Arlene had an overwhelming urge to just bang her head against something, but luckily, the young noble finally looked at her. She could only bite her lip and continue her act, squeezing her throat and speaking softly, "What... What are you planning to do to me?" After speaking, she threw in a helpless look to complement her performance.
Duwei chuckled slightly. His gaze swept over Arlene's body, and the mocking look in his eyes made her feel uneasy. She distinctly felt that when this young noble looked at her body, there was pure amusement in his eyes, but no desire whatsoever.
Then, a shadow flew over, immediately covering Arlene, who struggled a few times to emerge her head from the shadow. However, she found herself covered with a sheet that Duwei casually threw over her. The sheet covered her enticing body underneath.
"When I'm doing something serious, having a woman staring at me would be distracting," Duwei's tone remained calm, as if stating the most basic fact. Then, he glanced at Arlene indifferently. "Whatever you intend to do, I thought your performance just now was quite pathetic. I have other things to attend to now. If you're trying to seduce me, perhaps you should think of better tricks during this time..."
Arlene suddenly felt like she had been doused in cold water!
This young man, his gaze, his tone... Goodness, where did this child come from? From his calm and composed gaze, it was evident that this person probably had more experience than herself!
Duwei found the most comfortable position on the chair and pulled out a small magnifying glass, carefully examining the patterns on the armor. He even took out paper and pen, copied the magical patterns on the armor, and then closed his eyes to ponder for a moment.
Throughout the process, Arlene remained silent, wracking her brains to decipher the intentions of this young noble, while also unable to resist her curiosity about him.
This young noble, with his pale face so delicate, but his tone of voice and the look in his eyes seemed to suggest he had experience with women.
"I'm curious about your three weapons," Duwei said, without lifting his head, continuing to examine the magically enhanced armor in his hands, his tone very calm. "The patterns on this armor represent magical symbols, granting strength and agility enhancements. From the texture of the armor, it seems quite old. In my opinion, its value leans more towards that of an antique rather than as a weapon. Also, there's a family crest on it. If my memory serves me right, this crest belongs to a family within the Stuttgart system in the north. Stuttgart originated from an ancient family that prospered three hundred years ago in the empire. However, they began to decline about a hundred years ago and subsequently dispersed into seven or eight medium-sized families. Your armor should be from a noble family in the northern part of the empire..."
Duwei's eloquent speech, seemingly calm but exuding an extraordinary confidence, left Arlene stunned as she sat in her chair.
"And your curved blade..." Duwei continued, still examining the armor. "Well, fundamentally speaking, girls aren't suited for curved blades as they require considerable wrist strength. Only the tribes from the northwest tend to favor such weapons. And you..." At this point, Duwei lifted his head, casually glancing at Arlene. "Your hair is brown, and your eyes are blue, indicating you have the bloodline of the mainstream Roland Empire from the central and southern regions. You likely don't have the bloodline of the northwestern tribes. Although I don't know how skilled you are in combat, judging from your performance earlier... You're probably better at using swords. But fortunately, despite your lack of strength, with the power enhancement from that armor, you can still make use of this curved blade, albeit somewhat inefficiently." Duwei smiled. "There's a magic crystal embedded in this curved blade, capable of storing magical energy. Also, there are wind magic patterns on the blade, allowing skilled warriors to unleash wind blades... Though I doubt you're capable of that at your current level."
Arlene was dumbfounded!
Because this young noble was spot on!
That armor was indeed a gift from the lecherous baron from the north. And the curved blade came from the leader of a mercenary group who coveted her beauty — that man was indeed a member of a northwestern tribe!
Duwei rubbed his brow, looking at Arlene. "What intrigues me the most is your broken magic bow..."
Duwei slowly took out the silver bow and placed it on the table, smiling. "The stripes on the bow represent diagonal lines, which in heraldry represent the power of the moon. According to the books I've read, those who bear the totem of the moon are from an ancient family on the continent, the Muun family. This family once flourished seven hundred years ago, at its peak, owning half of the continent's territory. They worshipped the goddess of the moon. Unfortunately, several hundred years ago, during the chaos on the continent, the Muun kingdom was destroyed. Subsequently, the continent entered the era of the unified Roland Empire, and the Muun family became extinct. It's said that this family has... Well, how should I put it, become extinct."
His fingers ran over the smooth silver bow, his eyes showing a hint of amusement. "I'm curious. You, the leader of a small adventure party with mediocre combat skills, possess three precious magic-enhanced weapons. Oh, one from the north, one from the northwest, and one from a long-extinct ancient family. What exactly is your identity?"
Such words, if Duwei's mentor, that erudite scholar from Rosyart, had heard them, he would have been proud of his disciple. And he would surely have felt indignant if such a student were called a "fool" by anyone!
Duwei's seemingly simple words actually covered a wide range of knowledge, including heraldry, emblemology, totemology, and the history of the continent, among other subjects. It was almost as if he had mastered several disciplines without needing to consult any references. He seemed to effortlessly recall all the knowledge stored in his mind.
For Arlene, her mind was filled with shock!
"How did you know all of this?" Arlene stammered.
"Books," Duwei replied, setting down the bow and smiling. "Books contain all human knowledge. Knowledge is the beacon of human progress. And I've been reading these books since I was six years old."
"Six years old?" Arlene whispered in awe. "You must be a genius... Have you read a lot of books?"
"Indeed, quite a few," Duwei chuckled. "But I'm no genius, actually. In fact, a long time ago, I didn't like reading at all, nor did I have any interest in knowledge."
"Then you..." Arlene began to ask but realized it might not be the best time for casual conversation.
Duwei didn't mind. He smiled and spoke in a low voice, as if talking to himself, "There's a story: In a beautiful porcelain shop, the owner spent a lot of effort making a new piece of porcelain, only to have it accidentally broken by an intruder. The intruder felt guilty and decided to make a new porcelain piece to compensate the shop owner... Yes, that's it, compensation!"
"Compensation?" Arlene was puzzled.
Duwei chuckled, glancing at his captive. "You seem more interested in other people's affairs. If I were you, I would be more concerned about my own situation now."
"But you also don't seem to care much about talking to me."
"Oh, that's because you're a beautiful girl, and you have nice thighs," Duwei shrugged nonchalantly. "Most men can't help but say a few more words in front of a pretty girl - it's a trait of most men."
Arlene gritted her teeth, feeling a sense of powerlessness welling up from the depths of her heart. Facing this young noble, she felt like a young girl herself. Every word, every smile, and even every glance from him seemed so profound and inscrutable... As if his calm gaze could penetrate anyone!
"What exactly do you want to do with me?" Arlene's tone was resigned.
Duwei chuckled. "Weren't you just trying to seduce me earlier? Now, why don't you give it another try?"
Arlene's heart fluttered at Duwei's words and his smile. What did he mean by that? As she looked at the young noble's smile and his gaze, Arlene's heart began to stir once again!
Duwei had already risen to his feet, slowly walking over to Joline's side. His fingers lightly caressed Joline's face, delicately feeling the smoothness of her skin.
His movements were gentle, gliding from Joline's cheek down to her slender neck, then slowly slipping under the blanket covering her. His touch on Joline's shoulder was soft and tender, his fingers slender and gentle, devoid of the roughness of other men, carrying a sense of leisurely... teasing?
Yes, teasing! Like a cat playing with a mouse that had already been caught!
Under Duwei's touch, Joline began to tremble lightly. She couldn't help but close her eyes, letting out a soft hum from her nose. Then suddenly, Duwei lifted the blanket covering Joline... Joline had already closed her eyes, preparing for what was about to happen, but...
Whoosh!
Joline felt the bonds around her wrists loosen! The sinew had been cut!
Duwei held a gleaming knife in his hand, smiling as he stepped back. "Alright, you can leave anytime now. My men won't stop you. Your other companions can leave with you, but your magician friend must stay."
"...?" Joline stared at Duwei in astonishment. "You mean you're letting me go?"
"Yes, exactly," Duwei replied casually. "I'm just interested in your magician companion. As for your three magical weapons, I've already studied them and don't need them anymore. You're free to take them."
Joline found it increasingly difficult to understand this young nobleman. She opened her mouth to speak, "But you... you confronted us in the tavern..."
"I told you, I'm only interested in magic, not you," Duwei said lightly. "I'm busy and a bit tired now. You can leave, don't disturb my rest... I don't like having someone stare at me while I sleep."
He took two steps back and pointed to the door, clearly indicating that she was free to leave.
Joline felt like she was in a dream. She took the knife Duwei handed her and cut the sinew binding her feet. After stretching her numb limbs, she walked to the door, still feeling dazed.
"Oh, right. Meeting is fate. If you don't mind, I'd like to give you one more piece of advice," Duwei said from behind.
"P-please, what advice?" Joline's tone unconsciously became more respectful.
"You," Duwei smiled lightly. "A girl like you should find a good man to marry as soon as possible. Find a peaceful countryside, marry an honest little nobleman, and live a quiet life. Oh... how does that saying go? Yes, I once had a friend from afar who said: the world is dangerous, and what goes around, comes around. A girl, it's hard to persevere alone. If you don't want to marry, you can consider other options: women are vines, it's best to find a big tree to rely on. I think there are few people left in this world who belong to the Mu'en family."
Joline shuddered. "What did you say? Mu'en clan?"
"Yes, the Mu'en clan, who worships the Moon Goddess," Duwei smiled. "I've seen it. Your fingers, the ring finger is longer than the index finger. And, the back of your head, there's a slightly protruding bone. These are the most standard features of someone with Mu'en bloodline, as recorded in the books. Although having these two points doesn't necessarily mean you're from the Mu'en clan, you also possess weapons with the Mu'en clan's moon totem. Do you want to deny it?"
In this lifetime, for the first time, Joline felt like she had hit a brick wall! Even when facing greedy and lecherous nobles, or brutal and ruthless mercenary leaders, Joline had never felt this powerless!
Could this young nobleman in front of her really see through the secrets in people's hearts at a glance?
And his smile... that pale and delicate face, that indifferent smile, as if he didn't care about anything...
... like a demon!
Watching the long-legged girl walk away in confusion, Duwei sighed and began to tidy up the books he had brought.
At this moment, his loyal servant, Mard, knocked on the door, his expression somewhat hesitant. "Um, master, are you going to rest? Is there anything you need? You didn't eat much tonight."
Seeing Mard's appearance, Duwei smiled. He knew that Mard must have been waiting outside just now, and when he saw the girl leaving his room, this servant immediately came in to check on him.
Well, except for his mother, this servant was probably the person in this world who cared most about him.
"It's nothing... Oh, right, Mard, how much money do I have in my personal purse?" Duwei asked casually.
"Exactly one thousand gold coins," Mard replied, lifting his spirits immediately. "Master, this was given to you by the honorable lady before we left. I've been keeping it safe!"
Duwei thought for a moment, then said softly, "Well, I heard that the Cort Province produces a kind of Water Orchid Gem. When we arrive there, help me purchase some. I want to send them back to my mother."
"The lady will surely be delighted," Mard smiled, but then he couldn't help but speak softly, "Young master, you're so clever... others may not know, but I, Mard, know. If the lady and the Earl knew all this, they would surely be proud of you, but... why..."
"Why do I like being treated as a fool?" Duwei interjected with a smile.
Mard immediately showed a trace of fear, bowing his head, but he couldn't help but say, "Master Gabriel was hailed as a genius, but you... Well, actually, if it weren't for you... Hmph, I don't think Master Gabriel's tutor was that capable. I know, you often go to see Master Gabriel, and I've even seen you teaching him how to write... Genius? Hmph..."
"Alright, Mard, I'm tired. You can go out now," Duwei blinked, smiling. "We have a long journey ahead tomorrow."
Watching his loyal servant leave somewhat reluctantly, Duwei slowly sat down in the chair and stretched lazily.
Ah... a fool?
Well, let it be.
But... I don't belong to this world!
The beautiful Countess, that respectable woman, didn't know that I had taken over the body of her eldest son. It was a usurpation! Even though it wasn't my intention.
In that case, I should still owe something to the Roland family. Especially to that respectable woman, to that beautiful and kind mother, I owe her a good son.
And to the Earl who is my "father."
Ah, I secretly used some means to give their family a "genius" son, and then quietly left, which could be considered as repaying my debt.
Thinking about it, that kid Gabriel... I hope he can make them happy. After leaving Yanjing, I won't secretly go to teach that kid how to read anymore.
I just don't have the patience to take care of children.
In order to become a secret teacher educating my younger brother, I have been studying and reading desperately over the years, and then seizing every opportunity to secretly teach my brother what I have learned.
Yes, I can only do it secretly. Because my father, he seems to be afraid that "foolishness" is a contagious disease, afraid that I will infect my brother with this disease, and he doesn't like me to get too close to my brother.
However, over these years, I have studied so hard... Such enthusiasm, even when I was studying in my original world, I never had it.
When my brother learned to write his name for the first time at the age of four, and then told our parents... The delighted Earl probably didn't know that his foolish eldest son had secretly put in quite a bit of effort to teach that four-year-old child how to write.
Also, I've gone to great lengths to fabricate the history of the continent into stories to tell my young brother, using this method to educate a young child... From this perspective, I do have a talent for being a teacher.
A fool? Hmph, such a label, for someone who doesn't belong to this world.
Do I care?
Of course not.
Despite the debt, I simply cannot accept another pair of men and women taking the place of my parents in my heart. So... in this situation, quietly leaving after making some amends might be the best choice for me.
Being exiled... actually, it's not bad at all.
Gabriel, you have to work hard, you know? Because I won't sneak into your room in the middle of the night anymore to tell you stories. Nor will I turn those difficult and obscure martial arts techniques into rhymes for you to memorize.
Remember the first time, when Gabriel suddenly sang those difficult martial arts techniques as songs—because it was easier to remember that way. When those were inadvertently displayed by the young child in front of the adults, it greatly surprised the Earl, who praised the child as a genius.
And he probably never imagined that it was the masterpiece of his foolish eldest son!
Yes, I took away one of your sons. Then, I thought of every possible way to give you a "genius" son in return.
Roland family, this is me, Duwei, making a small compensation to you.