CHAPTER 12: SURPRISED

Richard thought for a long time, making it seem as though he was hesitant about going to school. This left Mrs. Wilson puzzled, for in her eyes Richard was always the kind of child filled with curiosity about the world.

At first, she thought he would be overjoyed.

"Richard, don’t you want to?" Mrs. Wilson asked.

"Mrs. Wilson, it’s not that I don’t want to, but I feel that a school full of children from all sorts of backgrounds is simply too crowded for me. I don’t think I’d fit in." Richard answered calmly.

"Of course, I want to learn, but I prefer studying on my own or finding a personal teacher. And as it happens, I already have one now who’s been teaching me many things."

"What?" Sister Lisa was shocked to hear his words.

"Richard, who have you been learning from?" she asked, her expression filled with confusion.

They lived in the same building, yet she had no idea about this.

Mrs. Wilson’s reaction was calmer, though her gaze lingered on Richard with a look of curiosity.

"I can’t speak about my teacher, but... he’s even been teaching me magic," Richard said.

As he spoke, he raised one hand, summoning a faint glow of Aether above his palm—Aether of a distinct violet hue.

Sister Lisa’s eyes widened in disbelief, while Mrs. Wilson seemed to struggle to maintain her composure.

Richard thought it was fine for them to know he was already training in magic. The important thing was that they didn’t know the details. They could simply assume he had a remarkable teacher, powerful enough to guide him in magic at such a young age.

Of course, he trusted them. Sister Lisa was only a villager here, while Mrs. Wilson had always cared for him deeply. Though he wasn’t her son—he was the son of her master—she treated him as if he were her very own child.

Mrs. Wilson finally smiled after her initial surprise. "It seems you are destined for greatness, Richard. With this, I don’t need to worry too much about your progress."

Richard gave an embarrassed laugh at her words.

Everything he did, after all, was for the sake of ensuring he had a bright future.

After that, their conversation drifted on. Richard didn’t ask about magic, instead filling the time with questions about the outside world. And he had to admit—the world beyond this village was full of fascinating things.

By late afternoon, a group of strangers suddenly appeared.

"That’s them," Mrs. Wilson said.

Richard was amazed as he saw what they carried atop their wagon: a tall, fiery-black horse, still young yet already massive in stature.

"Mrs. Wilson, is that the one you meant?" Richard asked, and Mrs. Wilson nodded.

"I know you want to explore, so I bought this horse for you. It’s called a Red-Black Horse, known for its incredible speed and a body far sturdier than ordinary horses. Records say these horses never fail to carry their masters to safety from beasts or bandits," Mrs. Wilson explained.

She rose and led Richard over to the men, who treated her with great respect. It was clear she held a high status—though only a head maid, she did not serve just any family.

They handed the horse over to Mrs. Wilson before departing.

The horse looked remarkably tame. Its face even carried an expression that seemed almost willing to obey whoever became its master.

Mrs. Wilson pulled its reins gently before placing them in Richard’s hands.

"Have you ever ridden a horse before?" she asked.

"Yes, Sister Lisa’s old horse," Richard replied.

Sister Lisa did own a horse, though it was already old. Sometimes, in good spirits, she would even teach the children how to ride. In fact, for ordinary folk in this world, horsemanship was an even more vital skill than reading. For Sister Lisa, who was willing to pay a reading teacher, it was only natural that she would also teach the children to ride.

She flushed slightly when Richard mentioned her horse was old, but couldn’t refute him—it was the truth.

"Since you already have experience, you can start riding this one. She’s gentle and intelligent. If you give her a name, she’ll grow fond of you," Mrs. Wilson said.

Eager, Richard mounted the horse with natural agility. His light frame made it easy to climb onto her back even without magical strength, despite her height.

Snort! Snort!

The horse blew air through her nostrils—a horse’s way of showing delight.

"Mrs. Wilson, thank you," Richard said, brimming with happiness.

Owning this horse meant he could one day travel far on his own.

Though still a child, it didn’t matter. He was already seven years old, while most common children began working by ten.

"What will you name her?" Mrs. Wilson asked, clearly curious.

"Is she female?" Richard first asked to be sure. He had a hunch, but without checking, he couldn’t be certain.

"Yes," Mrs. Wilson confirmed with a nod.

"Mm, then her name will be Athena," Richard declared.

"Athena?" Mrs. Wilson and Sister Lisa echoed, confused. The name was foreign to them, yet it carried the strength of a warrior woman.

Snort! Snort!

The mare snorted again, seemingly delighted with the name, showing her approval.

Mrs. Wilson finally smiled in satisfaction.

"Richard, it’s time for me to leave. If I’m able to come again, I’ll be sure to bring an even more valuable gift," she said.

Hearing she was leaving, Richard quickly dismounted.

"Mrs. Wilson, when will you return?" he asked.

"It’s hard to say," Mrs. Wilson sighed.

"Well then, don’t worry too much—we’ll meet again," she added with a smile.

And with that, she walked away, her pace quickening until her figure disappeared before Richard even realized it.

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