The Return of the Talented Monopolist is Special - C4

Richard’s office.

Eugene, Richard, and the commander of the Roberto family’s knight order, Markeson, were in the middle of a conversation.

Markeson was one of the trusted servants of the Roberto family, a 7th-tier knight who had protected the family for many years with his rich experience and outstanding skills.

Eugene spoke up.

“I want to gather all the free knights and choose my martial arts teacher from among them. Father, can you provide some support?”

Free knights were individuals who wandered across the continent, helping with various problems such as power struggles or monster hunts in exchange for payment.

Though similar to mercenaries, the key difference was that free knights had received official knight titles, elevating them to a different class entirely.

“Eugene, many free knights, due to the nature of their profession, tend to have rough personalities and poor manners. If you want to learn various martial arts, wouldn’t it be better to go outside the territory once a week for that?” Richard suggested.

It wasn’t a bad idea.

If Eugene provided the right amount of money, he could likely pay other families or guilds to teach martial arts, which would be much easier than things like monster hunting.

However, Eugene shook his head.

“No, I want to get involved with those rough and impolite free knights. If a sword is at my throat, I can’t afford to worry about manners.”

“Is someone going to actually put a sword to your throat?” Richard asked with a frown.

“I’m just saying. And among the free knights, there are many with unique techniques that can’t be found anywhere else. I want to select and learn from those,” Eugene said.

In his past life, Eugene had only learned about various martial arts through books, but now he wanted to see them firsthand and practice with his own body.

That was why he decided to bring in free knights, who practiced various martial arts, to be his teachers.

“That’s true, but…” Richard looked troubled as he thought about the background, status, and criminal history of the free knights. Many of them were involved in criminal activities or had caused trouble in the past.

Then, Eugene unexpectedly spoke.

“Also, I want to choose the teachers myself, by seeing them in person.”

“…You want to choose them yourself?”

Richard couldn’t hide his surprise at Eugene’s bold statement.

“Of course, I can provide unlimited funds for your education, but when it comes to choosing skilled martial arts teachers, wouldn’t it be better to trust Commander Markeson’s judgment?” Richard said, glancing at Markeson.

“Hmm.” Markeson nodded in agreement.

“Master, even if they’re free knights, skilled individuals can’t simply be hired with money. Especially if the examiner is a seven-year-old… They would likely refuse out of pride,” Markeson said.

Eugene shook his head.

“Don’t worry about the fact that the examiner is seven years old. If someone who would let pride stand in the way of becoming a servant of the Roberto family, they shouldn’t even be considered in the first place.”

He then added his reasoning for wanting to personally select the martial arts teachers.

“Additionally, our family has the weakness of being relatively weak in terms of military strength, despite our wealth and land expansion. Is that not so?”

“Yeah… that’s right…”

“Then, through this interview process for the free knights, I can make connections with many knights. Even if they don’t become teachers, they could be given roles like protecting the merchant guilds. It’s an opportunity for us to strengthen our military forces,” Eugene continued.

“Ah… right.”

“And, when free knights gather, they’re mostly well-off and their activities, such as eating, drinking, and resting, will contribute to the activation of the local markets. It’s a win-win situation.”

“Ha.”

Richard was initially taken aback by Eugene’s cold and calculated analysis, but he soon nodded in agreement.

‘Even if our young master is only five years old, both the head of the family and I can’t help but listen to him whenever he speaks,’ Richard thought to himself.

Markeson was amazed by how someone as young and cute as Eugene could possess such sharp wit.

Throughout the time Eugene had been speaking, his casual remarks often hit the heart of the matter, which was why Richard frequently sought his advice during critical moments.

It was the same this time.

Markeson couldn’t help but admire both Eugene’s intelligence and Richard’s ability to always listen to his son, seeing both father and son as extraordinary.

‘That’s why I’m still here.’

While Markeson was having such thoughts, Eugene quickly began considering who he would select if the interview for the martial arts teachers were to take place.

‘If I’m looking for the most competent candidates by now… perhaps someone like Golden Sword or Gungui would be suitable?’

Golden Sword and Gungui.

These were talents that, despite their future potential, were currently being vastly underrated.

‘Golden Sword is a master of the swift sword, and Gungui is a hunting expert. If I could have both of them as my teachers, it would be perfect,’ Eugene thought.

It wasn’t just that.

‘Also, the combination of their martial arts styles could work really well together. If I mix their techniques, I could come up with something even better. Additionally, if I could find someone skilled in spear techniques or unarmed combat, I could fill in any gaps in my training.’

In the meantime, Richard and Markeson slowly nodded.

“Hm… After hearing you out, that might actually work well,” Richard said.

“I think so too…” Markeson added.

Just how far does this kid’s sharpness go?

* * *

“Ugh.”

Markeson had brought out a variety of weapons from the armory and lined them up in the center of the training ground.

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

It was unusual to see such a diverse array of weapons in a non-military household. However, because the Roberto family had substantial wealth, they could afford to keep all kinds of high-quality weapons at hand.

Eugene strolled casually through the weapons, hands behind his back, looking them over.

“Money really is a wonderful thing, isn’t it?” Eugene remarked.

“Indeed. I’ve brought all these weapons for you,” Markeson replied.

“That’s true,” Eugene said.

“Young master, why do you feel the need to handle all of these weapons?” Markeson asked, puzzled.

Eugene shrugged.

“I’ve told you already. I want to learn martial arts with a variety of weapons.”

“You know, to truly master a weapon, it’s typical to dedicate your whole life to it. I understand wanting to try out different weapons, but…” Markeson trailed off.

“Try them out? No, that’s not it.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m going to master every weapon.”

Eugene wanted to get a feel for the weapons before inviting martial arts teachers. It was sort of a preview, you could say.

In his past life, he hadn’t even properly handled a single sword, but this time, Eugene was determined to master every weapon, if possible.

Markeson’s expression became strange.

“If anyone else had said that, I would’ve dismissed it as impossible.”

But since it was Eugene saying it, Markeson had a different thought.

“Somehow, I feel like he really could do it.”

Meanwhile, Eugene picked up a spear.

“Shall we start with the spear? Markeson, can you defend against my attacks? Think of it like a sparring match,” Eugene said.

“…Yes, of course,” Markeson replied.

Markeson, whose primary weapon was the sword, grabbed his sword and stood in front of Eugene, who was awkwardly holding the spear.

“Should I teach you how to hold it properly first?” Markeson asked.

“Are you underestimating me, Markeson? I never saw you as someone to look down on,” Eugene responded, a smile forming on his face.

“I was just wondering if it would help you on your path to mastering martial arts,” Markeson said.

“Thanks for the concern.”

Eugene chuckled, fiddling with the spear before pointing its tip at Markeson.

Anyone watching would think that Eugene’s posture with the spear was clearly unskilled.

However, Eugene didn’t care. He took a step forward, swinging the spear toward Markeson.

*Thwack, thwack!*

The thrusts were easily deflected by Markeson with little effort, which was to be expected.

But then…

*Thwack, thwack, thwack…!*

‘Hm?’

As time passed, Markeson began to notice a change.

‘Her posture… it’s getting better. Her thrusts are becoming sharper, and her swings are getting more powerful.’

No one had taught Eugene, yet in less than 10 to 20 minutes, her skill with the spear had started to improve.

Her initially awkward stance was rapidly stabilizing, and she regained her balance.

While Markeson was trying to hide his surprise, Eugene made an unexpected move.

*Shwiiing—!*

The spear thrust in an unexpected trajectory, aiming directly at Markeson’s vital spot.

Markeson jumped in surprise and quickly raised his sword to deflect the spear.

*Clang!*

“Gasp!”

“Ah.”

Markeson took a deep breath, while Eugene scratched his head.

“Sorry, Markeson. That was a mistake.”

“No, it’s fine…”

Wiping sweat from his brow, Eugene set the spear down and picked up a staff.

“Alright, let’s try with the staff now.”

“Y-yes, of course…”

Though Markeson responded, his eyes subtly trembled.

He had definitely felt it.

Eugene’s skill with the spear had improved dramatically in less than an hour.

At this speed…

‘Could it be… she might actually become a true master? That attack just now—wasn’t a mistake. It was intentional.’

Markeson swallowed his awe and steadied himself, preparing his defensive stance.

* * *

One month later.

In the span of a month, flyers advertising for martial arts instructors had been spread across the continent, and many martial artists arrived at the Roberto family estate.

The place was crowded beyond belief.

Though a significant amount of money had been spent on advertising, thanks to the spending on lodging and food by the visitors, the Roberto family’s finances were not only unaffected but had made a profit.

Just as Eugene had predicted.

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

“I didn’t expect this many people to show up…” Richard murmured.

“I know…,” Lilian responded.

“Our son… doesn’t he have amazing judgment? He’s so much like me,” Richard remarked.

“Haha, that’s what I was saying. Maybe he has even greater talents,” Lilian smiled.

Richard beamed with satisfaction, clearly proud.

*Creek.*

Eugene entered the room.

“Father, Mother, it’s time to head to the interview location.”

Richard and Lilian turned to look at Eugene, their faces full of pride.

“My son.”

“My child.”

“…?”

“Let’s go, do whatever you want.”

“??”

* * *

The interview location was the training ground where the Roberto family knights and Eugene usually trained.

As expected, the training ground was vast, and the structure was resistant to most magical and aura-based attacks.

The interview panel consisted of Richard, Lilian, Markeson, and Eugene.

Naturally, Eugene had the final say.

The martial artists who had come with the flyers began murmuring among themselves.

“Are we really being judged by that kid?”

“A child who looks younger than 10 is going to be the one deciding?”

The thought that the one who would choose their teacher was such a young child caused doubt in their minds.

But, despite their misgivings, the martial artists followed the guards’ instructions and lined up one by one in the center of the training ground.

The interview began.

The process was simple: each martial artist would introduce themselves and demonstrate their basic martial arts skills.

*Shh—*

The first man to stand in the center of the training ground caught everyone’s attention.

People began whispering.

“That’s him, right? The one?”

“Yeah, that’s him! Jilpung!”

The man’s name was Yul, and his nickname, Jilpung, came from his reputation for the fastest, most nimble sword techniques, like a gust of wind.

He was already a well-known mercenary in the southern regions.

Eugene had added to the recruitment conditions that even mercenaries without official knight titles could apply, so it seemed that Yul had come to try his luck as well.

Yul raised his chin slightly, looking around with a relaxed expression. This reaction seemed familiar to him.

“Begin,” Markeson ordered.

At Markeson’s command, Yul immediately began his sword dance.

*Swish, swish, slash!*

True to his nickname, his swordplay was swift and light, his footwork impressively fast and elegant.

Thrust!

Slash!

**Backwards footwork, forward footwork!**

Though it was hard to catch his breath, the man continued with his sword dance, maintaining a calm expression—until Eugene’s harsh voice rang out.

“Disqualified. Next.”

The man froze mid-pose.

“…What?”

“I said disqualified. Next!”

The man’s face twisted in disbelief.

“Wha—what do you mean? Disqualified? I’m Yul, Jilpung Yul!”

Eugene cut him off abruptly.

“Two years ago, didn’t you get kicked out of a tavern for sexually assaulting a waitress?”

“…What?”

“And a year and a half ago, you assaulted an employee because you thought the pay was too low.”

“Ah, no… that was…”

“And just four months ago, you left an innocent citizen half-paralyzed after bumping shoulders with them on the street.”

Yul’s mouth opened and closed as Eugene continued.

“If you had impressive skills, I might have considered hiring you, but even your skills are subpar, so you’re out. Please leave.”

“Hey! What do you know…!”

“Do you dare to speak to the Young Master like that?”

“Wait a second, Sir Markeson. If he isn’t planning to leave, we’ll have to drag him out.”

Yul shouted loudly.

In the end, Eugene nodded, and a guard from the Roberto family immediately stepped forward, grabbing Yul’s arm.

“Ugh…! I’m Yul! Jilpung Yul…!”

“Shut up.”

The guard effortlessly subdued him.

The martial artists who were watching couldn’t hide their astonishment at the guard’s strength.

“Ha, I didn’t expect a merchant family to have such power…!”

The knights may not have been the commanders, but the guard’s strength was impressive, leaving everyone in awe.

Yul was dragged out, kicking and shouting in frustration.

“….”

“….”

The training ground fell into a shocked silence.

As the interviews continued, Eugene’s decisions remained swift.

“Disqualified. Next.”

“Disqualified. Next.”

“Disqualified. Next!”

The martial artists gathered in the training ground began to exchange puzzled glances.

Many of the individuals who had showcased exceptional skills had been disqualified.

Yet, the few who had passed didn’t seem particularly impressive.

In fact, some appeared inferior.

This caused the atmosphere to cool, and murmurs began to spread.

“At first, I get it with Yul, he had a bad reputation, but the others who’ve been disqualified? They’re all clean and skilled, just look at them.”

“Right? How can a seven-year-old decide who gets in based on their subjective opinion?”

The training ground was filled with whispers.

Listening quietly, Eugene smiled.

“It seems like there’s some confusion, so let’s clear things up. The one who passed just now and the one who was disqualified, step forward.”

The man who had passed, Tugi, and the disqualified, Byeoryeok, stepped into the center.

Tugi seemed indifferent, while Byeoryeok had a strangely aggravated expression.

“Eugene, what do you plan to do…?”

Richard looked at Eugene with an awkward expression, and Markeson looked uncomfortable as well.

To them, it was clear that there was a gap between Tugi and Byeoryeok.

Byeoryeok had displayed much more impressive martial skills.

Both had demonstrated their techniques, starting with hand-to-hand combat, but Byeoryeok’s moves were far more powerful and precise.

Anyone could see that Byeoryeok was far superior, yet Eugene had disqualified him and selected Tugi, whose skills seemed much less impressive.

However, Eugene had his reasons.

Byeoryeok, despite his superior aura, had grown like a greenhouse flower, unable to fully utilize his potential.

It was obvious that he didn’t know how to make full use of his aura.

Additionally, he had dressed in a flashy outfit unsuitable for a spar, and even wore perfume, which were negatives for Eugene.

“On the other hand, Tugi is not someone to be compared lightly. In the future, he will be one of the martial masters representing the South, a force to be reckoned with.”

Eugene knew Tugi from his past life’s memories.

“I’ll take him on in a duel. I’ll show him whether or not he is superior to me.”

Byeoryeok gritted his teeth as he said this.

Tugi also prepared for the duel.

Eugene smiled as he looked back and forth between the two.

Soon, the duel began…

*Shwoosh, swoosh!*

After a brief exchange,

**Squeak!**

Tugi, whose movements had previously appeared clumsy, suddenly delivered a lightning-fast strike to Byeoryeok.

*Thud!*

Byeoryeok was hit on the chin, his eyes glazing over as he collapsed to the floor. It all happened in an instant.

Just as Eugene had predicted, Tugi was the superior fighter, outperforming Byeoryeok.

“Tugi, victory!”

Markeson pointed at Tugi, and Tugi turned away without saying a word, his expression emotionless.

Eugene nodded.

“As expected, the feeling of clumsiness was an illusion. Powerful would be the right word to describe him.”

At that moment, however.

Byeoryeok, who had been lying on the floor, sluggishly got up and, while Tugi was turning around to return to his position, suddenly threw a punch imbued with his aura.

“Gahh!”

But just then, Markeson vanished like the wind and struck Byeoryeok in the back of the neck, knocking him out cold.

While Markeson had the image of a friendly uncle in front of Eugene, he was uncompromising and firm in front of the martial artists.

“Haah…!”

“What… what just happened…?”

Those watching stood in stunned silence, with Tugi also momentarily shocked.

Lilian and Richard both thought that Markeson might have achieved something remarkable during the brief moment.

However, Markeson’s gaze was directed at Eugene.

If it hadn’t been for the words Eugene had spoken before the duel, Markeson wouldn’t have been able to react in time.

– *Markeson. Even when the match ends, don’t let your guard down. I have a feeling something’s about to happen.*

Markeson inwardly clicked his tongue.

“I’ve heard the villagers call the Young Master a little sage from time to time, but this is truly impressive.”

His ability to gauge the opponent’s level and his insight into their psychology—Markeson thought to himself.

“This truly is the work of a sage.”

The story continued, *The Return of the Talent Hoarder is Special*.