Lord of Caldera

Chapter 17 Expert Level Riding Skills

After a moment of hesitation, Roderick nodded. Truthfully, he wasn't entirely comfortable with hastily teaching riding skills here. There's always a risk of falling for beginners. But it wasn't an option to have the young master walk if they couldn't find a cart.

"The problem is that my horse is quite temperamental. It's not suitable for a beginner."

"Don't worry. The one I ride is a gentle one. Even a beginner can manage it without any issues."

"That's a relief, but..."

"Come now, let's go to the young master."

Gaiden lifted the hesitant Roderick and led him to Sylas. With everything going according to plan, he couldn't help but smile. Sylas, who was in the middle of preparing his bow and arrows, blinked at their words.

"Learn how to ride a horse?"

"Yes, the situation calls for it."

Roderick repeated Gaiden's earlier explanation—that if they couldn't secure a carriage, they might need to use horses instead. He also mentioned that since riding was a skill all nobles needed to learn eventually, it would be wise to take this opportunity. After hearing the reasoning, Sylas nodded.

"I see. In that case, it's definitely good to learn."

"Exactly. If you learn it now and return with confidence, wouldn't it enhance your dignity?"

Gaiden eagerly added his comment to Sylas's positive response. He then quickly brought his horse forward. It was a rather large and imposing brown warhorse.

"This is one of my prized horses. It's gentle, obedient, and doesn't mind people, making it easy to ride. Unless something unusual happens, it should allow you to ride it without trouble, young master."

"I've seen it several times, and it's truly a magnificent horse. I'll gladly borrow it then."

Sylas took the reins from Gaiden and mounted the saddle. Roderick stood nearby, carefully helping him up. Watching this, Gaiden smirked inwardly.

'It is a gentle one, but it's quite particular about its rider.'

Some horses, even if not aggressive, become difficult when a new rider takes the reins. Gaiden's horse was one of those. When an unfamiliar rider mounted, it would get unsettled and resist, making it impossible for a beginner to control.@@@@

'It may not buck him off, but it definitely won't go where he wants it to.'

"Ah!"

Roderick was impressed. There's a saying that even a farmer who tills the fields holds a piece of profound wisdom. Wasn't that precisely what Sylas was showing now? To chase animals, understand their hearts, and become one with them through this connection—it was something extraordinary that naturally inspired admiration.

Sylas, gazing into the forest with a distant look, muttered inwardly.

"Connection, my foot. As if something like that exists."

In truth, everything he just said was made up to sound good. A hunter connecting with their prey? It was just about reading habits and anticipating the target. Hunting is nothing more than a battle of wits between two creatures. There's no such thing as some grand connection.

He just rode horses endlessly before his regression.

He had always been a wanderer, constantly traveling with a horse, and when he was pursued by the emperor's army, he had spent entire days in the saddle.

He had even eaten meals while on horseback. Naturally, his understanding of horses was as thorough as any nomad's.

[You have perfectly handled a horse you've never seen before, gaining experience points.]

[Your riding skill level is now 'Expert'.]

As Sylas received the pleasant notifications, he turned his head slightly. Gaiden, who had encouraged him to ride, was still in shock.

'It seems he was hoping to get one over on me, but his thoughts are too predictable.'

As a smirk appeared on Sylas's lips, Gaiden flinched. Sylas then spoke softly to Gaiden.

"Sir Gaiden."

"Yes, yes?"

"Thank you for lending me your horse. While I'm learning, I imagine you'll have to walk, but I will never forget your consideration."

"..."

The atmosphere shifted as Gaiden struggled to find words. Sylas's smooth response had caught him off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless.