"Raine, do you know why the upper age limit for the trainee program is fourteen?" Claire asked.

"I don't."

Raine shook his head.

"Fourteen is roughly the latest age at which someone can begin learning a breathing method. Any later, and the body has already missed its period of rapid growth. Training a breathing method to a high level becomes extremely difficult."

"This parchment contains the Great Bear Breathing Method and instructions for using its secret medicine. The method can develop every aspect of your physical ability and will serve you until you become a third-level Knight Attendant."

"As for the advanced potion required to become a Knight..."

Claire paused and considered her words.

"You probably won't reach that stage soon. Set advancement aside for now and focus on building a firm foundation."

"I will be leaving Habsburg Estate before long. I've set aside some Black Tung Oil for you. Shadia will arrange its delivery."

Claire changed the subject, fixing her clear gaze on Raine.

"What was your goal when you joined the trainee program?"

Under those clear eyes, Raine couldn't bring himself to lie.

He answered honestly.

"I wanted to pass the assessment and become a guard of Habsburg Estate."

Claire laughed, the sound bright and musical.

"Then would you like to pursue a greater goal? Becoming a true Knight, for example."

"If you become a Knight before turning eighteen, I promise that you may serve as my retainer."

"If you fail, you can continue with your plan to become a guard."

Her expression turned serious.

"But you must keep both the Great Bear Breathing Method and my promise secret. Even within Habsburg Estate, others learning of this may bring you trouble."

Excitement surged through Raine, tangled with suspicion.

His thoughts raced.

A Knight.

A genuine Knight.

That meant stepping into the ruling class, far above the station of a guard.

Raine wanted to begin practicing the Great Bear Breathing Method immediately.

Yet Claire's insistence on secrecy felt familiar.

Even inside Habsburg Estate, no one could know?

Was this part of a struggle over a noble family's inheritance? Was Claire cultivating retainers loyal only to her?

Or did she intend to compete for the Habsburg title?

Raine had watched more than enough dramas about wealthy families in his previous life. A dozen possibilities sprang into his mind.

*For me, rapid growth in the early stages is what matters most.*

*Once I'm strong enough, the Class Panel will give me the confidence to face anyone.*

His rise would inevitably affect the interests of others.

Sooner or later, he would reach for benefits already held by the powerful.

Trouble and challenges were unavoidable.

If trouble blocked him, he would smash through it.

If someone challenged him, he would hammer them flat.

He couldn't reject Claire's support merely because it carried some danger. That would be cowardice.

An old saying from his previous life surfaced in his thoughts.

*When heaven offers a gift, refusing it invites disaster.*

"Of course, Miss Claire. Your recognition is my greatest honor."

Raine bowed with genuine respect.

Claire was a beautiful and influential patron who could help him tremendously. He had no reason to be stingy with the right words.

People said flatterers met bad ends.

Nonsense. A household servant's duty was to serve. Saying the right thing was part of the job.

Claire nodded, satisfied with his answer.

"Raine, spend some time reading through the Great Bear Breathing Method. Afterward, I'll guide you through the finer points of each movement."

"Yes, Miss Claire."

Raine gathered his focus and carefully studied the seven postures.

Every posture was different, but even a quick reading showed that the sequence progressed from easy to difficult.

The first was the simplest. It resembled a single-leg lunge from his previous life, with both arms held level and the breath coordinated with the posture.

The Dire Bear meat still burned warmly in Raine's stomach. His entire body felt hot, and he was eager to move.

He began practicing on the spot.

At first, the posture felt manageable.

In less than five minutes, heat spread through his entire body. Sweat gathered on his forehead, and his frame began to sway.

Maintaining steady breathing was impossible. The fact that he wasn't gasping already felt like an achievement.

Raine knew he couldn't continue and stopped.

The instructions were clear. He had to hold each posture for thirty minutes while breathing steadily before attempting the next one.

"Miss Claire, is there a trick to practicing a breathing method?"

Raine rubbed his aching thighs.

"Breathing is the foundation of any breathing method. You must keep it steady and sense the changes inside your body. Only then can the method strengthen you."

Claire handed him a small black bottle.

"This is Black Tung Oil. When practicing the first posture, apply it to the sides of your thighs near the knees and to your shoulders. It will help you perceive the changes within your body."

"All right. I'll try again."

Raine pulled out the stopper, releasing an unusual fragrance.

The scent reminded him of a pungent medicinal balm from his previous world.

The liquid inside was amber-brown.

Raine poured a little into his palm. Following Claire's guidance, he rubbed the oil warm and applied it beside his knees and across his shoulders.

Streams of burning warmth seeped through his skin.

When he attempted the first posture again, the experience changed completely.

The warmth replaced the earlier ache in his muscles.

He could sense every fiber in his thighs drawing tight. His attention settled inward, and he consciously adjusted his breathing to match the posture.

[Practice: Great Bear Breathing Method]

[Skill Acquired: Great Bear Breathing Method]

[Great Bear Breathing Method EXP +1]

[Core Class Advancement Event Detected: Knight Attendant]

[Great Bear Breathing Method Comprehended]

[Knight Attendant Advancement Requirements]

[1. Militia Lv. 3 or above]

[2. Strength 8 or above, Agility 8 or above, Constitution 8 or above]

[3. Any Riding skill Lv. 1 or above, Shield Defense Lv. 1 or above, any Archery skill Lv. 2 or above, any Swordsmanship skill Lv. 3 or above...]

[Current requirements not met. Knight Attendant advancement failed]

The sudden flood of system notices made Raine read them several times.

Shock and delight struck together.

The sheer number of requirements for Knight Attendant astonished him.

The first and second conditions were achievable with time.

The third contained a complicated set of sub-requirements. Aside from the requirement for any Swordsmanship skill at Lv. 3, which he already met, the rest would be difficult to satisfy quickly.

Yet the information also delighted him.

Now he knew exactly what he lacked, and therefore where to begin.

*Triggering an event reveals advancement information?*

Raine considered the discovery in silence.