Namgung Se-ga, the warrior, was reincarnated in Romance

Wednesday. In the beginner swordsmanship class, we focused on training to improve our basic physical fitness.

Calypse Agrigent, who taught the Empire’s genealogy course, entered the room today looking as frail as ever. Seeing the scarf wrapped around his neck, I wondered if he was still sensitive to the cold even though the summer break was over. I couldn’t help but feel concerned again.

Just like last semester, Professor Calypse entered the classroom, exchanged simple greetings, and immediately started filling the blackboard with notes.

On the first day of last semester’s class, I was so shocked I didn’t know what to do, but this time, it felt oddly reassuring to see so many familiar names.

Noticing that the names on the board had changed from last semester, I realized the students in the classroom were different. This likely meant that the group composition had changed, and there were now more students who could offer help based on the changes.

It was clear that Professor Calypse had done some research by obtaining the student list in advance, as it wasn’t just based on appearances.

It’s true that one has to keep learning no matter how old they get.

Sitting up straight, I listened to the sound of chalk tapping against the blackboard in Professor Calypse’s hand.

Sheyden, sitting next to me, seemed to be trying to remind me of last semester, making a soothing face as he playfully patted my shoulder. I ignored him and spun the pen in my hand.

“The names with stars above them are directly related to the people sitting here. They might be relatives, guardians, or potential adopted family members. Since we are all graduating at the same time from the academy, we are bound to influence each other. Remember these names.”

It was a bit amusing to hear the exact same words from last semester. Professor Calypse gave a short explanation about the names with stars, circles, triangles, and squares and handed out some handouts. This too, was exactly the same as last semester.

“As those who took my class last semester will know, there will be a pop quiz next week based on today’s notes and handouts. From now on, I’ll be giving handouts each week, and just before class ends, we’ll have a five-question quiz. There will be no midterms or finals, no assignments. Just study.”

After confirming that all the students had received their handouts, Calypse slowly shuffled to a chair at the corner of the blackboard and sat down. He had a bundle of unbound documents in his hands.

I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. Somehow, I felt confident that I could handle this.

* * *

Professor Bivan Otiff’s course on the praise of fine horses took place in a spacious open area behind the academic building. If I hadn’t come with Sheyden and Benjamin, I would have had no idea where it was, and I almost got lost.

Although I had walked around the perimeter of Cieran Academy a few times, it was usually late at night after classes, so I hadn’t known there was such a wide, nice hill here until today.

In one corner of the open area, there was a large building made of red bricks with a triangular roof. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the gap between the roof and the walls was quite wide.

It was designed with columns between the roof and walls to allow for good airflow.

As I stepped inside, a strong smell of animals hit me.

It was a stable. The large doors at both ends of the building were wide open, large enough for two horses to pass through.

The hallway was also spacious. As soon as I entered the stable, I looked to both sides and saw numerous horses standing in stalls, their eyes peeking over the hayracks.

There were over fifty horses, and judging by their shiny coats, it seemed they were well-fed.

Watching these beautiful, docile animals, I felt glad I chose to take this class.

In the far corner, a young man, wearing riding pants that fit him well, was picking through a large sack of carrots, carefully selecting them. Without looking up, he spoke.

“You here? Sit down.”

“Huh?”

“Sit over there. We’re waiting for a few more people to arrive.”

At first, I couldn’t tell if he was the professor or a teaching assistant, but when I saw the way he spoke, I leaned toward him being a helper.

When I walked over to the spot he pointed to, I saw other students, in the same situation as me, sitting on neatly stacked bundles of straw, waiting.

As we sat there, some more students joined, sitting on the straw as well.

Finally, the young man seemed to have counted all of us. He clapped his hands, turned around, and gave a wide grin, showing his sharp teeth.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Bivan Otiff. It’s been exactly two years since I graduated from Cieran Academy, and I’ve been appointed as a part-time professor for just as long. Since the age gap isn’t that big, if it’s awkward calling me Professor, just call me Senior instead.”

As Bivan Otiff spoke, he pulled some straw off his hair, but there were so many stuck in his hair that it only made the situation more noticeable.

As the students, chattering away, exchanged greetings and answers, one of them suddenly asked.

“Since you’re a part-time professor, do you have another main job?”

“Yeah, I do. I run a horse breeding and sales business at the Otiff Horse Ranch. I come to school twice a week to teach, and while I’m here, I also check on the horses’ health. It’s a side job, really. Anything else you want to know? Except for stories about my first love, I’ll answer anything.”

“Tell us about your first love!”

“Who said that?”

The students’ attitude was somewhat casual, perhaps because of Bivan Otiff’s relaxed demeanor or because they realized he wasn’t much older than them.

Bivan jokingly bantered with the students for a bit before pulling up a chair without a backrest and sitting facing them.

When he seemed ready to get serious, the students quickly quieted down.

“Anyway, in this course on the praise of fine horses, we’ll be learning how to choose good horses, how to care for them, how to feed them snacks, and how to properly use equestrian equipment like saddles and bridles. Is there anyone here who has never ridden a horse before?”

Almost all the students, except for six, raised their hands.

Most of the noble children had been gifted their own horses at a young age and learned horseback riding at home.

Looking around at the students who raised their hands, I realized that most of the people here were commoners.

At Cieran Academy, both nobles and commoners wore the academy-provided uniforms, so it was hard to tell them apart unless you looked closely.

These were children who hadn’t had the opportunity to buy or raise their own horses.

However, to earn a title and make their way in the world, they needed to learn how to ride properly.

After carefully observing the students, Bivan Otiff nodded.

“Then, is there anyone here who’s afraid of horses?”

This time, no one raised their hand. Bivan grinned widely again, showing his sharp teeth.

He looked especially cheerful and lively, which made the situation all the more entertaining.

“Let me tell you the most important things to keep in mind when handling horses. You’re all smart, so don’t worry. Horses are intelligent animals and can sense people’s moods and understand their words, so make sure you don’t curse or act roughly in front of them. You don’t want to earn their dislike. Second, never go below a horse’s line of sight or stand behind its tail. It’s dangerous.”

I already knew this.

The horses here weren’t warhorses, but they were clearly strong and sturdy, which was impressive.

If someone were kicked by one of these horses, it wouldn’t be surprising if their bones broke easily, especially for someone who hadn’t properly trained in martial arts. Everyone nodded seriously.

“And third, never be afraid.”

At Bivan’s firm voice, some of the students looked puzzled.

This was right after they all had just said they weren’t afraid of horses.

Moreover, the praise of fine horses course was an introductory subject. These students had come specifically to learn how to handle horses, so it was hard to imagine they would be afraid. But it seemed Bivan had a different perspective.

“There’s a common mistake that people who’ve never actually been around horses make. They don’t realize how large and strong horses are. If you stand in front of a horse in the stable right now, its head will be higher than your forehead. Is there anyone here who can pull a cart with a horse? Anyone who can run faster than a horse? Maybe someone who’s an expert in swordsmanship, but otherwise, it’s not easy.”

Sheyden’s gaze brushed against my cheek before quickly pulling away. I didn’t take my eyes off Bivan Otiff.

“When you see a big, intimidating mercenary, you instinctively shrink back, right? It’s the same when people see large horses. They get scared. Even if they try to hide it, the horses can tell. The fearful eyes, trembling hands, hesitant legs, and soft, insecure voices—they know. And the horses will lose respect for you. Why? Because horses, like us, are high-level animals that understand hierarchy.”

It was certainly true.

In my own experience, I had noticed that animals, strangely enough, always followed me. I believed it was because I had reached a certain level of mastery.

Even in the central plains, skilled practitioners of the Daoist sects could easily control animals like squirrels, deer, and birds. It was not unusual for mystical creatures to sense one’s energy and come to settle beside them.

Just as strong beings are relied upon by both humans and animals alike.

“Call it pride if you want, but show strength and confidence. Don’t be afraid, don’t hesitate. But also be gentle with the horses, and they’ll open their hearts to you. So, today, let’s start by feeding them.”

Bivan Otiff stood up with a smile.

The students also got up, brushing the straw off their clothes and making a bit of a fuss.

Benjamin hesitated, his gaze fixed on the stable filled with horses.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m… not sure I can do it.”

It was amusing to hear such a weak response from him, so I patted his back, reassuring him not to worry.