Published: January 22, 2026
A while had passed since that day we played by the sea. On a certain holiday in August, I was once again leisurely reading a book in Lord Abel’s study.
Sometimes I casually stroll around town on my days off, but lately, spending time reading in this room has become my routine.
I wasn’t rushing through the book, but I figured I could finish the entire collection here with just a few more holidays.
“Oh, you’re here after all.”
Lord Abel entered the room and spotted me, muttering with a friendly smile.
“Good morning, Lord Abel. Thank you for letting me use your room again today.”
I closed the book I was reading and stood up to greet him.
“Good morning, Orun-kun. I’m glad you like this place. And sorry for interrupting your reading.”
Honestly, reading was a peaceful time for me, so I felt a bit “disturbed,” but I couldn’t say that outright.
Lord Abel was not only a noble but also a key sponsor of the silver rabbits of the night sky. I couldn’t just brush him off.
“Not at all. I heard you were looking for me—did you need something?”
“Nothing important, but, Orun-kun, do you know how to ride a horse?”
“Horseback riding? No, I haven’t tried it.”
His unexpected question made me raise an eyebrow, but I tried not to show it on my face as I answered.
“I see. Well then, how about trying it out? Horseback riding is my hobby after reading. I highly recommend it!”
Horseback riding, huh…
I had planned to spend the whole day reading, but it might be fun to join Abel’s invitation.
I was interested in horseback riding anyway.
“In that case, since you kindly invited me, I’ll give it a try.”
“Really!? Thank you! Then, could you come to the main entrance of the mansion at 1 pm?”
It was just before 10 in the morning now.
With two hours to spare, I could definitely finish the book I was reading at a leisurely pace.
“Understood. I’ll be at the mansion’s main entrance by 1 o’clock.”
“Great. Looking forward to it!”
With that, Lord Abel immediately left the room.
After seeing him off, I sat back down and resumed reading my book.
â—‡
When I went to the mansion’s main entrance, Lord Abel was already there.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Lord Abel.”
“No, no, there’s still some time before the appointment. Let’s go.”
With the maids and butlers bidding us farewell, I followed Lord Abel out.
We left the mansion and headed to the stables on the grounds.
I sensed there were nearly ten horses inside.
Lord Abel told me to wait, and after a while, he and an old man each led a horse on a leash.
Apparently, the old man was a stable hand who gave me a brief lesson on how to approach and handle the horses.
Following his instructions, I gently petted the horse’s neck area.
The horse’s coat was shiny and very pleasant to touch.
It was clear that the horses were well cared for.
After enjoying the feel of the horse’s coat for a while, I actually mounted the horse.
My perspective instantly changed, allowing me to see farther than usual.
Since the horse was well trained, it didn’t move even though I was unsteady.
“All right, let’s start walking slowly. As I said earlier, keep your posture straight and your center of gravity balanced.”
With the old man’s cue, the horse began to walk slowly.
“Wow…”
The sensation was completely different from walking or riding in a carriage.
“How do you feel about riding a horse for the first time?”
Lord Abel, riding next to me at the same pace, asked.
“It might sound typical, but it’s amazing. It’s a feeling I’ve never experienced before.”
For several minutes after, with advice from the old man and Lord Abel, I continued walking on horseback.
Eventually, I could ride without the old man leading.
I’d heard horses were intelligent, and that seemed true.
When I say I mastered it, it was more like the horse was responding to my feelings and moving accordingly.
Maybe it was thanks to the old man’s training, but more than that, it felt like we were “in sync.”
I also tried a light trot and a faster trot, and the old man gave me his approval for both.