At this moment, Riezel was stunned.
He had never expected that the special swordsmanship he had found in this library would be such an extraordinary one—a swordsmanship that could transform one's body like a dragon.
Practicing swordsmanship and becoming a dragon?
What kind of concept was this?
Regardless, his first impression was disbelief, but shortly afterward, excitement crept in.
The fact that the requirements for practicing this swordsmanship aligned with him, needing individuals with abundant magical energy, made him even more intrigued. Ordinary people wouldn't stand a chance of successfully practicing it.
'Could it be that Yuri specifically chose this swordsmanship for me?' Riezel couldn't help but think so and decided he would ask about this later.
For now, he was eager to see and learn this special swordsmanship. As for the warning about the extremely high difficulty of practice mentioned in the captions, he chose to ignore it.
With the existence of 'Fool's Obsession', his growth speed and limits were significantly boosted. If he couldn't master this swordsmanship, then perhaps no one could.
However, as he read further, his eyebrows began to furrow, and the excitement in his eyes gradually faded.
'No fucking way... This swordsmanship is actually missing the crucial breathing style?' Riezel thought speechlessly.
Yes, this swordsmanship had a flaw.
Swordsmanship typically consists of two essential components—the swordsmanship itself and the breathing technique, also known as the breathing style.
All swordsmanship in this world involves practicing sword techniques while employing a specific breathing technique to stimulate magical energy within one's body. This approach enhances magical energy, invigorating the body and gradually enhancing its power, step by step.
In other words, the breathing style in swordsmanship was the key to allowing practitioners to transcend the ordinary.
Without a breathing style, any swordsmanship was just a common sword technique, a set of moves, or skills. While it might have contributed to the body, it lacked the stimulating effect of magical energy and the refining effect on the body.
Naturally, without a breathing style, even if one practiced special swordsmanship, it was impossible to develop special abilities like releasing flame or wind into their sword slashes. It might have even lacked the said astonishing growth efficiency.
The Holy Dragon Sword Style in Riezel's hands was missing this crucial breathing style, leaving only sword moves and sword techniques.
Such special swordsmanship, not to mention being stronger than advanced swordsmanship, fell short even when compared to elementary swordsmanship without the accompanying breathing style.
In short, this Holy Dragon Sword Style was nothing more than a disappointment.
'Why is the breathing style that should be the most important missing?' Riezel pondered. 'Could it be intentionally separated and stored elsewhere?'
If that were true, wouldn't it mean that Yuri didn't bring him here to learn this special swordsmanship?
Riezel felt a bit confused.
'Whatever, let's go ask.'
He decided to not dwell on it; if there were questions, he would just go and ask her directly.
However, Riezel decided to memorize the Holy Dragon Sword Style. With his extraordinary memory, even if he didn't take the book out of the library, he could recall all the content after spending some time.
'Done.'
About half an hour later, he closed his eyes, recalled the memorized information, confirmed its accuracy, put back the book of Holy Dragon Sword Style on the shelf, and left.
===
At this moment, the sky was still early.
After leaving the library, Riezel had initially planned to go directly to find Yuri. However, considering that she was likely entertaining a guest at this moment, he abandoned this plan and headed toward the courtyard.
He wanted to practice the Holy Dragon Sword Style in the courtyard for a while, to see if there was anything special about this special swordsmanship that lacked the crucial breathing style.
With nothing else to do and no dungeon to challenge in this world, Riezel could only use this method for training and confirmation, while passing the time.
However, just as he descended the stairs, preparing to go to the first floor, he was intercepted by someone.
"Hello."
A middle-aged man with a beard, dressed like a steward and somewhat resembling a shrewd merchant, stopped Riezel.
"You are...?"
Riezel stopped in his tracks, looking at the man with a merchant-like appearance.
"I am the steward of the Basolo family."
The Basolo family's steward bowed to Riezel, his face full of smiles, but his tone carried an imperceptible arrogance.
"Basolo family?" Riezel raised his eyebrows.
Wasn't that the family to which the son, whom Yuri didn't particularly like, belonged?
"Do you have business with me?" Riezel asked straightforwardly, not displaying a hostile attitude but not overly humble either.
"There is indeed a something..."
The steward, seeing Riezel's calm demeanor, looked a bit disappointed, but still smiled.
"Young Master, since you can freely move around here, your status should be quite high, right?"
"I'm just a guest here, living here temporarily. Nothing to do with status." Riezel answered indifferently. "If you have something to say, say it directly, no need for beating around the bush."
"If that's the case, then I'll be direct."
The steward suddenly approached with a smile, handing over a heavy pouch to Riezel.
"Please accept this, Young Master."
Upon seeing the pouch, Riezel's heart stirred.
Although he hadn't seen what was inside the heavy pouch he held, judging from the feel, it was likely to be coins, like the currency circulating in Orario. He had brought money before, so he could naturally judge from the touch what was inside.
But—
"What does this mean?" Riezel raised the heavy money pouch in his hand, a look of intrigue shining in his eyes as he gazed at the steward.
The steward seemed not to notice and simply touched his own beard, smiling.
"This is just a small deposit; you can do anything with it." The steward said with an apologetic smile. "If you feel it's not enough, then you can provide a bit of information to me, and I'll certainly add a little more."
"Information, huh?" Riezel raised an eyebrow. "Such as?"
"For example, some information related to Marquis Frenzel..."
The steward blinked, displaying a look of 'you know what I mean' on his face.
"It could be anything, from personal hobbies to family secrets. As long as you're willing to reveal it to our Basolo family, my young master will surely reward you generously."
Upon hearing that, Riezel knew exactly what the steward of the Basolo family's intention was.
He wanted to gather information about Yuri.
Whether it was personal hobbies or family secrets, he was interested in it all. As for why he was gathering this information, it was not hard to guess that it wasn't for anything good.
Thinking back to Yuri's displeasure when she heard someone was visiting, Riezel suddenly understood her a bit.
Undoubtedly, this Basolo family must have done such things quite often.
"Alright..." Riezel smirked, collecting the heavy money pouch in his hand. "Although I don't know any family secrets, I do know a personal hobby of Yuri—I mean, Marquis Frenzel."
"What is it?" The steward became energetic instantly.
"Marquis Frenzel seems to enjoy drinking unique-flavored black tea." Riezel expressionlessly said. "Such as the very bitter kind... She seems quite fond of it."
"Very bitter black tea, is it?" The steward was slightly stunned. "Are there people out there who actually enjoy bitter tea?"
"That's why I called it unique." Riezel chuckled. "If someone can accompany Marquis Frenzel for her favorite afternoon tea, her mood will surely be excellent."
"I see..." The steward nodded understandingly and then smiled. "Thank you for the information, Young Master. I'll look for you next time."
With that, the steward left with enthusiasm, leaving only Riezel behind.
"So, this is the nobility of this kingdom, huh..." Riezel muttered as he watched the steward's departing figure.
In his tone, there was a mixture of annoyance and sarcasm.
The steward's demeanor and behavior once again reminded him of some unpleasant experiences from his previous life.
"Tch, whatever, it's none of my business." Riezel turned and left.
Right now, he just wanted to practice swordsmanship; that way, he could properly dispel the slight frustration building up in his heart.
===
*Swish—*
In the courtyard, next to the pavilion, Riezel wielded a wooden sword, dancing with the sword skillfully.
He started with a downward slash, followed by a quick lift and a diagonal cut. After a swift return, he executed a powerful thrust, causing the air to whistle.
As he swung the sword, not only was his speed surprisingly quick, but there was also a sense of powerful and forceful momentum. Whether slashing or thrusting, it felt like an explosive burst of power.
When Riezel finally stopped, he realized that practicing swordsmanship in this manner had left him drenched in sweat after just one session.
'This Holy Dragon Sword Style is no joke...' Riezel commented inwardly, somewhat amazed. 'Being able to use all muscles with just a few movements and having such a marvelous power application technique, no wonder it's considered special swordsmanship.'
Examining the effects of training with the Holy Dragon Sword Style, Riezel was surprised at its effectiveness.
Riezel felt both astonished and regretful.
'Continuing like this, even at my level, could have some benefits, right?'
He marveled at the thought and felt a tinge of disappointment.
'Unfortunately, the most important breathing style is missing; otherwise, this swordsmanship would be incredibly strong.'
Without the breathing style, he still experienced some benefits, but he still wondered whether the absence of the breathing style was intentional or accidental.
While practicing, Riezel casually contemplated this matter. However, after a while, he noticed a sudden commotion.
"I won't give up! Miss Yuri!"
A young man dressed as a noble suddenly appeared at the mansion's gate, shouting toward the inside. Accompanying him was the shady-looking steward from before, voicing support.
Riezel paused his movement, observing the noble-dressed young man.
The young man continued yelling and causing a ruckus, soliciting assistance from his escort.
Before long, Yuri emerged from the mansion.
However, her expression didn't look too pleased.