Chapter 34

I have been running every other morning since early morning.

I realized that just cleaning at Mr. Bernard's house was not enough to maintain my physical strength. When I started running, I realized that not only my leg muscles but also my heart and lungs had deteriorated more than I expected.

I start running before dawn and run for about an hour, returning home at sunrise. The servants at Lady Yorana's house start to wake up around that time, so I have to climb over the fence before then.

Since I started running, I noticed that a man in his late fifties lives in a small house built right behind Lady Yorana's house, back to back. I was a bit interested in this man.

The man has a large, glossy black horse, and I have seen him ride the black horse several times. The way he rides is so beautiful that it almost looks like the man and the horse are one being. The man has short white hair and a dignified build. He must be a former soldier.

A while ago, the man was resting his horse by a small stream in the forest that I usually run through. I slowed down my pace before entering the forest and our eyes met. I thought it would be rude to turn around and leave, so I greeted him.

"Good morning."

"Hey, good morning. Are you running?"

"Yes."

"It's unusual for a woman to run."

"Maybe it is."

From there, we talked a bit about the weather and the season, and I bowed slightly before running off again. This happened a few times. The man seemed to look forward to greeting me, and so did I.

One day, the man finally started talking about something other than the weather and the season.

"What do you do?"

"I'm a commoner who works and raises a child."

"Hmm."

The man looked interested. I approached the horse and gently stroked its nose.

"What a fine horse."

"He's old, just like me."

Then the man introduced himself.

The man is Mr. Miles Grant. He is a former soldier who served in the field with his beloved horse until he retired.

"You must have served your country well."

"No, as you know, this country hardly ever goes to war. I didn't do much, but I'm grateful that they give me a pension to live on."

Mr. Miles said this with a smile as he stroked the horse's neck. The horse rubbed its nose against Mr. Miles happily.

"Horses are great. I'd like to ride one, but I'm living in a cottage rented from a landlord. He's a very good landlord, but I feel a bit hesitant."

Mr. Miles, with his light blue eyes, listened to me and said,

"If you want a horse, I can take care of it for you. If you want to keep one, I'm sure you can ride it, right?"

"I can ride a horse. I was trained by my brothers who were soldiers. Is that okay? Of course, I'll pay for the care."

"You can choose a good horse. I'm probably better at judging horses than you. Why don't you show me your riding skills first? I'll choose one that matches your skill level."

I mounted Mr. Miles' horse and walked and ran around to show him.

"I see. Not bad. What do you want?"

"A horse that can run long distances."

"Got it."

The conversation progressed smoothly, and I decided to entrust Mr. Miles with the purchase, care, and maintenance of the horse.

A few days later, Mr. Miles and two horses were waiting for me in the forest.

"Mr. Miles, is that horse..."

"It's your horse. It runs well and is smart. The price was lower than the limit you set. His name is Alleg. Try riding him."

Alleg observed me with his eyes as if he was examining me, but he obediently let me ride him. I walked him around slowly and tried a light run. It was good. Very good.

"I like it! Thank you."

"Then, leave the care to me."

"Thank you. I'll ride him every other day."

"Early in the morning?"

"Yes."

Mr. Miles decided to take care of the horse for almost the cost of feed, refusing to take a fee for his services.

"I know taking care of a horse is a lot of work."

"I have time. Besides, with that horse around, my horse will stay motivated and not feel left behind."

He laughed.

I want a horse in case we need to escape with Nonna in an emergency. I can't just take Lady Yorana's horse or carriage and run away.

I went home and made breakfast.

I woke Nonna up and we ate together while I told her about the horse.

"Nonna, do you want to practice riding a horse? Of course, I'll ride with you."

"Horse? I want to ride with Vicki!"

Nonna's eyes widened, and she leaned forward from her chair, breathing heavily as she ate her bread.

"I have to work, so we'll have to get up early to ride."

"I'll get up! I'll get up early!"

"Okay, then we'll ride every other day starting tomorrow morning."

"Okay!"

"Oh, and one more thing. Don't tell anyone in the main house about the horse yet, okay?"

"Why?"

"Until you can ride well, they might say it's too dangerous."

"I see. I understand. When I told them I liked climbing trees, many people told me to stop."

I see. That's right. They would say that.

"Until you can ride well, it will be a worry."

"I understand. Can I tell them when I can ride well?"

"Yes, when I say it's okay."

"Okay."

Nonna was restless all day at Mr. Bernard's house. She must have been very excited. I noticed her whispering to Mr. Bernard, "It's a secret!" and then running away, which was a strange behavior.

Since Mr. Bernard was in the middle of his research, I quietly closed the door and asked Nonna to polish the silverware, which she likes, to keep her in front of me. I did translation work at the same kitchen table. Nonna polished silver spoons, forks, and knives, occasionally meeting my eyes and smiling, "Mmm."

"It's exciting. Let's take a bath early and go to bed early tonight."

"Okay! What kind of food do horses like?"

"They eat grass like we eat meat and bread. But they love apples and carrots like we love sweets."

"Wow! Hey, Vicki, can we buy carrots and apples on the way back?"

"Sure. Let's buy them."

"Wow!" I couldn't help but laugh, "Hehehe."

Nonna looks like a noble lady's daughter when she sits quietly without opening her mouth or kicking, but she is very active and interesting inside. I taught her martial arts, so I also appreciate that.

That night, Nonna went to the bath as soon as dinner was over, brushed her teeth, and quickly went to bed. I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning too.

I can only write the title for the continuation of this story. w