Visit

Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's office was simple and unadorned. Upon entering, they saw Lieutenant Colonel Merkel seated behind a raw-wood desk, with ink and several rolls of Parchment on it. Several chairs of the same color stood before the desk, apparently for visitors. Against the wall stood a large bookshelf, piled with books as well as numerous parchment scrolls.

When Lieutenant Colonel Merkel saw Sean and the other arrive, he immediately rose with a smile to welcome them. Like old friends meeting again, he and Head Instructor Thomas embraced, laughing as they exchanged words like, "Old friend, long time no see," and, "Haha, old friend. I've missed you so much." At the same time, they vigorously patted each other on the back.

A series of loud slapping sounds rang out. The force behind them was so great that Sean nearly thought the two had the hatred of murderers of fathers and thieves of wives between them, each trying to beat the other to death under the guise of an embrace.

The "strength-based" greeting soon ended. Sean stepped forward with a strange expression and greeted him. "Lord Merkel, hello. I'm Sean Winchester. I had the good fortune to meet you once at Baron Horton's banquet. You may call me Sean..."

Lieutenant Colonel Merkel looked at Sean with a puzzled expression. Only after hearing his words did he seem to realize something, breaking into a smile. "Hello, Sean. It's good to see you again." Then he looked questioningly at Head Instructor Thomas.

Head Instructor Thomas laughed heartily. "Old friend, I've come to ask you for a favor today." He pointed at Sean as he introduced him. "My student, Sean, the second son of Viscount Winchester. He's not even fifteen yet, but he's already advanced to Rookie Knight."

After hearing Head Instructor Thomas's introduction, Lieutenant Colonel Merkel indeed looked shocked. If he had not known that his old friend would never joke with him about such a matter, he would have thought Gru Thomas had come specifically to tease him today.

Seeing Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's shocked expression, Head Instructor Thomas smiled smugly. "I want Sean to join the Garrison for some experience. You know... although he's a little underage, he's already a Rookie Knight, so surely an exception can be made..."

After Head Instructor Thomas explained why they had come to see Lieutenant Colonel Merkel today, he admired the latter's stunned expression as he looked at Sean. But Lieutenant Colonel Merkel quickly composed himself and asked uncertainly, "My old friend, you're not joking, are you?" He gave Gru Thomas a look that said, Say yes, and I'll bite you to death.

"Of course it's true. We came today for Sean's sake. Once he enters the Barracks, I'll need you to look after him." Head Instructor Thomas answered firmly, making no attempt to hide his hope that the other man would take care of Sean.

Lieutenant Colonel Merkel immediately understood his old friend's intentions and smiled at Sean. "Congratulations, Sean. You've truly surprised me. This is the first time I've heard of someone advancing at your age. You really gave me a fright..." After congratulating Sean a few times, Lieutenant Colonel Merkel turned to Gru Thomas and added, "And congratulations to you too, my old friend. You have a genius student."

After a pause, Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's smile faded, and he said seriously, "The Imperial Army welcomes all knight practitioners who wish to join." Then he smiled at Sean again. "On behalf of Linshui City's Garrison Force, I welcome you in advance, Sean."

Hearing Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's words, Sean felt reassured. He smiled and said, "Thank you for your approval. I still have much to learn. I hope to receive your guidance in the future, my lord." With that, he bowed to Lieutenant Colonel Merkel.

Lieutenant Colonel Merkel looked at Sean with satisfaction, then suddenly realized that he had not invited Gru Thomas and Sean to sit. That was highly discourteous, though fortunately his visitors were his old friend and his old friend's student. He promptly invited them both to take their seats, saying with a laugh, "Look at me, Sean's startled me so badly that I let my guests stand while we spoke. How rude of me."

After the three of them took their respective seats, Lieutenant Colonel Merkel asked Head Instructor Thomas, "Old friend, tell me what you and Sean have planned so I can make the arrangements in advance."

On their way here, Head Instructor Thomas had already discussed it with Sean, so he said directly, "Next year. Have Sean come to the Barracks at the beginning of February next year for two months of training, then return to the academy to study. At the end of the term, he can come back to the Barracks for another month. That will make up the full three months of training, and it will be more convenient for Sean." He looked at Sean after speaking.

Sean immediately said, "Lord Merkel, Head Instructor Gru has already discussed the recommendation of Cadet Officers with both the academy and me. I also think this arrangement suits my actual circumstances in terms of time."

Lieutenant Colonel Merkel nodded after hearing this. He knew that Cadet Officers like Sean were only meant to familiarize themselves with the military in advance. Other than the mandatory three months each year, there were no additional requirements.

"Since you've both decided, I'll make the arrangements accordingly." After speaking to Head Instructor Thomas, Lieutenant Colonel Merkel turned to Sean. "Sean, come directly to report to me next February. I'll give the necessary orders. Also, if there's a suitable mission, would you be willing to participate?" As he spoke, he glanced at Head Instructor Thomas.

Head Instructor Thomas also looked at Sean. Sean frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "If there's a suitable mission, I'm willing to participate." Sean already understood that a "suitable mission" meant one that was practically without danger.

Head Instructor Thomas and Lieutenant Colonel Merkel both nodded in satisfaction at Sean's answer, knowing that he understood their meaning. Lieutenant Colonel Merkel said, "Then if a suitable mission comes up, I'll notify Gru. He can tell you to prepare..." He glanced at Head Instructor Thomas. Head Instructor Thomas smiled and nodded, indicating that he would keep an eye out.

Then Head Instructor Thomas said to Sean, "Sean, there are some things you always have to experience. Besides, participating in missions will earn you Military Merit, which will benefit your future as well." Lieutenant Colonel Merkel nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Sean knew that in the army, he would have to get used to seeing dead people. He nodded heavily to Head Instructor Thomas.

With the serious business concluded, the three changed the topic. Head Instructor Thomas and Lieutenant Colonel Merkel mainly kept teasing each other about embarrassing incidents from their time on the battlefield. Sean could only occasionally add a word or two, but it helped him relax.

Time passed quickly, and it was soon lunchtime. At Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's invitation, the two had lunch with him in the Barracks. After lunch, they finally bade Lieutenant Colonel Merkel farewell and left.

As they rode back to the academy, Head Instructor Thomas said to Sean, "Sean, the academy will be on break in another week. I heard from the other instructors that all your grades have reached excellent."

"Thank you for today. I'll always remember your help," Sean replied with a smile. Then he added, "All excellent? That really is good news." Sean was hinting that he knew how to repay kindness. He was not worried about his course grades. Since coming to this world, his memory had greatly improved, and for the past half year, he had spent several hours reading every night.

Hearing Sean's words, Head Instructor Thomas laughed heartily for a while. Then he said, "You, I understand you quite well."

After Sean and Head Instructor Thomas laughed together on horseback and chatted casually for a while longer, they returned to the Noble Academy. Head Instructor Thomas gave Sean a few more instructions, after which Sean bade him farewell and left.

After they parted, Sean walked through the academy alone. He could not help thinking, My current strength is still too weak. But if I have another year or two, I'll be able to advance to Formal Knight. By then, there probably won't be much danger. As he thought this, an inexplicable light flickered in his violet eyes.

Ever since Sean came to this world, he had never forgotten his original intention from his previous life. Although the rules between the various classes in this world were relatively stable, that did not rule out brainless second- or third-generation nobles who disliked someone on sight or simply wanted to cause trouble. The Imperial Army was a major power faction throughout the Empire, and joining it would naturally give Sean a protective talisman. After all, targeting Imperial officers for no reason would make others fear for themselves. Once they banded together, they would inevitably destroy all those who refused to follow the rules.

Of course, if there really were such second- or third-generation nobles, Sean could only flee for his life. Then, when the pillar supporting their family collapsed, he could smile as he watched their family fall into ruin. In Sean's view, whether in his previous life or this world, those who did not observe rules and bottom lines would be jointly destroyed by other forces the moment they showed even the slightest weakness, unless they remained strong forever. There was almost no doubt about it. No one liked or trusted those who casually broke the rules.

Sean shook his head, dispersing the increasingly far-fetched thoughts in his mind. He should return to his dormitory for a short rest, then complete today's knight training. Dripping water could pierce stone, and grains of sand could build a tower. Only through constant accumulation could he improve his strength more quickly.

After resting briefly in his dormitory, Sean immediately carried his knight sword to the clearing behind the mountain to train. More than an hour later, Sean finished this session. After this training, his attributes became:

Strength: 2.271 Constitution: 2.279 Agility: 2.440

Time passed slowly, and in the blink of an eye, a week had gone by. Today was Sunday afternoon, November 20.

After Sean and Jim exchanged farewells with Ben at the academy gate, they headed toward the Horton Family Villa in the carriage sent by the Horton Family to pick them up. The day before, Sean had indeed received grades of excellent in every subject for the academic year.

Sean had also told Jim and Ben that the academy had recommended him as a Cadet Officer. This made Jim and Ben extremely jealous, and they clamored for Sean to treat them to a meal. They even declared that if he refused, they would cut ties with him, leaving Sean both amused and exasperated.

For all these reasons, today's farewell lunch was held at the upscale restaurant Sean and the others had visited before. Whether it was the fresh fish dishes or the other food, everything was delicious, as was easy to see from Jim and Ben's faces. It made Sean feel as though he had made the wrong friends. Even now, several hours later, Sean still felt somewhat indignant.