Lecturer Yami Gautam

After breakfast, Ranav made his way to the Khohdwar County Magic School to meet his master's friend. Thanks to his previous visit with Paramita, he easily found the Beast Taming Department. However, this time, Paramita had to accompany her father to a social event, so she couldn't join him. Additionally, he couldn't bring Midnight along, as the school strictly prohibited vehicles or mounts within its premises.

As he stepped into the ancient-looking building, his eyes immediately landed on a wooden sign hanging above a counter that read "Information Desk." The spacious lobby had several seating arrangements, but aside from the person stationed at the desk, there was no one in sight.

Approaching the desk, he found a beautiful young woman engrossed in beautifying her long nails. She wore a tight-fitting dress that accentuated her curvy figure. Even as Ranav stood directly in front of her, she didn't bother to look up, continuing her personal grooming without acknowledgment.

Clearing his throat, he spoke, "Excuse me, Miss. I need some help."

The girl visibly jolted, clearly not expecting anyone to approach her. She raised her eyes, her expression shifting into one of irritation. "Can you lower your voice? It's not admission time right now. What's your purpose for being here?"

Ranav suppressed his annoyance at her rude demeanor and responded politely, "I am Ranav Limbekai. I have an appointment with Lecturer Yami Gautam, the head of the department."

In the Mayura Kingdom, teaching was considered one of the most prestigious and well-paid professions. In magic schools, only members of the Mage Association could apply for an Assistant Lecturer position, after which they could be promoted to Associate Lecturer and eventually Lecturer. In academies, the hierarchy began with Assistant Professor, followed by Associate Professor and Professor. Meanwhile, in village schools, the ranking system consisted of Assistant Teacher, Associate Teacher, and Teacher.

At the mention of Lecturer Yami Gautam's name, the young woman's demeanor underwent an instant transformation. Straightening her posture, she quickly adjusted her behavior to appear more professional. "I sincerely apologize for my earlier attitude," she said, her tone now respectful. "We often get students wandering in who have no real interest in beast taming, which can be frustrating. The head of the department informed me of your visit. Please proceed to the first floor." She pointed toward a flight of stairs. "Turn left at the top. At the end of the corridor, you'll find a door with a sign reading Head of the Department. Lecturer Gautam is inside. Please knock, and someone will attend to you."

Ranav thanked her and ascended the stairs. Following her directions, he soon arrived at a door marked "Head of the Department."

Knocking firmly, he waited. Moments later, the door opened to reveal a stern-looking, professionally dressed guard. His gaze was sharp, his tone robotic as he asked, "Do you have an appointment?" His stance suggested he was ready to act at the slightest provocation.

Ranav began to answer, "I am Ranav Limbekai, and I have an appointment with Lecturer Yami Gautam. I—"

Before he could finish, the guard abruptly shut the door in his face.

Ranav stood there, momentarily stunned. 'What is with this department and its eccentric staff?' He pondered his next move when, just as suddenly, the door reopened. This time, the guard stepped aside and spoke in a formal tone, "Enter. Through this door. My Lady is waiting for you."

Though perplexed, Ranav did not waste any time and stepped inside. The office was spacious, it looked somewhat corporate rather than an educator's office. Behind a wooden table, a middle-aged woman sat, writing something on a notebook. She had a slightly fuller figure but exuded an air of authority. Ranav could tell she had likely held power from a young age… such a commanding presence was not something that could be cultivated overnight.

As she looked up, their eyes met. Ranav clasped his hands to his chest and bowed slightly in greeting. "Hello, Madam. I am…"

Before he could finish, she interrupted with a warm smile, "Ranav Limbekai. Disciple of my dear friend, Naria Agarwal." The shift in atmosphere was immediate; the room, once formal and rigid, now seemed almost welcoming. "You know, you're quite famous in our circle. Naria never married and chose to live in what many consider a wasteland rather than her hometown. When she claimed to have taken a baby disciple, some of us thought you didn't exist. Later, Vedika confirmed that you were real when you visited the city last time. If I hadn't been away during the school holidays, we would've met then. Oh! You're still standing. Please, have a seat." She gestured to the chair in front of her.

Ranav hesitated briefly before taking the offered seat. Something about her overly friendly demeanor made him a little uneasy.

Sensing his nervousness, Jessica's voice echoed in his mind, "Relax. She's either a close friend of Nanima's or just naturally chatty. Just go with the flow."

"Thanks." Ranav responded mentally before turning his attention back to Lecturer Gautam.

"I was informed that you have a magical beast… a horse, correct? Where is it?" she asked curiously.

Ranav nodded. "Yes, but I left him at the count's estate. I was told mounts and animals are not allowed inside the school premises."

"What? While that rule applies to regular animals, the Beast Taming Department is an exception. Our beast tamers may have their contracted beasts with them. Naria should have explained this to you."

Ranav chose not to answer. Instead, he waited as she sighed and moved on. "It's a pity I can't see the horse myself. I've never encountered a magical beast of its kind before. But never mind that. Let's move to the main reason you're here. Naria asked me to guide you on the subject of beast taming. Tell me, how much do you know?"

Ranav admitted, "I know almost nothing. I haven't read any books on the subject, and my master never taught me. My bond with Midnight happened by accident. I hope to gain valuable guidance from you."

Lecturer Gautam tapped her fingers on the table thoughtfully. "A true beast tamer doesn't simply own a creature. They grow alongside it, shaping it into its full potential while proving themselves as worthy partners. A magical horse is far from an ordinary steed. Its needs, instincts, and growth are beyond those of mundane animals. Treat it like a regular horse, and you'll never unlock its true potential."

She continued, "To care for it properly, you must first establish trust. A contract binds your energies together, but trust binds your hearts. Feed it with your own hands, talk to it, and let it know you are a source of safety and companionship. Only then will it truly follow you… not just because of a contract, but because it chooses to."

After an extensive lecture on nourishment, training, and awakening latent abilities, she handed Ranav a token. "Take this emblem. It will grant you access to the library's restricted section, where you'll find books on horse-type magical beasts. Read what seems relevant to your companion. If you have questions, come to me."

Calling the guard, she instructed him to escort Ranav to the library. She also reminded him to return the emblem later.