Chapter 268: 268 Not to be Underestimated Young Master (Asking for Monthly Votes! Asking for Subscriptions!)
Saint Charlia Codrillon.
Reiger was truly not surprised by the arrival of this renowned lady of talent.
Kaliya had been the companion of Saint Charlia, and the Earl’s household was a vassal to the Duke of Codrillon. Now that Kaliya had gone to such lengths to arrange this meeting, Reiger did not believe that the Codelion family did not have a hand in it.
Thus, even before arriving here, Reiger had anticipated that members of the Codelion family might also appear at this meeting.
This was merely proof that his expectations had come true.
"I have met Miss Saint Charlia."
Reiger offered a slight bow to the young lady of the Codelion family.
Seeing this, Liz by his side promptly imitated Reiger, bowing deeply to Saint Charlia.
Saint Charlia certainly noticed Liz, casting her a meaningful glance.
Clearly, Saint Charlia knew of Liz’s identity.
However, Saint Charlia did not reveal it.
Now that Liz had become Reiger’s attendant and abandoned her princess identity, Saint Charlia naturally would not deliberately disclose Liz’s identity in such a setting.
She simply gazed at Reiger, her eyes filled with curiosity and a faint scrutiny.
"Thank you, Sir Brilliant, for the advice you provided to the Lees brothers," Saint Charlia said to Reiger with a smile as she returned the gesture, "After receiving guidance from the Sword Saint, they have always felt like they found a treasure. They often express their gratitude towards you in front of me."
The Lees brothers were attendants of Saint Charlia, and among the many swordsmen challenging Reiger, they left a particularly deep impression on him.
Saint Charlia chose them as the topic of conversation, which, indeed, was a fitting choice.
Of course, Reiger did not take credit.
"That was really not much of an advice, just pointing out some blind spots they had overlooked," Reiger shook his head and said, "Even without my help, they would have noticed them sooner or later."
"Even so, having them pointed out in advance spared them countless efforts and time," Saint Charlia spoke cheerfully: "As their master, both morally and logically, I should express their gratitude to you. So, you should not be so modest."
"Very well," Reiger said no longer dwelling on this point, "I just hope they will gain something from it. I welcome them to seek revenge anytime."
If the Lees brothers could achieve what Reiger had suggested before—concentrating the strength of three people in one during combat—that person might indeed be able to contend with a Sword Saint for a short time.
Sparring with a Sword Saint was something Reiger was indeed interested in.
Whether from the perspective of gaining experience or assessing the strength of his opponent, Reiger was thoroughly intrigued.
Hence, Reiger’s anticipation was genuine, and everyone present could hear it.
Kaliya and Shafni quietly exchanged glances, both silently marveling.
"He really is completely different from before."
The former Reiger was just a somewhat complacent bumpkin who would easily get carried away and lacked perception and wisdom.
In contrast, the current Reiger always maintained a calm expression and a detached demeanor. Every move he made had a sense of mystery and, even when facing renowned figures and challengers, he showed fearlessness—a stark contrast to his former self.
Kaliya and Shafni even began to doubt whether the Reiger before them now was his true self or if the previous one was.
To the people of this world, the tremendous change in Reiger had occurred within just two months, such drastic change was indeed sudden and abrupt.
Especially for those who had known Reiger before, this transformation was incomprehensible and irrational.
"Could it be that his former self was just a disguise?"
Like the others, Kaliya and Shafni harbored such doubts.
Previously, both thought that Reiger’s massive change was entirely due to a life-threatening crisis that drastically altered his personality.
But now, the two simply thought that was ridiculous.
A Sword Saint and a Tactical Level Magician, encountering a life-threatening crisis from an attack by "Shinobu"?
That’s simply impossible.
Thus, Kaliya and Shafni were gradually aligning with the thoughts of people like Solok, all believing that Reiger had previously been disguising and hiding his true power, and that the so-called "serious injury" was just to deceive others.
As for why he would do such a thing, that remains unknown.
Surely it couldn’t truly be for the purpose of getting close to Yuri Franzel?
At least, Kaliya and Shafni did not think so.
Even Saint Charlia shared this view.
However, unlike Kaliya and Shafni, she did not believe it unnecessary for a figure like Reiger to do so, but simply did not want to believe that such a prominent figure would go to such lengths for a woman like Yuri Franzel.
Thus...
"Would the Sword Saint like to find a time to visit my home?" Saint Charlia hinted, "My brother is also looking forward to meeting you."
This was quite an obvious attempt at wooing.
Reiger glanced at the young lady, shook his head, and said, "Let’s just forget it. There’s no reason or relation, no need for constant meetings. I’m completely uninterested in these so-called nobility exchanges."
"Oh, it’s just a casual conversation and some tea, it’s not as serious as you think," Saint Charlia laughed softly, "Neither my brother nor I like those complicated ceremonies or the exchange of formalities among nobles. Especially my brother, if the two of you were to meet, it’s more likely that you’d bond over swordsmanship rather than tea, don’t you think?"
This remark somewhat appealed to Reiger.
Reiger took a deep look at the young lady of the Codelion family.
This young lady, appearing to be the same age as Yuri, perhaps excelled even Yuri in communication and social skills.
Twice now, this woman had managed to strike topics that perfectly matched Reiger’s taste and interest; not something typically achievable by a sheltered young lady.
One must say, a talented woman indeed is a talented woman. No wonder Yuri spoke so highly of these siblings, their popularity within the kingdom was not without reason.
Yuri had mentioned more than once that these siblings were not only exceptionally talented but also of great character and quality. Now, Reiger finally had a tangible sense of this.
If the situation had been slightly different, Reiger might have agreed on the spot.
The idea of winning over a Swordsman who was touted as the best successor to the next king, and who could make the mad prince eat humble pie, Saint Nidor Kedalion, intrigued Reiger.
Moreover, Saint Nidor had diligently practiced swordsmanship since childhood, not only was he gifted but also very hardworking; by the age of 13, he had already earned the True Knight Medal, becoming the youngest ever. Now, at 22 years old, almost ten years had passed since he became a True Knight, making him a veteran, even if he hadn’t yet reached the status of Sword Saint.
Yuri once told Reiger about this person.
"It’s said that Albert Bolei once publicly declared that he hoped, after challenging 999 true knights, that the big young master of the Codelion family would be his final opponent."
"The two have met more than once privately; Knight Captain Albert has publicly praised the big young master multiple times, saying he is strong, talented, and hardworking, a worthy opponent for a full-on battle," said Yuri.
"And since Saint Nidor easily defeated Prince Solok previously, many believe that the big young master’s strength might not be far off from Knight Captain Albert."
Meaning, Saint Nidor might as well be the strongest True Knight just a step below a Sword Saint.
Even if inferior to Albert, probably not by much.
If he could cross swords with him, then this truly would be worth a trip for Reiger.
However, the big young master’s identity was too sensitive; for someone like Reiger to make contact abruptly would definitely trigger numerous chain reactions.
For now, Reiger responded to Saint Charlia with an indifferent smile.
"If your brother truly wishes for a match of swords, then let him come to my arena," he said.
This was equivalent to declining.
"Alright," Saint Charlia, seeing Reiger’s response, knew that the conversation couldn’t continue and subtly puffed her cheeks, saying, "I will take this message back to my brother."
Reiger nodded.
Both parties finally had the opportunity to sit down.
Kaliya timed it perfectly, clapped her hands, and had the private room’s doors open. A series of servers bearing dishes entered from outside, continuously serving dishes to everyone.
The dishes were plentiful, filling the entire table surface; even if there weren’t a hundred dishes, there were probably around eighty, each full of color, aroma, and taste, befitting an elite-only noble’s restaurant.
The innocent-looking Shafni was very intrigued by these dishes, her eyes sparkling. Had it not been for Reiger and Saint Charlia not having started yet, she surely would have already begun eating.
Even Liz, standing behind Reiger, sneakily glanced at the dishes, her look a mix of craving and shy reluctance.
Seeing this, Reiger pulled up the chair next to him.
"You should sit down and eat as well, Liz," he invited.
"How can that be?" Liz immediately shook her head, "I’m an attendant; it’s not proper to eat at the same table as my master."
"I’ve said it, I don’t have so many rules here," Reiger simply stated, "This is not a public setting, just a private dining event. Please, sit down."
Upon hearing this, Liz wanted to refuse, but Saint Charlia also spoke up.
"Please sit and eat with us, Princess Liz," Saint Charlia smiled, "As Lord Reiger said, this is just a private meal without so much formality."
Her words didn’t provoke a reaction from Liz, rather surprising both Kaliya and Shafni.
"Princess?"
Both turned to look at Liz, stunned.