The Moon family

"You," Freyr said with a light, breezy smile, "should find a good man and marry him. Settle down in a peaceful village with an honest minor nobleman. Women are like vines; they need a strong tree to rely on. I think there aren't many living members of the Moon family left in this world."

Calista's body shook. "What did you say? The Moon family?"

"Yes, the Moon family, the followers of the Moon Goddess," Freyr said, smiling. "I've seen it. Your ring finger is longer than your index finger. Also, you have a slightly protruding bone at the back of your head. These are the most typical characteristics of the Moon family bloodline described in books. Although having these two features doesn't necessarily mean you are from the Moon family, you also possess a weapon with the Moon family's totem. Are you denying it?"

For the first time in her life, Calista felt like she had hit a brick wall. Even when facing greedy and lecherous nobles or ruthless and brutal mercenary leaders, she had never felt such helplessness!

This young noble in front of her—could he really see through people's deepest secrets with just a glance? And his smile... that pale, delicate face, the indifferent smile as if he cared about nothing...

...like a devil!

Watching the long-legged girl walk out in a daze, Freyr sighed and began organizing his books.

At that moment, his loyal servant, Focker, knocked and entered the room, looking hesitant. "Master, are you going to rest? Do you need anything? You didn't eat much tonight."

Seeing Focker's ambiguous expression, Freyr smiled. He knew that Focker had probably been waiting outside the whole time and came in as soon as he saw the girl leave.

Apart from his mother, this servant was probably the person who cared most about him in this world.

"Nothing... Oh, Focker, how much money do I have left in my purse?" Freyr asked casually.

"A thousand gold coins," Focker replied, immediately becoming more energetic when money was mentioned. "Master, this is the amount the esteemed lady secretly gave you before we left. I've kept it well!"

Freyr thought for a moment and said softly, "I've heard that the Cort Province produces a kind of Water Orchid Gem. When we get there, buy some for me. I want to send them back to my mother."

"The lady will be very pleased," Focker said with a smile, but then couldn't help adding in a low voice, "Master, you are so clever... Others may not know, but I, Focker, do. If the lady and the count knew everything, they would be proud of you. But... why..."

"Why do I like being thought of as an idiot?" Freyr interjected with a smile.

Focker immediately looked fearful, lowering his head but still muttering, "Young Master William is considered a genius, but you... Sigh, if it weren't for you... Hmph, I think Young Master William's tutor is not that capable. I've seen you visit him often, and I even saw you teaching him how to write... Genius? Hmph..."

"Alright, Focker, I'm tired. You can go now," Freyr said, winking with a smile. "We have a long journey ahead tomorrow."

Watching his loyal servant leave reluctantly, Freyr slowly sat in a chair and stretched lazily.

Sigh... An idiot, huh?

If they think I'm an idiot, so be it. After all, I don't truly belong to this world!

The beautiful Countess, that admirable woman, has no idea that I am merely occupying the body of her firstborn son, despite it being against my will.

In a way, I owe the Russell family. Especially that admirable woman, that beautiful and kind mother—I owe her a good son.

And my "father," the Count.

Sigh, I've used some tricks in secret to give their family a "genius" son before quietly leaving. It's a way to make amends.

Thinking about it, that kid William... I hope he lives up to their expectations. Now that I've left the capital, I won't have to sneak around to teach the little guy to read.

I really don't have the patience for childcare.

To become a competent teacher, Freyr spent years studying and reading voraciously, seizing every opportunity to secretly pass on what he learned to his younger brother.

Yes, it had to be done in secret. Father seemed to fear that "idiocy" was a contagious disease and didn't want me too close to my brother, afraid I'd pass it on.

When my brother first learned to write his name at the age of four and proudly showed our parents, the Count had no idea how much effort his eldest son had secretly put into teaching the child.

Freyr even went to great lengths to turn the continent's history into stories to educate his young brother. In this sense, he indeed had a knack for teaching.

I remember the first time William suddenly sang those intricate martial techniques, presenting them as songs to our parents. The Count was overjoyed, praising his son as a genius.

Little did he know, it was all the work of his "idiot" eldest son!

Yes, I took one son from you. Then, I did everything I could to give you back a "genius" son.

Do I care about being seen as an idiot? For someone who doesn't belong to this world at all, why would I care? Of course, I don't.

Being exiled... it's actually quite nice. I can do what I want, travel this continent at my leisure.

That night, Calista did not wander far. She lingered outside the town with the strong warrior and the archer. Despite her two subordinates urging her to leave this ill-fated place, Calista seemed to have different plans. Her eyes revealed a hint of hesitation as she hugged her knees and sat under a tree, gazing at the moon all night long.