When Edwin led the horse into the fenced riding area, the Young Master had just arrived at the stables. He was still wearing the black suit I had dressed him in that morning. If he was going to ride, he would have been more comfortable in proper riding attire.
Ah! I forgot—he probably didn't change because he thought I wouldn't be here. Should I have dressed him first before having the horse prepared?
"Get on the horse."
Excuse me? Wait a second—wasn't he supposed to be the one riding? Why was I getting on? Or… was his plan all along to have me get injured and fired? Heartless bastard.
"Why are you just standing there? Hurry up and get on."
And the way he said it—completely emotionless—made me want to smear the horse dung on the ground all over his face.
"But, Master, will Luna even let me on her back?"
"Why wouldn't she?"
He raised his eyebrows, looking at me with curiosity, as if he had no idea and was just waiting for me to say it out loud.
"Some horses are loyal to their owners. Would Luna even allow me to ride her?"
"You'll try, and we'll find out."
As he motioned toward the horse, he narrowed his eyes, observing me closely. Heartless bastard—of course it was easy for him to say. He wasn't the one about to get thrown off.
"Understood, Master."
Even though I was afraid of Luna, she stood there calmly and elegantly inside the fenced area. Edwin held onto her reins, but the tension in my chest only grew stronger.
The moment I took the reins from Edwin's hands, Luna began to grow restless. I tried to soothe her with a few gentle pats, but she kept pulling at the reins. I could feel the Young Master's gaze burning into my back as he watched me.
When Luna suddenly became more agitated, the reins slipped from my hands. She started running into the garden, and I heard Edwin stifling a giggle and quickly pulling himself together. I couldn't even manage to hold onto a horse properly—what a joke.
After Edwin retrieved Luna and calmed her down, he brought her back to me. But the moment I took the reins again, she yanked them away and ran off. Edwin brought her back once more, but no matter how many times I tried, I failed each time.
After several attempts, a voice rang out from behind me.
Turning around, I was met with the Young Master's cold, emotionless gaze.
"How much longer are you going to keep struggling? My lesson time is approaching. Just get on already—I can't keep waiting for you."
I couldn't even hold onto the horse, let alone mount it. And he just stood there, telling me to hurry up. If it was so easy, why didn't he try it himself?
"I'm trying, Master."
"Don't try. Do it."
Just remember that you need this job and calm down. You can't kill this person. Think about how to calm the horse.
How does one even calm a horse? I had never ridden one in my life. If I lost control of the reins again, I didn't even want to imagine the Young Master's reaction. He would definitely make fun of me. But I wouldn't give him that chance.
Alright! I had no other choice. I wasn't sure if it would work since I hadn't tried it in a long time, but I had no other option but to try.
I handed the reins to Edwin, and he took them without hesitation. After removing my gloves and tucking them into my pocket, I slowly stepped toward Luna. When I cautiously reached out my hand, she hesitated for a moment. As she gradually leaned toward me, I seized the moment and touched her. The moment my skin made contact with hers, she had fallen into my trap.
Just as I could feel the emotions of others when I touched them, I could also transfer my own emotions to whomever—or whatever—stood before me.
I had once used this ability to revive a dying flower. It was the first time I had used it before—to heal a flower. That flower in the garden… Its color was different from the others, strikingly beautiful, but it was wilting. When I touched it, the sorrow it felt had shaken me to my core. And yet, I had been captivated by it. I couldn't take my eyes off it.
Then… I had felt something invisible flowing from within me toward it. As if an unseen liquid was pouring out of me and reaching the flower. And after some time, its emotions changed, and little by little, it began to recover.
I had used this ability a few more times since then, but it had been a long time.
A sharp weight pressed against my chest. I felt so incredibly alone, as if I were shattered into pieces. The only thing keeping me alive was hope. But this hope… I was waiting for someone. Someone I thought understood me, someone who wouldn't leave me alone.
Why do I keep waiting for someone who will never come?Even though I know they won't, why?
When I came back to my senses, I realized that I had unconsciously wrapped my arms around Luna. I blinked a few times, and my vision became clearer.Luna… I didn't know you felt this terrible.
I'm sorry. Forgive me for changing these feelings you hold for your first owner. But I can't let you live with so much pain. You should experience life in a way that is more beautiful. You deserve the very best. I know—you're waiting for your master. But I know what it means to wait for someone who will never come.I won't let you carry this burden any longer.
I began channeling my most beautiful emotions into Luna. Peace, love, acceptance…And in that moment, Luna's demeanor changed.At first, she pulled her head back slightly. Then, she slowly moved closer to me. Within seconds, she began nuzzling against me.
I heard Edwin's astonished voice.
"Wow…"
The Young Master, on the other hand, was watching expressionlessly. But in his eyes, there was a faint flicker of something.Luna gently pressed her nose against my hand. I smiled softly and stroked her head.
"Thank you, Luna."
Now it was time to ride.
I slowly stroked Luna and stepped toward the saddle. It was my first time riding a horse, and I had no idea how to mount. As I let out a small sigh, Luna suddenly bent her knees and lowered herself to the ground. I stared at her in surprise, but when I realized she was actually helping me, a smile spread across my face.
"Thank you, Luna."
Carefully, I climbed onto her back. As Luna stood up, I lost my balance for a moment and swayed slightly to the side, but I quickly steadied myself, placing my feet in the stirrups and gripping the saddle tightly. Lifting my head to take in my surroundings, I caught sight of Edwin staring at me in astonishment. When I turned to the Young Master, a flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly returned to his usual expressionless face.
Recovering from his surprise, Edwin quickly approached me and handed me the reins. His eyes were filled with curiosity.
"Theodore, have you ever ridden a horse before?"
"No, this is my first time."
I smiled calmly, though I could feel the tension building inside me. When Luna suddenly moved, I instinctively gripped the saddle tighter.
"Theodore, you need to hold the reins, not the saddle," Edwin said with a light chuckle.
"Oh, right!"
As I listened to his riding advice, I glanced at the Young Master once more—only to realize he was no longer there. I frowned.
"Did you see where the Young Master went, Edwin?"
"Oh! A maid came to him just now and said something. Then they left together."
I see… I had thought my success might have made him jealous, but it turned out he had business to attend to. Still, since he had left, I should follow him.
"Edwin, could you help me dismount?"
"Of course! Give me your hand."
With a gentle motion, Edwin helped me down. I smiled at him in gratitude before hurrying toward the mansion.