Chapter 103: Power and Love (8)
eQ2zY“The dormitory building looks like it will be finished by the week after next, but the classroom building will still take more time. The progress itself is decent, but I’m not sure we can meet the deadline.”uuQl
hEtuYo8“Please, maintain the current pace. We can consider delaying the start date of lessons, but let’s see how it progresses for now.”rNd9D
O9TfAiselin was sitting at her desk, twirling her hair, with a pile of account books, architectural blueprints, and workers’ reports.EM9LAFz
hrCFThe next cash acquisition date, the state of construction, details of the young ladies who would arrive for lessons, the hiring of assistant instructors, the mansion’s finances… She was deeply immersed in all that vast content, looking in every way like a businesswoman.XfrTkjz
21wjkx“…”5DsbNP
F3lOutwardly, Pheline played the role of baroness, but she couldn’t even read an account book, while Aiselin seemed to have already taken full control of the finances.unrHi4
M8dO‘Why can’t this person just be the baroness?’zV7M8tg
jCpDPheline was sweating in a corner of the office, dressed in an outfit that didn’t suit her at all.fUQSC
gOCDespite the hot weather, Aiselin was completely absorbed in the work of the training center, going back and forth between the construction site and the office without concern.9MbJlS
6uVY“Oh, oh heavens… Pheline. I’m sorry. As you can see, Baron Ravenclaw is undergoing a great transition. I haven’t been able to properly attend to our guest.”fcGy
IrTg“Ah, no. Technically, I’m the hostess and Miss Aiselin is the guest.”1Ql
TyM“Oh, right… I’m sorry. When I get too absorbed in work, I sometimes lose track of things…”ROR9F
4srqSThis young noblewoman, who was practically the pillar of the Duplain Duchy, was buried in the account books of this remote barony for unknown reasons, but Pheline assumed Dereck had some purpose.GqR2w
Utdh“As I mentioned, Miss Pheline, you must play the role of hostess at the training center’s inauguration. As baroness, you will receive the utmost respect.”fx7D
9yt“…But, where is Dereck?”mSJHO9e
WDx4“Lord Dereck is currently at Count Belmierd’s estate on urgent business. He said he would return soon after finishing his work, so we need to settle the important matters before then.”A0QRZe
9aH1“Belmierd’s… estate?”kPLUeZ7
0SNUXW1It wasn’t exactly close, so Pheline couldn’t help but tilt her head, puzzled by the sudden visit.Uap0U
MRXC8“I heard Lady Ellen is in great danger… I’m truly worried. They say necromancy is involved, which makes it even more frightening.”VE8I8O6
PF5Aiselin had heard the details from the Belmierd estate and had written a letter as Dereck had requested.qIyb0K
qgktdprShe wrote content that would help defend Ellen. Dereck took the letter and returned to the Belmierd estate, so the main issues would soon be resolved.GZ2Vyw
4qlp“Why is Dereck… helping with Count Belmierd’s affairs?”APZY6p
57a“Well, partly due to some coincidences… Also, the former heir, Lord Linus, asked Dereck for a favor.”Ly4
N6KGDuThe former heir, Linus, had asked Dereck to support Ellen during her crisis in exchange for helping him obtain the baron title.q5dv
Sn4yujSo it was natural for Dereck to actively support Ellen, though there were some unsatisfactory aspects.e6XlKu
tt8‘Come to think of it, why did Lord Linus relinquish the position of heir of the Belmierd estate?’7cyS67
27wzrt‘And how did he predict that Lady Ellen would fall into such a crisis?’XiP
M8Rn‘It’s also strange that he specifically asked Lord Dereck for help. If he needed a noble to back her, there were many others he could have asked…’CRg
YS0DxThe actions of that young man named Linus, who seemed free-spirited, were too difficult to understand at face value.Uid
E5nGr0In any case, since he had been one of the most decisive people in helping Dereck secure the baron title, Dereck didn’t seem to have many questions.59Dnf
Ddcow‘I hope everything ends well without major problems.’wtDY
wkdmThinking that, Aiselin moved her pen again.lfpcwW
JCcuK2zAs Pheline watched from the corner of the office, she wondered if that girl was really the flower of the Duplain Duchy.Z293
CyhohqWhen observed quietly, she only looked like an employee of Baron Ravenclaw.qCM7WI
Ht6LP***6ga4fRw
2c0zThe next day, the margrave of Belmierd gathered all the high-ranking vassals and direct blood relatives in the main hall of the mansion.chG2KM
oH7DBehind the butler and the head maid, several key servants stood in line with their heads bowed, and from the grand administrator, the mercenary commander, the treasurer, the legal officer, the intelligence officer, to the magical adviser—the veteran vassals who were like the arms and legs of the margrave of Belmierd were seated.LfPV
gRnbqlRThey were all busy people, but the reason for forcibly gathering them in one place was obvious.Rou
eY2PsegIt was to decide Ellen’s fate that day and announce the result to the whole family.0tNki5D
L2PDDepending on how the margrave of Belmierd, her father, handled Ellen’s case, accused of dabbling in necromancy, the direction of the family would be greatly shaken.pbxuGSB
PVz2XCreak.gVGwbF
pGOThud, thud.eOW90pd
USAffeHThe main door opened, and the wife of the margrave of Belmierd, Lienclof, entered.tM0eWmm
lhdwThe middle-aged woman, whose hair was beginning to gray, asked the margrave with a heavy expression.bKdGaO
OQ4“Why… did you gather the vassals like this…?”gIpGm
mt98“…”obY
VrybYYD“Have you… made a decision…?”0HTwmj
C8kCountess Linclaire was a submissive and gentle person. She rarely voiced any objection to the margrave of Belmierd’s educational policies or direction of family management.0KuPS
GbvThis time too, Linclaire simply lowered her gaze in silence with a somber expression.KQluOgk
x9DSeeing her, the margrave of Belmierd couldn’t help but feel a small pain in his heart, but he didn’t show it.MAx8qz
5p3QHe simply spoke in a grave voice, tightening his mouth.1WjNr
XBFZ“Go inside.”WYO1l
qZ9YWhen Countess Linclaire went and sat in the upper seat, the youngest son, Leonard, also followed.odsY6AT
UPA5POqLeonard also wore an infinitely heavy and somber face. After greeting politely, he went to sit in a corner.cDWT3IH
Wm2When almost everyone who was supposed to be present had arrived, the key figure of this meeting finally appeared.t7pmlo
TQRVsShe entered, escorted by her servants, with her red hair flowing down and her back straight like a noble rose.pzi
IcDLWithout changing her expression, Ellen positioned herself right in front of the vassals.4iKweG
caZRegardless of the situation, everyone present thought the same thing. She perfectly fit the expression “beautiful.”S1SPb
FXSczXC“Since early morning, everyone has gathered in such a rush. Being confined to a room for so long is so exhausting that I almost welcome the current situation.”HFH
GG5qBefore anyone could say anything, Ellen spoke to the assembled people in a soft voice.yFf
nit“I haven’t heard anything, but it doesn’t seem like you all gathered here to apologize for some misunderstanding… Is it safe to assume you gathered to condemn me?”wE2VV
7QLW“That depends on you, Ellen.”SXx
RZrUYOUCount Belmierd, who was sitting in the highest seat, spoke.k7cLLW0
c0GpwjHe placed all the materials the vassals had investigated on the table and continued the conversation in a heavy, subdued voice.jG9
giH“I am in a position where I must judge your fate, Ellen.”Ka08j
XOR“…”wn0
sbtqn“And through last week’s investigation, many things came out of your room. Not only traces of necromantic magic left in the basement that had been neglected for many years, but also your belongings found there, such as jewelry and magical artifacts, were abundant.”dXae
dCU“Oh my, is that so?”aAIx
ET7Ellen still appeared composed.CB4Zy
Y1QIqsULeonard, seeing Ellen’s attitude, rested his chin for a moment. He had observed her closely in recent days and had noticed she was cornered mentally.geUL
CykHowever, the Ellen who appeared here seemed to have regained her composed air.HWoeWZo
iCd‘What is this…?’lF1zv
KIkmgtaLeonard had completely isolated her in the mansion.YD3wu
8bKVF9He had bribed some servants to spread false rumors, manipulated letters and the basement, and if there was anyone who could become her ally, he had gone ahead to recruit them first.txtV
JEQMThe biggest variable had been Dereck, who suddenly visited the Belmierd mansion in the middle of it all, but even he had cooperated with Leonard, leaving no further mishaps.pYRr
E4oDPhHowever, now it seemed as if someone was mentally supporting her.D2Iu4vm
Ki0Xbc5Her once withered eyes had cleared, and her disheveled hair was once again neatly arranged—she had returned to being the girl who could be called the flower of Belmierd.tp8Ca
22kz1Td“And it was also discovered that you sent a letter to Valerian of Duke Duplain.”GxrZg
BBg3“I see.”rbOTZ
OkZEllen walked straight into the center of the main hall, where the vassals were seated, letting her beautiful dress trail behind her, and smiled brightly.5H2ty
QHmLeonard could not decipher the source of that constant sense of incongruity.DlCF3
1Nour5RAccording to his expectations, by now Ellen should have at least swallowed nervously once.LZbh9
psfdYaDAnd she should be desperately trying to prove her innocence by denying the accusations that Count Belmierd was reciting.V5iKbT
UQLMpfYet Ellen only nodded her head at Count Belmierd’s words.nrd1
SrMFwWShe was so calm it was almost inappropriate.xxz
OG6Dl2When Leonard narrowed his eyes, he suddenly met Ellen’s gaze.nGC
y8hklNEllen, who should have been raising her voice to refute something, remained silent.5TkF5r9
xBkYZr8She simply held Leonard’s gaze and then faintly smiled.ZXcFj
1ge17wd‘What is this? What is she trying to do?’7hPRXn5
jKWr2tOIt was at that moment that Leonard was monologuing to himself.OWqYkC
wtkt“Unfortunately, it seems everything has been exposed.”UBUMND
PBWxKmQWith that, her words fell and spread throughout the main hall, which had been as silent as a clear mirror.e9CEt1
wzjIt was a reaction no one had expected.Qfa47
678RrpQWhether it was Count Belmierd, the Countess, Leonard, or any other high-ranking vassal—everyone thought Ellen would try to prove her innocence at all costs.EGhbwTJ
RsnxyMany had even prepared counterarguments for her expected refutations.nPRvF
WLRrtDYet Ellen did not utter a single word in her defense.Cv3
l1oBv“W-what do you mean… Lady Ellente?”lUl7
0ZdbL“No, Lady Ellen…! Is that true?!”XUGR0h
qnjNtOThe murmuring began to spread among the crowd.svOnH
n34lAt Ellen’s unexpected and explosive declaration, everyone present could only widen their eyes.UvLok
0t8vzBang!Q8Q
MvVTteXHowever, the scene had to fall silent again when Count Belmierd slammed the desk.dS9039
kAIJtThe most authoritative figure in the room, who held the power to judge everyone’s fate, was about to speak.crIyL68
lhSkIW“Ellen…”KYWszF
gmtHis expression, which always displayed a strong character, now seemed torn between anger, sorrow, and doubt.4YflD
ToKNo word could represent his feelings.0SanW
dXRIn his infinitely complicated heart, Count Belmierd barely managed to speak with difficulty.bTCKeQC
V3dF7Wh“What… what do you mean, Ellen… that you have been researching necromancy?”veY6
YOi“Father. You, who know me better than anyone, will understand me, won’t you?”lsBB
mKMtFinally, Ellen spoke with a soft smile.xTk
7svs“Walking the path of power, one needs a weapon that no one else can obtain… a weapon only for oneself. A hidden dagger in the heart, ready to stab the opponent when they least expect it. For me, that blade was necromancy.”iCKI
6br2A“Ellen!”TqG
RnSxXH“But now that it has come to this, I must tell you. Yes… I used necromancy as my weapon and intended to make it the foundation of my power. No matter how cursed and forbidden it is, depending on how it is used, it can become a sword to strike down enemies.”qPCxF7
SK8Then she let her hair fall loose and laughed louder, curling her lips upward.DbB4QDZ
FTLH0roHer appearance began to carry an unsettling air beyond beauty.gfC5
Blj1K“Carving corpses, painting with blood, kneading flesh… it may seem ghastly at first. But human life is fleeting, and if it can be used for a greater cause, it is an endeavor worth pursuing. Please, understand my philosophy… Father.”UJ9NFX
W52ceY6The high-ranking vassals watching Ellen began to break out in cold sweat. Even Briana and Milton, who still held a shred of loyalty toward her, swallowed hard.8BS
VBPjGK“A… a witch…”XMRp6pM
qkdMurmured a mercenary.LQC2y
lX6It was a blasphemous remark, yet no one could refute it.nyhA0tq
gV1RWith those words, nothing else flowed from the crowd.6aB7t6k
OcCFaMA tension like standing on the edge of a blade. The servants’ throats trembled.GCemE
Uku28The most bewildered among them all was none other than Leonard.y63
smrBecause he knew.ulwC
AisuEllen had never studied necromancy. All of this had been orchestrated by Leonard, and she was only falsely accused.olf
0IlEven so, why was she admitting to all those crimes?7L35T
04acdLeonard had anticipated every move Ellen might make upon coming here.cK4X
1AmpmOWHe had calculated every scenario two, three, ten times, and was prepared for every possible outcome from that point—yet he had not foreseen this situation.qfgZPS
owOTrdZHe could not see.MPB7W1
uOJnHe could not understand the intent behind Ellen’s seemingly warm smile.9nTJl
IPNIt felt as if his entire body was being dragged into a place full of unknown variables, not the board he himself had designed.tsN3HOu
au44— Why try to fight on the battlefield created by the opponent? Let’s redraw the board where we are the masters.GGV
xYhDereck’s words, spoken as he dried the rainwater in the dark room, floated in his mind.FIJ
bx78SkClinging to the brilliant idea that man had given her, she smiled again—with the smile of a madwoman.2Ohq
4Uk“Everyone, your expressions do not look good. But it is not right to see me as such a lunatic. Manipulating corpses and dealing with human lives is not only the realm of necromancy. Do not forget the essence of humans who wage wars and bleed at every opportunity. If you forget that humanity has advanced through blood, you will only regress forever.”NRwaBdR
bDK“Ellen! You… you…!”vUUjoY4
YQR“Father! I told you since I was little! I will use any means and method to seize power!”pA5l
LT1ihuHEllen whispered with a more melancholic voice.gwmHEM7
zGrRho“This is my means and method.”OieMNNl
24zzkoA moment of silence.88VNe
qAWrixCount Belmierd took a few steps back and then collapsed into a chair.lMVPM
BfBu4G“Ellen… I trusted you…”TfM
eWc“Oh my… In the end, even Father cannot understand me…”L1oGFVm
rx3JuThe Count Belmierd’s last words.OUvd
BzhosFThey meant that even her last ally, the Count, had abandoned her.gOR
IQi22That was the signal.zAoY
yMAWith the Count, her greatest ally, turning his back on her, all the servants of the family completely lost their trust in her.THak
KQbHer confession was the proof that she had betrayed the faith of all the servants who had followed her.LhBJEU
vq0“How… how could you…! I trusted you and followed you…!”dgB6A
gb7rw“She’s a witch…! A witch who seeks curses, groping among blood and corpses…!”ZzmnlK4
5sLSSo9“We cannot repeat the tragedy of Duplain…! Right now…! By any means, we must cut off this root of disaster!”bEQ6awJ
oh1FOeS“I have served Lady Ellen for more than ten years…! How could it end like this…?!”qAuxt
Huj3XBb“I vaguely knew it for some time. Someone who only spoke of power, someone who would one day cross the line…”6mx12O
mMgwz“I knew it too…! But I didn’t expect it to be this severe…!”iDh
W0hgc5And then, the arrows of criticism fell upon her.nIGrl
MjV9TThe loyal ones who had sworn to believe and follow Ellen all their lives now threw disappointed reproaches against her.o2s25
haROiBEllen softly closed her eyes, lifted the corners of her lips, and raised her head.sNqh
oW7PPThe gazes of admiration and respect that had always been directed at her, now turned into lights of criticism and hatred—she entrusted her whole body to that situation.Es2uQrt
qfrx3In the midst of it all, the girl broadened her chest and soliloquized.IT0YN
nz6r8‘So, this is what it means to be at the bottom.’NPOhuZ5
TiCTMThis pit of despair and frustration is something one must experience at least once in order to soar high.6k141b
75xeKThe world is full of people who struggle in deep despair.38aZdM
Yje7oThere is a girl whose half of her family was devoured by necromancy overnight, and a boy who crawled his way up from the very bottom of the slums since birth.FQj
47bhCompared to that, how sweet and comfortable this pit of fire feels.ul6rRTD
JYQjAhIf one cannot endure this temporary pain, how can they speak of great ambitions?LH6l4e
U2kEllen smiled even more radiantly.48mSshL
XtZfAnd then, she fixed her gaze directly on Leonard’s eyes.0Mm
zIje4wS***ucb
pdmThud, thud.vrDN
ljELeonard walked quickly down the hallway.NyiEw
QWiVCFgAt first glance, he had the elegant appearance befitting the young master of the Belmierd family, but his steps were twice as fast as usual.h4M
jTOyHwO‘What is this? What the hell is happening?’m81
ZEyThings were slipping out of Leonard’s control.dYw7jN
MrcuThe situation itself seemed favorable to him. Just as he had planned, Ellen was falsely accused of researching necromancy, abandoned by all her vassals, and falling into ruin.RkY
wupOgIuAfter the meeting in the main hall, the desperate Count Belmierd had left first.BixXZZ
7qvAfter that, the vassals raised their voices, arguing over what to do with Ellen, and standing silently among them, Ellen looked like a sinner.xdmhKZ
po8ivAll of that was within Leonard’s plan.LsAvK9
UsHY7m2However, Ellen’s conduct was completely unexpected. Without a doubt, there was something hidden in her scheme.H4g
nVIpHBut Leonard still couldn’t see her trick. That was clearly a bad sign.1VPArn
3Xej3He had to find out what she was aiming for. This was no time to get drunk on victory.s10T42s
QfP5FOSo Leonard headed quickly toward the successor’s private chamber.cHT
rJULIt was a large room that Ellen had used until now, and one that Leonard might soon use himself.wiuev
7SI3w3aIn the basement connected to that room, Leonard had installed facilities by bribing a servant.V8MO
76dYKYAThe laboratory, stained with corpses and blood. The servant who had helped Leonard prepare that place was already mixed among the pile of bodies in the basement.E71HY20
nOA2BLeonard was a man who left no loose ends.9nUa
eLZkH9I‘There still might be something I haven’t uncovered. I must thoroughly inspect every place that may have been influenced by my sister Ellen, starting with the private chamber.’S0ZC7AF
ZfBNbXHe couldn’t lower his guard. Leonard clenched his teeth and pulled the secret lever behind the bookshelf in the private chamber to open the door.rNT
yIlQvcoCreakk.WdG
JKPrfThe heavy secret door opened, and he descended the stairs to the basement.8aoIZe
5FtMWhile racking his brain trying to anticipate what Ellen might do, everything remained uncertain. What could she possibly do in this situation?uXoZj
Q6dfh9pThe girl who only knew how to give orders to her vassals—what could she do when they had all turned their backs on her? In truth, she could do nothing, right?RNKp6H
lwuThis was not the battlefield Leonard had designed.Qd0
UwbUdlReaching the bottom of the stairs, the view of the basement appeared, still permeated with the stench of blood.R8q
OHGVCliJust as he was about to open the wooden door and step inside—i0s4
OoL5ShCreak.Ew6
GaEX“…?!”MUr
Urt“Oh.”NSBjs07
6sEThere was a guest.w9uA
P6t1mwIn the darkness of the basement.qCl
7rtA pair of red eyes glowed between white hair, briefly observing Leonard.uxf
JhdNqThe man, draped in a cloak, adjusted the sleeves of his leather tunic and, seated on a chair, polished his sword.SekXa4
acQRThe man’s blade gleamed blue, reflecting the light coming from behind Leonard.zkH1q
tlwY“What the hell…?”m5uY
W8mjs4“Young master Leonard.”c0DGA
ZJmMe“Baron Ravenclaw… what are you doing here…?”9R3
L2VgW0“Who knows.”swWE
QkvSLeonard felt an ominous sensation and instinctively stepped back.74hhPb
BuL3The man, hunched over and merely polishing his sword, seemed like a beast before its prey.E2KN
CR8CvzEThen, who was the prey?7G6tzo
gV7KEIn the instant Leonard instinctively asked himself that question, Dereck rose to his feet.ZHT4B
cFqo3VThough it was the warm season of late spring, it felt as if an icy chill filled the basement.dWw
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