Chapter 47

With the cooperation of Kelly and Torre, the stable was completed much faster than I expected.

The new stable, “Geni House,” was built in a spacious, sunny spot, surrounded by flowers developed by Lord Nazelbert. These flowers are a variety that is perfectly safe for wyverns to eat.

The interior is designed for comfort, featuring a bed made of extra-fluffy improved straw. This straw is also a plant created by Lord Nazel; however, since the plants he creates can be set with a single-generation limit, they won’t alter Sutrena’s ecosystem. Even the fruits are seedless.

I had the giant-sized Torre tear down the gloomy old stable. It felt more like a sturdy cage than a stable, and there were stains on the walls that looked suspiciously like blood—it was quite creepy. Whew, what a relief to see it gone!

Lord Nazel seems to have studied agriculture in the past, as the fields at the manor continue to expand. Now, various medicinal herbs are growing there as well. When we used herbs reinforced by my magic, they apparently produced effects far beyond the norm.

However, since the medicine can sometimes be too strong, its use must be left to the discretion of a physician. The fact that the shelf life has been significantly extended was a very welcome development.

As for wyvern riding, I am currently practicing at the stables in town. Since I already knew about their ecology from books, I spent time confirming if Geni matched those descriptions. I’ve finished practicing how to mount and dismount, as well as how to make him walk and stop.

Because Geni was such a good boy, the ground training was over in a flash. The keeper praised me, saying, “Your learning speed is phenomenal!” which made me very happy.

All that’s left is the flight training, which I plan to do together with my husband. Lord Nazel used to be a riding instructor in the past. He is busy every day with magical beast countermeasures and struggles to find the time. My confession is still on hold as a result.

I’m also quite busy myself with reinforcing fences and buildings, wyvern training, and maintaining the estate. But when we’re out riding, it’ll just be the two of us—surely no one will interrupt then…

“Well then, let’s go pick up Geni.”

I planned to bring Geni home today. After a final inspection of Geni House, I headed into town accompanied by the still-energetic Torre.

We went straight to the riding beast stables to look for the keeper. Usually, he’s waiting outside for me, but he was nowhere to be seen.

“Perhaps I’m a bit earlier than our appointed time?”

Since the front door was open, I peeked inside. I could sense someone was in the stable.

“Excuse me, it’s Agnes. I’ve come to pick up Geni.”

I called out, but there was no reply.

Torre, whose patience is always short-lived, barked a loud “Excuse me!” and stomped right into the stable.

“Torre, you can’t just barge in like that.”

After a moment of hesitation, I decided to go in after him to bring him back. I walked quietly toward the back, trying not to startle the riding beasts, but Torre’s stride was so fast I couldn’t catch up.

Just as I was feeling frustrated by the difference in our step length, Torre, who had been marching along in silence, suddenly came to a halt. It seemed he had found someone.

However, when I scrambled to catch up and stood beside him, what I saw was…

“Who’s a good wittle baby?! You’re so full of energy today, aren’t you-wun?!”

It was Tony, talking to a pegasus in full baby talk.

“Ehh…”

Wait, was he a fellow beast-lover just like me?

There are no truly bad people among those who love riding beasts—probably. My opinion of Tony shot up instantly.

Torre, however, seemed fed up with Tony, who hadn’t noticed us yet.

“Ahem! Cough, hack, wheeze, HMPH!”

Torre let out a series of exaggerated, theatrical coughs to announce his presence. I could practically hear his inner voice screaming, What kind of attitude is this—ignoring the Lady of the manor to play with beasts?!

But this was not the time to make our presence known.

“No, Torre. This is the kind of scene where you’re supposed to pretend you didn’t see anything and quietly slip away.”

Unfortunately, it seemed Tony had already noticed us; he was turning around with stiff, mechanical movements that went creak, creak, creak.

“But, Madam! We had an appointment for this time today! Are you saying I should just overlook him playing around in a place like this instead of meeting us?”

I understood Torre’s point. I really did, but…

“Just imagine how Tony feels, being caught using baby talk after acting like such a ‘cool’ bad boy all the time.”

He probably didn’t want anyone to know, right? Especially given his usual persona.

“M-Madam, how truly kind you are! I, Torre, am moved to tears!! However… it seems Tony is taking even more damage from your words just now?”

Tony watched our exchange with a face that had been completely drained of all expression.

“It’s okay, Tony. I won’t tell a soul about this. After all, we’re fellow riding beast enthusiasts!”

Until the keeper—who had briefly stepped away for an urgent errand—returned, Tony remained frozen on the floor, down on his knees.