Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 30

A Day Off (2)

We arrived at the stud farm. Horses were leisurely eating grasses on the vast grassland and I could see a large warehouse in the distance.

Even though we were not in the middle of the battle, there was still some tension in the fortress filled with soldiers. It has been a while since I felt this kind of relaxed atmosphere.

I thanked Vickirt-san and dismounted from the house in front of the farm’s entrance. Then, I walked leisurely into the farm.

“Ah, there they are.”

In the distance, there were two people that were wearing expensive-looking clothes and a middle-aged man with a nervous expression on his face.

“Oi!”

They didn’t appear to notice my call since they kept conversing enthusiastically. Only the middle-aged man seemed to notice me, and he appeared relieved when he saw me.

“Are you the two honorable knights’ companion? My name is Vizer, and I am the owner of this farm.

When we asked Vizer-san what happened, he told us. He seemed to be pretty anxious.

***

The two knights who unexpectedly visited the farm asked to be shown the farm’s horses, so the owner hastily gave them a tour, but halfway through, the two knights began arguing over which one mattered the most in a warhorse? Was it instantaneous power or endurance?

As a result, the owner became caught in the middle of the two knights’ heated argument.

To be honest, I didn’t care about the topic of their debate, but I felt bad for Vizer-san.

“But they kept their voices low, even though they were arguing.”

While arguing, the two of them appeared lively, yet the volume of their voices was low, as if they were having a regular discussion.

“Horses disliked loud voices, so maybe they’re being considerate of the horses?”

Vizer-san replied.

…They have sure have a deep love for horses.

“There you are. Let us just ask him directly. Roa, don’t you believe a good warhorse should be able to run for a long time. Plus,, if your horse has a high endurance, you won’t have to worry about a long distance march.”

So Luzel belonged to the ‘endurance’ side.

“I can’t agree with that. Roa, a horse that can reach full speed in an instant is perfect for you.  Your horse should have the most instantaneous power.”

“…I understand where you’re coming from, but I prefer a horse that is easy to ride and obedient.”

“I see, so you want comfort. Please recommend horses with a good temperament, Vizer.”

“Y…Yes! Please follow me.”

Vizer-san seemed to be really nervous.

I’d become used to being around Rays-sama, one of the kingdom’s elite, so I could comfortably hang out with both Luzel and Frein, but being around a knight must be nerve-wracking for an average person like Vizer-san.

Especially these two eccentric. Sorry for their antics, Vizer-san.

Several horses approached us as we followed  Vizer-san. Horses, apparently, have a curious nature and would frequently approach guests in this manner.

“These are our horses with a good temperament.”

He showed five different horses to us. Luzel and Frein were looking at each of the horses with serious expressions.

I simply stood there calmly watching them.

Hm? My neck felt ticklish. I placed my hand on my neck while listening to their chat. What was this soft, fluffy sensation?

“Whoa!”

When I turned around, there was a gray horse behind me, which surprised me. I looked down at my neck…ah, the horse has eaten the collar of my coat.

“Aro! It’s you once again! You damaged our important guest’s clothes! I apologize for his misbehavior, honorable knight.”

Vizer-san’s face turned blue. “It’s fine,” I said to calm him down. “This is just a cheap coat.”

It was simply a cheap coat I bought on the spur of the moment when I was still a court official, so it wasn’t a huge deal.

“This guy was just too mischievous. Please wait a moment while I take him away.”

“Wait, Vizer. That horse is quite nice. Did he have a problem with his disposition?”

Luzel, the great horse expert, asked, placing his hand on his chin.

“He has no aggressive disposition or anything; it’s just…When people from the stable come, he will flee, and he also enjoys playing pranks, like he did earlier. He’s a fantastic horse, but because he’s so cunning, no one wanted to buy him.”

“A clever horse, I see…”

Frein gazed at me with a serious expression.

“Aro is not an obedient horse so I don’t think he’s suitable to be a warhorse…”

“You’re correct that an obedient and powerful horse is ideal for a soldier, but for a commander’s horse…a clever horse is preferable. After all, a clever horse could be able to save the commander in an emergency.”

“I agree with you, Luzel. Roa, try riding this horse for a while.”

They both agreed on anything horse-related at the same time. How rare.

Aro next to me seems to be perplexed as well.

Aro and I squint and exchanged looks. I had a feeling that I would get along well with this horse.

?

“You sure you want to keep the name?”

Frein asked me while I was riding Aro on our way back.

“Yeah. His name matches mine, so it’s perfect.”

“Good then. Take care of him well. I’ll teach you how to.”

Frein’s eyes sparkled.

“We returned ahead of schedule. Since we’re here, how about we run along the coast before going back?” (Luzel)

“Good idea. It’s also a good practice for Roa.” (Frein)

Led by the two, I run along the coastline. The wind that blow as I increased Aro’s speed felt good.

“That’s the navy ship. They seem to be in a high alert.”

In a distance, I could see a big military ship.

The navy. Because there were only a few influential ports on the continent, most countries do not put any importance on their navy.

Our country navy was an independent and autonomous organization that did not belong to the Knight Order but rather to the King directly. There were even rumors that the kingdom’s navy was founded by pirates.

They were on a lesser scale than the Knight Order. They have just approximately 1000 individuals. However, the knights respected them and regarded them as maritime specialists.

That was definitely why Frein and Luzel’s eyes were fixed on the navy ship, like a child who discovered something new.

Thus concluded an enjoyable day in which I acquired a new horse and spent relaxing time.