Ruolin's heart stirred... What did he mean by that? Looking at the little noble's smile and the glint in his eyes, Ruolin felt a sudden surge of desire that began to stir within her once more!
Du Wei had already risen and slowly walked to Ruolin's side. His fingers gently caressed her cheek, savoring the delicate softness of her skin.
His movements were tender, sliding from her cheek down to her long, slender neck, then gradually slipping under the blanket that covered her, lightly pressing against her shoulder. His fingers were fine and soft, lacking the clumsiness typical of most men, yet carrying an air of deliberate... teasing?
Yes, teasing! Like a cat playing with a mouse it had already caught!
Under the subtle motions of Du Wei's fingers, Ruolin began to tremble slightly. She could not help but close her eyes, letting out a faint hum through her nose. Suddenly, Du Wei abruptly tossed the blanket off her... Ruolin, her eyes still shut, braced herself for what was to come, but...
Swish!
Ruolin felt the ropes binding her hands loosen! The tendons had been severed!
Du Wei held a gleaming knife, smiling as he took a step back. "There, you're free to leave now. My men won't stop you. Your companions can leave with you, but your magic-wielding friend must remain."
"..." Ruolin opened her eyes in shock, staring at Du Wei. "You... you mean you're letting me go?"
"Yes, that's right," Du Wei said casually, smiling. "I'm just interested in your magic-wielding companion. As for the magical weapons you carry, I've studied them and have no need for them. You may take them with you."
Ruolin was increasingly baffled by this young noble. She opened her mouth. "But you... you attacked us suddenly at the tavern..."
"I told you," Du Wei responded coolly, "I'm only interested in magic, not in you." He stretched, sighing. "I'm busy and somewhat tired now. You may leave. Please don't disturb my rest... I dislike being watched while I sleep."
He took two steps back and pointed to the door, clearly signaling that it was time for her to go.
Ruolin felt as though she were in a dream. She took the knife Du Wei handed her and cut the tendons binding her feet, stretching her stiff, numbed limbs. She walked to the door, still dazed, as though she hadn't fully comprehended what had just occurred.
"Oh, by the way," Du Wei's voice called from behind her, "It's fate that we've met. If you don't mind, perhaps I could offer you one more piece of advice."
"Wh-what advice?" Ruolin's voice became much more respectful, involuntarily.
"You," Du Wei smiled lightly, "A girl like you should find a good man to marry as soon as possible. Settle in a peaceful, tranquil village, marry a decent, humble little noble, and live a calm life. Hmm… What did that saying go like? Ah, yes. I once heard a distant friend say, 'The world is treacherous. If you venture into it, you will eventually have to pay the price.' A girl alone is bound to struggle. If you don't wish to marry, perhaps other choices might suit you better. A woman is like a vine. It's better to find a strong tree to lean on. I think, there are very few left of the Moon family alive in this world."
Ruolin's body trembled. "What did you say? The Moon family?"
"Yes, the Moon family, the one that worships the Goddess of the Moon," Du Wei said, smiling. "I've noticed your fingers—the ring finger is longer than your index. Also, there's a slight bump on the back of your head. These are the most distinguishing characteristics of someone with the pure Moon family bloodline, according to the books. While having these two traits doesn't guarantee it, you also carry a weapon with the Moon family's lunar totem. Would you care to deny it?"
For the first time in her life, Ruolin felt as though she had hit an iron wall! Even when faced with greedy, lecherous nobles or ruthless, violent mercenary leaders, Ruolin had never felt this powerless!
Could this young noble truly see straight through to the secrets hidden in her heart?
And his smile… That pale, delicate face, the calm, almost indifferent smile...
...Like a demon!
•
Watching the long-legged girl leave in a daze, Du Wei sighed and began to organize his books.
At that moment, his loyal servant, Made, knocked and entered. His expression was hesitant. "Master, are you about to rest? Do you need anything? You haven't eaten much tonight."
Seeing Made's somewhat flirtatious demeanor, Du Wei smiled knowingly. He knew Made had likely been waiting outside and had entered to check on him after seeing the girl leave his room.
Yes, besides his mother, Made was probably the one who cared for him the most in this world.
"Nothing, just—oh, by the way, Made, how much money do I have left in my private pouch?"
"One thousand gold coins," Made immediately perked up, holding up the money. "Master, this was given to you privately by the noble lady before you left. I've kept it safe for you."
Du Wei thought for a moment and said softly, "I've heard that the Cort Province produces a type of water lily diamond. When we pass through, help me procure some. I want to send it back to my mother."
"Lady will certainly be pleased," Made replied with a smile, though soon his tone grew quieter. "Young Master, you're so clever... Others may not know, but I do. If Lady and the Count knew everything, they would certainly be proud of you. But… why..."
"Why do I like being seen as an idiot?" Du Wei interjected with a smile.
Made immediately lowered his head, panic flashing in his eyes. "Master, I… I've always known. The Count's son, Gabriel, is called a genius, but I know it was you who helped him, teaching him how to write and all. Genius? Hmph..."
"Enough, Made. I'm tired. Go," Du Wei winked, smiling. "We'll be on the road again tomorrow."
Made, reluctant, left the room. Du Wei stretched lazily, then sat back down in his chair.
Sigh... An idiot?
So be it.
But... I don't belong to this world!
The beautiful Countess, that respectable woman... she doesn't know that I've occupied the body of her first son. It was a blatant usurpation—though not one I desired.
When I think about it, I owe the Roling family, especially that honorable woman, a good son.
And the man who is supposed to be my "father," the Count...
Sigh, I've used some tricks to give their family a "genius" son, and now, quietly, I'll leave. Perhaps that's the best way to make up for the debt.
Thinking about Gabriel... I hope he can live up to their expectations. After I leave the capital, I won't be sneaking into his room to teach him anymore.
I simply don't have the patience to raise a child.
To be a competent secret teacher for my younger brother, I've worked tirelessly for years, learning, reading, and finding every opportunity to teach him what I know.
Yes, I've had to do it secretly. Because Father fears the "idiot" might be contagious, afraid of passing it on to my brother. He doesn't like me getting too close to him.
But... all this effort to learn, this passion... I never had it in my former world.
When my brother first learned to write his name at four years old and showed it to our parents... the Count, so pleased, didn't know that it was his idiot son who had secretly put in so much effort to teach him.
And all the stories I wove from the continent's history to teach him... in that way, I have a certain talent for teaching.
An idiot? Hmph. For someone who doesn't belong to this world...
Do I care?
Of course not.
Despite my debts, I simply cannot accept another man and woman taking the place of my true parents. So, after doing all I could to make up for it, leaving quietly seems to be the best option.
Being exiled... well, that's not so bad either.
Gabriel, my boy, you'd better work hard. Because I won't be sneaking into your room to tell you stories anymore, nor will I be making you memorize those hard-to-pronounce martial arts techniques by turning them into songs.
I remember when Gabriel first sang those techniques to help him remember... it so impressed the Count. He praised the boy as a genius.
But he'll never know it was the work of his idiot eldest son.
Yes, I stole one of your sons. And I've done everything I could to return a "genius" son to you.
The Roling family, this is my little compensation to you, Du Wei.