Connections +2

Ye Wei'an hadn't finished speaking.

"Moreover, before becoming the ruler of Cormier, 'Iron Princess' Yarusel was first and foremost a powerful warrior. Aren't you somewhat similar to her in that respect? At least much stronger than your brother."

Upon hearing this, Valona's azure eyes flashed with surprise: "You...how did you figure that out?"

Her attire today was a standard ladylike dress, and she believed that she did not reveal any trace of martial arts skills.

"It's very simple: observe, then analyze."

Ye Wei'an smiled slightly: "Your stance isn't completely relaxed; your center of gravity is habitually slightly lowered, making it easier to exert force or move at any time—this is a trace left by long-term training in alertness and mobility. Your breathing, even when talking, is deeper and slower than that of an ordinary person who knows nothing about martial arts, which helps maintain stability during vigorous movements. As for the most conclusive evidence…"

His gaze fell on Valuna's hands, which were unconsciously resting on her knees. "You have several very fine, light-colored calluses on the web of your right hand, the inside of your index finger, and a specific spot on the palm of your left hand—these all prove that you are a wanderer, don't you?"

"Yes, yes!" Valona exclaimed in surprise.

But then, a secret thrill welled up inside her—he had actually observed her so closely! This feeling of being given special attention, mixed with the natural goodwill brought by his extraordinary charm, made her cheeks flush slightly.

"Many professions develop calluses on their hands—warriors, mercenaries, even some craftsmen," Redra suddenly pointed out. "What makes you so certain she's a ranger?"

"You're right, but not all cocoons are the same."

Ye Wei'an knew this like the back of his hand: "A warrior's calluses are often concentrated on his palms, due to the friction from gripping the sword hilt for a long time; a mercenary's might be more haphazard; but hers..."

He looked at Valona again, and the girl obediently extended her hand.

"The distribution of calluses on Miss Valona's hands is clearly not that of a knight, nor is it the result of practicing etiquette or playing a musical instrument... They precisely correspond to the action of holding a certain curved grip for a long time, and frequently pulling the trigger or plucking the string. Therefore, Miss Valona is not proficient in swords, but in bows and crossbows, and prefers pursuit and hunting rather than long-range sniping. In other words, she is a hunter, isn't she?"

Redra opened her mouth, but couldn't say anything.

She knew perfectly well that Ye Wei'an was absolutely right.

A mage who can be recognized by Master Ganlahast is indeed extraordinary.

She said with great interest:

"Your Excellency Ye Wei'an, could you please take another look at my condition?"

Ye Wei'an turned his gaze to her, this time "observing" her for a longer time—so long that Redra's heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.

"Hold out your hand," he suddenly said.

Ledera paused for a moment, then instinctively extended her right hand.

Before she could react, Ye Wei'an grabbed her palm and slowly stroked along her fingers.

Ledera's breathing instantly became erratic.

He was just observing Valona from a distance when he was watching her, so why did he start attacking her directly when it was his turn?

The heat from her fingertips felt like an electric current, making her instinctively want to pull her hand back.

But when she looked up, she saw Ye Wei'an's extremely serious expression.

For some inexplicable reason, Ledera didn't pull it back, letting him touch her hand.

"Miss Rhea's skill level is higher than Valona's. The cocoons here are distributed very evenly, which is the result of long-term handling of weapons and sturdy reins. In addition, Miss's posture looks relaxed, but it is actually very upright, which is obviously due to rigorous training."

He released his grip and added with certainty:

"This efficient and rigorous way of exerting force is definitely not a haphazard approach. In Cormier, only the standard training of the Purple Dragon Knights can produce this kind of temperament. I really didn't expect that you, at such a young age, already possess the strength of a formal Purple Dragon Knight. It's truly admirable."

Upon hearing this, Ledera no longer cared about being shy.

Another perfect hit!

If the first time was just a coincidence, then the fact that he predicted it correctly twice only proves that he has exceptional observational skills.

Feeling a little guilty under the admiring gazes of the two ladies, Ye Wei'an felt a bit guilty.

For him, discerning other people's professions is actually quite easy.

After all, the names [Lv.4 Hunter] and [Lv.5 Purple Dragon Knight] were clearly written above their heads.

The so-called analysis is just drawing a target based on an arrow.

Unfortunately, they will never know this.

In Ledera's mind, Ye Wei'an was no longer just an interesting young talent, but had directly become her confidant.

This was partly due to her identity being exposed, but even more so because of Ye Wei'an's previous evaluation of Valuna.

Those words were ostensibly directed at Valona, ​​but every single one seemed to strike a chord deep within her heart.

The reason she and Valona became best friends was because they shared similar plights—neither of them was willing to be just "good girls" who met their families' expectations, both secretly practiced rough martial arts that were considered unsuitable for women, and both had an older brother who was incapable of shouldering great responsibilities.

This shared experience is one of the reasons why she has a particular fondness for Valona.

Ye Wei'an's words struck a chord with the deepest, unspeakable emotions within her.

Valona's brother was dissolute and had strange sexual fetishes, making him unsuitable to inherit the family business. Wasn't her own brother, Cormier's grandson, Baerovs Obyszir, the same?

His temperament was too idealistic, lacking the necessary understanding and sensitivity to the complex and unpredictable politics and human relationships, and even more so lacking the courage and determination to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the kingdom at critical moments.

This personality trait might have been tolerable in peacetime, but with neighboring Zambia under the control of the City of Shadows, and Cormier visibly about to be drawn into the war, such personality flaws became increasingly fatal.

Don't be fooled by the fact that your grandfather and father are taking care of things now.

But Grandpa Furiel was getting on in years; for an ordinary person who wasn't a high-level professional, 67 was already considered advanced age.

Furthermore, the King of Cormier has a long tradition of personally leading his army into battle…

Her brother and she will have to step up someday.

This has been a deep concern for Ledera, but she cannot tell anyone.

That's why she never stopped honing her martial arts skills.

That was her way of taking control of her own destiny and gaining a sense of security.

Ye Weian's evaluation and advice to Valuna, as well as the example of "Iron Princess" Yalussel, were not exactly in line with her own hidden thoughts?

After all, when it comes to martial arts skills, as the Purple Dragon Knight, she is more like Yalucel than Valona.

Ye Wei'an's words were less a plea for Valona's advice and more a compliment and admonition.

-----------------

Over the next few minutes, the atmosphere among the three of them became noticeably warmer and more relaxed.

Taking the opportunity, Redra asked Ye Wei'an about his experiences over the years, especially the reasons for his dramatic changes.

Ye Wei'an was prepared and began to recount the parts he could talk about:

For example, how he had a sudden epiphany on his way home and gained a completely new understanding of magic; how he decided to put his ambitions into practice, restore order in the family territory, and punish the villains who bullied the villagers; and even before leaving, he didn't forget to clear out the rampant bandits around his younger brother, bringing temporary peace to the territory...

His reinterpretation of these experiences omitted core secrets such as the system and smuggling, and added many plot points from adventure novels, leaving the two girls stunned.

Valona listened intently, her eyes lighting up especially when she heard the specific details of the bandit suppression in the countryside.

"That's amazing! I... I've always imagined myself like the knights-errant in stories, hunting monsters and bandits in the forest and protecting the peace of the land." Her tone was filled with undisguised envy and longing. "Unfortunately, my family never allows me to do that."

Ledera, however, focuses on the other side.

She listened attentively as Ye Weian described how he investigated the matter, dealt with the local bullies who exploited the area, and eradicated bandits, among other trivial matters, and nodded to herself in approval.

In her view, a person who possesses power and is willing and knows how to use it to concretely improve people's livelihoods and establish order is far more valuable than a mage who only knows how to flaunt power or bury himself in studying magic, and is also more in line with her expectations of a "lord".

Ye Wei'an's pragmatic yet compassionate approach won her approval.

In addition, Ye Wei'an's relaxed and humorous manner, which was different from that of traditional nobles, made the two girls feel novel and interesting. His occasional fresh metaphors and slightly mocking views on certain rigid customs often made them cover their mouths and laugh.

He neither panders nor pretends to be profound; his egalitarian consciousness and natural ease, stemming from a modern soul, exude a unique attraction in this hierarchical world.

Time slips away unnoticed.

When the meeting ended, Valona almost used all her self-control to take her eyes off Ye Weian.

Ye Wei'an's handsome appearance, interesting conversation, and legendary experiences made her heart flutter.

Even the usually calm and composed Redra was left with a very positive impression of Ye Wei'an—he was capable, thoughtful, and even gave her a sense of spiritual resonance.

Most importantly, all of this is the other person's true performance, not something deliberately faked.

This is something that is very rare for her.

As the jewel of Cormier's "first family," Redra grew up in a world built of etiquette, intrigue, and masks, where everyone she met was an embodiment of "truth, goodness, and beauty."

The lords were humble and generous, the young knights were selfless and brave, and the officials were honest and loyal.

As long as the truth isn't revealed, no one knows whether these wonderful things are real or just an act.

What "Leah," an ordinary noblewoman, sees makes her even more trusting.

It can be said that although the meeting was sudden, Ye Wei'an still managed to win the favor of both of them.

This is the right way to play a highly charismatic character.