Before Sir Augustine returned to the estate, John Neville had been grooming, cleaning the hooves, and changing the hooves of his black thoroughbred Bob in the stables. The reason for active preparation, naturally, was for his first paramilitary operation.

Little John, who was called foster and actually lived as a knight's squire on the Asker Manor, except for the food and lodging provided by Sir Augustine for free, other aspects such as weapons, horses, armor, clothing, and the cost of hiring the priest Maupham as a teacher all came from his own family. And because his stepmother, Catherine Neville, and his godmother Isabel are very good partners, everything he needs as a knightly squire is the best.

At this moment, Yul Carter, the stable manservant who was cleaning up horse droppings, dirt and grass clippings in the stable compartment, pushed a cart full of miscellaneous items to his war stall, put down the cart and glanced at him, "Sir, what will make you so happy today?" ”

John, who was carefully combing the horse's fur with a brush in hand, glanced sideways at the manservant, "Well, guess what. ”

"I can't guess." Yule said with a smile, then thought for a moment and said, "You're going back to your father's estate." ”

"You mean going home? No, going home is nowhere near as good as this, you guess. ”

"Let me think about it. Well, it must be that the young lady is planning to take you somewhere to play or train?! ”

Little John put down the brush and looked at him with a smile, "How did you guess this guy?" ”

Yule Carter, a horse boy who had a relationship with Isabel at the time, was appointed as a senior valet to oversee the stables after his father's illness and death. Although he is only 15 years old this year, he is very familiar with all things the stables and horses. This was not only due to his father's words and deeds, but also to Isabel's selfless help to him. Out of gratitude and loyalty to Isabel, he continued to do some of the work of ordinary servants after assuming the position of senior valet overseeing the affairs of the stables.

Yule smiled happily, "Sir, going to play outside of the manor is every boy's favorite thing to do. No work, no tiredness, right? ”

John continued to brush the fur of the war horse that his stepmother had bought for him, "Yule, you're right. Tomorrow's outing, though, isn't for fun. ”

"Actually, it seems to me that it's the same. It's just that you've turned the game of catching thieves into a reality. ”

"Yule, this is my first operation. You know, boys my age continue to train. ”

"Sir, I wish you a victorious return. Especially under the command of the young lady, you can definitely defeat the thieves. ”

After hearing the compliment, little John's mood changed for the better. Putting down the brush and walking out of the cubicle, he came to Yule, "Yule, you know, although I have a completely different identity and status from you, I still regard you as a playmate. ”

Yule hurriedly saluted him, "Sir, I'm grateful that you treat me like this. ”

"Yule, you don't have to. If you have to thank you, you should thank my godmother for teaching me. ”

"Yes, sir."

"Yule, I'm very happy today. Tell me, what kind of gift do you want to get when I come back from the operation? ”

"Sir, I—" Yul didn't know what to say for a moment, and looked at the eldest son of the nobleman who was a few years younger than himself in front of him, "Sir, if I could, I would most like to get a pair of harnesses." ”

Little John laughed and patted the other party's shoulder, "It's so simple? Well, no problem. If I'm lucky, I can grab another horse for you, how about that? ”

The two looked at each other a few times and laughed. Then the servant sent by the steward found little John in the stables, "Sir, supper is ready, please go and have it." ”

"But I haven't finished maintaining the horses yet." Little John glanced at the valet a few times anxiously.

"Sir, I'll do it for you. I promise to replace all the new horseshoes with them at the end of dinner. Yule stared at little John as if he were a real valet playmate.

Little John stared at him, "No, it's my job. If my godmother found out, I would have been punished. ”

"Alright, go ahead. Don't leave Sir and Madame Sir and Miss waiting. ”

"Okay, okay. Remember, Yule, I'll be sure to bring back the gift you want. ”

———————————

At the end of the dinner, Isabel made some explanations to her godson, "John, rest a little earlier in the evening." Tomorrow before sunrise, we will set off for the garrison of the Guards. ”

Little John thought that his preparations were not yet complete, and quickly blurted out, "Godmother, I didn't have my weapons, armor, and things to bring with me on the road. ”

"John, this is not going to fight, and you are not dealing with real knights or sergeants."

"Godmother, this is my first operation, what if I encounter a thief like the Broken Knight in Yorkshire?"

Sir Augustine, who was sitting on the throne, laughed, "John, even if you were lucky enough to meet the Broken Knight, my daughter would not have put you in danger." ”

Isabel took a sip of wine, stared at her godson and nodded, "Armor, it's enough to bring a cuirass, and the weapons and belongings are up to you." ”

"But, Godmother ......"

"John, I don't care what you want to prepare, I have to get up at 4 o'clock tomorrow morning." Isabel didn't want to discourage little John from doing so.

"Yes, godmother." When John agreed, he was already so excited that he was secretly planning it.

At 4 o'clock the next morning, the well-dressed Isabel wore two custom-made daggers at her waist, carried a quiver and a longbow, and held the bayonet sword given to her by the Earl of Surrey. If he hasn't gotten up, let someone wake him up. ”

At this time, little John, who was wearing a loose lace-up coat and breastplate, leggings and high riding boots, was sitting at his desk, resting his legs on the desk and dozing off. It looked as if he hadn't slept all night or had gotten up early.

A valet carrying an oil lamp knocked on the door a few times, but no sound was heard. Looked back at the maid Anne. Anne raised her chin, "Go in and wake him up, this is what Mademoiselle ordered." ”

The valet opened the door and pushed it in, only to see little John sitting at his desk. Walked behind him and nudged him gently, "Sir, sir, wake up." ”

Little John was half-open, but when he looked back, he exclaimed, "Ah......! As soon as he rolled over, he tumbled out of his chair and fell to the ground.