Chapter 106: Aiselin & Ellen (1)
ZO7tmNWith a grating sound, Leonard ground his teeth.wpAKY8
V5UEBnHe clawed at Dereck’s hand, which was gripping his neck and lifting him up, trying to break free, but the sturdy arm did not budge an inch.PfcuxA
IlLImLeonard’s eyes were bloodshot, drool dripping as he couldn’t breathe properly. Still, with a desperate determination to survive, he struggled to free himself from Dereck’s hand.jfSylA
DT2lCieAfter a long struggle, his strength finally gave out and his body went limp.WKSB
n00q2With a choking sound, a flash of determination appeared in his eyes for a moment.nclaAJ
ay21mDv“…”KMgT
DNmDAt the same time, Leonard’s already white hair began to turn completely white.f6oO
wo6F8Y‘…What?’ytBRbY
GERMiAs Dereck frowned and looked at him, an incredible amount of mana and vengeful spirits began to burst out from the area around Leonard’s heart.t282Af
vMbFRWhooosh!8UACUT
ciD5KQThe sudden explosion of physical force pushed Dereck back, and Leonard, freed from his grip, fell to the ground sneezing.Una
kUc“Cough, agh… cough!”CoLBJ
A9yAs he resumed breathing and let air fill his lungs, life returned to Leonard’s eyes.S4c
Ve7GLHowever, blood leaked from his nose, ears, and mouth. Seeing this, Dereck narrowed his eyes and took a combat stance.bLbL
8OXaThe necromancers of Rodentz Island had fields of specialization different from common necromancers.SceW
NXdTheir specialty was sacrificial necromancy, which produced strange miracles using flesh and life as mediums.B279
gE6bmVEAlthough they usually used wooden dolls or mammal corpses as offerings for their rituals, in the end, the most efficient method was human sacrifice.rAz
AmnHowever, when cornered, there was no practical way to find someone to sacrifice. That’s why, when the Rodentz necromancers were driven to the wall, they began offering their own flesh and body as sacrifice.Fr7
XN7Aq3Their end was usually horrific. Many of them bet everything just to drag their enemy down with them before being captured and executed.EstO9WM
0PM8After all, those who practice forbidden arts usually end up either executed atrociously or spending the rest of their days in prison. In that case, they preferred to take their enemy to the grave, even if it cost them an arm or a leg.YyCtD
2Y03vPerhaps Leonard thought the same, for one of his legs had vanished without anyone noticing. Only fresh blood poured from his thigh.5284ZEK
BzSPropping himself up with his arms from the ground, he vomited blood and shouted.rOG
l6kI“Do you think… I’m going to die here…?!”NLoip
OnUGj“…”qMU
voTslEW“I can’t… I can’t die here. After living in the shadow of my brother Linus, unable to spread my wings, I finally gained an opportunity, and now my sister Ellen stands in my way? Ugh… Ugh… If you thought I’d give up because of that, you’re dead wrong…”c3efpLz
1bRnAczLeonard exuded a strange aura, letting blood drip onto the garden floor.ehsypH
SjyjY“Do you think I’m different from Sister Ellen? I wanted power too. I wanted to stand above everyone and give orders. That’s all. How am I different from Sister Ellen?”KpGcll4
kKhRm“So this is your plan?”WmC
sZT8“So what? Baron Ravenclaw. Life must seem easy to you. Born with innate magical talent, you can master new magic just by seeing it, leaving your peers behind with extraordinary marks. You don’t understand someone like me.”ldYxW
WJSn6As the aura of vengeful spirits engulfed the garden, skeletal soldiers reeking of rot began to emerge from the ground.jAv
0rDpThe swirling group of spirits around Leonard was so ghastly that all the servants began to scream and flee.sdUxTMY
ItT2RRtThe high officials shouted to call the soldiers, and the squires, without even thinking of drawing their swords, collapsed as their legs gave out.etaV
HGTDereck stood firm before them, clutching his fluttering cloak tightly.7sPeinu
AINLeonard, crawling on the ground, glared at him with bloodshot eyes.WIu
hJ2vwc“I am not like you. I know how harsh and shitty life can be. To achieve your goals, you must use any means. Push your rivals over the cliff, deceive those who would deceive you, be ruthless, cold, and relentless. Without heaven’s blessing, it’s better to be a despicable winner than live shoved around and miserable.”WPDvm6Z
OjXRq“…”4XV
rG0kC“The reason Sister Ellen can act so noble and elegant is because she’s been blessed with talent. You still don’t understand. Do you know why Brother Linus gave up his position as heir and left the family?”66lk
Lhx6oAmid the whirlwind of spirits, Leonard spoke each word like a curse.8rCi273
koOnx4“Brother Linus, from the very beginning—”aMZ
pJw542K“I don’t care, you talk too much.”yG6R
No7Dereck cut off Leonard, who was spitting resentment and rage in the howling wind.KDE
QZNSeeing Dereck’s expression, Leonard’s pupils dilated for an instant.v1Ei
nxCcIThen, gritting his teeth, he tried to scream something filled with hatred.2yz1tH
95WThud, Thud!3sfVbC
D4jh6Two magic arrows pierced his shoulder.TQoOOR
TIQvIAlthough it was a first-level spell and its power wasn’t high, Dereck’s magic was different due to its destructive force. In that instant, Leonard realized the nerves in his shoulder had been paralyzed.kk1h
Pp81Crack!2YK
pX5“Aaaargh!”JxrBB6m
1CCAX2Dereck then crushed the skeletal soldiers one by one and rushed to the center of the garden. His figure, advancing through the furious wind, looked like that of a reaper.hviB4E
bmG27oWhen he reached Leonard, he kicked him in the head, causing fresh blood to gush out again.K2Ha
YhVGNLXAnd when he lifted him by the head, Leonard, his eyes completely white, kept bleeding.H4t
04J28WCYet his determination was chilling.2t250l
fLa6M9Leonard, who quickly regained clarity, gathered his magical power.N9wvvi
QOZOv5oThe reason the necromancers of Rodentz Island were so troublesome was because, when cornered, they all used high-level necromancy.eRU
WIreEven a criminal who had barely reached the level of a one-star could use three-star spells or higher if they were willing to burn their entire body and life.1IR4
aHYQrWatching them use their body as a projectile was sheer madness.xFQB3r
0iILgThree-star Necromancy: “Advanced Soul Absorption.”YV5IO7N
ABguuWZHe stretched out his hand toward Dereck and tried to snatch his life in an instant.WpF
Z0Vv0JSlash!ogc
EQi6ELeonard’s right hand vanished.NXX2
W8JLpIt was not sacrificed for necromancy.VQ3Dy
KSeuDereck’s sword, which had already done its work, was returning to its sheath.FnACi72
DIQTydCBlood sprayed.vBxsVi
31EO0rLeonard couldn’t even scream.Bx3Eo
XhQZap!8dUm
KHxarNecromancy that touches the soul directly causes lethal wounds with just one success. The veteran mercenary, who knew this very well, would never allow himself to be touched.10nAjb
2kxJTqlBut humans have two hands.ztXHYX
SuZwvJust as Leonard tried to grab Dereck’s thigh with his other intact hand, Dereck kicked his forearm.aHkbP2r
yECt9CcHis response, never allowing necromancy, was so precise it seemed he had faced it many times before.hCX2O
5FUb0“Ugh, agh!”pCF
Yb5PvfAs Leonard, rolling on the ground, extended his palm toward Dereck to launch another spell…zLs2K
INY7MThud! Thud!AyDWhvt
YlwXj0Slash!VtD
74FYhJAt the moment Dereck took a defensive stance, a third person appeared between them and swung a sword.6FsQEV
9GPIt was as if time slowed.74Bjxxw
P4gr0In that fleeting instant, Dereck clearly saw how the sword cut through the necromancy Leonard had manifested along with his magical power.KDovcm
6krjThe sacred text engraved in red letters on the silver blade caught his attention.tkI6wZ
fK4SxXnIt was the “Sacred Blood Sword” of Rodelia, the hero who had slain hundreds of necromancers on Rodentz Island.LE0
FU6SFlash!Orc
zY29kDRoar!7x3
TFMSoon, the spirits Leonard had summoned turned into light and disappeared.Xev
JMPqThe mysterious power that nullified all necromancy in the area with a single slash was undoubtedly worthy of the title of hero.bKD4
Wo1HThe light that burst was so dazzling that Dereck squeezed his eyes shut.UB4XB
DDYNPWhen he opened them again, the only thing he saw was Leonard, eyes wide open.8wztXk
tFwRSAnd a figure standing before him.l9CA
fvPgzt“You weren’t late. Were you the one who sent the letter to Viscount Renouel?”4tzZ5
CmighstThe one who had intervened and ended the fight was the heroine of the Renouel Viscounty, Lady Rodelia.auX
uuGAJThe scars covering her face were proof that she was a veteran of the battlefields.XzdZO
VdqThough already a middle-aged woman with a few fine wrinkles, her white hair braided back was worthy of a holy knight.R59i0R
iEzJDespite the years, her vigor had not waned.7Ki
zq6MuShe wore silver armor heavy even for men and leapt from a great white horse, glaring fiercely at Leonard.45heQo
SbvcTGShe was a slayer of necromancers.cnIHtLb
mHl5lAnd before her, there remained only one necromancer crawling with severed legs.i1wT0V
8qawqUSoon, Leonard’s eyes began to distort with fear.mTwQx
6tq***ERNFM1W
DD0W774Clank, clank.9Mv
8agwJ1r“Huff, huff… Ugh…”AGo
MB0tEach time the middle-aged heroine moved, her silver armor resounded with a clang.TsAC
PGIPeLady Rodelia approached Leonard, who was crawling on the ground, and lifted him by the collar of his shirt. Blood began to drip to the ground. From the amount he had already lost, his life was in danger.qeUph
vk486VPRodelia looked at him silently and said.79UOw8a
v8NlB“If we leave him like this, he’ll die. We must stop the bleeding immediately.”3Jg
fWHvRzNo matter how evil a person was, not allowing their life to be extinguished in vain would have been a touching story, if that had truly been the case.yvD7z
oEAnCYX“Don’t think you’ll die so easily. Isn’t that right?”lXct
utQdRodelia’s attempt to keep him alive had nothing to do with compassion.EFNB
xfyR1EiLeonard’s face twisted in fear again, but Rodelia’s expression did not change in the slightest.AO5
hG8fPDShe looked toward the entrance of the Belmierd mansion, where her companions were arriving on horseback.F8noC
XhXJa9Dereck easily grasped the situation.2KXXo
BTX7After receiving his letter, Rodelia had sensed the trace of necromantic magic from afar while heading toward the Belmierd mansion.2dgE7
iGYi7uIt was impressive that she had detected necromancy from such a distance. She had gripped the reins tightly and galloped at full speed, even ignoring the gatekeepers to burst straight into the property.m0CT
ZlSoaShe had arrived so quickly that she even preceded the Belmierd family soldiers, who had already been alerted.rekyu
hxoMA heroine never arrives late in times of crisis. Rodelia’s punctual arrival was proof of that.Vsv
6DwNow, her companions, who had followed behind, entered the garden with sweat-drenched faces.C834hma
Dkt“The situation is already under control. This man is a criminal who has violated the taboo. First, stop the bleeding and treat his wounds. Then we’ll interrogate him about the necromantic magic of Rodentz Island.”9mqdnr
5ohobL2“Huh? It’s already over?”0Al
2NjO“The competent mage has already resolved almost everything.”1FJ16GF
aIJm50PSaying that, Rodelia handed the trembling Leonard over to her companions. Trisha, who had just arrived with them, turned pale at the sight of Leonard covered in blood.1FslW
A1GAfter organizing the situation, Rodelia dusted off her hands and walked firmly toward Dereck.y5a
9AKaUHer complexion was normal, and her features, marked by the passage of time, reflected her age. However, her intelligent eyes shone with vitality, and the metallic sound of her armor commanded respect.wyiUzl
E7IThough a woman and quite older, she was still a warrior who had soared across battlefields.Aa2OeP
PmM7xm2Even Emperor Gatrell had recognized her, granting her the title of count and elevating her to countess to dignify her status.C4Jxp
ZRJ1PfAThose under her protection must have felt as if they had a thousand soldiers at their back.cGmLc
qHqOf course, if she became an enemy, she was more terrifying than a demon from hell.POuF
5OOb2When it came to killing necromancers, she was a ruthless figure, capable of ripping out intestines or flaying without a blink.VqEXn
sKSZy1kHer kind appearance was merely a mask to conceal her ferocity.ElGOhD
WFNfQ2As if to confirm this, Rodelia greeted Dereck with a warm smile like sunlight.1EE2dd
DHh“You seem skilled at dealing with necromancers. Are you Baron Dereck Lydof Ravenclaw, who made a great contribution during the disaster in the Duke Duplain’s household?”SMV1
iW1y“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Rodelia.”EHTX5cp
HqfQpQJ“Yes. I thought it would be nice to meet you someday, but I did not expect it to be under such circumstances.”e9bRRCS
kak51vRodelia let out a short laugh while wiping the blood off her silver gauntlet.4ZlrB
vbH37“It seems my foolish daughter Trisha went alone to the Ravenclaw household… If her insolent attitude caused any trouble, I apologize as her mother.”4NMfl
tDb5UfAt those words, Trisha, who was giving orders to the attendants, turned pale.7mP3s
EdpcxThough she usually overflowed with arrogance, in front of her mother Rodelia, she became like a meek lamb.emAvK
V8X1EiZThe brat who had thrown tea at Ellen in the Rose Hall now simply stood there, her face blue.REX
6fyImYRaised under a heroine like Rodelia, it seemed the only thing she had learned was cunning.9Q8AYs
LQtEqyN“Usually, when faced with necromancy, people panic and flee, or freeze in terror… But you seem to have calmness carved into your soul. You look like you have real combat experience.”e0SV
rG1x3“Thanks to my long life as a mercenary, I rarely lose my composure in real battle situations.”ueZ18
EL4x“Ah, is that so?”2tpq
1iVcm6Rodelia rested her chin on one hand and observed Dereck carefully from head to toe.gQD3E
pHN4zbThough her satisfied smile was unsettling, Dereck simply remained silent, hiding his discomfort.pC0b
tLgrFrom experience, he knew well that when a powerful person smiled that way and their eyes gleamed, it meant something bad was about to happen.9Peu6s
TWRQx“Well, there are many things I want to ask you in person, but now is not the time. Although it was an emergency due to the necromancy, I entered the Belmierd mansion on horseback without requesting permission, bypassing the gatekeeper… That could be considered a grave disrespect toward Count Belmierd.”G1Db8Qe
tch0Given the circumstances, it seemed unlikely anyone would question that breach of etiquette. Still, Rodelia valued order and rules greatly.JXg
0lLCAs she sheathed the Sacred Blood Sword, she said.KU70o
cvcc“First, I must present myself to Count Belmierd and apologize. It would be better to speak with you later, Sir Dereck.”wGSfO8
x8KWith that, Rodelia turned toward the main building of the Belmierd mansion.XiIjiWM
FhZ1The place was steeped in chaos. The garden was half destroyed, a necromancer had appeared among the staff, and Rodelia had burst in directly.2vmk
hVNgayWAll this had happened in just a few minutes, leaving the staff utterly bewildered.FhvB
W6FkIt was time to begin resolving the confusion.k7ix9u
33SxequJust as Rodelia was about to mount her beloved horse.q2M8NR
3tFKhzPCrrreeeek.lDt
fZri01The door of the Belmierd mansion opened, and the master of the house appeared.wm8
Fpm3Lr***ehax
KkzLGA red and gold silk doublet, with the family crest embroidered in golden thread over the chest. A cloak made from the pelt of a giant gray wolf rested on his shoulders, giving him an imposing air.wT68
Fj0He stroked his thick brown beard as he descended into the garden, followed by Ellen with a serene air.mqOWX
crWwOAt the sight of them, the servants of the mansion could not help but shudder.XVF4TTA
yqFjoNoble and elegant. Already dressed in a new gown and with her hair carefully arranged, she had the appearance worthy of being called the Rose of Belmierd. Her flaming hair flowed down like butterfly wings.TsLlQi
zHiThe haggard look from her long confinement had vanished, and walking alongside the Margrave of Belmierd, the message was clear.XhUslHT
qyeShe had been scorned as a witch, but now she had regained all her authority.2NOmm
wDDI“Rodelia of the Renuel family greets Count Belmierd. Upon sensing necromantic magic, I entered the mansion without permission, committing a grave discourtesy.”h2IR
5bMb6“…”JCIUAA
8sXxXTCount Belmierd looked at the devastated garden, then at Leonard, who was being tended to by the vassals of the Renuel family.Z768
94Y0A dense emotion weighed in his gaze. He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them and spoke slowly.GBt
5Xn2“Lady Rodelia, soon you will be in a rank equal to mine. It will not be necessary for you to treat me as a superior.”J9sDoha
LBKqeZU“Even so, compared to the dignity of Count Belmierd, I am insignificant. Authority is born of discipline, and as the leader of a humble viscounty, how could I not bow before you?”hI52
I6Ff“You are still as rigid as ever, Lady Rodelia.”8Ev
zQnFEsg“I am grateful you say that I value principles, Count Belmierd.”NAcYVO
xxngRodelia’s smile was infinitely gentle. But the Margrave of Belmierd knew well.xMQfdG
NzJHe must not be deceived by that appearance and think she was simply a kind woman. On the battlefield, Rodelia had shed more blood than he had in his years of glory.voG8BFi
u3hSa0G“I thank you for coming to assist in Belmierd’s affairs, but as you can see, today I have lost a son.”ErhIl
MbHSuThe Margrave of Belmierd’s face was somber.Dovm
QtajoCHe was in no condition to maintain a pleasant conversation with Rodelia.V59EI
thKbKnowing this, she avoided any trivial remarks.cqmB
WYI“I would like to speak with Leonard. As lord of this house, I must first resolve this situation…”153
q70ArCount Belmierd straightened with difficulty and looked at the servants, who still kept their heads bowed. A shadow clouded his expression.gCRg
2N7“Try to understand, even a little, the feelings of a father who has lost a son.”QYxkLNn
db2jJTt“…”Rn1ZY
ZoHKjbu“I leave all judgment of this situation to my daughter, Ellen. Once Leonard is stabilized, bring him to my office.”H7kG7hv
X6SONWith that, Count Belmierd, head bowed and shadowed, returned inside.JMhFic
XgrfzSHis shoulders were burdened with many weights. The responsibilities as lord and as father pressed equally, making his back bend further and further.jxlys
zpZpT3Rodelia said nothing as she watched him.ZmUgWCp
EmofWShe too had aged, and she understood well that the duties of a father and those of a ruler often conflicted.uyVFy8
QXSQMU“As you have heard, I have been entrusted with full authority to handle this situation.”fgsqZwA
m3d1Ellen gracefully descended the marble stairs connecting to the great hall and smiled elegantly.XrR
RDROnly then did Rodelia and Dereck relax and rise to their feet.5XOs
tVkN“It is an honor to meet in person the heroine of Rodentz Island, Lady Rodelia.”oSkZKm3
X20YfO“I heard you have faced much slander. My condolences, it must have been very hard.”0KXr7H
jMph11“Well, let’s just say I’m fine for now.”l4z
8fXTlU5Ellen smiled playfully and glanced at the servants gathered in the garden.otS
0haEAll of them turned pale and lowered their heads.aYhy56
aDPVMany had not criticized her openly, but some of the higher officials had indeed blamed her for her conduct.cpl8jP
3GVQRaWas it time to pay for rash judgments? Watching them swallow nervously, Ellen adjusted her hair.6UyHefW
1pcVLK“It would not be appropriate to keep Lady Rodelia standing in the midst of this chaos after her long journey. Why don’t you rest in the reception hall, and then we’ll give you a more detailed explanation?”1mldF
dG1gm“It is a great honor to receive such consideration. I have brought some companions, I would appreciate it if they could also rest.”A4VchBV
s9d99“Of course. It would be best if they recovered their strength.”oFcf1
9hQWith that, Ellen elegantly led Rodelia into the mansion.1Q5enzc
D2EbM4JThe servants, drenched in sweat, quickly picked up the luggage, and the idle attendants began tidying up the garden.RFT
tPhAs he watched everything, Dereck thought that at last the situation had come to an end.cDH
EMaKThe matter of the necromancy Ellen had been involved in had been resolved, and everything had returned to normal.EK4e
BdPpYWhat had been the original goal again? So much had happened that he had nearly forgotten.3Rh8O1
BqRNHe had gotten entangled in unnecessary trouble and wasted time, while the inauguration of Ravenclaw’s Magic Academy drew near.HNS
aXNWasn’t he planning to invite Ellen, one of his most outstanding students, to make an appearance?XSzd
tYjvAfter all this fuss, surely she would accept such a trivial request. With that thought, Dereck felt more at ease.YU7hs
Mv54P9The training center Baron Ravenclaw was building must be nearly complete.hOicb
qDGLWhile Aiselin gave her all, Dereck too had faced his own difficulties. Now that Ellen had regained her authority, it was time to get to the point.Y6z
I0aSBut Ellen was busy, managing the mansion and attending to Rodelia.DcbQOX
HYcNk5He thought it would be better to ask the favor at the right moment. Just as he was turning to leave, he heard a voice.KCqSL8
OAFuJAw“Dereck.”7EdhYH
66m“…?”b36
XnRsEyEllen, whom he thought had already gone, had delegated the task to the butler and returned.ilB
KWxWgLHer reddened eyes wide open, she stared at him for a moment.nXe3P
Yu1QOThen, suddenly, she showed a meaningful smile, averted her gaze as if in thought, and looked at Dereck again… repeating actions without clear meaning.Z05HOBc
VRGNoDAs Dereck watched her, she grew a bit flustered and blushed.4uX
WUpcVi“T-that, Dereck.”70P4QkX
cP6K“Is something wrong?”3X5uKRa
ks1uXD“…”qjgrE
KhOL3cNoticing all the gazes, Ellen took a deep breath and spoke again.JGabCHF
rRYOOk“It’s nothing.”j8Y4qGs
MmD“…”uUJF2
OAO1I0“I just wanted to say that. We’ll talk later.”pF0Gj
wki4QqW“…?”4Io
aVxWith that, Ellen fanned her face quickly and ran toward the hall.hth
fDSdtAs she was, that figure of hers seemed so unfamiliar, the dignified bearing she had shown in the Rose Hall felt like another person entirely.JqR
ZTQEDDereck too was surprised at this side of her.WZdQ07
6met***EioB
PSNNX2G“Sir Dereck… you are behind schedule. The inauguration is near.”CUuzLbc
IZHPc11For her part, Aiselin had already finished almost all the construction and left the documents ready, requiring only approval.pI2In
UOLDD3The study, which had practically become her office, was filled with documents.RM3
2WSShe had truly managed this enormous project on her own.JDJC
jpCCBuSeeing all that the daughter of Duke Duplain had accomplished, Delbriton was left speechless.Zd5ojDE
0Y7NAFhAiselin Eleanor Duplain.Hj1De
947She truly had a talent for business.vyR7WV
QRPYQT/N:z5wCj2
0x8DZ2As you noticed, I made some changes since the translation did not specify Rodelia’s gender very clearly. It has now been clarified in this chapter, so her name went from Rodeia to Rodelia.Llej
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