Crimson Codex

Ever since trying on a corset yesterday, Altair had gone back to her usual clothes today.

But whether she wanted to wear one or not made no difference. The teachers had arrived for lessons!

Because of Altair's own arrangements, the teachers coming today included those for etiquette, clothing, jewelry...

This era had its own particular customs. People shared the same ideas about how to dress, and by coincidence, Altair had scheduled all the lessons closely related to those customs for the same time. You could say she was choosing to suffer for no reason.

One of the era's fundamental principles was that "dress was a declaration of social standing."

"The complexity of the clothing, the quality of the fabrics—silk, velvet—the copious lace, satin ribbons, and fringe, as well as the fact that servants were needed to help one dress, all openly proclaimed the wearer's wealth and social status."

"The corset is absolutely essential. One should begin wearing it as a young girl to shape the ideal hourglass figure."

"Ornamentation should be as elaborate as possible: lace, ribbons, bows, beadwork, pleats—every decoration imaginable should be used."

"As for hairstyles, the popular style is parted in the middle, sleek against the sides of the head, and swept into a bun at the back. Hats are essential outdoors, while gloves, parasols, and handkerchiefs are standard accessories for a lady."

Madame Anna, the etiquette teacher, was already very strict. And with the teachers for the other subjects present, she would never let them look down on her. As it happened, the other teachers felt the same way, and the whole thing turned into a full-blown contest.

All the clothes and other things they'd brought back yesterday were put to use in educating Altair. They taught her everything from what to wear and when to how to walk in each outfit.

It could all be summed up in one sentence: every unnecessary movement Altair made was wrong, but staying still was wrong too.

Altair hadn't grown her hair very long, so she was safe for now.

But she'd probably be stuck wearing a corset from now on.

During a break, Altair had asked Madame Anna, "Why weren't there any clothing requirements last month, but now I have to wear these clothes?"

Madame Anna had given her an answer Altair couldn't argue with. "Baron Sheffield has only just passed away. I couldn't very well demand that his daughter dress lavishly during his funeral."

After five days of getting used to it, Altair had more or less adjusted to the clothes of the day. But as long as she didn't go out and had no lessons, she wore ordinary clothes at home.

Today was Saturday. According to her schedule, Altair was supposed to go to the Army Club to practice firearms and learn hand-to-hand combat.

So today was a little easier. At least she didn't have to wear a corset. Her riding habit would do.

Half a month ago, Hahn's son Rex had graduated from high school. Rex had also agreed to pursue a career in the military, so taking him along to the Army Club today would be a good way to introduce him to everyone.

"Army Club" was just an abbreviation. Its full name was the Royal Army Club of the Kingdom of Ruun. Since it was located in Empress Borough, Bexland, most of its members were army officers or people preparing to enlist.

Uncle-in-law Leif had secretly advanced to Demigod, so today Altair could only visit her grandfather's "junior," Owen Donovan.

Altair's memories of the man were hazy. The only thing she recalled was that her father had been on good terms with him.

Owen was something of a legend in the Loen Kingdom's army. Born into the ordinary noble family of the Donovans, he was also the eldest legitimate son and could have inherited the title outright.

But he had lofty ambitions. Rejecting his father's offer, he joined the army on his own. Through sheer hard work, he had risen to the upper ranks of the Loen Kingdom's army and now held a post at the Royal Army Academy.

According to Uncle-in-law Leif's intelligence, Owen Donovan followed the Apothecary Pathway, though his exact Sequence was unknown.

His allegiance was also unclear, but the known information suggested he had some connection to the Sanguine.

After arriving at the Army Club in Empress Borough, Altair stated her identity and was allowed straight inside without any trouble.

A receptionist led her to Owen Donovan's office.

Knock, knock, knock.

When the office door opened, Altair saw Owen Donovan for the first time. No wonder they couldn't determine his Sequence, she thought distractedly. Judging by his appearance alone, he seemed about the same age as Rex.

But she couldn't afford to dwell on that, so she greeted him with a bow.

"Good morning, Count Owen."

"Good morning, Count Altair."

After an elaborate Hand-kissing Ceremony, they had officially greeted each other.

Owen led them into his office and invited them to sit. Altair introduced Rex.

"Count Owen, this is Mr. Rex Clayton. He's an exceptionally promising young man, and he hopes to learn from you..."

In short, she began by praising Owen's accomplishments, then explained that they had come to ask him to take Rex under his wing.

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

Whether he meant it or not was none of Altair's concern. At least no one could find fault with what she'd done.

"Miles."

When their conversation came to an end, Owen rang the bell on the wall and called in his adjutant.

"Miles, take Rex outside and show him around. Let the young fellows get to know him."

Hearing that plans had been made for him, Rex glanced at Altair. When she nodded, he got up and left.

Once the office door had closed behind him, Owen said, "I already know about Rex. From what I've seen just now, he seems like a fine young man."

"Looks like you've found yourself a very capable agent. I'd had some reservations about Leif's decision, but seeing Rex has put my mind at ease."

Understanding what Owen meant, Altair thought, He had some reservations about Uncle-in-law Leif's decision, but meeting Rex changed his mind.

Looks like I underestimated how close our families are. My father and Owen must have been more than just friends.

Since Owen had offered her an opening, Altair took it. "I'll be troubling you with this, Uncle Owen."

At the change in how she addressed him, Owen chuckled. "You, you..."

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

"From the letter, it seems you also want to learn some self-defense?"

When Owen stated the purpose of her visit, Altair smiled. "Yes, Uncle Owen. I'd like to learn some self-defense, mainly to build up my strength."

Owen nodded slightly. "Ever since Emperor Roselle brought about the Industrial Revolution, few people have taken up Martial Arts as a dedicated discipline."

"Now the Republic of Intis has used Rochelle's Legacy to build even a Gatling Gun. That has driven the ancient profession of knighthood straight off the stage of history."

"Are you sure? Martial Arts training is grueling, and it takes a long time to stick with it. Given your status, even if you learn, you may never get the chance to use it."

Hearing Owen's advice, Altair understood. This is an age of firearms. Traditional knights are a thing of the past. But I've already become a Beyonder, and I'm an Assassin. I have to learn.

She answered firmly, "I'm sure, Uncle Owen. I'm not afraid of hardship or hard work."

Owen nodded. "I'll arrange for someone to train you."

"Take these. After you practice, dilute the potion in your bathwater. It should help ease your fatigue."

Seeing Owen offer her a small green bottle, Altair took it and opened it. She smelled a pleasant herbal scent and said casually, "Thank you, Uncle Owen. Is this a potion made from ingredients by a Beyonder on the Apothecary Pathway?"

Owen answered at once, "More or less. These are simple potions. With the recipe, just about anyone can make them; the effects just vary a little. I know what you're thinking. Learn the knowledge in this book before you try making anything yourself. Until then, don't brew potions on your own. It's dangerous."

Owen took a book from the cabinet. Altair accepted it with both hands, then tugged at his arm. "I knew you cared about me most, Uncle Owen."

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

Crimson Codex: Secret Medicine Chapter

Crimson... It seemed her Uncle Owen really did have ties to the Sanguine. He even had a book like the Crimson Codex.

As for whether she felt guilty about acting cute just now—well, if she could get more benefits this way, she could keep doing it.