Chapter 5

From the information available, it is evident that Baron Longna is a character steeped in nobility. Despite having little wealth, this baron insists on maintaining the meaningless facade of aristocracy

After spending an entire night contemplating what he believed to be a brilliant plan, Rebo felt somewhat disheartened when Mr. Hyde and Ecton saw through it at a glance. Perhaps this plan was not as perfect as he had thought, and perhaps Baron Long could easily see through it as well

A porcelain plate, the most common type with a blue background and floral patterns, is already a relatively eye-catching gift, but more often it is a stack of silk handkerchiefs or similar items

"You can get out of the car now, make sure to perform well!" said Ekt.

The ordinary courier station carriage can only have a half-bright lantern; without moonlight, it cannot travel at all

Upon hearing Rebo's perplexing request, Eckert pondered for a moment and immediately understood Rebo's intention. He was even able to anticipate each step of the plan that Rebo intended to undertake

Seeing this situation, Reibo began to carry out the next step of his long-planned actions. He said, "Mr. Baron, this small gift is a token of respect. It was prepared by my uncle, Mr. Hector, to express his apologies for not being able to attend this grand event in person. The item is quite fragile and cannot withstand pressure; if it develops cracks, it will quickly become damp. If you plan to store it for a long time, please cut it into small pieces and place it in a sealed porcelain container. It is best to seal the opening with wax to ensure that moisture cannot enter."

Compared to Nangang and Laier, the land here is much more level, with only two small hills in sight, unlike the route from Nangang to Laier, which is filled with mountains.

Keller had already informed him that when Ect returned, it would also be the time when Rebo faced the trial

The nobles strive to present their sons as perfect as possible, and in the end, they all turn out to be the same.

However, this is truly astonishing. The title of "common noble" is indeed the lowest rank among the nobility, lacking any fief and not inheritable. Nevertheless, those who hold this title in France are exceedingly rare; only the most distinguished individuals are entitled to this enviable designation

These pieces of jewelry have indeed opened Rebo's eyes

It seems that these fallen aristocrats can only regain some semblance of dignity through these means

Intermarriage with commoners, even if the in-laws are wealthy, will still be perceived as undignified

Rebo bent down and opened the basket

Various types of carriages are parked all over the square

The roads in the city center are relatively well-paved, and it is also the most prosperous area of the entire city

Everything is ready

The backyard was originally a lush green lawn, with a marble hall built in the center. Inside the hall, there was a table and several armchairs. This was originally quite a leisurely place, but as the autumn wind began to blow, a hint of chill was felt, making it a place where people seldom gathered.

The carriage body is constructed from deep purple-painted pine boards, with the top adorned with an enamel and gold relief depicting the Harvest Goddess and the Forest Goddess dancing gracefully

Baron Lonna of Pidton will hold a grand ball the day after tomorrow to celebrate his blissful twenty years of marriage, and he has invited all the nobles he could muster.

"Quite good, in my opinion, for a child of his age living in France, his Spanish is already quite sufficient," Mr. Hyde said

When it comes to being well-informed and discerning, those fallen aristocrats certainly cannot compare to oneself. If one wishes to make a remarkable impression, focusing on this aspect is indeed a good choice

In the living room, the butler and Hector had already made the preparations. On the sofa lay a meticulously crafted set of formal attire, devoid of any superfluous decorations or ostentatious embellishments.

My name is Reibo Haide, but you may call me Reibo. My grandfather is advanced in age and his health can no longer withstand long journeys; therefore, I am here on his behalf to extend congratulations to you. I wish the Baron and Baroness a century of harmonious union. Reibo had long contemplated this statement.

After changing into a shirt and putting on a suit, Ruibo felt somewhat unaccustomed to the large lace trim on the shirt cuffs.

"It is somewhat different; my noble title is hereditary," said Haide. "I purchased a foreign noble title and a land grant certificate from a declining noble of the Eire. That piece of land has long since fallen into the hands of the Tor people, rendering it worthless, but it is quite useful to me. Thus, my identity became that of a bankrupt hereditary noble who fled to France. I also managed to acquire a title of lord, as having a noble title makes certain matters much easier to handle. In this way, the title of lord became hereditary, although inheriting this title requires a considerable sum of money to be paid to His Majesty the King. Nevertheless, it is still worth it."

Upon returning to the room with a thick stack of materials, Ruibo was unwilling to waste even a minute and immediately began to read carefully.

In his original imagination, nobles were supposed to reside in incredibly luxurious mansions, surrounded by numerous servants, feasting on exquisite delicacies. The balls held by the nobility were even more extravagant, with fine wines served in precious glassware, available for indulgence, along with a variety of exquisite snacks. The nobles dancing gracefully at the ball exuded nobility and elegance

As he spoke, Ektet took out an invitation, the kind of invitation that is of the highest quality, wrapped in bright yellow silk, with the content of the invitation written in an exceptionally neat decorative script on the cover.

When getting into the carriage, the steward placed a basket in one corner of the compartment, which contained food items

Once the coachman confirmed that everything was securely placed, with no looseness and absolutely no risk of falling, the carriage began to move slowly

In a state of confusion, Reibo felt the carriage pass over several hills, and it seemed that there were also a few small bridges in between

Such a luxuriously decorated carriage is rarely seen even among the wealthy families in Nankang

"You sit down," Mr. Hyde commanded

The marriage of that baron is clearly what is referred to as a match made in heaven

Most adults gathered together, chatting. Some, feeling tired from standing, called over the attendants nearby to bring a chair.

"Sir, how has Ruibo been studying in my absence?" Eckert clearly did not care about what was originally a very serious mistake, as he turned to Mr. Hyde to inquire.

Reibo complied with the instructions and got down from the carriage. The coachman, Ted, had long been waiting at the carriage door, holding in his hands a tea brick wrapped in silk as a gift.

The host has clearly not yet arrived, and the guests do not seem to feel impatient. For these fallen aristocrats, attending such a gathering is quite a rare opportunity.

It is evidently a noble private carriage, painted a glossy brown on the outside. The carriage features two transparent glass windows on either side, which are quite a rarity, allowing one to see the scenery outside while preventing the wind from blowing in. In ordinary station carriages, the sides are fitted with screens, which are manageable in summer but allow the cold wind to penetrate into the compartment during winter

"Is this my new identity?" asked Ruibo directly

The servants, each having received gifts that pleased them, happily returned to their respective posts. The housekeeper soon brought out a plate of fragrant deep-fried lamb leg from the kitchen, which had originally been prepared for Eckert

When Ruibo opened his eyes, the sun had already risen to its zenith, and the scenery before him had completely changed.

"Please thank your uncle for me, and also convey my regards to your grandfather," said the baron, who had not forgotten the necessary etiquette and clearly did not mind this 'insignificant gift' too much

But who knows which family it will be? In France, even a noble who has once served as the lord of a small city like Laire can go to great lengths to add a shield mark to their family crest, a practice that has become exceedingly common in France

After hesitating for a moment, Ekt decided it was best to remain silent. In the future, Rebo will undoubtedly face situations when he is not around, and he must learn to make the right decisions, as this will affect many matters

Like most impoverished nobility, the baron was well-read. The financially strained noble family had little money for entertainment, and reading evidently became the best leisure activity they could afford

The builder of this mansion was evidently a rather pragmatic individual, as there are no walls, no gardens, and no countless spacious rooms.

Only then did Rebo realize how greatly he had been disrespectful. If this had happened during a regular class, such a significant mistake would lead to only one outcome: a sharp reprimand on his backside from the teacher's cane, followed by a night spent recounting the day's errors and determining the appropriate punishment. If he underestimated the punishment, it would be doubled; if he overestimated, Ekt would not kindly remind him.

Eckert gave each person a gift

Therefore, it is best to ensure that Ruibo fully masters the ability to think independently and make decisions on his own before that important moment arrives

Regarding this foolish behavior of putting on a false front, Reibo has always found it inexplicable. This baron is not an isolated case; there are many such impoverished nobles in France. Many of them possess nothing but an empty title inherited from their ancestors, and although they do not live in debt, their lives are certainly devoid of any flavor. Some who are willing to set aside their pride take up positions as private secretaries in wealthy upper-class families, maintaining their ancestral legacy while waiting for an opportunity to rise again.

The two servants standing at the door had already seen the elegantly dressed, youthful-looking young boy approaching, followed by a servant carrying a gift.

Mr. Hyde was extremely pleased with the exquisite and delicate craftsmanship; indeed, for someone like him, who is accustomed to rare treasures, this was a very interesting gift

"Talent? I have no talent whatsoever," said Ruibo, puzzled and confused.

Baron Longna was dressed in a sky-blue knight's outfit, with a red sash draped diagonally over his shoulder, giving him an exceptionally spirited appearance. His pair of polished leather riding boots shone brightly, reflecting the light.

The appearance of Ruibo has somewhat aroused a hint of hostility among the surrounding nobles, but as they realized that Ruibo was evidently two or three years younger than Baron Longna's daughter, this hostility gradually dissipated.

He handed the invitation to Ruibo

All of this pales in comparison to the middle-class wealthy families in Nangang

Another noble scion has arrived. It appears that this individual comes from a better background than the other noble scions who have come, as at least the clothes he is wearing are not cheap, and the carriage he is riding in is also brand new

The sail is made of white silk, while the ropes and various lifting lines appear to be made of cotton thread, adorned with gold paint

The marinated goose is quite good; it seems the chef has spent at least an entire day preparing it, resulting in a rich flavor. The char siu is also very good, fresh and sweet to the taste

"Are you the grandson of Lord Kaveire Egrete Haide? I am quite familiar with your uncle Mr. Hector. Why did he not come this time?" the baron inquired

The houses in the town are similarly constructed of mud bricks, with roofs that appear to have never been cleaned, as if it has not rained for years.

At this point, a plan gradually began to take shape in Ruibo's mind

In a corner of the central square, a tall building is constructed, featuring a spacious porch, thick supporting columns, a floor paved with marble, and a massive family crest carved from marble placed atop the porch. All of this indicates that they have arrived at their destination

Although he had not slept all night, Ruibo still felt invigorated

Reibo was idly doing nothing, and one person went to the backyard to practice shooting

Welcome, welcome, the master is waiting inside" said the two servants with utmost respect

Rebo cautiously complied with Hyde's orders

He turned his head and glanced at Ector

By the time they finished eating and drinking and tidied up, the carriage had already entered a small town. The roads in the town were equally uneven, with the cobblestones long since broken into segments. The litter strewn about, with no one to clean it up, reminded Ruibo of the place where they lived in Nankang

For Ruibo, this is not his first time traveling far, but sitting in such a luxurious and comfortable carriage brings a completely new feeling that he has never experienced before

The latter half of the mansion is likely the residence of the owner, with all the rooms facing south, ensuring ample sunlight.

Upon entering the hall, one finds it already filled with guests attending the ball. Some have come as entire families, while others are accompanied by either their fathers or mothers, bringing their children along. Beside them, servants follow, each carrying gifts.

Indeed, he did not disappoint him. Clearly, none of the people present recognized the origin of this gift. The servant, in particular, regarded what he held as a piece of trash that should not have appeared in such an occasion, casually stuffing the tea brick beneath the numerous gifts.

The carriage slowed down as it entered the city

Peyton, the faithful servant of His Majesty the King, Baron Longna Beltemo Danqi, respectfully requests Lord Kaweirei Egrete Haide... ...

The streets are lined with shops as well, but it is evident that it is not as lively as in Nankang and Laierna

He leaned back against the soft chair and gently fell asleep

Unlike the stagecoach, this carriage travels swiftly and steadily along the country lanes

Unlike the bustling vibrancy of Nankang and the profound history of Lair, this city covers an extensive area, appearing even larger in scale than Nankang

Reibo received a model of a sailboat

The gift wrapped in exquisite silk immediately attracted the attention of those around, and everyone speculated about what might be inside

The only thing I take pride in is that I have encountered countless precious items from around the world in my previous store, and Mr. Hyde's private collection is truly the finest among the treasures.

Rebo took the invitation out of his pocket and carefully examined it from head to toe, confirming with the *illustration* that there were no flaws, before walking towards the mansion's entrance

As for those introductory remarks, they are also one of the things that interest Ruibo.

Although beverages are also provided at the dance, there are no options other than plain water and bland beer. The snacks consist of small, golden-baked cookies that taste quite good; however, as soon as they were served, Reibo could only taste one piece before they were all gone

Are you Lord Kavey Eile Egrett Haider? a servant asked

Now, Ruibo has truly come into play

In Pidton, Baron Longna owns more than thirty acres of land adjacent to his estate as his fief. It seems that the harvest is not very good; being able to pay the annual taxes required for this title is already quite commendable. Therefore, I suspect that not many nobles will honor him with their presence at his ball. " Ect detailed everything he knew.

The hull is carved from a single piece of pine wood, with the gunwales, portholes, the stern cabin, the railings on the deck, and the rudder all meticulously sculpted.

Baron Long was somewhat surprised to see a young boy appearing before him alone, without any parental accompaniment

As he approached, Ruibo realized that the baron's residence was indeed much grander and more imposing than Hyde's estate. The two statues of the male and female gods of war at the entrance clearly indicated that the original builders had earned their fortune through military merit. The columns and walls were constructed from blue slate, a material typically used for building fortresses.

"Accepting the invitation, how is that possible? I am merely a stranger who has just been met. Nobles would never easily invite someone they are not familiar with," Reibo said anxiously

By the time he had thought everything through, the sky had already begun to brighten

The butler was given a beautifully crafted black-edged silk soft-brimmed top hat. He had long desired such a hat to complement his black silk-collared evening suit. He possessed a fine pair of trousers and a pair of leather shoes gifted to him by Mr. Hyde on his birthday. All that was missing was such a hat, and his complete formal attire would be assembled.

As for those young individuals with ulterior motives, they strive to appear refined or charming, hoping to leave a good impression in the eyes of the fairer sex

The entire ship is adorned with colorful paint, shimmering and looking extremely beautiful

Throughout the night, Ruibo repeatedly contemplated every step of the plan, every possible contingency, and the measures to address such contingencies

Reibo was contemplating how to attract the attention of the baron and the others while looking through the materials.

The most intriguing aspect is a ring from the era of Francis III, worn by monks on their fingers to signify their lifelong service to the divine and renunciation of all worldly pleasures, which is now adorning the hand of a noblewoman with two sons

These fallen aristocrats are all quite refined and mild-tempered individuals, as it is often difficult to find people to work for them. Losing their tempers would drive their servants away, and such a significant loss is something they absolutely cannot afford

If the baron and his wife possess any treasure of utmost value, it can only be said to be their daughter

Rebo once tasted it, and the flavor was not particularly good. If given the choice, he would prefer to drink milk

Through the thick glass window, the sound of hooves striking the ground and wheels rolling over the road is very faint

The basket has clearly been opened before

The grooming of the hair is carried out by the female steward. Although even the shirt became damp, after completing these tasks, the refreshed appearance made Reibo feel that it was all worthwhile.

"Not bad, not bad, your speech is becoming increasingly philosophical now," Mr. Hyde said, nodding and smiling repeatedly

Even in Tole, this beverage is not produced, and it is even rarer for it to be transported to France; thus, tea has become a drink that only a few can afford to enjoy

Eckert was dozing off with his back against the chair, just as he had been a moment ago, with his eyes closed

Due to the excellent insulation, combined with the sunlight streaming in through the car window, it feels warm and cozy on the body, providing immense comfort

These pieces of jewelry may indeed look good with the clothing of that time, but when paired with formal attire, they appear somewhat incongruous. Moreover, some of them were worn by ancient clergy, creating a peculiar charm when combined with secular garments.

Rebo was so excited that he even forgot to say thank you

However, one can imagine what kind of people will be present at that time; it will likely be a grand display of the decayed nobility from the south of France

The villa in the suburbs is truly the baron's home. If one were to discuss the baron's financial situation, it is almost beyond doubt that it is quite dire. Among the documents, there is a food procurement list from the baron's household for the past month, which consists almost entirely of vegetables, with meat appearing only occasionally on Sundays.

All of this was once taught to him by Ect.

The servant behind the baron reached out to accept the gift, and with the baron's nod, gently and carefully unwrapped the silk covering.

That was a Xibai sailing ship, which can often be seen in the South Port

Apart from the roof, although there are not many decorations in other areas, they are also inlaid with gold and enamel.

In fact, Ruibo is not yet psychologically prepared to become an accomplice to a fraudster

Finally, all the other nobles have been introduced

Reibo picked up three crossbow bolts from the box. The three-shot burst is the only shooting technique he has yet to master fully. Among the three bolts, there is always one that deviates significantly. Within thirty meters, he can still hit the target, but beyond that distance, it is inevitable that he will miss the target.

Oh, no, the lord is my grandfather. He is too old and hasn't traveled far for five or six years. As for the invitation from the baron, I can only express a token of his sentiment on his behalf.

Reibo glanced at the time, and it was about right; some nobles had already begun to bring their sons for the second round of introductions.

On both sides of the road, sparse patches of crops are planted, and the trees are not lush; it seems they have been nearly all cut down, with bare stumps visible everywhere

"No, that is not enough. We have invested so much effort in training you so that you can be quickly accepted into the noble social circle. You must be genuinely welcomed, not just go unnoticed. As far as I know, after the ball, Baron Longna will host a banquet, and the guests invited to the banquet are those he truly appreciates. You must gain Baron Longna's approval; the invitation to the banquet is the true proof of your success. You must be invited" said Ekt.

Baron Long was quite fond of recounting tales about that ancestor, going over his lineage for me time and again. However, they remained lords, and those merits did not elevate their family's status until one of their idle and dashing ancestors seduced a duke's daughter, after which the family gradually began to experience good fortune

If the journey from Nangang to Lair is characterized by lush greenery and vitality, with everything appearing so vibrant and full of life, then here it is entirely a scene of desolation and barrenness

My family is quite small. In the previous generation, there was only Uncle Hector, and he managed all the operations by himself, which kept him very busy. Originally, Uncle intended to come personally to congratulate you, but some unexpected matters arose that he had to address. He truly could not spare the time, and he asked me to convey his apologies.

At a glance, there are low-rise houses everywhere, with only a few tall buildings standing out in this place like a crane among chickens

The news of Ectar's impending return is not something for Rebo to be pleased about

Some have been passed down from the era of the Great Emperor of Leidou, some date back to the reign of Francis III to V, and others are from the period of the division of the Yile Dynasty

The attendants standing nearby are whispering to each other in groups, while others appear indifferent, making it hard to imagine how their master manages them

Upon hearing Mr. Hyde and Hector speak in unison, Rebo seemed to gain a bit of confidence

Mr. Hyde's gift is a cane carved from walnut wood. Although it is not worth much, it is intricately carved, with the small lamb's head on the handle and a circle of maple leaves in the middle appearing lifelike. Aside from this, there are no excessive decorations; the cane has not been lacquered or gilded, and is purely an ordinary carved cane for elderly use.

However, the baron clearly never considered such matters; the only way he could save expenses was by claiming poor health, thus residing for many years in a villa on the outskirts of Pidton, leaving only a few family members to guard the empty old mansion. This vacant old mansion would only come into use during balls or significant events.

"You have been here for four months, and you have learned everything we needed to teach you. Mr. Hyde and I are quite satisfied with this. However, just because you have learned the courses we taught you does not mean you are truly capable of fulfilling the role you are about to take on; this can only be determined through experience," said Eckert.

I have never heard of this person before said Hyde

"Do you know Baron Longna?" asked Rebo

The baron is undoubtedly one of these individuals; however, despite the hardships of life, he clearly believes that his married life is quite fulfilling

The only two relatively valuable properties in the hands of this baron are one ancestral mansion, from which one can see the scenes of prosperity that this family once enjoyed, but it has long since fallen into decline. Maintaining such a grand residence requires considerable funds. If it were up to Reibo himself, he would have already sold this mansion, which would indeed yield a substantial income. The money from selling the mansion could be invested in Nangang, and within a few years, he could buy back the mansion, of course, if there were a necessity for it. Maintaining such a grand residence requires considerable funds. If it were up to Reibo himself, he would have already sold this mansion, which would indeed yield a substantial income. The money from selling the mansion could be invested in Nangang, and within a few years, he could buy back the mansion, of course, if there were a necessity for it

Therefore, the ideal marriage partner for the fallen aristocracy is also a member of the fallen aristocracy

As for those young people, they all stood there alone, showing no intention of engaging in conversation with one another

The breakfast time has been extended

"Who is this ... ... ?" the baron inquired

As the journey progressed, the path became increasingly difficult to traverse, becoming more and more bumpy.

In his youth, the baron was undoubtedly a handsome and dashing figure. Although the relentless passage of time has etched wrinkles upon his forehead, his demeanor and charm remain among the most distinguished in the presence of those gathered.

Upon receiving the invitation, I saw "Lord Kawei Ailei Egeleite Haide"

Yes, all you need to do is to have everyone present acknowledge and accept you just as we have accepted you, and you will have succeeded. This is truly very simple for you. " Hector also chimed in from the side

All of this was absolutely unimaginable for Rebo. He knew that Eckert had no need to deceive himself over such a trivial matter; Mr. Hyde's identity was undoubtedly genuine, and the title of Lord must have been personally conferred by His Majesty the King

"Do you have any questions?" Ekter inquired

On the back of the invitation, there is a noble crest— a shield and two flowers. His knowledge of heraldry is insufficient for him to immediately discern which noble lineage the crest originates from in the kingdom; he only knows that a high-ranking official once emerged from that family, which is why the crest features a shield.

Tea bricks sealed with wax may indeed disappoint those who are unaware of their value due to their unremarkable appearance

The carriage continued to race forward, and Ruibo even felt a bit hungry

The baroness is wearing a crimson silk gown, which, although it appears to be a style from two or three decades ago, still looks quite elegant, as if it were brand new; around her neck hangs an extremely delicate necklace, a relic from the time of Francis VII, which seems to be a treasure passed down from her ancestors

Keller has taken a liking to this place; he has set up several targets on the lawn, with the farthest ones being seventy to eighty meters away from the hall, and the closest ones being twenty to thirty meters away.

Something has happened. Everything is ready, and the carriage is waiting outside the door

Most of those carriages are quite old, and many of the horses pulling them are also sufficiently aged.

This is exactly the kind of nobility that Rebo originally envisioned; in fact, Ekt is also intent on training him to become such a noble.

Rebo placed the basket on his lap, took out a pair of sleeves and a scarf from the drawer beneath the seat, and after putting them on, began to eat with great enjoyment

A small vegetable garden has been cultivated beside the house, which is the only greenery in this area

Gently opening the invitation, Ruibo first notices the line of text at the very bottom

Having said this, Reibo made a gesture, and Ted, who was following closely behind, respectfully presented the gift.

If there are many fallen noble youths present who are around the same age as oneself, compared to their solid reading foundation, one's own desperate absorption of knowledge over the past four months is still quite shallow. It would be exceedingly difficult to stand out based on this, and if the conversation turns to areas in which one is not proficient, that could lead to trouble

In the center of the hall, there is a box filled with crossbow bolts on the table

Throughout this entire month, Ectar has evidently devoted considerable effort to organizing and documenting everything he could gather about Baron Longna in these materials

Reibo did not pay attention to what the baron said; he was waiting for the servant's handling of this gift

The most tedious item is a ludicrously designed gilded lacquer jewelry box, which appears to have some history. It is uncertain how many circles this object has traversed among the generations of declining nobility in the south.

The carriage sped along swiftly, the compartment swaying back and forth, and Ruibo's eyes gradually closed.

The front of the carriage is equipped with two spotlight lamps, and the hemispherical copper mirrors can project the light from the oil lamps far ahead.

The only means these nobles have to prove their identity are those pieces of jewelry

In the entire South, there are only two civilian nobles known to Reibo. Besides Mr. Hyde, the other is Mr. Maier Dolphin, the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in Nankang, who was once a comrade of Mr. Hyde, sharing life and death together.

Most people clearly regard this item as yet another "ugly jewelry box," and some individuals have evidently displayed expressions of disdain on their faces

The thick animal fur, warm and soft, on a chilly autumn day, sitting in such a chair, embedding oneself in the luxurious fur, there is nothing more comfortable than this

The female steward received a silk scarf, the kind often worn by noble ladies, although the color was slightly off. Reibo estimated that it was still quite expensive

However, in marrying into a prestigious family, it is not necessarily the case that the elite would regard them favorably. The wedding itself poses a true challenge, as the ceremonies of noble families are exceedingly grand and luxurious, far beyond the means of a fallen aristocrat. Even presenting a decent gift could lead to the complete financial ruin of those impoverished nobles

That baron's daughter is indeed quite beautiful, no wonder those nobles eagerly bring their sons to the ball, hoping that their sons can win the heart of the fair lady

As Rebo imagined, most of those attending the ball were members of the fallen nobility

Just as Rebo began to feel somewhat bored, the butler called to him from a distance to return to the house

At Mr. Hyde's dining table, there was never any conversation. Rebo did not know whether this was to cultivate a habit or if it had always been this way. When he was with Aunt Betty, mealtimes were always the liveliest.

"No, you cannot rely on me; you must earn the attention of others on your own. Ted will be with you; he is both your driver and your servant, which is quite fitting for someone of your vulnerable noble status. Most of the guests who come here are like that. I will be waiting for you in the carriage," Ect said.

The exterior shellac is indeed of extremely hard quality. To transport it from the distant East to here, it must not be exposed to moisture at any point along the way. One can imagine the thickness and hardness of the shellac.

This carriage is clearly taller than the station carriage, even allowing Rebo to stand upright inside the compartment

The backrest of the chair is covered with a thick layer of cashmere. Although it is not as precious as the animal furs laid out in Mr. Hyde's lounge, in terms of comfort, the two are not significantly different.

However, everything here is clearly not so perfect

The two servants opened the guest register and quickly found the name of the lord.

After a long journey, it is evident that the weary Hector is indeed quite hungry

If in the places you mentioned, that shepherd might not be able to carve such an exquisite staff, wouldn't a poorly made piece, when painted and adorned with gold, become a staff that anyone could hold without losing face? Why would others still pay attention to whether the carving is exquisite?

Mr. Hyde and Mr. Eckert both enjoy drinking tea, but Mr. Hyde only asks the butler to prepare this beverage when there are important matters to discuss

Regarding what Reibo is thinking, Ektet can guess a little, but the leader has not made it clear. Ektet is unsure whether to comfort his student. In his view, the plan is quite perfect, and the chances of success are extremely high

Rebo glanced over there

As soon as Ruibo entered the hall, he immediately attracted the attention of everyone present

He envied for an entire summer

After the initial pleasantries, the nobles each led their children forward, presenting congratulatory gifts while introducing their sons to the baron and baroness

In fact, the jewelry and the clothing they are wearing do not match very well

And this is precisely what Rebo needs

The leather boots have long been prepared, the bright red leather, speckled with spots, is unknown from which unfortunate little spotted deer it was sourced.

In fact, it would not be incorrect to say that those extremely reserved, expressionless young nobles, who do not even dare to breathe openly, are all the same

"Aren't you going with me?" asked Ruibo

The Baroness was originally the daughter of another impoverished noble family. These impoverished nobles seem to have become a special class; they are unwilling to intermarry with commoners, and forming alliances with wealthy families is not an easy task either

Rebo stood alone in a corner of the hall, observing attentively

Reibo patiently analyzed in detail what kind of person Baron Longna was, following the methods that Ekt had taught him in the past

Baron Longna is an hereditary noble residing in Pidun. His ancestors achieved military merit during the Banang War and were elevated to nobility, becoming lords by virtue of their military accomplishments, which can be inherited. Initially, several generations of his ancestors worked diligently, thus gaining favor and were once tasked with guarding Talen Fortress, which is the origin of the shield in the coat of arms

The city center square serves as a natural parking area for carriages, and it is evident that the builders of the mansions have taken this into account

Rebo practiced on his own, perhaps because he had something on his mind. The results today were not satisfactory; throughout the entire afternoon, he did not hit the bullseye even once.

Lord Kaweire Egrete Haide? Rebo read the name with confusion, wondering if this was his new identity

Lord Kavey Eley Egrett? Rebo evidently still does not quite understand

The entire mansion, aside from the grand hall at the front used for hosting banquets and balls, features an exquisite small garden on the west side. Although it does not cultivate any rare flowers, it is lushly filled with morning glories, roses, and violets. Coupled with a thoughtfully arranged layout, it indeed showcases a unique craftsmanship.

Although there are one or two individuals who are summoned by their parents to be introduced to other nobles, they themselves absolutely do not engage in conversation with others, and many appear extremely reserved

Inside the basket, there is a marinated goose and a plate of char siu; one of the goose legs has already been torn off, while the char siu remains largely untouched

It is conceivable that for such a family, organizing a ball, along with a banquet, is indeed a rather challenging task

The coachman is still the same person who brought me here, but the carriage has been replaced with another one

Mr. Hyde's public identity is Lord Kwevale Egrete Hyde, a great navigator and naturalist. Mr. Hyde is also a close friend of the High Priest, and the title of Lord was conferred in recognition of Mr. Hyde's outstanding contributions in diplomacy, " explained Ect.

"No, you are very talented. I noticed this the first time I saw you. Ect and Kailer can attest to this as well. Over the past four months, we have made every effort to cultivate you in this regard: graceful in demeanor, gentle in temperament, unpretentious, eager to learn, and now, with a broad knowledge base added, this is sufficient. This is talent, the kind of talent that can attract anyone," said Hyde.

In this regard, Ectect is quite pleased, as it seems that the education has been successful

Even the expressions of disappointment were clearly evident on the faces of the baron and his wife

Before that model was purchased by someone, Ruibo would almost go to take a look at it every day

The materials provide detailed descriptions of the baron's individual preferences, tastes, and temperament

Upon entering the lounge, a strong aroma of tea wafted through the air. Ruibo had heard that this beverage was passed down from Tor, originating from a place further to the east, possibly the country of Qina that Mr. Hyde had visited.

Rebola pulled Ted, who was following him, and walked towards Baron Longna

Mr. Ect, could you prepare a tea brick for me? The kind that you and Mr. Haihe Tushude often drink

The couple shares a deep bond, and thus they have spent twenty years together, marking a milestone worth celebrating

The carriage continued to travel forward for about twenty to thirty miles, and a city appeared before them

Reibo knew without looking back that Mr. Hyde had made an exception today and got up early.

Reibo's appetite is not very large; two wings along with a few pieces of char siu have already satisfied his hunger

Mr. Hyde and Hector have evidently finished their conversation

"Take a package of the large pieces; those small ones are wrapped in gold foil, making it immediately obvious that they are of high quality. The large pieces are not suitable for gifts, as they are not packaged; they are merely wrapped tightly in fire wax. Those who have never seen them would certainly not imagine how expensive such a large piece is." An elderly voice came from behind.

Keller never comes into the living room to eat. Mr. Hyde has a poor appetite and does not like greasy food, while Rebo adheres to an extremely strict diet. Eating indiscriminately was once one of the main reasons for his troubles.

Just as Rebo was savoring the observation of all the guests present

Ruibo was enthusiastically admiring all of this

Upon realizing this, Ruibo hurriedly expressed his sincere gratitude repeatedly

However, most people are willing to endure a difficult existence while still refusing to relinquish their meaningless noble facade

If the exquisite silk aroused great curiosity among everyone nearby, then the object being held inside was clearly quite disappointing to them

However, the bright appearance of the wax seal does not prove its value; compared to lacquerware, it lacks luster and vibrant colors

Following Hector, they boarded the carriage, while the butler directed the servants to load the luggage and gifts onto the luggage rack on top of the carriage

After three generations of effort, they ascended to the position of baron. However, the subsequent descendants are evidently quite satisfied with this status, and thus no capable individuals have emerged since. They have now fallen into the ranks of those leisurely nobles.

Twenty years ago, the Baroness must have been a beauty; otherwise, she would not have been able to capture the heart of the Baron. Her youthful and stunning appearance can still be somewhat seen in her daughter who follows her.

With the help of the steward, Ruibo completed a full set of tasks including combing his hair and washing his face. His face was washed repeatedly, and the water was infused with an essence extracted from an unknown flower.

The materials mention that the baron has an eighteen-year-old daughter. It seems that this ball, in addition to celebrating the twenty years the couple has spent together, also serves as an important occasion to select a suitable candidate among the many offspring of the impoverished nobility.

In the distant wilderness, the withered yellow reeds grow tall, and faintly, a few goats can be seen tethered there, clearly uninterested in the unnutritious feed.

According to his daily routine, after running a lap around the estate along the route previously established by Keller, Rebo returned to the house

"What a wonderful piece! I haven't seen such exquisite carving skills in many years. It's a pity that the shepherd is in Pidton; if he were in the capital, in Sesthburg, or in Nankang, he would have already made a fortune," Mr. Hyde sighed

"Purchased from a shepherd of Python for five copper coins," said Ect.

"Haha, no, Kawei Ailei · Aigelete · Haide is my name," Mr. Haide said with a smile beside.

"Mr. Hyde, are you a commoner aristocrat like Mr. Mel Doffin?" Reibo asked in astonishment

"I know you like sailing, and I happened to see this model for sale in the store, so I bought it. I never expected that in such a poor place as Peyton, there would be such an exquisite sailing model," Ect said.

It is evident that it is his expensive attire that makes him so strikingly noticeable, and another reason is that Reibo attended the ball alone

Those crossbow bolts are specially made, measuring only four inches in length. The heads are crafted from high-quality steel, with a triangular shape that is extremely sharp, capable of penetrating armor even at close range

The host of the ball appeared at the venue

The builder of this mansion clearly made every effort to minimize unnecessary waste at the time of construction, and now the current owner, Baron Long, is even unable to afford to live in such a mansion, which speaks volumes about the extent of his financial difficulties

After satisfying their hunger, Mr. Hyde and Hector returned to the lounge, where the butler went to prepare strong tea as instructed, clearly indicating that Mr. Hyde and Hector were to have a lengthy discussion

The servant beside him, the attendant who was collecting the invitations at the door, gently replied: "This is a visit on behalf of Lord Caweire Egrete Haid."

As I passed through the small town, the road ahead finally widened significantly. Although the surface remained quite dilapidated, it at least possessed a certain grandeur reminiscent of a thoroughfare.

The tea brick originally appears dark and dull, resembling a uniquely shaped jewelry box from a distance. When held in hand, it feels light, and it is evident that there is nothing hidden inside.

When breakfast was halfway through, Eckert suddenly walked in from outside. Most people appeared quite pleased to see Eckert's return, and Rebo could only join the others in expressing his "joy".

After crossing a hill, two households can be seen in the distance, standing alone there, with earthen yellow mud walls and thatched roofs

It is precisely for this reason that Ruibo gradually calmed down

"Where did you buy it?" Mr. Hyde asked

Soon, Reibo understood why Ektet was so well-liked

After a whole night of inadequate rest, Ruibo felt somewhat drowsy

"Is it enough for me to attend the ball without being recognized?" asked Ruibo

Apart from Mr. Hyde's gift, which was merely a cheap handicraft, everyone else received items that were relatively expensive, things they had long envied but were reluctant to purchase.

This is the life of the nobility, Reibo thought to himself, far from what he had originally anticipated

Those gifts are quite intriguing. Since they are nobles, the gifts they present certainly cannot be too meager; however, being overly extravagant is also beyond the means of these fallen aristocrats

When Ruibo was in Nangang, he saw the same model of a sailboat. Although he liked it very much, the price was something he didn't even dare to think about.

I did not expect that Ect would give him such a valuable gift

The baron warmly greeted several guests who were evidently old acquaintances

Yes, this is precisely where the greatest challenge lies. It is because this matter is quite difficult that it serves as an assessment of you. I have great confidence in you; as long as you are willing to do it, you can easily attract everyone's attention. Therefore, I hope you can prove yourself to be the most outstanding, not merely content with not being discovered by others. Hyde said slowly, and his words were quite inspiring: "As long as you take it seriously and do not be too reserved, you will definitely be able to accomplish all of this. Therefore, I hope you can prove yourself to be the most outstanding, not merely content with not being discovered by others." Hyde said slowly, and his words were quite inspiring: "As long as you take it seriously and do not be too reserved, you will definitely be able to accomplish all of this. I can give you a piece of advice: do not rush to show yourself to that baron; instead, showcase your talents to everyone present, let everyone be attracted to you, and allow the baron to notice you himself and come to find you. Do you understand?