Chapter 3

Upon hearing what Eckert said, the young man naturally understood that the so-called final lesson meant accepting punishment for this matter. However, this realization brought him a sense of relief, as at least his life was secured

Just as he turned around, he suddenly saw Hector and another middle-aged man standing expressionlessly behind him

Seeing that Hector was quite satisfied with his studies, the young man finally mustered the courage to ask Hector about his purpose

The young man could certainly guess that the butler would not be a true butler, and the servants here would definitely not be real servants

Several key witnesses have been completely bribed, especially the captain of the guard, who has significant leverage over Feis. Those who do not need to be bribed, or for whom money cannot achieve the desired outcome, Feis plans to find reasons to replace them one by one. This matter can be handled by the bribed steward.

The elderly man sat in the leather recliner, engrossed in his book.

Ektet gracefully picked up a stack of snacks and placed them in the young man's hands, saying: "Morning tea and afternoon tea are among the most important components of high society social circles. If someone invites you for morning tea, it indicates that they have accepted you into their circle. As for an invitation to afternoon tea, it signifies that others regard you as one of their own or that there is a matter of considerable importance for which they seek your assistance. Therefore, the tea gathering will be your first test of formally entering the social circle. You must fully grasp the essentials involved. Now, take the snacks in your hands... Therefore, the tea gathering will be your first test of formally entering the social circle. You must fully grasp the essentials involved. Now, take the snacks in your hands... Don't be so rude, follow my lead, observe my demeanor, and pay attention to my actions.

The young boy followed the old man into the study

Since the young man already knows that this is a den of thieves, Ekt does not conceal anything further. What was once called a mechanical class naturally transforms into a course on how to pick locks and how to use tools specifically designed for thieves.

"From now on, this will be the room where you live," Ekt said

The class has begun

However, upon further reflection, during this month, I have learned a great deal from Ektar, including horsemanship, which he taught me. If I were to steal his horses just before leaving, that would be utterly unreasonable. With this thought in mind, the young man turned and walked towards the back of the house, where there was a small door that was bolted from the inside, thus eliminating the need to climb over the iron gate.

The young man speculated about the identity of the person inside who was about to become his boss

Waking that young man is not a particularly difficult task

So early? Fa Ying Ge is a bit confused.

Pam and the other two could only stand quietly to one side

The carriage moved very slowly, and there were several uphill and downhill paths. This road had quite a few forks, and the young man felt that the carriage was constantly turning along the way

The ability to pierce this hard jujube wood with such a soft pen tip, which may not even be cut through by a knife, can only suggest that the unfamiliar middle-aged man before me is an extremely dangerous character

The young man was puzzled as to why the host chose to live in such a remote and complicated area. If he were to go out in the future to handle some matters, it would indeed be quite arduous. Just getting familiar with this road would probably take several months.

Amidst the shouts of reprimand, the young man finally concluded a day of studies. He had never felt so exhausted before; even in the shop, when that hunchback assigned him various heavy tasks, he had not felt as fatigued as he did now. He felt as if his body was on the verge of falling apart.

With a sharp crack, the young boy felt a sudden sting of pain, and he jumped back a step, clutching his backside and exclaiming in surprise

It is important to note that on this continent, France is still considered a newly emerging nation. In contrast, countries like West Bay have a long history, with many families having been quite active since the era of the Ancient Loretta Empire. With a history spanning a full 1,500 years, the genealogies of these families have become as complex as the silk threads within a bundle of silkworm cocoons

The shopkeeper informed him that these individuals are genuine scholars, many of whom even own their own enterprises. For instance, Mr. Madi Erde, a young master, was once the private secretary to a prominent noble in Sethsburg. The same applies to the old master; many merchants in South Port have established connections with the nobility in this manner. In fact, this is the quickest and most direct way for merchants to gain access to the upper echelons. If they can satisfy the nobles and subsequently become close friends, it is equivalent to laying a solid foundation of relationships within the upper social circles of France. In fact, this is the quickest and most direct way for merchants to gain access to the upper echelons. If they can satisfy the nobles and subsequently become close friends, it is equivalent to laying a solid foundation of relationships within the upper social circles of France.

In Nangang, it was common to see the nobles of Sersburg accompanied by their servants as they went shopping. They were always accompanied by a person who was clearly different from the ordinary attendants, yet certainly not one of the masters.

This confusion has grown increasingly profound over time. The courses in swordsmanship and equestrianism have essentially concluded, and the young man’s performance during morning and afternoon teas, as well as at any banquet, has left even his strict teacher with no grounds for criticism. As for his eloquence, under Ecter's training, combined with the various peculiarities he had encountered during his time in South Port, he has excelled in this regard, making Ecter particularly satisfied. Even if this student were placed among the most noble aristocrats of the Kingdom of France, his eloquence would undoubtedly set him apart.

What use is it for the employer to train him into such a person? The youth was filled with doubt about this.

Given the current situation, it is highly likely that the new owner is a person of noble status.

In the sky, it is difficult to discern what kind of bird is joyfully flying, searching for its first meal of the day.

In his impression, wealthy individuals like his former employer, no matter how thin they may be, would not appear as desiccated as a branch stripped of moisture, to such an extent.

Moreover, these individuals share a common characteristic; they are all scholars with extensive knowledge and broad experience.

A long time had passed, and when Fa Ying Ge gradually began to feel somewhat uncomfortable standing, the door to the study opened.

The young man had never seen such large pieces of glass before. France does not produce glass; although there are one or two glass workshops, they certainly cannot create items of this kind.

At night, when the young man lay alone in bed, he felt increasingly afraid. He was unsure whether this was a den of thieves, but now that he understood everything, he always felt as if someone was watching him through the crack of the door, or that a person holding a dagger was quietly waiting for him to fall asleep at the window

I hope you can take over my duties. This plan may be the last action I formulate, as I am getting old and wish to adopt a more peaceful way of life. Perhaps I will become a wealthy landowner like Paim, or maybe I will move to Nankang in the future. " At this point, the old man waved his hand, signaling to Hector that he could leave.

To the right of the door is a row of bookshelves, which, although far less grand than those in the study, are much more exquisite

... ...

The young man's conviction grew stronger that this new employer was a renowned noble.

The old man did not wish to disturb the young boy; he quietly opened the door to the room and descended the stairs, arriving at the door of Fa Ying Ge.

The mechanical class starts at 7 PM, teaching you the principles of mechanics, how to assemble or dismantle it. At 8 PM, there is a physical training class, allowing you to properly digest your dinner. From 9 PM to 10 PM, there is an additional language class that was just added. After 10 PM, you can go to sleep, but before that, there is a punishment class. I have strict regulations regarding your daily studies, and if you do not complete them, you will face punishment before going to bed. Do you understand?" Ekter said while pointing.

"I don't want to cause a scene like yesterday, so I'll leave before everyone gets up," the old man said

Only those nobles who do not frequently visit Nankang are interested in domed buildings. It is said that there are several such domed structures within the Seth Castle

Just as the young man was gazing out the window with a furrowed brow, the carriage finally drove onto a neatly arranged tree-lined avenue

... ...

Fa Yingge responded with an acknowledgment and went upstairs

I prepared a test for him to take, wanting to see what he originally knew. It seems I underestimated him; from the few questions he answered, it was clear that this test posed no challenges for him. It appears that one can indeed learn a great deal in Nangang

This is the most important, valuable, and meaningful thing in his life

As for swordsmanship, it is used for dueling. In the event of any incident, merchants would prefer to resolve everything with money; swords and blades are absolutely what they strive to avoid.

However, that is not achievable

The steward gave a command, and the cooks cleared a space at one corner of the table.

From the window, I can see the old man whispering something to Ted, who is nodding repeatedly.

"The carriage is waiting outside," said Ted, "the alley is too deep, his carriage cannot come in." said Fa Ying Ge

Rather than being merely the attendants of those nobles, it would be more appropriate to describe them as think tanks or advisors

Upon reaching solid ground, the young man pondered whether he should first lead out the horse he was familiar with from the stable, as this might make his escape a bit easier.

The young man became somewhat anxious, tugging at the hem of his garment once more to straighten it.

Just as the young boy was marveling at that window, an aged voice came from the upper right behind him.

As for that villa, not only is the floor made of snow-white marble, but the nine columns, which are just wide enough to be embraced by two arms, are also carved from white Han marble. The walls of the villa are entirely snow-white, and it is unclear whether they are painted or if the bricks themselves are inherently white.

The young boy nodded repeatedly, especially when Hector took down a thumb-thick teaching rod woven from rattan from the top of the bookshelf, causing the boy to nod even more vigorously

Because that necklace is the only heirloom left to him by his parents

When the young man awoke, it was already noon on the third day. He had been in a coma for two full days, yet his injuries still left him extremely weak. Ectar generously exempted him from equestrian and swordsmanship classes, which required considerable physical exertion, and also waived the final punishment class, which was indeed a rare blessing for the young man

"I just went out for a stroll. The little horse I just bought is still not very tame, and it seems a bit dangerous for learning to ride. I think if it really doesn't work out, I might as well use that gray-spotted mare; she is quite docile," said the middle-aged man.

Lying on the bed, the young man touched the wound on his hip, still feeling waves of sharp pain. He did not know if tomorrow's classes would be even more difficult

"Knowing too much is not necessarily a good thing," said the old man

"Your patience is commendable; we have been waiting here for quite some time," Ect said in a teasing tone

In the store, whenever those nobles set their sights on a fine product, they would have their advisors and consultants carefully assess it. Only after these individuals provided a positive confirmation would the nobles be willing to obediently reach into their pockets

This is something I took from Aunt Betty's neck during my visit to Nangang. It was extremely easy for me, and I could just as easily take something else from Aunt Betty's neck instead of this necklace. Do you understand

While working in the store, the young man particularly favored the artworks from the East. Those exquisite paintings had captivated him countless times, and now, facing these two paintings, he felt the same enchantment.

The young man scrutinized the old man carefully, suspecting that this elderly individual was his new employer

Is this the child you brought? the old man said to Paim

Fortunately, the steward was afraid that people would discover that his young master had already died, afraid that they would suspect he had not fulfilled his duties, and even more afraid that the judge would investigate the properties under Rebo's name, thereby discovering that a portion of the assets had been embezzled by him under various pretenses, leading to a wrongful judgment that would see him hanged. Therefore, he concealed the true news of Rebo's death by claiming that the young master was ill and required treatment. Even more fortuitously, in his desperation, he came to us, providing us with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which will be the largest plan we have ever executed. Thus, he concealed the true news of Rebo's death by claiming that the young master was ill and required treatment. Even more fortuitously, in his desperation, he came to us, providing us with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which will be the largest plan we have ever executed

Moreover, from that day on, the young man had a new subject—heraldry. For him, this course was essentially just memorizing family trees. France boasts over three hundred ancient noble families, more than half of which can trace their history back to the time of Emperor Roderick, which was three hundred years before the founding of the Kingdom of France.

These individuals all seem to share a similar appearance, characterized by the same rigidity, the same seriousness, and an unwavering attention to detail

I can no longer stay here; I must find a way to escape, the young man thought to himself

The old man tugged at a long, bright yellow tassel hanging by the door. With a crisp sound of a bell, the door opened, revealing a neatly dressed middle-aged man wearing a waiter’s bow tie and sporting a stern expression.

Although domes are aesthetically pleasing, they are quite difficult to construct, resulting in significantly high costs. In Nankang, the wealthy individuals are all shrewd businessmen, and no one is willing to spend money on such endeavors

11:00 is cultural studies, during which I will assess what knowledge you are lacking and supplement it accordingly. 12:00 is lunchtime, after which you can rest for half an hour. At 1:00, religious studies will begin, as I see you lack knowledge in this area. At 2:00, there will be a painting class. From 3:00 to 4:00, there will be a political science class, followed by a history class from 4:00 to 5:00. You have no understanding of these two subjects at all. Dinner is at 5:00, which will also serve as a test to evaluate your learning outcomes for the day.

The middle-aged man led the young boy out of the study and gently closed the door behind them

At that moment, a knock was heard at the door. Ect opened the door, and the butler pushed in a small cart filled with various exquisite pastries. At the center was a set of silver tea utensils and a pot of an unknown beverage

The young man was evidently too nervous, and thus, even when faced with a table of exquisite delicacies that he usually had no opportunity to enjoy, he had little appetite. He carelessly took a couple of bites and left the rest for Fa Ying to enjoy.

I sincerely hope that Kyler can participate in our plan, as he would be of considerable assistance to it. Eckert explained: From some recent intelligence I have gathered, I discovered that the real Rebo Baindit did not die of illness, but rather seemed to have been poisoned, and that someone has been inquiring about the status of this Rebo's life and death for the past six months

Seeing Fa Ying Ge wake up immediately, the old man felt quite satisfied, nodded, and said: "Get up quickly, go call Ted, we need to meet the boss"

"Yes, but do you think that person behind the scenes will betray us at a critical moment?" Eckert couldn't help but feel worried

"However, I just had breakfast not long ago, so I am not hungry at all..." the young man explained

However, the young man remained filled with doubts about his studies, as they seemed to him to be anything but meaningful. It appeared as though they were designed to serve others, rather than the other way around. Eckert seemed intent on molding him into a refined and respectable child of a wealthy family, the kind who would leisurely ride in a carriage, surrounded by numerous servants, able to spend his days idly while enjoying the finest pleasures that the children of affluent families experience.

The two individuals are dressed quite neatly, clearly indicating that they have been waiting here for some time

Merchants prefer to travel by carriage; riding horses is not their pastime

Moreover, Ektet's horsemanship and swordsmanship are exceptionally skilled, and an ordinary merchant would certainly not devote excessive attention to these two aspects

However, he understands that the most important thing for him at present is to master the courses prepared by Ekt.

His student is sitting upright at the desk, working on that exam paper

The young man spends all day writing with those three goose quills, and of course he knows that the nibs of these quills are not particularly sharp, while also being quite soft, making them extremely comfortable to use. The large bed, on the other hand, is entirely made of jujube wood, which is incredibly hard

Although this necklace is not valuable, it represents the love and care from my parents and Aunt Betty

"Do you recognize this?" the middle-aged man asked

However, glass is quite fragile, and transporting such large pieces of glass is even more challenging. The young man could hardly imagine how much he would have to pay the transport merchant for moving such a piece of glass. Undoubtedly, it would be far more expensive than the porcelain plate he had broken.

After a long time, Fa Yingge finally returned, holding a piece of clothing in his hand

Upon hearing Hector's response, the old man nodded. He shoved the book into Hector's hands, saying, "You might as well take a look at this. Ah, I have never developed the habit of reading; whenever I see a book, I just want to doze off."

Selling us out brings him no benefits; on the contrary, the harm to him is far greater than to us. That person only wishes to maintain the current situation in peace. Once the rightful heir to Sersburg is lost, someone can openly vie for that position. Any change is detrimental to him, and he is more concerned than we are about whether this plan will succeed. The old man continued with a smile: "Ect, what you currently lack is a grasp of the actual situation. You see far too little; although you have much more stored in your mind than I do, you do not know which aspects are the most important and which are the most useful at present. You need to understand human nature better; your knowledge is already sufficient."

For the young boy, it would have been better if Ect had been as kind and amiable as Mr. Madiard; the only regret the boy felt was the pain inflicted on his own backside by that teaching stick.

Every morning, rise at six o'clock sharp, have breakfast at six thirty, while simultaneously learning the etiquette and grace expected in high society at the dining table. At seven thirty, begin studying equestrianism or fencing, and at nine o'clock, enjoy morning tea. You must master this refined art, and this also serves as your language class. Can you speak Spanish, Italian, or Turkish?

In the eyes of the youth, the entire building resembles precious artworks from the distant shores of the ocean, just as Mr. Madiard once said, only the Eastern nations truly understand art. They are able to depict wonderful and unforgettable artistic treasures with simple lines

Just as he was engrossed in looking at the painting, the door to the study opened

It may be better not to encounter that extremely dangerous stranger

The young man was quite curious whether Ectect might also be a successful businessman, or perhaps of a slightly more noble status, being a descendant of some minor noble family. Ectect possessed a certain noble demeanor, which Mr. Madiard did not have.

The steward nodded and turned to leave

Upon entering the kitchen, one finds that the kitchens of the wealthy all share a similar appearance. Inside, several cooks are busily at work, and an enticing aroma of food wafts through the air. In the center of the kitchen stands a long table, upon which are placed freshly cut meat, prepared flour, and thoroughly cleaned vegetables.

Returning to the room, the middle-aged man walked to the foot of the bed. He casually tapped the four sturdy solid wood posts at the head of the bed, which produced a dull sound.

It is evident that Hector is an exceptionally knowledgeable person; in comparison, Mr. Mardield is somewhat inferior.

The cooks took the food out of the steaming bamboo steamer, one dish at a time.

Following behind the old man and Fa Yingge, the young man got onto the carriage

The young boy stepped back two paces in fear and nodded.

I do not know when you will arrive, so I instructed the cooks to prepare the food in advance and keep it warm in the steamer. The taste may be slightly inferior to that of freshly made dishes, but I believe that to avoid making the host wait impatiently, this small compromise is worthwhile

Mr. Pam, the master has been waiting for you in the study. However, I believe you have not had breakfast yet. The master has already instructed me to prepare it for you. After you finish eating, you may go to see the master. With that, the butler led everyone to the kitchen

Go wake that kid up," the old man instructed

Where is that kid

He must retrieve this necklace, even if it has fallen into the hands of a killer more dangerous than the devil and more terrifying than death itself

Saying this, Ekt took a thick book from the shelf and placed it on the desk, casually dragging a chair over. He pointed to the chair, indicating for the young man to sit down

As for Fa Ying Ge, it was much easier. Hearing his superior personally tell him what the old man had said yesterday, Fa Ying Ge felt even more at ease. He truly wanted to shout three times in celebration

Beneath the southern window, there is a carved nanmu writing desk, and to the west, there is a floor-to-ceiling window sill, which likely leads to a balcony outside

However, the entire building itself can already be regarded as an incredibly elegant masterpiece

The ground is covered with white gravel and uncommon white pebbles, while the trees and flowers in the garden are planted in flowerbeds made of white mud bricks

This was a gift from the Supreme Chancellor of Yilei to the Paro Cathedral for the decoration of its tall windows. To prevent accidental damage to the glass during transportation, an additional fifty pieces of such large glass were produced. Fortunately, after the completion of the cathedral, more than twenty pieces remained. I happened to want to build a wall of this size, so I purchased them.

According to the shopkeeper, these individuals, as private secretaries to the nobility, enjoy special respect

Everything is snow white

"Then, let us go!" After saying this, Fa Ying took the lead.

"You are the expert, so you decide. Pam has brought the person you need, this child here," the old man said, pointing to the young boy. "In the next six months, you must teach him many things."

"That won't do. You must be able to speak fluent Xibai, while your proficiency in Yile and Delizhi can be a bit more relaxed. So, let me add another hour of language lessons for you before you go to bed tonight." Saying this, Ekt took a pen from the desk and added an hour of language lessons at the end of the note: "That should be about right. From 10 to 11 is entertainment time, but it's not for you to play; you need to learn everything that is popular in high society, as well as the etiquette that corresponds to your new identity.

As he had imagined, in the following days, riding became increasingly easier for him, and the lessons became simpler. He even had the energy to spare some extra time to study and read about topics he enjoyed.

The study is extremely spacious, and to the young man's surprise, it is filled with various books against three walls, with a ladder resting in the corner.

"Heraldry is indeed a rather tedious and uninteresting subject, and in my opinion, it serves no purpose at all. If it were not for this project, I would have no interest in studying such matters," Eckert remarked as he took the book.

When my father passed away from the plague, the house was set on fire by the sheriff and his men. There was hardly any property in the house, and among the few items that could not be burned, those of slightly higher value were taken away by the sheriff. Only this worthless necklace was left behind

We now have a new plan, but this plan requires a face that has never been seen before. Thus, Fa Ying Ge has turned to you. And you have not disappointed us, at least not so far.

This is primarily due to their noble lineage; secondly, these individuals often serve as private political advisors to the nobility.

In the study, the old man sat in a recliner, casually flipping through a thick, old book in his hands. Paim and Fa Yingge had long since left, and the warm sunlight streamed into the study, making the old man feel somewhat drowsy. He had already forgotten where he had left off in the book, so he closed it and leaned back in the recliner, dozing off.

He quietly got up, put on his clothes, and opened the balcony window; the balcony was on the second floor and not far from the ground

"Whether it is suitable or not, you can ask Ektet," the old man said

Therefore, I have great confidence in believing that the true death of Mr. Reibo was also due to that unknown reason. Thus, I hope that Kyler can serve as a bodyguard for our little friend. At least until the heir's identity is secured, Reibo Baindite must not die due to illness or any such reason.

When Fa Yingge saw the first dish served, a golden-brown grilled tuna sprinkled with onions and peppers, he had no complaints left. Coupled with the individual portions of flower mushrooms with quail and his favorite ham and eggs, this meal was no less splendid than the celebratory feast on the day of his release from prison

"Kailuo? Is it necessary for Kailuo to appear?" The old man expressed some doubt about this.

When the morning light illuminated the deep alley of the nest, the old man had already risen early, opening the bedroom door and walking into the study

All day long, I find myself in an extremely tense state, with my mind filled with various pieces of knowledge I have never encountered before. Moreover, a single misstep could lead to a reprimand, which only heightens my anxiety and makes it even more difficult to relax

Having organized his thoughts, Ekt returned to the "classroom"

Although the arrangement of the room is far inferior to that of the study and the hall, it still reflects the owner's elegant taste. The room is situated on the west side of the entire building, thus it has windows on three sides, allowing sunlight to pour onto the teak floor through the blinds. Under the window on the north side rests a large bed, the kind that only wealthy families can afford, featuring four posts.

It is evident that, upon hearing the continuous reports of the lord's death from Sersburg, I deduced what was happening. Do you think that steward truly came to me of his own accord? He was directed here by someone else. I can even speculate on who that person is and why they directed him to us. Kaeler has been assisting you for some time, but he is certainly not suited to appear publicly. I can even speculate on who that person is and why they directed him to us. Kaeler has been assisting you for some time, but he is certainly not suited to appear publicly. Kaeler only possesses his greatest power in the shadows" the old man said

After leaving the city gates, the carriage did not take the wide main road; instead, it entered the narrow country lanes

Understood. Saying this, Fa Ying Ge jumped out of bed and quickly ran out of the room

A middle-aged man with two neatly groomed and attractive mustaches walked in from outside the door

However, the garment worn by the elderly man indicates that he is quite a wealthy individual. The furnishings in the same room are identical, and the quality of the elderly man's attire is undoubtedly superior, with exquisite craftsmanship. The decorations are simple yet remarkably tasteful, all fine items imported from Italy. Just the crocodile leather belt alone is worth a considerable sum

The young man once asked the shopkeeper

The most prominent feature of the entire building is the large white dome.

Isn't that Fa Ying Ge? How have you been lately? During your three-month trip, I discussed with Paim, and he mentioned that you are now capable of handling things on your own. He also said he is getting old, so from now on, you will gradually take on more responsibilities. You need to put in some effort. The old man said a few words to Fa Ying Ge, then turned to the steward and instructed, "Please bring Hector here."

Before he could finish speaking, the teaching rod that Ekt held in his hand struck his left hip

In order to allow more light to penetrate, one side was completely opened up and fitted with a whole piece of glass

Fa Yingge glanced back, and the young man in new clothes appeared particularly spirited, indicating that he had already recovered from the turmoil of yesterday

The old man glanced at the visitor, and it was indeed Ectar.

In the center stood a screen made of rosewood, which the young man had seen before in a shop; it had been imported from the West and was quite valuable. This screen naturally divided the room into two parts

The young man carefully climbed over the railing of the balcony and descended. As he approached the ground, he lightly jumped, landing as quietly as possible.

The middle-aged man also wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, and his black velvet waistcoat paired with a snow-white silk shirt exuded an air of nobility and elegance. The loose black woolen riding trousers, complemented by a pair of polished soft-soled riding boots, indicated that he had just returned from a horseback ride

The young man was sleeping soundly on the sofa beside the study.

Everyone turned around to see an elderly man with graying hair and a gaunt face slowly descending another escalator, with two thick books tucked under his arm

The branches on both sides of the road continuously struck the carriage, and the three people sitting inside the carriage remained silent.

"What? No way." The young man exclaimed, clearly taken aback by such an arrangement

The young man had already lost his sense of direction; he prayed in his heart that the coachman would not lose his way. Otherwise, even if he wanted to return to the main road, it would be quite a difficult task.

As he stepped down from the carriage, the first impression the young man had was one of whiteness

Stepping out of the study, Eckert reflected on what his superior had just said. In recent years, his superior had revealed to him an increasing number of secrets that he had previously known nothing about. He had already surmised that his superior was planning to retire, but he felt little interest in this matter. If his superior were to give him that study without any conditions attached, he would be much happier.

I am the commander of the deceivers, and everyone calls me 'the actor.' Paim is specifically in charge of the petty thieves in the city; he is a leader of thieves, while Fa Ying is the boss of the thieves.

... ...

Eckert clearly also wishes to cultivate himself into a nobleman of the same caliber; one only needs to look at the difficulty and breadth of those history and political courses. If this were not the case, it would be impossible to explain the past.

A significant amount of time is spent on learning book knowledge, especially language learning. Throughout the entire day, Ektet always converses with him in different languages.

However, it is evident that some do not wish for the existence of Rebo in this world, or rather, some are unwilling for Seth's Castle to have a direct heir. Recently, Seth's Castle has changed owners one after another. The Earl of Medin fell off his horse and died unexpectedly while hunting. His two sons: one was killed by a chandelier on the very day he inherited the title, and the other fell gravely ill and died more than two months after taking office

In that corner, the old man, Fa Yingge, and the young boy sat together

Hearing Eckert reveal the inside story, the young man felt a chill run down his spine. He had never imagined that he would fall into the hands of a group of thieves. Although he had once doubted the identities of Fa Ying and his companions while staying at their place, the numerous books in Paim's room immediately dispelled his doubts. What kind of thief would possess so many books? He never expected to ultimately find himself ensnared in such a well-organized web.

It is precisely for this reason that the young man increasingly believes that Hector is a descendant of a fallen aristocracy

"Do not ask why. When I believe you have learned enough, I will explain all your questions, but certainly not now." There was no room for negotiation in Ecter's tone: "Rebo Baindit, let us begin your first lesson."

"Your disciple is not learning very well; he is making such a loud noise. What does he think this place is? A nursing home? I see that most people have been disturbed by him." The steward said with a smile

The boy, filled with questions in his mind, walked towards the desk in a daze yet obediently.

The young boy walked into the house with his head down, following the butler.

The bookshelf is indeed too tall, reaching all the way to the ceiling. Without that ladder, it is simply impossible to reach the upper level.

The lessons on the second day were not as difficult as the youth had imagined. On the contrary, he had gradually begun to adapt to this highly intense learning environment, making the second day's classes less challenging than the first. The only punishment he received that day was due to his inability to control the horse properly during equestrian training. However, the youth felt it was unjust, as he had never ridden a horse in his life. Achieving such good results on his first attempt at horseback riding was already quite commendable.

In the impression of the youth, these individuals absolutely do not accept bribes. He had once seen the innkeeper secretly slip money to the personal maids or the steward, but he had never witnessed any money being given to the noble advisors, who held a status far superior to that of the maids and stewards.

The young boy looked at his teacher with a puzzled expression.

Wealthy individuals understand the importance of self-care; even as they age and develop wrinkles, they do not exhibit such a weathered and aged appearance.

The decor is luxurious yet retains an air of elegance; the owner clearly does not wish to flaunt their wealth, thus there are none of the extravagant embellishments and intricately carved furniture found in the homes of most wealthy individuals in Nangang

"Alright, Rebo, you can stop now," said Ekt.

"The time for punishment is not merely before you go to bed; once you make a mistake, you can be punished at any time and in any place to remind you to pay attention. Do you understand?" Ekter asked expressionlessly

After more than a quarter of an hour, the carriage finally came to a stop in front of a spacious and luxurious villa garden

Do you have confidence in completing the first step of the plan within six months? the old man asked

"What do you understand? I have a general idea, and I have arranged a detailed study plan for you." Saying this, Eckert took out a circled piece of paper from his pocket and spread the note out in front of the young man

If it were not for the wise decree of Francis V, which declared that noble titles could only be inherited through direct bloodlines from his era onward, and could not be divided or merged, the complexity of these noble lineages would be unimaginable

Such enormous glass can only be custom-made from Italy

Fa Yingge was enjoying it with great satisfaction

In the eyes of the youth, Ectect is simply akin to the private tutors or personal secretaries employed by those affluent noble families

I can do a little, like counting or simply greeting.

Eckert reported in detail on his discoveries over the past few days

On the left side of the door, directly opposite the head of the bed, hangs a beautiful portrait of a very attractive and maturely charming noblewoman

There are many matters that Mr. Mardier can only explain in general terms, but for Eckert, it seems to be as simple as common knowledge

The door creaked open, and the butler, dressed in a robe, stepped out from inside.

The young man has gradually become accustomed to his new identity; when others call out the name Reibo Baindite, he naturally takes it as a reference to himself

Reibo must retrieve that necklace from him

When pouring coffee, do so slowly, and do not bend your back; you are not a servant. Keep your gaze level, do not focus too much on the cup, and only glance at it with your peripheral vision. When inviting someone to drink coffee, your tone should be sincere and strong, and your enunciation must be clear. You are no longer the original staff member; do not appear overly respectful. Stand tall and look into my eyes. Do not direct your gaze at my chest; this would be quite disrespectful if you were to encounter a lady. When standing up, your movements should be light; do not hold onto the chair, as that would be quite rude, a privilege reserved for the elderly.

The young boy obediently lay on the bed, but he never anticipated that this punishment would be so painful. Each strike elicited a hoarse scream from him. He wanted to struggle and rise, but his back was firmly pinned down by Hector, rendering him completely immobile. He could only endure the excruciating whipping until he fainted, losing all sense of awareness.

"However, I prefer to stay in the study," Ect said

He took the young man to a room in a secluded corner of the west building

The old man, due to the passage of time, had a face covered with wrinkles, and his hair was predominantly white, with the amount of black hair far outnumbered by the white. A pair of large, gold-framed glasses concealed his prominent cheekbones. The old man's hands were thin and covered with thick calluses; based solely on this face and these hands, a young person would certainly not consider him to be a wealthy man

Pushing open the door, he stepped into the room. Unlike that youth, Fa Ying Ge was a seasoned old thief; any unusual movement within the room would immediately alert him.

Contrary to the boy's expectations, the teaching rod in Ektet's hand did not land on his backside, which surprised the boy significantly

It is said that just before his death, he was about to sign an important document. This lord claimed that the document would help Sersburg through its most difficult times. However, no one had ever heard of Sersburg facing any crisis; everything was operating smoothly, and the lord had no debts that were difficult to settle. On the contrary, through trade with South Port, the lord was able to earn 20,000 gold francs each month, sufficient to equip a squad of heavy cavalry, not to mention the investments in South Port.

Along the tree-lined path, the carriage sped up increasingly. This is evidently a rather remote area, where not a single person can be seen along the way, let alone another carriage.

It was unclear how much time had passed when the study door swung open, startling the old man awake. The skills he had acquired over the course of his life would not be completely forgotten simply because life had become comfortable. The old man felt a sense of joy in remaining as alert as he had been during his days on the streets.

"Very good, Paim chose well this time," Eck nodded in response

The building with a massive dome resembles the cathedral in Nankang, which the young man has only seen before.

In the nest, no door is locked, for this is the domain of unlocking experts, where such things are of no use at all; on the contrary, they easily provoke the itch of those with golden fingers

Is there any news from Fes? His work is just as important as yours," the old man asked again

Over the course of nearly a thousand years, these families intermarried, and some of the outstanding members established a number of branch families. It is rare for one or two short-lived families to contribute to the reduction of this vast system, while the majority of families remain quite deeply rooted and flourishing.

The tall iron railing surrounding the garden is also coated with a layer of white paint

I have finished changing" The voice of the young man came from behind.

Continuously touching the area of pain, the young boy nodded repeatedly in fear, as he did not wish to feel the whip strike him once more

After finishing breakfast, the butler led them to the door of the study. The study is located on the second floor of the villa, connected to the first floor by a spiral staircase made of redwood. On either side of the study door hang two enormous paintings, depicting the battle between the Angel of Dawn and the Night Demon. The painting on the left shows the Night Demon triumphing over the Angel of Dawn, with the Demon King driving the chariot of the moon, banishing the Angel of Dawn to the west. The painting on the right illustrates the Angel of Dawn launching a counterattack at dawn, with the Archangel of Light driving the chariot of the sun, tearing the Night Demon army to shreds. The painting on the left shows the Night Demon triumphing over the Angel of Dawn, with the Demon King driving the chariot of the moon, banishing the Angel of Dawn to the west. The painting on the right illustrates the Angel of Dawn launching a counterattack at dawn, with the Archangel of Light driving the chariot of the sun, tearing the Night Demon army to shreds.

"Why?" the young boy asked, puzzled and confused

"In the coming six months, you will live here and learn many things. Among the most important is that from now on, your name will be Reibow Baindite. Remember this name," Ekter commanded sternly.

Rebo thought to himself, fortunately he only needed to understand the noble lineage of France rather than that of Spain

Although there are no exact figures, the Count's investments in Nangang bring him an annual income of at least 500,000 gold francs. I cannot imagine what financial issues Sersburg could still face with such income. The Count's death further complicates the matter, suggesting that the underlying circumstances are certainly not so simple.

The elder waved his hand towards the middle-aged man, signaling him to take the young man outside

Do you really want to know?" Eckert asked. "Well, sooner or later I have to tell you, Fa Ying Ge, the person who brought you here did not tell you the truth. Our employer is not a 'philanthropist.' Mr. Hyde is the leader of the Southern France Sixteen Provinces Thieves' Union, and people call him 'the Boss'.

The astute guidance in political strategy is something that merchants will never possess

Before leaving, the old man seemed to recall something and said: "You want that small matter done by Kaierle, I will instruct him to take care of it."

As he traveled along the way, the young man surveyed this completely unfamiliar place.

Eckert remained silent, while the middle-aged man took out a necklace from his pocket. It was a very cheap necklace, commonly found for sale throughout Nankang.

In the distance, there are rows of lush green fields, as spring arrives, the crops in the fields are vibrant green, showing promising growth. The vast stretches of wheat fields sway gently with the breeze, creating rippling waves. Besides the wheat fields, there are also rapeseed plants; the newly sprouted rapeseed resembles a thick dark green carpet laid across the fields, with broad leaves densely covering the ground, leaving no trace of the soil's color visible.

The young boy trembled as he looked at the two expressionless middle-aged men before him, silently contemplating his possible fate. In Nangang, he had heard others say that thieves would tie a heavy stone to the feet of those who betrayed them and then throw them into the river to drown. Perhaps he would soon be feeding the little fish and shrimp. The thought made him shiver all over.

"Yes, yes, I wonder if it meets your approval?" Paim bowed and asked with a smile

The old man turned around and said to the young man: "From now on, you will follow this Hector. There are many things you need to learn, but you only have six months. I heard from Paim that you are eager to learn, so show me your best effort."

"Alright, it is almost nine o'clock now. I will have the servants prepare the morning tea," said Eckert, pulling a long yellow silk cord in the room with a specific rhythm.

How is it? Are you satisfied? the old man asked with a smile

However, this necklace holds great significance for him. Ruibo gifted the necklace to his closest Aunt Betty as a token of gratitude. Aunt Betty understood his intention and has therefore never taken off this unassuming necklace.

After a month of recuperation, Ruibo finally recovered. However, since that disastrous day, he had not seen the unfamiliar middle-aged man again. That person had never appeared at the dining table, and Ruibo speculated that he, like Paim, did not reside in this place.

This noblewoman cannot be Mrs. Hector, the young man speculated

Outside the alley, the carriage has long been prepared

Seeing the young man widen his eyes in fear, nodding up and down, his face pale and his nostrils twitching, Ectar was quite satisfied and said: "Alright, I believe you know what to do now. You may continue to rest, but before you do, I still have to give you one last lesson."

Can we send Kaierle to Nankang once? That child has an aunt named Betty. Please have Kaierle obtain a token from this aunt. I believe it will be easier to control this child.

During this period of reciting the family genealogy, the young man has gradually come to identify with his new identity. He is Reibo Baindite, a direct descendant of a family of unknown noble lineage. However, judging by the surname Baindite, he should be a descendant of an ancient noble family from West Bai. No wonder Ekter insisted that he learn West Bai well

The carriage moved slowly and soon exited the city gate

Reflecting on all of this, the young man couldn't help but feel a sense of daze. Fortunately, the training over the past month had allowed him to deeply engrave most of the concepts in his mind, making every action and movement a natural habit, which is why he did not make any significant mistakes

As Pam informed us, this newcomer is quite eager to learn, and it should be no problem to transform him within six months

The study was quiet, and the young man did not dare to make a sound, fearing that he might leave a bad impression on the elder

The middle-aged man leisurely turned back to his desk, from which he drew three quill pens from the pen holder. Suddenly, with a swift turn, the three quill pens shot towards a pillar of the large bed like lightning

Ektet leaned over to take a look; the answers on the exam paper were quite impressive, indicating that this student did not waste time while at Nankang

In the study, apart from the tall bookshelves, the most conspicuous feature is the one wall that has no shelves installed.

The young man secretly thought to himself, wondering when he would be able to be as learned as Hector.

Only the crisp sound of "tuo tuo tuo" was heard, as the goose quill was neatly and deeply embedded into the hard wood.

Fayingge handed the garment to the young boy and then stepped back to the window to gaze outside, as Fayingge had no interest in watching a boy change clothes

However, despite the arduous learning, despite the constant need to be wary of the falling teaching baton, and despite living all day in an atmosphere of immense tension, the youth feels extremely fulfilled, for he has never been as immersed in the ocean of knowledge as he is now