Chapter 4

The Regression of the Talent Monopolizer is Special - Chapter 4 (4/320)

Richard's office.

Eugene, Richard, and Markson, the head of the Robard family's knight squadron, are in conversation.

Markson is one of the trusted retainers of the Robard family, known for his extensive experience and outstanding skills, having protected the Robard family for many years as a 7-star knight.

Eugene spoke up.

"I want to gather all the free knights and choose my martial arts teacher. Father, could you provide some support?"

Free knights wander across the continent, helping to resolve various issues such as power struggles and monster exterminations, in exchange for a fee.

This is similar to mercenaries, but they are different in that they have been officially granted the title of knight.

It's a matter of a different 'class.'

"Eugene, free knights, due to the nature of their profession, are often rough and lack manners. If you want to learn various martial arts, why don't you go out once a week to learn from external sources?"

It was not a bad suggestion.

If he just provided the money, teaching martial arts would be much easier than monster extermination.

However, Eugene shook his head.

"No, I want to learn from those rough and unmannered free knights. When a sword is at your throat, manners don't matter."

"Who said someone will put a sword to your throat?"

"Well, that's what I mean. And many free knights have unique techniques that you can't find anywhere else. I want to pick and learn those."

Eugene wanted to see and practice the various martial arts he had only read about in books in his previous life.

That's why he decided to invite these free knights who handle diverse martial arts.

"That's true, but..."

Richard was troubled, thinking about the origins, backgrounds, and criminal records of the free knights.

Many of them were criminals or troublemakers.

However, Eugene said something unexpected.

"Also, I want to see and choose the teachers myself."

"…You yourself?"

Richard could not hide his surprise at Eugene's bold words.

"I can provide as much money as needed for your education, but wouldn't it be better to rely on Knight Commander Markson's eye for choosing a competent martial arts teacher?"

"Hmm."

Markson, standing beside him, nodded in agreement.

"Master. Even among free knights, skilled individuals cannot be hired with just money. Moreover, if the examiner is a 7-year-old... they would be too proud to apply."

Eugene shook his head.

"You don't need to worry about a 7-year-old examiner. Anyone who would let their pride get in the way of becoming a Robard family retainer isn't worth choosing in the first place."

He then added the benefits he would gain from this martial arts teacher selection.

"Also, our family's weakness is that our military power is weaker compared to our wealth. Isn't that right?"

"Huh? That's true…?"

"Then, through this free knight interview, we can meet many knights, and even if they fail the teacher interview, we can offer them roles like caravan guards."

"Ah… that's true."

"Isn't that the same as strengthening our military power?"

Eugene continued.

"Also, most free knights are well-off, and when they gather, their eating, drinking, and sleeping will help activate the market in the Robard territory. It's a win-win situation."

"Hmm."

Richard, initially surprised by Eugene's cold judgment, soon nodded in agreement.

'No wonder, even though the young master is only five, the head of the family and I can't help but listen to what he says.'

Markson was amazed at how a seemingly innocent face could hide such a sharp mind.

Eugene's casual remarks often hit the core of the matter, and Richard often called him when important matters arose.

This time was no different.

To Markson, both the incredibly smart Eugene and Richard, who always listened to his young son, were impressive.

'That's why I keep staying here.'

While Markson was thinking this, Eugene was quickly organizing the people he would choose if the selection were to take place.

'At this point, the most capable talents would be... Gold Sword and Palace Guard, right?'

Gold Sword and Palace Guard.

These are talents who are currently undervalued despite their future potential.

'Gold Sword is a master of swift swordsmanship, and Palace Guard is an expert hunter. If I could have both as my teachers, it would be perfect.'

It wasn't just that.

'Moreover, the combination of their martial arts would be even better. If there were someone skilled in spear techniques or fist techniques, it would fill in the gaps and be even better.'

Meanwhile, Richard and Markson slowly nodded.

"Hmm… Yes, your words make sense."

"That's right…"

Just how sharp is this child's mind?

* * *

"Groan."

Markson took out weapons from the armory and lined them up in the middle of the training ground.

Swords, sabers, spears, bows, dual swords, axes, staffs, whips...

While it's unusual for someone who isn't a martial artist to have such a variety of weapons, the wealthy Robard family could afford to stock various high-quality weapons.

Eugene walked around, inspecting the weapons with his hands behind his back.

"Money is really a good thing, isn't it?"

"That's true. I brought these weapons for you to use."

"That's true too."

"Master, why do you need to touch all these weapons?"

Markson asked with a puzzled look, and Eugene shrugged.

"Just as I said. I want to learn various martial arts using different weapons."

"As you know, to master a weapon, one usually dedicates their entire life. I understand wanting to try out different weapons, but…"

"Try out? No, that's not it."

"Excuse me?"

"I will master all weapons."

Eugene wanted to get a feel for the weapons before inviting martial arts teachers. It was a kind of pre-study.

In his previous life, he couldn't even handle a single sword properly, but this time, he wanted to be able to handle all weapons if possible.

Markson's expression became strange.

'If someone else said that, I would dismiss it as nonsense.'

But because it was Eugene, Markson thought differently.

'Master seems like he really can do it.'

Meanwhile, Eugene picked up a weapon.

"Let's start with the spear. Markson, can you defend against my attacks? Think of it as a sparring match."

"…Yes, of course."

Markson, whose main weapon is a sword, stood in front of Eugene, who awkwardly held a spear.

"Shall I teach you the basics first?"

"Are you underestimating me? Markson. I didn't think you would look at me like that."

"I thought it might help you on the path to becoming a master."

"Thanks for the thought."

Eugine smiled and fiddled with the spear, then pointed the tip at Markson.

It was a posture that clearly showed he was inexperienced with the spear.

But Eugene didn't mind and started to swing the spear, step by step, toward Markson.

Thud, thud!

Markson easily deflected the thrusts with almost no effort. It was a natural reaction.

However.

Thud, thud, thud…!

'Hmm?'

As time passed, Markson noticed a change.

'Gradually… his posture is improving. His thrusts are becoming sharper, and his swings are becoming more powerful.'

Without any guidance, Eugene's spear skills started to improve within 10 to 20 minutes.

The initially awkward posture quickly stabilized, and he regained his center of gravity.

While Markson tried to maintain his composure in surprise,

Swoosh!

The spear came from an unexpected angle, aiming for Markson's vital points.

Markson was startled and raised his sword with all his might to block the spear.

Thud!

"Huff!"

"Oops."

Markson took a deep breath, and Eugene scratched his head.

"Sorry, Markson. I made a mistake."

"No, no…"

Eugene wiped the sweat from his forehead, put down the spear, and picked up a staff.

"Good. Let's try the staff now."

"Y-Yes…"

Markson's eyes trembled slightly as he answered.

Clearly, he had noticed.

Eugene's proficiency with the spear had improved dramatically in less than an hour.

At this rate,

'Really, becoming a master of all weapons might be possible. That attack just now was intentional, not a mistake.'

Markson swallowed his amazement and took a firm defensive stance.

* * *

One month later.

Over the course of a month, recruitment notices for martial arts teachers were distributed across the continent, and martial artists from all over gathered at the Robard family estate.

It was a sea of people.

Although a lot of money was spent on advertising, the expenses for accommodation and food for the gathered martial artists resulted in a profit rather than a loss for the family.

Just as Eugene had predicted.

Richard and Lilian were speechless as they looked out the window.

"I didn't expect so many people to gather…"

"Indeed…"

"Our son, but he has such good judgment, doesn't he? He takes after me, you know."

"Hehe, that's what I'm saying. He might have even greater talent."

"Yahaha!"

Richard was smiling in satisfaction when the door creaked open.

Eugene entered the room.

"Father, Mother, we're going to the interview location now."

Richard and Lilian turned to Eugene with proud smiles.

"My child."

"My son."

"…?"

"Let's go. You can do whatever you want."

"??"

* * *

The interview location was the training ground where the Robard family's knights and Eugene usually trained.

As befitting the main training ground of the Robard family, it was large and could withstand even powerful auras and magic without damage.

The interviewers were Richard, Lilian, Markson, and Eugene.

Naturally, the final decision was Eugene's.

The martial artists who had come with the recruitment notice were whispering among themselves.

"Is this kid choosing his own teacher?"

"A kid who looks like he's not even 10 is going to conduct the interview?"

If he's choosing his own teacher, why does he need a teacher at all?

Such thoughts led to skepticism and doubt.

Regardless,

The martial artists lined up in the middle of the training ground, guided by the guard knights.

The interview began.

The procedure was simple: one by one, they introduced themselves and demonstrated a simple technique.

Thud.

A man stood in the training ground first.

The crowd murmured.

"Is that him? That guy?"

"Oh, it is! Gale!"

The man's name was Yul, and his nickname was Gale.

He was known for his incredibly fast and agile swordsmanship, which earned him the nickname.

He was also a well-known mercenary in the southern region.

Eugene had added that not only free knights but also mercenaries without the title of knight could apply.

That's why Yul had applied.

Yul looked around with a confident expression, which seemed familiar.

"Begin."

At Markson's command, Yul immediately began his sword dance.

Swoosh, swoosh, swish!

True to his nickname, his swordsmanship was swift and his footwork was particularly fast and flashy.

Thrust!

Slash!

Rear footwork, front footwork!

Despite the intense movements, Yul maintained a calm expression as he continued his sword dance.

Suddenly, Eugene's voice cut through.

"Rejected. Next."

Yul froze in the middle of his sword dance.

"…What?"

"Rejected. Next!"

Yul's expression twisted.

"No, that's…! That's ridiculous…! I'm Yul. Gale, Yul…!"

Eugene cut him off.

"Two years ago, you were kicked out of a bar for sexually harassing a waitress, right?"

"…What?"

"And a year and a half ago, you assaulted an employee for low wages."

"No, that's…"

"And just four months ago, you left a citizen paralyzed on the street for bumping into you."

Eugene spoke directly in front of the stammering Yul.

"Even if your skills were overwhelming, I would have considered hiring you, but they are far from it. Rejected. Leave."

"Hey! What do you know…!"

"To the young master!"

"Wait, Sir Markson. If he doesn't want to leave, we'll have to drag him out."

Yul shouted loudly.

Eugene nodded, and the Robard family's guard knight immediately sprang forward and grabbed Yul's arm.

"Grgh…! I'm Yul! Gale, Yul…!"

"Shut up."

The guard knight easily subdued him.

The other martial artists were impressed by the guard knight's strength.

"Hmm, a merchant family, but not to be underestimated…!"

A guard knight who looked ordinary but had such skill was impressive.

In the end, Yul was dragged out, struggling.

"…"

"…"

The training ground was stunned, as if doused with cold water.