Chapter 202: The New Equestrian Coach?
The first self-study period had barely ended when Donny, the homeroom teacher for Class A, walked in wearing an easy smile, he seemed to be waiting for something good.
"Everyone, I have good news," he announced, his voice carrying clearly enough to draw eyes from notebooks and half-finished assignments.
''As you are aware, our outdoor riding arena has been undergoing repairs this semester, which meant riding lessons were suspended. As of last week, the work is complete. ''Classes for horseback riding will resume today.''
The words landed like a spark. Heads lifted, eyes brightened. For Class A, riding wasn't just another subject—it was part of the school's identity.
Prestige High School, the most elite private academy in River City, prided itself on an education that went beyond academics. Here, beyond their coursework, students had to acquire traditional aristocratic skills.
The school's history is woven together with a long-standing tradition of horse training. Every freshman began with the basics—learning to groom horses, saddle them properly, and handle the fundamentals of riding—before moving on to cross-country, jumping, and combined disciplines.
The school provided horses for all students so no one was left out. While not every student came from a family as prominent as Quentin's, most had grown up in privileged households, many with years of riding experience already behind them. By senior year, even complete beginners had become capable riders.
Donny's smile widened. "This includes our newly transferred exceptional students. The school has prepared custom riding attire, protective gear, and helmets for each of you, sized according to your measurements. You'll be able to collect and change into them shortly."
He paused for effect before adding," Since last semester's riding instructoris currently abroad,the school has arranged for a temporary replacement. Please welcome your new equestrian teacher—Lon Ramos."
A wave of curiosity spread when the name was mentioned.Students leaned forward, exchanging looks. Who was this new instructor?
The moment Lon stepped into the classroom, the atmosphere shifted. A quiet gasp broke out near the front—"Oh my god… he's gorgeous."
Class A had a larger number of girls than boys, and last semester's instructor had been a man in his forties, with thinning hair and a gruff demeanor. Enthusiasm for lessons had been limited.
Lon, by contrast, appeared to be in his late twenties at most. Tall and lean, with a posture that spoke of control and ease, he carried himself with quiet confidence. His features were sharply defined, his expression composed, framed by the gleam of gold-rimmed glasses. There was warmth in his presence, but also a precision, as though nothing escaped his notice.
At Donny's gesture, Lon crossed the room to stand at the center of the platform. He pushed his glasses lightly up the bridge of his nose, his gaze sweeping the rows of desks. Then his eyes caught on a girl with her head resting on her desk, unmoving, apparently asleep.
He didn't need to guess. That had to be Amelia. The name had reached him before this moment; so had the stories. And now, seeing her like this—unconcerned, detached—only confirmed she was different from the rest.
Lon's voice was smooth, measured. "Good morning, everyone. It's a privilege to be here at Prestige High School, even on a temporary basis. I hope our time together will be both enjoyable and productive."
"I understand most of you have been attending regular riding classes since your first year. However, I'm told there are two new transfer students this semester, and I'm not sure if either of you has had prior equestrian training. Could you raise your hands so I can confirm?"
The collective gaze of the class shifted toward the corner, settling on Leroy and Amelia.
Leroy stiffened under the attention. His brow furrowed, but after a brief glance at Lon, he raised his hand slowly.
"Sorry… sir," he said, his voice carrying a faint nasal edge. "I've got a bit of a fever today. Would it be alright if I sat this one out?"
"A fever?" Lon's tone remained calm, his expression unchanged. "If you're unwell, riding is indeed not advisable. You may rest here in the classroom."
His attention moved to the girl beside Leroy. "And the young lady next to you—would she be the other new transfer?"
Amelia didn't stir. Leroy glanced at her, realizing she hadn't heard a word. He reached out and tapped her arm lightly. "Amelia… wake up."
"Mmm?" Her voice was low, edged with the irritation of someone pulled from sleep. Her brows drew together in a faint crease.
"The school's starting riding lessons again," Leroy murmured, leaning closer. "We've got a new teacher. He's asking if we've taken the class before."
Riding lessons?
Her mind was still cloudy from having just woken up,but instinct made her lift her head. And then her eyes met his.
Lon.
In that instant, her pupils contracted, her breath catching for a moment.
He had found her… just as she'd suspected he would.