Three days later, Murphy was spreading freshly dried hay in an empty stable when a commotion broke out outside.
A few grooms who had gone specifically to watch the recruitment returned in high spirits.
"The Tax Officer's young master is incredible at riding! You could tell that thoroughbred was worth a fortune."
"If you ask me, the young master from the Baron's distant relatives was the most impressive. I heard his armor alone is worth ten years of our wages."
"The sons of nobility are just different. They get the best training from a young age, so it's only right they get chosen."
"Isn't that the truth? The children of noble lords are born to be Knights. For commoners like us, just being able to tend the horses here is a blessing from the heavens."
"I heard that of the six people chosen this time, five are from noble families. The only commoner is Lawson, the son of the owner of the Broken Spear Tavern. He really lucked out to get picked."
"Shh! Keep it down," another groom quickly stopped him. "Anyone who gets chosen is a lord to us. What right do we servants have to gossip about them? Have you forgotten about Carl?"
The grooms quickly fell silent.
Listening to their discussion, Murphy understood. The public stables currently had only six warhorses, and they had just recruited six new Knight's Attendants.
'These so-called sons of nobility are mostly just related in some way to the Attendants, Knights, and the Baron's family; they don't hold any real titles themselves.'
But in the eyes of the grooms, anyone from a well-off family with any connection to the nobility was simply called a "noble lord."
A short while later, two figures blocked the light at the stable entrance.
Murphy looked up and saw the Knight's Attendant, Leo, standing there.
The Mill Master's son was dressed in the exquisite uniform of a Knight's Attendant, with a Knight's Sword at his waist, the same model as Tommy Han's.
He was followed by a young man in rough linen clothes, creating a stark contrast.
"Murphy, this is the new Knight's Attendant, Lawson."
Leo's tone was even, but he didn't deign to look Murphy in the eye.
Murphy put down his pitchfork, hurried forward, and bowed.
He noticed that the young Attendant named Lawson was about fourteen or fifteen, younger than him, with short, flaxen hair and blue eyes. Despite his age, he was a little taller than Murphy was now.
Lawson gave a gentle nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Murphy."
Murphy maintained his respectful posture. "Hello, Lord Lawson."
Leo said flatly, "Lawson needs a warhorse and a groom. I've heard you're reasonably diligent in tending to the horses, so you can be his groom."
Murphy replied humbly, "It would be my honor."
But Lawson offered a sincere smile. "Actually, I specifically asked Leo to bring me to you. When I was at the tavern, I often heard customers talk about your skill with horses."
Leo snorted. "Lawson, you're too soft. Now that you're a Knight's Attendant, you should have the dignity that comes with the position."
"You're right, Leo."
Lawson replied respectfully, but his tone was still gentle when he turned to Murphy. "Would you mind taking us to choose a warhorse? I don't know much about them and could use a professional's advice."
"As you command."
On the way to the public stables, Leo walked ahead, keeping his distance from Murphy.
Lawson, however, walked naturally alongside Murphy, but Murphy maintained a respectful posture, always half a step behind.
"To be honest, I was just lucky to be chosen."
Lawson said to Murphy in a low voice, "The other five are all from noble families and have had professional training since they were children."
Without turning his head, Leo, who was walking in front, said, "Lawson, there's no need to be so modest. The fact that you were chosen proves you have the skill. However..."
He paused deliberately. "But you really should be mindful of your status. It's not appropriate to get too close to a groom."
Murphy kept his head down, saying nothing no matter what Leo said.
They arrived at the warhorse section of the public stables.
Two grooms were cleaning the stalls; one was shoveling manure while the other refilled a water trough.
Upon seeing the two Knight's Attendants, the men quickly dropped their tools and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Lord Leo. Greetings, my lord."
Leo gave a slight, arrogant nod. "Lawson is here to choose a warhorse. Bring out your best."
He scanned the two grooms coldly. "Don't even think about trying to fool us with subpar stock. If I find out you've deceived us, you know the consequences."
The older groom hastily replied, "Rest assured, my lord. We have several fine warhorses here. We would never dare deceive you."
Lawson changed the subject at the right moment. "Murphy, which horse do you think is suitable?"
Murphy answered respectfully, "That depends on your riding skill and preference. Are you used to riding more docile horses, or more spirited ones?"
Lawson looked a little embarrassed. "I've never ridden a horse before. But since it's a warhorse, shouldn't I choose one with more fire?"
Murphy offered his advice cautiously, "Not necessarily. The most important thing for a warhorse is its rapport with the Knight. A horse that listens is better than a wild stallion that's hard to control, especially for a newly promoted Attendant."
Leo waved his hand impatiently. "Enough with the theories. Just bring the horse out so we can have a look."
Murphy walked into the stable, studied the horses for a moment, and finally pointed to a bay-colored warhorse. "This one, 'Red Leaf,' has a gentle temperament but quick reflexes. She's a three-year-old adult, one of the better ones among the reserve warhorses."
Lawson approached to get a closer look. Red Leaf placidly swished her tail and let out a friendly nicker.
Lawson said with admiration, "What a beautiful horse. May I try riding her?"
After receiving permission, Lawson saddled up and rode a few laps around the training grounds.
Although his form wasn't perfect, Red Leaf was very docile, and they seemed to be a good match.
After dismounting, Lawson patted Red Leaf's neck, satisfied. "She's very obedient and really suits me. Murphy, you have a good eye."
Murphy lowered his head humbly. "You're too kind, my lord."
Leo scrutinized Red Leaf and gave a reluctant nod. "This horse is acceptable for a Knight's Attendant. Since you've decided, get the paperwork done as soon as possible."
On the way back to the main stables, Leo quickly made an excuse about needing to train and left ahead of them.
Lawson walked alongside Murphy, but Murphy always maintained a respectful distance.
Lawson's tone was sincere. "Murphy, I'll be in your care from now on. Even though I'm a Knight's Attendant, I'm still just a tavern owner's son. I don't know a lot of the rules."
Murphy replied, "You're being too modest, my lord. It is my duty to serve you."
Lawson said suddenly, "I heard about what happened with your grandfather and Lord Yor. Actually, my father was also acquainted with Lord Yor. He used to come drink at our tavern often."
The news took Murphy by surprise. He showed shock on his face. "That customer was Lord Yor?"
Lawson smiled and nodded.
The sun was beginning to set by the time they returned to the main stables.
Murphy carefully settled Red Leaf into a clean stall, adding fresh fodder and clean water.
Lawson stood to the side, watching and occasionally asking about the details of horse care.
Murphy answered each question respectfully.
Finally, Lawson said, "That's all for today. Thank you for your hard work, Murphy."
Murphy said, "It is my honor to serve you."
After Lawson left, Murphy remained in the stable to continue caring for Red Leaf.
The warhorse ate her oats placidly, occasionally looking up at her new caretaker.
Murphy gently groomed the mare's mane, thinking to himself, 'Lawson is an Attendant from a commoner background, and he probably just became one. That's likely why he still shows a groom like me some basic respect.'
'I just wonder how long this humility will last. After all, a taste of power often changes a person.'
Night fell. Murphy lit an oil lamp and continued to care for the warhorse under its dim, yellow light.
Red Leaf contentedly enjoyed the grooming, letting out a satisfied nicker from time to time.
Murphy stroked the mare's neck, feeling the warmth under his fingertips. No matter what the future held, at least the warhorse's rations were finally secure.