Crimson Codex

Since experiencing the corset yesterday, Altair wore his previous attire today.

But not wanting to wear it was useless—those teachers had arrived for lessons!

Due to Altair's own scheduling, the teachers coming today covered etiquette, clothing, jewelry...

This era naturally had its own "characteristics." For instance, people's "dressing and grooming" philosophy was inherently the same, and coincidentally, the courses tied to these "characteristics" were all arranged by Altair at the same time. One could say it was "suffering hardship without reason."

Because the era had a fundamental concept: "Attire is a declaration of social status."

"The complexity of clothing, the quality of fabrics like silk and velvet, the abundance of lace, ribbons, tassel decorations, and the need for servants to assist in dressing all blatantly proclaimed the wearer's wealth and social standing."

"The corset is the absolute core, to be worn from a young girl's age to shape the ideal hourglass figure."

"Decorations are extremely intricate: lace, ribbons, bows, bead embroidery, pleats—any imaginable ornamentation is used."

"In hairstyles, the trend is a center part, hair slicked close to the scalp on both sides, with a bun at the back of the head. Hats are essential outdoors, and gloves, parasols, and handkerchiefs are standard for a lady."

Originally, the etiquette teacher, Madame Anna, was very strict, and with other course teachers present, she wouldn't let them look down on her. Coincidentally, the other teachers thought the same way—it was like jumping straight into a top-tier match.

The clothes and such brought back yesterday were all used to educate Altair—from what to wear when, to how to walk in that attire.

In summary, every extra move Altair made was wrong, and staying still was also wrong.

Since Altair's hair wasn't too long, he was safe for now.

But from now on, his clothing likely wouldn't be able to do without the corset.

In his free time, Altair asked Madame Anna, "Why wasn't there a dress code last month, but now I have to wear it?"

Madame Anna gave Altair a response he couldn't argue with: "Baron Sheffield had just passed away, so I couldn't demand that his daughter dress lavishly during his funeral period."

After five days of adaptive learning, Altair had now gotten used to his current attire. But as long as he didn't go out or have lessons, he wore casual clothes at home.

Today was Saturday. According to the schedule, Altair had to go to the "Army Club" to practice firearms and learn combat.

So today was a bit easier—at least he didn't have to wear the corset. A knight uniform would do.

Because half a month ago, Hahn's son Rex had "graduated high school," and Rex had agreed to pursue a career in the military. So today, going to the "Army Club" together was also a chance to introduce him to people.

"Army Club" was the short name; the full name should be "Royal Army Club of the Kingdom of Ruun." Since it was located in the Queen District of Bexland, the people in this club were mostly army officers or those preparing to enlist.

Uncle-in-law Lev had secretly advanced to demigod and left, so today, Altair could only go to meet his grandfather's "junior," Owen Donovan.

Altair's original memories of this person were mostly vague; the only impression was that his father seemed to have a good relationship with him.

This man was also a legendary figure in the Ruun Kingdom's army. Born into the ordinary count family "Donovan," he was also the eldest son. He could have directly inherited the title.

But he had lofty ambitions, refused his father's kindness, and joined the army on his own. Through his own efforts, he fought his way into the upper echelons of the Ruun Kingdom's army and now served at the Royal Army Academy.

According to Uncle-in-law Lev's intelligence, Owen Donovan belonged to the "Apothecary" pathway, though the specific sequence was unclear.

Which faction he belonged to was also unknown, but the available intel suggested some connection to the "Blood Clan."

Arriving at the "Army Club" in the Queen District, after identifying himself, Altair entered without any obstacles.

The front desk receptionist led him to Owen Donovan's office.

Tap tap tap

As the room door opened, Altair saw Owen Donovan for the first time. He distractedly thought, no wonder it's hard to determine his sequence—just by appearance, he seemed about the same age as Rex.

But this situation didn't allow for overthinking, so he bowed and said, "Good morning, Count Owen."

"Good morning, Count Altair."

After a troublesome hand-kissing ceremony, the formal greeting was complete.

Owen Donovan guided them into the office to sit down and introduced, "Count Owen, this is Mr. Rex Clayton, a very outstanding and ambitious young man. He wishes to learn from you..."

In short, Altair first praised Owen's achievements, then explained that the purpose of this visit was to have Rex study under him.

Thanks to Altair's flattery, Owen was all smiles.

Whether it was genuine or not didn't matter much to Altair. At least his approach left no room for criticism.

"Miles."

After the casual chat ended, Owen directly rang the bell on the wall and called in his adjutant.

"Miles, take Rex out for a stroll and let those young fellows get to know him."

Hearing the arrangement for him, Rex glanced at Altair. Seeing the other nod, he stood up and left.

As the office door closed, Owen said, "I already know about Rex. From the brief interaction just now, he's a fine young man."

"It seems you've found a very capable agent. I had some reservations about Lev's approach, but after seeing him, I can rest easy."

Altair understood the implication in Owen's words: He had doubts about Uncle-in-law Lev's methods, but meeting Rex today has put those doubts to rest.

"It seems I've underestimated the bond between our families. My father and he must be more than just friends."

Since the other side had handed him a ladder, Altair climbed it smoothly. "I'll have to trouble you this time, Uncle Owen."

Hearing Altair's change in address, Owen laughed outright. "You, you."

"I'm currently teaching at the Royal Army Academy. I've instructed plenty of people; one more won't make a difference."

"From the letter, I gather you've also come to learn self-defense?"

At Owen's direct question, Altair smiled. "Yes, Uncle Owen. I came to learn some self-defense, mainly to build up my physique."

Owen nodded slightly. "Ever since Emperor Roselle launched the 'Industrial Revolution,' skills like 'Martial Arts' have rarely been studied seriously."

"Now the 'Republic of Intis,' relying on Rochelle's Legacy, has even produced the Gatling Gun. That's directly pushed the ancient profession of 'Knight' off the stage of history."

"Are you sure? Martial training is grueling and requires long-term persistence. Given your status, even if you learn, you'll rarely have a chance to use it."

Hearing Owen's caution, Altair understood: It's the age of firearms now; the traditional knight is a thing of the past. But I've already become a Beyonder, and an 'Assassin' at that—I have to learn.

He affirmed firmly, "I'm sure, Uncle Owen. I'm not afraid of hardship or exhaustion."

Owen nodded. "I'll assign a Commissioner to instruct you."

"Take these. After training, dilute the potion in your bathwater—it'll ease some of the fatigue."

Seeing the small green bottle Owen handed over, Altair took it, opened the cap, and sniffed. A pleasant herbal scent reached him, and he remarked casually, "Thank you, Uncle Owen. Is this an 'Apothecary' pathway Beyonder's 'potion' made from materials?"

Hearing Altair's question, Owen replied directly, "You could say that. These are just simple 'potions'—with the formula, almost anyone can make them, though the results vary in quality. I know what you're thinking. Learn the knowledge in this book first before you try making any. Don't concoct potions casually before that—it's dangerous."

As Owen pulled a book from the cabinet, Altair took it with both hands and gently shook Owen's arm. "I knew it—Uncle Owen is the best to me."

After leaving Owen's office, Altair looked down at the book in his arms.

Crimson Codex: Secret Medicine Chapter

Crimson. So this Uncle Owen of mine really does have ties to the 'Blood Clan'—he even has a book like the 'Crimson Codex.'

As for whether he felt any guilt over that little display of affection just now? Let's just say, if there are more perks like this to be had, he'd do it again in a heartbeat.