Weeks have passed.
The tiring and rigorous training finally came to an end.
Claude stood in front of the mirror in his room, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt with graceful precision.
His movements were smooth, natural—nothing like the stiff gestures he had at the start.
All the endless days of refinement, posture drills, and conversation practice finally paid off.
He could now speak, walk, and even breathe like someone born into high society.
He let out a deep breath, a faint smile forming on his lips.
"Finally... it's done."
|╣Congratulations. All etiquette modules successfully completed.╠|
Claude nodded lightly, satisfaction clear in his expression.
It took weeks… but it was worth it.
Recalling the long nights he spent repeating the same lessons just to make sure it all came naturally.
If I'm going to live this life, I can't afford to look fake.
Looking at his reflection, he could barely recognize the person staring back.
Calm eyes, refined bearing, and a quiet aura of confidence.
"Guess I really do look like a noble now," he murmured.
|╣Affirmation: You now possess the full temperament of high-class refinement.╠|
Claude chuckled softly, feeling a strange sense of accomplishment.
For once, he didn't feel like an actor pretending to belong—he felt like he truly fit the role.
Morning sunlight gently poured through the tall glass windows of the villa's dining hall, casting a warm glow across the marble table.
Claude sat at the head of the table, wearing a neatly pressed shirt and calm expression.
The servants quietly arranged the morning meal—fresh bread, eggs, and a delicate blend of tea.
As the plates were set before him, Claude lifted his utensils with poise, applying every bit of etiquette he had learned.
His back was straight, his movements deliberate and refined.
Every gesture flowed naturally, as if he had done it all his life.
He cut the bread precisely, not a single crumb falling out of place, then took a small sip of tea.
The head maid glanced at him discreetly, admiration flashing in her eyes.
Even the servants, who had grown used to his presence, could tell the difference.
Claude noticed their quiet stares but remained composed.
"Everything tastes excellent today," he said calmly.
The maid bowed slightly. "We're honored, Young Master."
As they left him to his meal, Claude allowed himself a small smile.
Not bad… looks like all that training finally paid off.
He continued eating in silence, every motion smooth and noble—an image of refinement that could make anyone believe he was born to live this way.
The system appeared just as Claude was finishing his breakfast, the faint blue glow reflecting on his teacup.
|╣NOTICE: Hidden Final Module Unlocked╠|
|╣Module: Real Life Enactment╠|
|╣Objective: Apply all learned etiquette and temperament in real social environments.╠|
Claude paused, the fork in his hand stopping midair.
He stared at the hovering screen for a moment before exhaling softly.
"So, there's even a hidden module, huh?" he murmured.
|╣Affirmative. This stage evaluates real-world application of your refinement.╠|
Claude leaned back in his chair, expression calm.
Honestly, I'm not even surprised anymore.
After twelve modules of endless lessons, of course there'd be one last test.
He sipped his tea leisurely, thinking back to his long training sessions, the countless hours of practicing posture, conversation, and etiquette.
Still… I guess this makes sense, he thought.
It's one thing to learn, but another to actually live it.
|╣Preparation in progress. Task details will be issued soon.╠|
Claude nodded slightly, setting the cup down with elegant precision.
"Fine. Let's see how I do in the real thing."
The system emitted a soft chime, and the blue light slowly faded, leaving Claude with a quiet sense of anticipation.
But–
Claude's calm anticipation cracked the moment the new system window appeared.
|╣REAL LIFE ENACTMENT DETAILS ISSUED╠|
|╣Location: The Grand Étoile – 10 Star International Prestige Hotel╠|
|╣Objective: Attend and perform flawlessly during a high-society dinner╠|
|╣Evaluation will be observed and graded in real time.╠|
He froze mid-breath, eyes widening slightly.
"Wait… dinner? At The Grand Étoile?"
|╣Affirmative.╠|
Claude's expression stiffened.
That's the most exclusive hotel in the entire country! Only the ultra-rich, foreign dignitaries, and royalty dine there!
|╣This environment provides the ideal stage for authentic noble evaluation.╠|
Claude let out a dry chuckle, leaning back in disbelief. "Ideal for you, maybe—not for my heart rate."
Still, deep down, he knew it made sense.
After all, what better way to test his refinement than under real pressure?
He looked around his villa—immaculate, elegant, but nowhere near the grandeur of where he'd be going tonight.
A dinner with the country's elite… one mistake, and I'll stand out like a sore thumb.
|╣Outfit and transportation have been prepared.╠|
Claude blinked. "Already?"
|╣Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.╠|
|╣You are expected to arrive by 6:30 p.m.╠|
Claude nodded slowly, a mix of tension and determination building within him.
"So… tomorrow night, huh? Guess I don't have any excuse to fail this time."
|╣Indeed.╠|
He stood up from his seat and gazed out the villa's tall window, watching the evening sky dim.
Tomorrow will be different, he thought. No more acting—just proof that I can really belong in that world.
|╣Rest well, Young Master Claude. Tomorrow marks your true debut.╠|
Claude sighed softly, then smiled faintly.
"Yeah… my debut, huh? Let's make sure it's perfect."
***
The next day, Claude attended class as usual.
He walked through the familiar marble hallways of the university with calm poise, his steps measured, his gaze steady.
The whispers that used to follow him had quieted down over the weeks, replaced by curious glances and awkward silence.
Inside the classroom, the atmosphere shifted subtly when he entered.
A few students greeted him politely, others simply nodded, while most just averted their eyes and returned to their notes.
Claude didn't mind anymore.
He had grown used to this treatment—not born from disdain or hostility, but from uncertainty.
They didn't know yet what kind of person he truly was.
A young man with the air of nobility, a presence that spoke of refinement and wealth, yet without a traceable background or family name.
In a place where lineage meant power, Claude was an anomaly that nobody wanted to offend—or get too close to.
He quietly took his seat, placing his notebook neatly on the desk.
Still the same, he thought.
No one dares approach, no one tries too hard. They're careful, not cold.
The professor entered, and the class began as usual.
Claude focused on his notes, pretending not to notice the occasional glances that flickered his way.
|╣Reminder: Remain composed and consistent in your public demeanor. Your evaluation dinner is scheduled tonight at 7:00 p.m.╠|
Claude paused for a moment, then resumed writing.
I know,' he replied inwardly.
Claude sat quietly, his posture composed and expression calm as ever.
It was only now that he noticed—Rodney, James, and Hansen had been sitting beside him ever since that day.
He kept his demeanor natural, pretending it didn't surprise him.
Still, he couldn't help but glance their way once in a while.
They looked somewhat gloomy, their eyes heavy despite trying to focus on the lecture.
Claude turned his gaze back to the front. '
Something must've happened… but asking directly might not be the best idea.
He exhaled quietly, deciding to stay silent and continue listening to the professor.
|╣HOST, YOU HAVE BEEN IGNORING YOUR CONNECTION TARGETS EVER SINCE THE INCIDENT╠|
Claude's hand, which was taking notes, froze mid-sentence.
His eyes twitched slightly, but he kept his calm face.
Ignoring? I wasn't ignoring them, he thought defensively.
I just didn't know what to say!
|╣Intent is Irrelevant. Actions determine impression.╠|
Claude sighed inwardly.
You're making it sound like I'm heartless or something.
|╣CURRENT RELATIONSHIP LEVEL: STATIC╠|
Fine, fine, he muttered silently, glancing at the three beside him.
They were focused on the lecture, unaware of his inner turmoil.
Guess I really do need to talk to them later…
Claude's eyes widened slightly as a sudden thought struck him — like a light bulb flickering to life in his mind.
Wait… what if I invite them to my dinner evaluation tonight?
Excited by the idea, he whispered in his mind, System, can I bring guests to the evaluation?
|╣Affirmative.╠|
|╣Additional participants will serve as social elements to enhance realism.╠|
Claude smiled faintly at the confirmation.
Perfect. This could help me reconnect with them… and maybe make the evaluation easier.
|╣Host decision approved. Seats will be reserved for three additional guests╠|
Nice, he thought, trying to keep his grin from showing in class.
Guess tonight's going to be interesting.