Claude went his way to the dining area as the servants moved swiftly, filling the long table with dishes that looked straight out of a royal banquet.
He sat down at the head of the table, trying not to look too eager, but his eyes couldn't hide the spark of excitement.
The aroma of perfectly seasoned meat, rich sauces, and freshly baked bread filled the air.
Silver utensils and crystal glasses gleamed under the soft light.
"Young Master, your lunch is ready," one of the maids said politely, bowing slightly.
Claude nodded, picking up his fork. "Alright, thank you."
The first bite melted in his mouth—tender, flavorful, and nothing like the cheap cafeteria meals he used to eat.
He exhaled softly. So this is what expensive food tastes like, huh…
As the servants stood by quietly, Claude continued his meal with a satisfied smile, savoring every bite like it was a reward earned after years of struggle.
Claude savored his food slowly, enjoying each bite as if it were a treasure.
The flavors were beyond anything he had ever tasted before, rich and refined, perfectly cooked to the slightest detail.
But before he could take another spoonful, a familiar window appeared before his eyes.
|╣SUBTASK ISSUED╠|
|╣Objective: Proper etiquette training╠|
|╣Reason: Poor table manners detected╠|
Claude froze mid-bite, the fork still in his hand.
You've got to be kidding me… he thought, frowning slightly.
|╣Observation: You performed well in acting and presentation, but your dining manners do not match your supposed status.╠|
Claude put down the fork, sighing deeply. "So now I even have to learn how to eat like a rich person?"
|╣Affirmative.╠|
His shoulders slumped as he looked down at the delicious meal that now felt like part of a test.
This system's turning my whole life into one big etiquette lesson… he groaned inwardly, his appetite fading into resignation.
Claude took a deep breath, setting the utensils down neatly this time.
He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly as he tried to calm his nerves.
Fine… if I already accepted this fate, then I might as well go all in, he thought, forcing a small smirk. No use complaining now.
Just as his thoughts settled, a soft chime echoed in the air, and the familiar blue light appeared once more.
|╣TRAINING MATERIALS ISSUED╠|
|╣Topic: Temperament and Etiquette – Comprehensive Beginner to Noble Level╠|
|╣Includes: 24-hour video tutorials, posture guides, gesture manuals, speech refinement programs, and interactive simulation.╠|
Claude blinked as holographic screens began filling the room, showing elegant nobles gracefully moving, sitting, speaking, and even smiling with perfect poise.
"Are you serious right now?" he muttered.
|╣Immediate training is recommended.╠|
He let out a helpless laugh. "You're really not giving me a break, huh?"
|╣Correct.╠|
Claude rubbed his temple and sighed.
Alright then… let's see how a real noble eats, walks, and breathes.
Right after lunch, the training began.
Claude had barely finished his last sip of wine when the holographic screens surrounding the dining area brightened again.
|╣Etiquette Training Program Initiating…╠|
|╣MODULE 1: Posture and Presentation╠|
Claude blinked as several translucent figures appeared before him—each demonstrating precise, graceful movements.
They stood straight, held their utensils lightly, and moved with an elegance that seemed effortless.
"Stand up straight. Chin slightly raised. Hands relaxed but firm," the holographic instructor's voice echoed through the room.
Claude followed awkwardly, trying to mimic their every motion.
Why does this feel harder than gym training…? he thought while straightening his back again.
|╣Incorrect angle detected. Adjust your shoulders by two degrees.╠|
Claude groaned. "You're measuring my posture now?"
|╣Affirmative.╠|
An hour passed, then two.
From walking posture to hand gestures, from how to hold a wine glass to how to maintain calm expressions, the system drilled him relentlessly.
By the end of the session, Claude collapsed into the nearest chair, exhausted.
His movements were stiff, but his presence—slightly more refined.
This… might actually be working, he thought, half amused and half horrified at the realization.
Claude was glad at the very least because of his impressive acting.
Pretending to have a refined temperament was the only reason he hadn't completely embarrassed himself in front of the staff earlier.
He leaned back, breathing out slowly. "If not for that… I'd probably have dropped my fork three times and wiped my mouth with the tablecloth."
|╣Affirmation: Your acting skill temporarily conceals your lack of refinement. Continued training is required.╠|
Claude rubbed his face, half laughing, half groaning. Yeah, yeah… I get it. You don't have to rub it in.
Still, he couldn't deny it—if it weren't for his quick adaptability and ability to fake composure, he would've been exposed as a complete amateur in this lavish lifestyle.
He glanced at the training projection again.
The poised figures moved elegantly, their gestures smooth and dignified.
Claude straightened his posture, mimicking them once more.
Alright. Let's get this over with… if I'm going to play rich, I better look the part too.
After finally finishing his training, Claude slumped down on the couch, his body screaming for rest.
His muscles ached from maintaining perfect posture for hours, and his mind felt numb from memorizing every little movement and gesture.
"Finally… it's over," he muttered weakly, closing his eyes.
But before he could even enjoy the peace, a familiar sound chimed once again.
|╣MODULE 1 COMPLETE╠|
|╣Proceeding to MODULE 2: Refined Speech and Social Interaction╠|
Claude's eyes snapped open in disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding me," he said aloud, staring at the glowing screen in front of him.
|╣Beginning verbal refinement sequence.╠|
No way… there's a second module? he thought, rubbing his temples.
I just learned how to sit and walk properly! Now I have to talk fancy too?
The holographic instructor appeared again, this time bowing slightly. "Lesson One: Polite Address and Tone Modulation."
Claude stared at it blankly for a few seconds before sighing deeply. "Guess I'm not sleeping tonight, huh?"
|╣Endurance builds refinement.╠|
"Yeah, yeah… easy for you to say," he mumbled, standing up again to face the next round of torment.
***
Claude was shocked again when the system spoke up right after he finished his second module.
He had just collapsed onto his couch, feeling proud that he had finally survived both posture and speech refinement.
|╣There are additional modules beyond Module 2.╠|
|╣Notice: There are currently 12 modules in total for full refinement training.╠|
He froze mid-motion. "Twelve?!"
Claude blinked, sitting up slowly. "What do you mean… additional?"
|╣There are currently ten more modules remaining.╠|
He stared blankly at the glowing text. "Ten… more?"
|╣Affirmative. Completion of all modules will ensure your status as a true refined noble.╠|
Claude pressed his palms against his face, groaning. "You're basically telling me I'm signing up for torture disguised as nobility!"
|╣Correction: Self-improvement disguised as refinement.╠|
He peeked through his fingers, glaring at the hovering screen. "You really have an answer for everything, don't you?"
|╣Affirmative.╠|
Claude slumped back with a sigh.
Great… now I'm in for a marathon of manners, posture, and speeches.
Still, a faint smile crept up his face.
Well… if this is what it takes to truly change, then bring it on.
The system chimed once more.
|╣Commendable determination detected. Next module will begin tomorrow morning.╠|
Claude exhaled, looking out the window of his grand villa as the evening light dimmed.
"Tomorrow, huh? Guess I better sleep early then… I'll need it."
|╣Affirmative. Completion of all modules is required to reach True Noble Temperament.╠|
Claude could only stare in silence. This system's is seriously trying to turn me into a walking royalty… he thought bitterly.
Days quickly passed, and Claude's life turned into a tight schedule balanced perfectly by the system.
Mornings began with gym training, afternoons were for classes at Westbridge University, and evenings—his so-called free time—were devoured by etiquette modules.
The system made sure not a single minute went to waste.
At the university, Claude's presence had noticeably changed.
His movements were smoother, his posture sharp, and his calm composure drew silent glances from everyone.
During one of their breaks, Rodney, James, and Hansen waved him over, smiling.
"Claude!" Rodney called out. "We were thinking of grabbing lunch together!"
James followed, "You've been so busy lately. We barely get to talk."
But Claude, lost in thought about his next training session and the new speech refinement techniques, didn't even hear them.
His gaze was fixed straight ahead, mind already listing what to practice when he got back.
He passed by them with a faint nod, muttering softly, "See you later," though it was clear he wasn't really listening.
The three watched him go, sharing a small, knowing sigh.
"He's been different lately," Hansen said quietly.
"Yeah," Rodney agreed. "Guess he's just busy."