Chapter 2: The True Protagonist
Max sat in front of the mirror, as he looked at his appearance. It wasn't handsome, as this was the novel's start, so he wasn't worried about it.
The mirror reflected a young man in his late teenage years, with a head full of messy red and white hair. His eyes were also of the same two colours, making him look weird since he never really cared for himself.
Sadly, his body was also pretty malnourished so there was no way Max could actually look after his appearance.
'Hmm, I did give him a rough start so all is fine. I'll just need to improve from here on.'
"Max! What are you doing instead of tending to horses? Don't you know Master will leave in half an hour?"
Max groaned, as he turned around, only to find a bald middle-aged man, with a pot belly, walking towards him. His eyes were burning with fire, as he glared at the young man.
Ignoring his glare, Max smiled and said, "It's already done, John. You can go and check it."
"Is that so..." John didn't seem to believe it so he went around the stable and checked the horses, especially the giant dark stallion with smoke coming out of its nostrils every time it breathed.
John smiled in satisfaction and said, "For the first time you did something good. I'll ask my superiors to raise your pay."
"Hehe, Master John is generous as ever," Max bowed slightly and said.
"Don't try to flatter me," John waved his hand in dismissal, but his smile said otherwise. "Also, get ready as you'll work as the Gatherer today. Use this chance well and maybe Master will take you in."