Since yesterday's experience with the 'corset', Altair wore her previous attire today.
But not wanting to wear it was useless. The teachers had arrived for class!
Due to Altair's own arrangements, the teachers arriving today were for: etiquette, clothing, jewelry... This era had its own 'characteristics'. Just as people's concepts of 'dressing up' were the same, courses closely related to these 'characteristics' were coincidentally scheduled by Altair for the same time. It could be said she was 'making herself suffer'.
Because there was a fundamental concept in this era: "Dress is a declaration of social status."
"The complexity of the clothing, the quality of fabrics like silk and velvet, the abundance of lace, ribbons, and fringe decorations, and the requirement for servants to assist in dressing—all nakedly declare the wearer's wealth and social status."
"The 'corset' is the absolute core; it should be worn from girlhood to shape the ideal 'hourglass' figure."
"The decorations are extremely intricate: lace, ribbons, bows, beadwork, and pleats—any decoration imaginable will be used."
"Regarding hairstyles, middle parts, hair tight against the sides of the scalp, and buns at the back of the head are popular. Hats are essential for outdoors, while gloves, parasols, and handkerchiefs are standard for a lady."
...Madam Anna, the etiquette teacher, was already strict. Teaching alongside teachers of other courses, she couldn't let them look down on her. Coincidentally, the other teachers thought the same way, turning it into a high-level competition.
The clothes and other items brought back yesterday were all used in Altair's education. From when to wear what, to how to walk in such clothes.
Essentially, it could be summarized in one sentence: for Altair, every extra movement was a mistake, and not moving was also a mistake.
Since Altair's hair wasn't too long, she was safe for now.
But regarding clothing, she probably wouldn't be able to escape the 'corset' from now on.
During a break, Altair asked Madam Anna, "Why were there no dress requirements last month, but now I must wear it?"
Madam Anna gave Altair an unassailable explanation: "Baron Sheffield had just passed away; I could not demand that his daughter dress magnificently during his funeral period."
...After five days of adaptive learning, Altair had somewhat adjusted to her current attire. However, as long as she wasn't going out and had no classes, she wore casual clothes at home.
Today was Saturday. According to the schedule, Altair was going to the Army Club to practice firearms and learn combat.
So today was a bit more relaxed; at least she didn't have to wear a 'corset'. Wearing a 'riding habit' was enough.
Because Hahn's son, Rex, had 'graduated from high school' half a month ago and agreed to pursue a career in the military, going to the Army Club with her today was also a way to introduce him to people.
'Army Club' was an abbreviation; the full name was 'Loen Kingdom Royal Army Club'. Since it was located in Backlund Queen District, the people inside were basically 'army officers' or those preparing to join the army.
Uncle-Master Leif had already gone to secretly advance to Demigod, so today she could only go to see her grandfather's 'junior', Owen Donovan.
Altair's original memories of this person were vague; the only memory was that her father seemed to have a good relationship with him.
This man was a legendary figure in the Loen Kingdom Army. Born into the ordinary Earl family, the 'Donovans', he was also the 'eldest legitimate son'. He could have directly inherited the title.
But he had great ambitions, rejected his father's kindness, and joined the army alone. Relying on his own efforts, he fought his way into the upper echelons of the Loen Kingdom Army and now held a position at the Royal Army Academy.
According to Uncle-Master Leif's intelligence, Owen Donovan belonged to the Apothecary Pathway, though the specific Sequence was unknown.
It was also unclear which faction he belonged to, but known intelligence suggested he had certain connections with the Sanguine... After arriving at the Army Club in Empress Borough and stating her identity, she entered without hindrance.
The receptionist led them to Owen Donovan's office.
Tap, tap, tap.
As the door opened, Altair saw Owen Donovan for the first time. She distractedly thought that it was no wonder the Sequence couldn't be determined; judging by his appearance, he looked about the same age as Rex.
But the situation didn't allow for much thought, so she bowed and said:
"Good morning, Earl Owen."
"Good morning, Countess Altair."
After a tedious 'hand-kissing ceremony' ended, the formal greetings were complete.
Guided by Owen Donovan into the office to sit down, she introduced:
"Earl Owen, this is Mr. Rex Clayton, a very outstanding and ambitious young man. He wishes to learn from you..."
In short, she first praised Owen's achievements and then explained that the purpose of the visit was for Rex to study under him.
Because of Altair's flattery, Owen was all smiles.
Whether it was sincere or not didn't matter much to Altair. At least her approach left no room for criticism... "Miles."
As the small talk ended, Owen rang a bell on the wall to call in his adjutant.
"Miles, take Rex for a walk outside and introduce him to those young fellows."
Hearing the arrangement for him, Rex glanced at Altair. Seeing her nod, he stood up and left.
After the office door closed, Owen said:
"I already know about Rex's situation. From our brief contact just now, he seems like a good young man."
"It seems you've found a very good agent. Originally, I had some objections to Leif's methods, but after seeing him, I'm relieved."
Understanding the meaning behind Owen's words, Altair thought, "He had some objections to Uncle-Master Leif's methods, but seeing Rex today dispelled those objections."
"It seems I still underestimated the relationship between the two families. My father and he must have been more than just friends."
Since the other party provided an opening, Altair followed suit: "I'll have to trouble you this time, Uncle Owen."
Hearing Altair change the form of address, Owen laughed, "You, oh you."
"I'm currently serving at the Royal Army Academy, teaching so many people; one more won't make a difference."
"According to the letter, you're also here to learn self-defense?"
With Owen stating her purpose, Altair smiled and said, "Yes, Uncle Owen. I want to learn some self-defense this time, mainly to exercise my body."
Owen nodded slightly and said, "Since Emperor Roselle's 'Industrial Revolution', few people specifically study the art of 'martial arts' anymore."
"Now the Intis Republic, relying on Roselle's legacy, has even built six-barreled machine guns. This has caused the ancient profession of 'Knight' to directly exit the stage of history."
"Are you sure? Learning martial arts is very hard work and requires long-term persistence. Given your status, even if you learn it, there will be few opportunities to use it in the future."
Hearing Owen's advice, Altair understood: "Now is the era of firearms; traditional Knights are a thing of the past. But I've already become a Beyonder, and an Assassin at that. I must learn."
She affirmed directly, "I'm sure, Uncle Owen. I'm not afraid of hardship or exhaustion."
Owen nodded. "I'll arrange for a specialist to teach you."
"Take these. After training, dilute the potion in your bathtub; it can relieve some fatigue."
Seeing the small green bottle Owen handed over, Altair took it and smelled a pleasant herbal scent, remarking casually:
"Thank you, Uncle Owen. Is this a 'potion' made from materials by an Apothecary Pathway Beyonder?"
Owen replied, "You could say that. These are just simple 'potions'. As long as you have the formula, basically anyone can make them; there's just some difference in the effectiveness of the finished product. I know what you're planning. Learn the knowledge in this book first before making anything yourself. Until then, don't mix potions randomly; it's dangerous."
Seeing Owen take a book from the cabinet, Altair took it with both hands and shook Owen's arm. "I knew Uncle Owen cared for me the most."
...After leaving Owen's office, Altair looked directly at the book in her arms.
"Crimson Secret Records: Secret Medicines"
Crimson... it seems this Uncle Owen really does have a connection with the Sanguine, even possessing a book like the 'the crimson scripture'.
As for whether she felt guilty about acting spoiled just now... she could only say that if there were more benefits like this, she could keep doing it.