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, donāt you want to?" Mrs. Wilson asked.
"Mrs. Wilson, itās not that I donāt want to, but I feel that a school full of children from all sorts of backgrounds is simply too crowded for me. I donāt think Iād 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 whoās 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. Wilsonās reaction was calmer, though her gaze lingered on Richard with a look of curiosity.
"I canāt speak about my teacher, but... heās even been teaching me magic," Richard said.
As he spoke, he raised one hand, summoning a faint glow of Aether above his palmāAether of a distinct violet hue.
Sister Lisaās 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 didnāt 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 wasnāt her sonāhe was the son of her masterāshe 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 donāt 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 didnāt ask about magic, instead filling the time with questions about the outside world. And he had to admitāthe world beyond this village was full of fascinating things.
By late afternoon, a group of strangers suddenly appeared.
"Thatās 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. Itās 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 statusāthough 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 Richardās hands.
"Have you ever ridden a horse before?" she asked.
"Yes, Sister Lisaās 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 couldnāt refute himāit was the truth.
"Since you already have experience, you can start riding this one. Sheās gentle and intelligent. If you give her a name, sheāll 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 nostrilsāa horseās 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 didnāt 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 couldnāt 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, itās time for me to leave. If Iām able to come again, Iāll 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.
"Itās hard to say," Mrs. Wilson sighed.
"Well then, donāt worry too muchāweāll 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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