In front of the Duke’s library.
Moen stood at the doorway, gazing at the towering bookshelves before him, packed to the brim with a vast collection of books. He couldn’t help but rub his face hard in frustration.
“Screw this world.”
“Even a clay figure has a temper. If you keep torturing me like this, I might as well fight with you to the death!”
Moen lifted his face, and the confusion, fear, and anger that had surfaced due to his father’s departure and his derailed plans had entirely disappeared.
What replaced them was sheer determination.
What's wrong with being a blonde-haired villain? Does being a villain mean I don’t deserve happiness?
Well, I’ll just earn it myself!
“Calm down. The first thing I need to do is to get stronger.”
He looked at the Duke’s library with its vast collection.
Although it paled in comparison to the Saint Maria Library, for the current Moen, the books here were more than sufficient.
“Since Father is gone, I’ll learn on my own and then practice through combat with the assassins.”
“In other words, the resources in the Duke’s mansion are at least enough to make me strong enough to defeat the assassins recorded in the Black Book!”
“At that point, I’ll have sufficient power to protect myself!”
“I’ll keep a low profile for now; there’s no need to go back to school for now.”
“It’s actually a relief that both Father and Mother are gone. At least no one will interfere with what I’m doing.”
After revising his plans, Moen’s gaze grew even more determined.
No more wasting another moment, he reached for the nearest shelf and pulled out a book.
Yet he didn’t eagerly dive into reading. Instead, he casually flipped through a couple of pages and then closed his eyes.
A few minutes later, he opened his eyes and a barely contained excitement gleaming in his gaze.
“As I expected, books can also be recorded.”
“It seems, however, that I can only record the words I’ve actually laid my eyes on.”
“But that’s enough. I don’t need to spend time memorizing each book but can instead skim through them all. Black Book has all the records.”
“Then, whenever I need something, I’ll be able to reference it instantly!”
With that thought, Moen didn’t hesitate any longer. Starting with the book in his hands, he quickly flipped through its pages.
He didn’t try to truly read or understand; all he needed was to get it into his eyes.
“Wait a second—what exactly am I reading?”
Having nearly finished the book, it suddenly struck Moen to check the title on its cover.
“‘Unlocking Doors with Fish Bones—100 Methods for Breaking and Entering’? What kind of nonsense is this?”
Realizing what he had just read, Moen angrily threw the book onto the ground.
“Why does the grand Duke’s mansion have books like this, and why are they in such a conspicuous spot?”
Unwilling to believe it, Moen reached for another book at random.
“‘Flirting Techniques Even a Monkey Can Master—How to Charm a Goddess with Grace’... I just wanted to learn how not to get stomped on by the goddess.”
“‘Learn in Three Days!—Assessing Fertility Based on Hip Measurements’... Three days? Rural grannies can analyze it thoroughly in three minutes.”
“‘The Breeding Habits of Exotic Species’... Is this something I’m supposed to read?”
“‘Bedroom Techniques’... Ahem, I’m just checking if this book is legitimate. Definitely not planning to memorize it.”
…
“Holy crap! Half of the books here are useless—or outright bizarre.”
After spending the better part of the day sorting through the entire Duke’s library, Moen felt a deep sense of despair toward the Campbell family’s ancestors. That bunch of old fogeys—and his irresponsible father, for that matter—clearly had no interest in books!
This library must’ve been set up just for show; otherwise, it wouldn’t be crammed with such a random assortment of books.
A staggering third of the books here were... indescribable in nature!
“Still, at least half of the books are useful.”
Looking at the book now in his hand, Moen smiled with satisfaction.
Even if none of the Campbells liked reading, as a centuries-old noble house, their library was undoubtedly vast. It included a significant number of texts on martial arts, magic, faith, and divine blessings.
And each of these areas was incredibly valuable to Moen at his stage.
For example, the book now in his hands, *Introduction to Basic Martial Techniques*, was a godsend for someone like Moen, who urgently needed to rebuild his foundation.
“Whether I plan to study it or not later, I should record it first.”
Brimming with excitement, Moen eagerly prepared to open the book.
Just then, a voice called from behind him.
“Young Master, are you still reading?”
Ann stepped into the library, her gaze sweeping over a tray of cold food nearby. She frowned.
“You didn’t even eat your meal.”
“Don’t worry; after I finish this book.”
“That’s what you said last time, too.”
Ann suddenly stepped forward and closed the *Introduction to Basic Martial Techniques* in Moen’s hands.
“What are you doing, Ann?”
Moen chuckled wryly, “I can handle myself.”
“Young Master, dinner is ready.”
“Hmm, it’s that late already? I didn’t even notice. Just bring it here, just like lunch…”
“But if I do that, you’ll forget to eat again.”
Ann stared into Moen’s eyes. “I promised the Master and Madam I’d take care of you. So I can't let you behave like this. At the very least, have a proper dinner.”
“I…”
Moen looked at Ann, who was crouching before him. A subtle floral fragrance wafted from her, tickling his nose, and a wave of exhaustion suddenly overcame him—a reminder of how tired he was after a day spent sorting books.
He glanced at the rarely stern expression on Ann’s face and the book in his hands that he hadn’t yet recorded. With a sigh, he relented.
“Fine, let’s have the dinner.”
Although he’d spent the entire day organizing books, he hadn’t yet recorded much. Still, it wasn’t so urgent that he couldn’t take a break for a proper meal.
Consider it a way to balance work and rest.
Moen rose, returned the book to the shelf, and headed toward the dining room.
“…”
Ann, however, didn’t follow up right away. She turned back, reaching for the book Moen had just shelved.
*Introduction to Basic Martial Techniques.*
She glanced over its pages.
Then she lifted her gaze to the other shelves.
The books on the shelves had been thoroughly reorganized, no longer chaotic as they were before.
Useless books had been relegated to the farthest corners, while books on martial arts, magic, and other knowledge had been placed conveniently within reach.
“Young Master, you’ve changed.”
Clang.
A sharp glint of light flashed.
The *Introduction to Basic Martial Techniques* in Ann’s hands was suddenly sliced in two by a blade that appeared from nowhere. Moments later, it was reduced to fragmented pages and cast into the wind outside the window.
“You’ve changed so quickly, so suddenly. It’s as though you’re not even yourself anymore.”
“In that case, I can’t afford to wait any longer.”
“Don’t blame me, Young Master Moen.”
