STABLE BOY ; Trash of the Count's Family

74. JOYRIDE

South woke up, confused.

Well, that's normal.

What's not normal is how luxurious this room he's staying in is. His arms felt weak and trembled, so he kept them on his lap, leaning his heavy head on the wall with a sigh. It's daytime, and it sounded like a town outside.

Ah, that's right. He was on the journey back to Harris Village. They went to the capital, handed off their delivery to the Crown Prince, and went home after that. He didn't remember reaching the forest, so he must have fallen asleep sometime on the way.

Now, why is he in this nice room?

...dammit, Young Master, you opportunistic bastard. I said I was fine with the stable.

"Oppa's awake," that's On, the little silver cat hopping up to his bedside table, speaking softly and not approaching, because she's such a sweet and kind girl that knows South shouldn't be startled now. Her tail swished from side to side curiously, "you slept for longer than usual. We got here two nights ago."

South blinked at that.

Then, "whuh?"

Excuse me, did you say two nights— No wonder he felt so weak. Why is his body shutting down like this recently? He's been resting well these days even... but disorders like his never had a rhyme or reason, that's why they're so troublesome.

"I'll get up now," he groused, the sleep in his voice not fading yet.

He dragged himself out of the bed, each step hurting with his muscles locked from the lack of use. It was only two days, so it didn't ache that much— it'll be back to normal once he jogs a few laps around the inn or something, he just really needs to wake up right now.

"You can get up, but the Strong Choi Han will come and stop you," On warned.

"Whuh—"

The door slammed open.

Choi Han dashed for him, but South dived right out the window.

-

If looks could kill, South would be dead right now. Because Choi Han was glaring, like actually full of the same level of rage he saved for Redika and all.

Coachman Leon— who was in Harris Village because he wanted to care for the horses before going back— was doubled over the side of the fence, Hillsman trying to comfort him because he hyperventilated.

"It's okay, he's fine."

"HE JUMPED OUT THE WINDOW, LANDED ON BRONCOXANDER AND PROCEEDED TO DO TRICKS! HE FUCKING SOMESAULTED ON HIS BACK!"

"It's fine. Broncoxander's basically his dad, he doesn't mind."

"THAT'S THE PROBLEM!"

Leon has a big emphasis on manners and outward impressions, being the Head Coachman and all. So Cale's honestly very impressed but not very surprised that south is the one to make him scream expletives hysterically in broad daylight.

Of course, South always had a fancy for driving everyone crazy.

"I thought we brought that horse here to retire him," Cale said, as Ron served him some lemon tea again. He sighed. "Why is he joyriding with it?"

Ron smiled. "You see, Young Master, sometimes, the elders just like indulging the young."

Cale refused to think about what that scary old man just said.

He turned out the window again, admiring the insane view. South had taken a diving escape from the second floor bedroom window— unfortunate. They put him up there because they didn't think he'd do exactly that, it was supposed to be an escape countermeasure. But alas, Choi Han was outsmarted.