II

Upon entering the training grounds, Richard immediately feel several pairs of eyes focusing on him.

"Master Richard, you're four minutes late," said Instructor Seth, the overseer of the training grounds. Chief Instructor Alaric also glanced at him. He was a member of the Aurelian family's branch and had served in the military since he was 14 until retiring at 57. Now, he worked as an instructor for the family's private soldiers. Although he rarely appeared at this training ground, since his main duty was training the private soldiers, he occasionally showed up to scout talent from the family and its affiliated branches. Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, today was one of those rare times.

"I apologize, Instructor."

"Hmm, well, you know what to do. Go run ten laps as punishment." Without a word, Richard began running, using the time to organize his memories.

Apparently, four days ago, the original Richard lost a duel in front of his father and the main family members. This loss embarrassed Maximilian, who believed Richard had brought shame to the main family. As punishment, he confined Richard to his room for 10 days, giving him time to reflect. However, for reasons unknown, he entered this body on the 11 day.

Richard is the twelfth-born child in the Aurelian family and the youngest, with the least presence. Aside from the maid, Selina who was left behind by his now-deceased mother, no one really paid attention to him. Before you arrived, Richard spent his time much like Marcellus, enjoying reading in the family library. While he wasn't as quick to comprehend books as Marcellus, Richard had an exceptional memory, able to recall everything he read quickly. However, this focus on reading left little time for martial training, and his results on the field were unimpressive, apart from decent physical stamina. This led the instructors to take an indifferent attitude toward him.

But after the recent duel, everyone had been reprimanded, and Chief Instructor Alaric wasn't just here to scout for talent; he was also here to assess you, to see if there was any potential in Richard swordsmanship and decide what to do with him.

Of course, Richard had no idea what Alaric was thinking. Nonetheless, he were quite content with his current situation. After all, in his past life, he were a mere office worker, doing the same monotonous tasks every day with no time to truly enjoy life. Now, as Richard, the youngest and most overlooked member of the Aurelian family, he wouldn't have to worry about issues like inheritance rights. He could quietly live until Maximilian passed, and perhaps he might even receive a small piece of land to retire on, living the peaceful life of a noble.

From what he have gathered, the Aurelian family seemed to be quite significant, probably holding the title of duke. The family's library was massive, filled with all kinds of books, and the castle's map stored there indicated a very large estate.

'But for now, the most important thing is to get through today's training without drawing too much attention.' He slowly completed his third lap. 'After that, I'll head to the library and see if I inherited the photographic memory.'

When he finished running, he saw the elder brother, Cassius, walking toward him with a smile on his face.

"Richard, you were late. Aren't you worried that Father will be angry again?"

"Brother Cassius, I accidentally overslept today. Yesterday, I was practicing my swordsmanship too late." Richard replied calmly, surprised that Cassius approached him now, of all times.

"Is that so? Well, that's good. After all, as an Aurelian, it wouldn't do to only focus on books. We still need to uphold the family's reputation," Marcellus said as he suddenly joined the conversation. He must have noticed Cassius approaching and decided to come over.

"I understand, Brother Marcellus. I promise I won't bring shame to the Aurelian family again."

After he completed the run, Cassius and Marcellus had already finished their duel, with Cassius emerging victorious. Seeing Richard completed his punishment, they decided to chat with him to strengthen family ties. After all, Richard didn't prove to a threat for both of them.

"All right, everyone, gather up!" Instructor Seth shouted. "Chief Instructor Alaric will be leading today's training, so you'd better give it your all, understood?!"

"Yes, Instructor!" everyone, including Richard, shouted in unison.

"Good, then let's begin."