Mystery: But the Witch's Path

Chapter 15: The Crimson Chronicles

Since experiencing the "corset" yesterday, Altair wore her old clothes today.

But it's no use if I don't want to wear it. The teachers have come to give lessons!

Due to Altair's own arrangements, the teachers who came to class today included: etiquette, clothing, jewelry...

This era has its own unique "characteristics." Just like people's philosophies on "dressing and grooming," Altair happened to schedule courses closely related to these "characteristics" for himself at the same time. It could be considered a case of "enduring hardship without effort."

Because the era had a fundamental idea: "a declaration of dress and social status."

"The complexity of the clothing, the quality of the fabrics such as silk, velvet, a large amount of lace, ribbons, and tassels, and the need for servants to help with dressing, all nakedly proclaim the wearer's wealth and social status."

"A corset is absolutely essential and should be worn from teenage years to create the ideal hourglass figure."

"The decorations are extremely elaborate: lace, ribbons, bows, beadwork, pleats, and any embellishment imaginable will be used."

"In terms of hairstyles, the popular styles are center parting, close to the sides of the scalp, and a bun at the back of the head. Hats are a must-have for outdoor activities, while gloves, parasols, and handkerchiefs are standard accessories for ladies."

.......

The etiquette teacher, Mrs. Anna, was already very strict, and since she was teaching with other teachers, she couldn't let them look down on her. Coincidentally, the other teachers thought the same way, essentially creating a high-stakes competition.

All the clothes and other items I brought back yesterday were used to educate Altair. From what to wear what clothes at what time, to how to walk in these clothes.

Basically, to sum it up in one sentence, Altair was wrong for making any unnecessary movement, and he was wrong for not doing anything at all.

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

But clothing will likely be inseparable from corsets in the future.

During his free time, Altair asked "Madame Anna," "Why were there no dress requirements last month, but now I have to dress myself?"

Lady Anna then gave Altair a line he couldn't argue with: "The Baron Sheffield has just passed away, and I can't ask that his daughter dress so elegantly during his funeral."

......

After five days of adjustment and learning, Altair has now gotten used to the new attire. However, unless he goes out or has a teacher, Altair wears his usual clothes at home.

Today is Saturday. According to the schedule, Altair is going to the "Army Club" to practice firearms and learn combat skills.

So today is a bit more relaxed, at least I don't have to wear a 'corset'. I can just wear a 'rider' outfit'.

Because Hahn's son Rex had "graduated from high school" half a month ago, and Rex had agreed to join the army, going to the "Army Club" with him today was a way of getting to know him.

"Army Club" is an abbreviation; the full name should be "Royal Army Club of the Kingdom of Loen." Because it is located in the Queen District of Backlund, the people in this club are basically "army officers" or people who are preparing to join the army.

Uncle Rafe has secretly advanced to the level of a demigod, so today he can only come here to see his grandfather's 'descendant', Owen Donovan.

Altair has very few memories of this person; the only memory he has is that his father had a good relationship with him.

This man is considered a legendary figure in the army of the Kingdom of Rune. Born into the ordinary Earl family of Donovan, he was also the eldest son. He could have directly inherited the title.

However, driven by lofty ambitions, he rejected his father's offer and joined the army on his own. Through his own efforts, he rose through the ranks of the Kingdom of Rune's army and now serves at the Royal Army Academy.

According to information from Uncle Rafe, Irwin Donovan belongs to the "Pharmacist" pathway, but his specific sequence is unknown.

It's unclear which faction it belongs to, but the known information is that it has some connection with the 'vampires'.

.......

Upon arriving at the Army Club in Queens, after identifying themselves, they were allowed to enter without any hindrance.

The receptionist led us to Irving Donovan's office.

Da da da

As the door opened, Altair saw Owen Donovan for the first time. Distracted, he realized why they couldn't determine his sequence; judging by appearance alone, he seemed to be around the same age as Rex.

But this situation didn't allow me to think too much, so I bowed.

Good morning, Earl Owen.

Good morning, Count Altair.

After a series of troublesome "hand-kissing greetings," the formal greeting was considered complete.

Irving Donovan led him into the office, where he sat down and was introduced to...

"Earl Irwin, this is Mr. Rex Clayton, a very talented and ambitious young man who wants to learn from you..."

In short, he first praised Irving's achievements, and then explained that the purpose of his visit was to have Rex learn from him.

Thanks to Altair's compliments, Irving was always smiling.

Whether it was genuine or not is of little concern to Altair. At least no one can find fault with his actions.

......

Miles

As the casual conversation ended, Owen simply rang the bell on the wall and summoned his adjutant.

"Miles, go take Rex outside and let those kids get to know you."

When Rex heard about the arrangements for him, he glanced at Altair, and seeing the other nod, he got up and left.

After watching the office door close, Irving said...

"I already know about Rex. From our brief interaction, he seems like a good young man."

"It seems you've found a very good agent. I had some reservations about Rafe's approach at first, but seeing him puts my mind at ease."

After understanding Owen's meaning, Altair thought, "I have some opinions about Uncle Rafe's actions, but seeing Rex today has dispelled my opinions about Uncle Rafe."

"It seems I underestimated the relationship between the two families. My father and he were probably more than just friends."

Since the other side was offering a ladder, Altair casually said, "This time, we'll have to trouble Uncle Owen again."

Upon hearing Altair address him differently, Owen immediately laughed and said, "You, you."

"I'm currently working at the Royal Military Academy, teaching so many people, one more won't make a difference."

"From what I read in the letter, you're here to learn self-defense?"

After Owen revealed his purpose, Altair laughed and said, "Yes, Uncle Owen, I'm here to learn some self-defense techniques, mainly to improve my physical fitness."

Owen nodded slightly and said, "Ever since Emperor Russell initiated the Industrial Revolution, very few people have specialized in learning martial arts."

"Now, thanks to Roselle's legacy, the 'Republic of Intis' has even managed to build a six-barreled machine gun. This has led to the ancient profession of 'knight' disappearing from the historical stage."

"Are you sure? Learning martial arts is very hard, and it requires a long period of perseverance. Given your status, even if you learn it, you'll hardly have any opportunities to use it in the future."

Hearing Owen's advice, Altair understood that "this is the age of firearms, and the traditional knight is a thing of the past. But I have become an extraordinary being, and an 'assassin' at that, so I must learn."

He directly affirmed, "I'm sure, Uncle Irving, I'm not afraid of hardship or fatigue."

Irving nodded and said, "I will assign you a specialist to mentor you."

"Take these. After you finish your practice, dilute the medicine in the bathtub. It will help relieve some of your fatigue."

Seeing the small green bottle handed to him by Irving, Altair immediately took it, opened it, and smelled a pleasant herbal scent. He casually remarked...

"Thank you, Uncle Owen. Is this the 'potion' made from materials by an Extraordinary being of the 'Pharmacist' pathway?"

Upon hearing Altair's words, Owen immediately replied, "You could say that. These are just simple 'potions.' Anyone can make them as long as they have the recipe; the only difference is the final product's effect. I know what you're up to. Learn the knowledge in this book yourself before you start making them. Don't mix potions randomly before that; it's very dangerous."

As Irving took a book out of the cabinet, Altair took it with both hands, shook Irving's arm, and said, "I knew Uncle Irving loved me the most."

........

After leaving Irving's office, Altair looked directly at the book in his arms.

Crimson Chronicles: The Secret Medicine Chapter

Crimson, it seems my Uncle Owen really is connected to the 'Vampires,' even possessing a book like the 'Crimson Chronicle.'

As for whether I felt guilty for acting cute just now, I can only say that if there were still benefits to be gained, I would still act cute.