Being under Runeas Gremory's gaze was frightening, but Zhao Lin did not move. He raised his eyes, meeting Runeas' lively gaze — the kind of gaze that seemed to strip the soul bare with a simple blink.
She was powerful, but how could she know that Yuuto Kiba's body now held the consciousness of a transmigrated soul?
No, that seemed unlikely. He hadn't acted strangely, and even if she had the ability to read minds, Zhao Lin had a system and needed to believe in the powers of his golden fingers.
So, Zhao Lin quickly decided that as long as he acted normally, he would be fine.
"Strange, Runeas-sama?" asked Zhao Lin.
Runeas leaned forward slightly, observing him as if analyzing a precious jewel from every angle.
"Yes. It's as if you were a lake... beautiful from a distance, tranquil, but without reflection. You can't see what's inside."
Zhao Lin smiled slightly. "Maybe it's just because the lake hasn't gotten used to the new sunlight yet."
Runeas gave a sharp, melodious laugh. "Ah, how bold! Rias, dear, you have a witty servant! This one reminds me a little of your brother before he became so virtuous."
Sirzechs just nodded patiently. "I'm glad he has pleased you, Runeas-sama."
Rias massaged her temples again. "Please, Grandma, don't disturb Yuuto-kun like that again. You might scare him too much."
"Scare him? But I'm very cute!"
"Maybe not when you interrogate someone like that," Zeoticus replied, laughing awkwardly.
"Urghh!" Runeas pretended to be hit by an arrow in the back of her head, which made everyone burst out laughing.
The way Rias referred to Runeas as "grandma" seemed to be just a whim demanded by Runeas or something, but it fit well since Runeas was older than Zeoticus himself.
Zhao Lin was relieved that he had managed to handle the situation well and continued the meal as the atmosphere in the dining room returned to its usual confusion.
Rias walked ahead, and Zhao Lin followed her without uttering a single word until she herself, without turning around, said:
"Sorry for the little interrogation by my ancestor... But I have to say, you did well. Most devils would tremble just from being noticed by her."
Zhao Lin gave a small smile. "I've learned that fear only draws more attention. Sometimes it's better to take a deep breath and go with the flow of the storm."
Rias stopped and turned, facing him. There was a hint of surprise in her blue eyes.
"You speak like someone who has lived much longer than they appear..."
"You know that's true..."
She was silent for a moment, but her gaze, unlike Runeas', was not invasive. It was as if she were trying to decipher a riddle.
"Regardless, you are my Knight now and... I would like to follow that sentence and say that you can let your guard down, but as long as she is awake, you must remain alert."
Zhao Lin nodded in agreement. He was tempted to ask why Runeas had awakened, since she was a figure who had slept for ages, but it was best not to seem too curious for now.
"Today we will begin your training. I want to see what you can do with your sword."
Zhao Lin bowed his head in respect again. "Understood."
Rias turned around and started walking again. "Oh, and one more thing, Yuuto-kun..."
"Yes, Buchou?"
"Don't try to hide your feelings. We are devils, not saints. If something is bothering you, I want to know. You are a dear and precious servant to me now. Don't forget that."
This was a much younger version of Rias Gremory than the one Zhao Lin knew. She didn't have that adult appearance, but her serious personality was practically the same.
"If that's the case, Buchou, there's something I need to ask."
She raised her eyebrows. "And what would that be?"
"Why is this butler following me around like my shadow?"
Rias smiled as if she had been expecting the question.
Yes, ever since they left the dining room, a tall man with a straight back, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, had been following them closely.
His hair was silver, combed back, and his mustache was thick and well-groomed.
"Allow me to formally introduce him. This is Lucien Valtoris Ector, Lady Runeas Gremory's personal butler," said Rias, with a subtle gesture of her hand.
Lucien bowed briefly. "It is an honor, Sir Kiba."
"He is a servant of my grandmother. Lucien-san wakes when she wakes, and rests when she decides to sleep. If they belonged to a more modern era, I would say that he is to Runeas-sama what a knight is to a queen—and he is what you would call a 'Master Swordsman.'"
"Master?" asked Zhao Lin.
"It depends on what you consider 'Master.' I have been among kings and commoners, monks and assassins. I have taught good men and bad men to wield blades in times of war and peace."
"Don't be so modest, Lucien-san. Yuuto-kun, Lucien was Musashi Miyamoto's master, and Siegfried's too. He also taught Joan of Arc and mentored Galvarino, the handless warrior from the south."
Zhao Lin's eyes widened. "You trained... humans?"
"During the long centuries that my lady slept, I often found myself unable to keep up with her sleep. So, I had to find ways to pass the time. Humanity has always been fascinating—so ephemeral and, at the same time, stubborn. I taught them what I knew about blades. In return, they showed me what it's like to fight for something to the death. This has always reminded me of my pact of eternal loyalty, the same one you now share with Miss Rias."
Zhao Lin felt his respect for that butler grow.
Rias crossed her arms, slightly impatient.
"Normally, Grayfia Lucifuge would take care of your training, but she is currently dealing with matters on the surface. Besides, since you said you want to become a swordsman, Lucien-san will be the perfect master."
"A few sword lessons are what I promise. After all, if my lady wishes to sleep today, I will try to accompany her."
"A few sword lessons will have to suffice for today then," Rias stated.
[Initial Mission Updated!]
['Swing the sword a thousand times' has been updated to 'Swing the sword a hundred thousand times'!]
[Reward: Bonding Points and Lifetime Master-Apprentice Bond with Lucien Valtoris.]
[Progress: 0/100,000]
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