but he was a good one.
"Oh, right! I haven't properly introduced myself. I am Berns Meloberyl. We just met, and I hope to be in your care." ［Berns］
"Yeah. I'm Grey, and this is Yuna." ［Grey］
"Nice to meet you. We'll also be in your care～!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! That means we're acquaintances now, doesn't it?" ［Berns］
Meloberyl Company... A company located west of Galderia and is one that is known to handle consumable goods and magic tools. Grey and Yuna don't know much of them yet, but they do know from Cedric that they have quite a few branches already.
To think that Berns was the Heir of the company... It was nothing short of shocking. But perhaps the most surprising thing was that Berns kept his composure despite Grey and Yuna introducing themselves. As expected of a proー or so they thought...
'Grey and Yuna, huh... They have the same name as the heroes! Neat!' ［Berns］
... However, reality was far from what they expected, a completely different thought revolving in his mind. He may have been educated from a very young age, but he was a natural airhead which knows no bounds... He was just stupid...
The misunderstanding still in the air, Grey and Yuna chatted a little bit with Berns as they waited for Logan to come back with the horses. Soon enough, two beautiful stallions came from afar, but there was no Logan in sight...
"I'm truly sorry. A problem has occurred in the company."
Rather than Logan, the only one who came out with the horses. An urgent problem has transpired in one of the subsidiary companies Logan owns and he needs to be there to fix it, therefore leaving Grey and Yuna on their own.
It was a shame that they couldn't have Logan teach them the ropes, but they couldn't possibly be so shameless and selfish to hold them back when such a serious issue has occurred. But just when all hope was lost...
"Then how about I teach you guys instead?" ［Berns］
"Huh...? Would that be alright? Aren't you busy with the race?" ［Grey］
"Hahaha. I already practiced a lot so missing a couple days wouldn't be a problem, and I still have a debt to pay, remember? Just consider this my thanks." ［Berns］
"Ohh～! That would really be great!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! It's decided then!" ［Berns］
... Berns reached his hands out and offered Grey and Yuna some lessons. They could finally breathe a sigh of relief and soon enough, with Berns guiding them, they headed out of the stables and into the open grounds.
They learned their first lesson quite quickly. It was how to hold the reins and lead the horse, walking at a steady pace. All they had to do was be gentle with the horse and match one another's pace, not too slow and not too fast either.
They finally arrived at the open grounds and differently from before, there are now obstacles placed here and there from cones, vertical and horizontal rods, jumping bars, ramps, and so much more, adding to the variety.
CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP
Berns' friends are now racing seriously as well, riding atop their horses at incredible speeds and weaving through the obstacles as if they were nothing. They now look completely different from before, exuding the aura of expert horse riders.
There was no time to stop and admire the rowdy riders. After greeting them a little bit, Grey and Yuna finally arrived at their stop. They are now at the empty corner of the field with no obstacles nor difficulties in sight.
"Alright, let's start our first lesson then. If I remember correctly... Neither of you have learned how to ride before, have you?" ［Berns］
"We did ride a horse before, but well... It wasn't pretty..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. I could imagine... After all, horse riding is a process. It couldn't be learned in just a single try. We need to take it slow and pace ourselves calmly." ［Berns］
Mumbled Berns as he strapped a nice saddle onto his horse. He also removed the saddles on Grey and Yuna's horse, only to put it back again. He is not crazy, he just wants to show the two how to do it themselves.
"And so, our first lesson will be about 'riding' the horse. This includes mounting, balancing yourself, keeping yourself calm and focused, and all sorts of this. This might sound boring, but it's very important." ［Berns］
The mood over them quickly changed the moment Berns started talking. He now looks more collected than before, explaining carefully and attentively to Grey and Yuna the steps they have to learn in order to mount the horse.
There was checking on the stirrups, knowing which side to mount on, swaying your legs correctly so as to not hit the horse. finding a comfortable position, straightening the back, keeping your eyesight focus, and so many more.
Of course, he also taught the two a few do's and don'ts which beginners must know first hand. Especially those concerning the safety of the rider and the horse. He made sure to pound it all to Grey and Yuna's minds.
"Check the stirrups... Ball of the foot... Hold the reins... Balanceー" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! Mumbling it again and again won't work, you know? What you need is experience! So! Who wants to go first?" ［Berns］
"I volunteer Yuna. I'll just watch from the sidelines." ［Grey］
"Ehh?! That's unfair! How could you do that to me!" ［Yuna］
"Well, I have pretty good eyes and memories, so just seeing it once is enough for me. I think it would be better if Mister Berms focuses on teaching you." ［Grey］
It was an unexpected betrayal, but even if she wanted to, Yuna couldn't refute Grey's words. After all, Grey's abilities are cheat-like to the point that they are utterly broken. If he puts his mind to it, he can learn anything and everything flawlessly.
"Uuu.. Fine... I... I'll go first, Mister Berns..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! Good decision! I'll make sure to teach you well!" ［Berns］
Without another choice in sight, Yuna could only grit her teeth and start with the first steps. She heaved a sigh and his eyes glowed a serious glint soon after. She is still a little scared, but running away from it was futile.
Yuna walked up the horse, and just like Berns instructed, she mounted from the left side of the horse, held the reins loose, placed her left foot in the stirrups and put her weight on it, making sure to balance with the ball of her foot.
With the left foot now down, she then swung her right leg up, making sure to not hit the horse and gently sat down on the horse's back before putting her right leg in the remaining stirrup. Finally, she straightened her back.
"I... I did it! I really did it! I'm riding a horse!" ［Yuna］
"Congratulations, Yuna! And now for Greyー Oh, looks like you're done." ［Berns］
After riding the horse, Berns then taught the next step, which was walking the horse which requires a lot more practice than just riding the horse. After all, one should know and consider the horse's temperament first before proceeding.
Thankfully, the horses Grey and Yuna got were pretty tame. With just a couple soft bumps with their heel, they started to walk and circle around the practicing field, the sound of footsteps echoing gleefully in the air.
The harder part of walking was learning how to guide or steer the horse, especially when you have to keep your balance in mind. It took Yuna a couple of tries, but when she got the hang of it, it all came naturally to her. She was full of glee.
With riding and walking now done, what came after was "stopping", then "trotting", and also "posting". These were the basic skills Berns taught them and slowly but surely, Grey and Yuna got the hang of them all.
"Ohh! You're doing great, Grey, Yuna! Just keep it going!" ［Berns］
"Mister Berns, can I speed up a little bit?" ［Grey］
"I don't think there's any problem with that... Just be careful!" ［Berns］
"Me too! I'll up my speed!" ［Yuna］
The more they practiced with the horses, the more Grey and Yuna realized that their fear for horses was nothing but unfounded. Now, they are even "galloping" with the horses, going at speeds beginners usually wouldn't dare touch.
The only reason why Grey and Yuna failed their first horse riding was because they were inexperienced. The fear of falling down, the novelty of the situation, the sudden galloping of horses, the lack of instruction, and the panic.
But having ridden the familiars for over a year, and in the sky no less, Grey and Yuna have no such fears now and are much used to riding mounts. It was actually pretty easy once they got used to it... There was also one thing Yuna noticed...
『Grey... You're using "Autopilot", aren't you?』 ［Yuna］
『Hahaha. Maybe, maybe not～!』 ［Grey］
『Uuu... You meanie... You're cheating again...』 ［Yuna］
... It was that Grey was learning everything at first try, and the reason was none other than the fact that Grey was using both his "Divine Eyes" and "Divine Mind" to learn everything he can and apply it to his own body. A total cheat.
The couple soon argued playfully, telepathically, and their mentor could only smile as he observed them. He is also considered a genius in horse riding, but Grey and Yuna were on a different level. He feels really proud and happy.
"Ohh, it looks like they're having a lot of fun." ［Logan］
And just when Grey and Yuna are galloping like professionals, Logan soon arrives with a big smile on his face, a couple cups and a thermos on his hands, and a bag of instant coffee he bought just on the way back. There was a merry aura around him.
"I heard you were the one who taught them. How could I ever thank you?" ［Logan］
"Hahaha. I'm just repaying my debt to them. No need to worry so much." ［Berns］
"Then, would you like some coffee? I just bought them from Esperanza." ［Logan］
"Oh, neat! I'd love some please!" ［Berns］
Chuckling to himself, Logan then prepared some coffee for the two of them to drink. He simply ripped the packets, poured them into the cups, poured some hot water, and with a little stir, the hot and steamy coffee was prepared.
It has a fragrant and relaxing scent, making one feel better just by smelling it. The taste wouldn't lose out either. While it was a bit bitter, there was also a tinge of zest and sweetness into the mix, making it quite a novel and unique experience.
"Ahh～! This really hits the spot! This instant coffee sure is amazing. It's so easy to make but still flavorful. Whoever invented this must be a genius." ［Berns］
"That they are... That they are, Boy." ［Logan］
Though Grey had already predicted instant drinks would be a hit, he never thought it would change the very lifestyle of people in Galderia. There are even some talks of expanding the grocery section between Cedric and Marcel.
It has come to the point that thousands of people wake up and drink them first thing in the morning, during snack times in the afternoon, and when they work late at night. Be it coffee, tea, milk, or juice, everything was delicious.
"Haah... If only I could meet with the owners of Esperanza. Maybe we could strike a deal or something... Just kidding. Hahaha." ［Berns］
"Hm? Didn't you know, Boy?" ［Logan］
"Know what?" ［Berns］
"Those kids you're teaching... They're two of the owners of Esperanza, Their Highnesses, Lord Grey and Lady Yuna." ［Logan］
"... Hahaha! That's a good one, Old Man. You mean the heroes? There's no way that's true. I mean, why would Their Highnessesー" ［Berns］
He was laughing, but he soon came to an abrupt stop when he came to a sudden realization. Their physical features, their prodigious prowess in learning, their names, and the way the workers from before treat them... The dots finally connected...
Berns has been so carefree and clumsy that despite everything being so obvious, he was able to ignore them at a supernatural level and so did his group of similarly idiotic friends. He is now sweating buckets as his face turns pale.
"Eh... Wait... No... Ehh...?! Eehhhhh?! Haaaaaaahhhhh?!" ［Berns］
A loud scream of shock and disbelief rang all throughout the whole stables as Berns realized how rude he had been to Grey and Yuna so far. He quickly rushed to his friends, gathering them around, and apologizing to the two together.
Grey and Yuna were taken aback from the fact that they didn't actually figure things out, at a loss for words about all of them. Of course, the two of them forgave them all as they weren't so petty... A single thought came to their minds...
They sure are an interesting bunch...
CHAPTER 480 END