The Water Magician

"Well, it seems you have already formed a bond."

The next day, as Ryo and Abel were petting Andalusia and Feiwan respectively, Vice Daimyo Fu Ten, who arrived at the stable, said with admiration.

"My bond with Andalusia is inseparable!"

Ryo said confidently, and Andalusia rubbed its face against him.

"I see, that's great. Nanbu horses are very intelligent, durable, and sturdy. Indeed, they may yield a bit in maximum speed to the Northern horses and the Northern Horse Riding Ethnic Group's steeds, but they can only reach such speeds for a few minutes. Overall, the Nanbu horse is the best."

"Wow! Andalusia is indeed smart."

Ryo said happily, petting its head even more affectionately.

However, after carefully observing Andalusia, Fu Ten tilted his head.

Then, he asked the stable manager in a low voice.

"Have we had such a gray horse before?"

"Actually, it just arrived the day before yesterday."

"While we were at Tiger Mountain? Then it's only natural that I don't remember seeing it."

Nodding at the stable manager's explanation, Fu Ten walked over to Abel and Feiwan.

"However, it seems that none of the stablehands, including myself, recall receiving that gray horse..."

The stable manager's words went unheard by anyone.

"I didn't think someone could tame Feiwan."

Seeing the black horse Feiwan licking Abel's face, Fu Ten said with a laugh.

"It seems he has somewhat acknowledged me."

Abel replied with a wry smile.

He continued speaking.

"Is it really alright? To receive such a wonderful horse."

From the perspective of Abel, who is the king, the black horse before him was indeed quite a magnificent steed.

It wouldn't be surprising if it were offered as a tribute to the emperor.

"That's fine. Besides, those from the imperial capital wouldn't be able to bring out its full potential. Feiwan would surely feel lonely that way."

"Whether I can bring out its full potential or not..."

"From what I saw during yesterday's ride, it was clear you've been accustomed to riding since childhood. You should be fine."

Fu Ten laughed as he dismissed Abel's concerns.

Fu Ten's horse was led out.

"Alright, then let's head to my lord."

They set off at a brisk pace, nearly identical to yesterday's, for an hour.

However, the outcome was vastly different.

"Ryo, you don't seem tired at all."

"Of course. I'm with Andalusia after all."

Abel noticed that Ryo wasn't fatigued at all.

Indeed, the saddle and stirrups were well-prepared equipment.

Yet even so, Ryo's level of fatigue was drastically different from yesterday.

"They are horses trained properly for riding, unlike those that pull carriages."

Fu Ten said as he dismounted.

"Well, yes, that's true..."

Abel knew that, yet the difference was too pronounced... especially for Ryo.

The three of them—Fu Ten, Abel, and Ryo—were immediately ushered into the back upon arriving at the Lord's Manor.

The guards of the manor showed no lack of respect towards Fu Ten.

It was as though they had known him for ages...

The architecture of the manor was completely different from anything Ryo and Abel had seen before...

Single-story buildings intricately connected, with courtyards, small ponds, and even gazebos scattered about.

"It's somehow very Eastern."

"Not the Eastern region, but Eastern?"

"I-It's just a monologue."

Abel questioned with suspicion, and Ryo attempted to evade the topic.

The room they were led to could be described as an office.

Unlike the offices in the Central Nations, there were no reception sets.

Chairs were arranged around the office desk.

"Ah, Uncle, thank you for coming."

A man in his late thirties with an elegant demeanor stood and welcomed the three.

"Lord Roshu, it's been a while."

Fu Ten deeply bowed his head.

"Uncle, there's no need for such formalities..."

"No, I am currently just a vice daimyo. It is only natural to show respect to my lord."

"Uncle..."

The lord, Roshu Ten, displayed a sad expression.

It seemed there was some deep circumstance surrounding Vice Daimyo Fu Ten.

Roshu Ten shook his head slightly and turned his gaze toward the two.

"You two at the back are the ones I was informed about."