Warhammer: Dark Knights

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

"Master Richard, you're four minutes late," said Instructor Seth, the overseer of the training grounds. Chief Instructor Alaric also glanced your way. 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, you began running, using the time to organize your memories.

Apparently, four days ago, you lost a duel in front of your father and the main family members. This loss embarrassed your father, who believed you had brought shame to the main family. As punishment, he confined you to your room for 10 days, giving you time to reflect. However, for reasons unknown, you 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 your now-deceased mother, no one really paid attention to you. 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 your swordsmanship and decide what to do with you.

Of course, you had no idea what Alaric was thinking. Nonetheless, you were quite content with your current situation. After all, in your past life, you 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, you wouldn't have to worry about issues like inheritance rights. You could quietly live until your father passed, and perhaps you might even receive a small piece of land to retire on, living the peaceful life of a noble.

From what you've 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.' You slowly completed your third lap. 'After that, I'll head to the library and see if I inherited the photographic memory.'

When you finished running, you saw your elder brother, Cassius, walking toward you 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," you replied calmly, surprised that he approached you 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 your run, Cassius and Marcellus had finished their duel, with Cassius emerging victorious. Seeing you complete your punishment, they decided to chat with you to strengthen family ties. After all, you 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 you, shouted in unison.

"Good, then let's begin."