Chapter 107: Aiselin & Ellen (2)
UlIT5GDOnly well into the afternoon did the commotion at Belmierd Mansion begin to settle down.tFCo
d8PhZWhen Ellen, who had naturally assumed control of the situation over Count Belmierd, began giving orders to the servants, everything proceeded smoothly.Ao4
bnIzOThe servants, too ashamed to face her, lowered their heads, and the high officials even fell to their knees with their faces to the ground, filled with guilt.dCW
nAZNo matter how grave the situation, if even the loyal ones who would have given their liver and gallbladder for her turned their faces away, there was no recovering from that.aRokhKj
ojTAmong them, some servants, sincerely ashamed, offered to resign from their posts, leave the mansion, or hand over all their belongings to Ellen, even putting their lives in her hands.kxaG
khGXFLEllen smiled at the servants lowering their heads in the central garden and said.zU9lxwr
XrCyMG“Though I was deeply saddened by the malice, the suspicion, and the contempt directed toward me… given the circumstances, anyone would have doubted. And I too, in admitting my guilt, tested and confused your loyalty… I will not judge each of those sins.”DpvHt
MPAZ8CShe had inherited the full majesty of Belmierd. It was evident she would rule as the lady of that vast territory. At the words of this young girl, the gathered servants could not help but open their eyes wide.wb2Y
DAp“Loyalty follows the heart of the lord. Though it will be difficult to gather up all the contempt and pain I have received, I believe the affection and trust we have built over time will not crumble so easily. So do not use the guilt or debt you feel to belittle yourselves, but instead to contribute even more to Belmierd.”PNQ93T5
ET7SaAnd Ellen added with a strained smile.xBV
2aka“And if you have any strength left… help me a little too.”ZJT
AZmcN7XSeeing Ellen say she would erase all the contempt and scorn she had endured, the servants and guards gathered at the mansion began to weep.UvQ01
xXFThey had come prepared to give up parts of their body or renounce everything, but Ellen had embraced them all.2PoX7
ynsvBuNot even the mercy of the god Ruelon touched their hearts as warmly.2S3
RlupLThe servants and officials understood that Ellen, who ruled with the coldness of steel, was also someone capable of caring warmly for her own, possessing a perfect character.EWf8K
7QflLMFThus, they lowered their heads to the ground and did not stop chanting Ellen’s name.3xT5Tt
VZszShe smiled awkwardly and told them it was fine, then turned and entered the main hall of the mansion.XxW
mOVHAs she walked down the corridor, she silently followed the shadows where the sunlight did not reach.veGYyyK
jmOzCUpon entering the darkened hall, her gentle expression vanished, replaced by a cold, hardened face.p3us
i5641t7‘Things are going more or less as planned.’af2n3hw
hQUMz1aPower is fleeting, and those who follow it can turn at any moment.W45bvT
nr2nmDEven those who swear to follow and believe only in Ellen in the world will turn away if she falls to the bottom and begins rolling in the mud.zTOcG
dk7SAuThat is why, though she embraces them, she has no intention of giving them her heart.iqffA
sOL7KdEllen’s expression, colder than before, might seem more mature, but it also gave a sense that she had lost part of her humanity.fCb
eQK7WDAnd yet, even this icy woman still had aspects of a girl her age.rudMwiP
fAM7up‘There are not many people in the world worth trusting and giving one’s heart to.’gTP3
Z4ZOAq7Ellen thought, closing her eyes gently as she walked down the shadowed corridor.Xo6E
iJMh4Many people who had passed while she held power had disappeared into those shadows.9TvX3
j4M3hvJBut one person she met at the end of all that, strangely, remained in her heart.SWdTV6Q
ZrjThat feeling startled her, making her pause for a moment in the hall.uKjKf
M19t“Something wrong?”aMQ0
nR5“…No.”TV2Lc
JHyShe had spent the whole morning busy resolving various matters.dVoUb
8hxFlJust when she finally found some time to relax, that man’s face bloomed in her heart like a fragrance.kMTBI
IvL“…Now that I think about it, where is Dereck?”IBUKOMy
QLPM4Ellen grew pensive, resting her chin on her hand.5zzfbt
kipv0gIThen it struck her all at once.4R1P
CzaReflecting, she realized she had been thinking of Dereck all day, except for the moments tied to work.qb8ua
QDTShe was aware it was dangerous—but truly dangerous things are those one knows and yet endures.aOHt0S
ayPEllen gazed absently out the window while fidgeting with her fingers.M241
JiwtMHer reflection in the glass was strangely flushed, making her wonder if she really was the same Ellen who had once ruled at the heights of Belmierd.OMG4pn
Uez4bIt wounded her pride.7sjIj
FENDIn a position where marriage proposals flew in daily, she had long felt repulsed by those who tried to tie everything in the world to romance.ZP8
A8pXAnd yet, upon coming to her senses, she realized she too was being swayed by a single man.7aVCPTb
mGvMacIt was hard for her to accept that this was the figure of Belmierd’s heiress.4PpxocD
foDPShe was the heiress of Count Belmierd, destined to rule the entire territory.fvz
ww0Ellen, as a woman, thought the time would come when she would feel drawn to a man. She had even planned in advance how to face and handle it. She was a perfectionist.2ND
eFbGeIOBut everyone has a plan until they get hit.rnu
sHxKzKThis sudden feeling, like a natural disaster, was bewildering.ID9
mcS4lEHBut Ellen regained her rationality and logic after rubbing her face dry.bK6xU4
7HQ‘Personal feelings must not interfere with the path of a ruler. I have already consulted this with my father, so surely he will give me his opinion…’QyJ2hi
naW8DjFTruly, she was the epitome of a ruler who could control even her emotions.Yvw
G4PYGM0After staying silent for a moment, Ellen thought with a logical mind.YSG2
e8RyT‘…So then, where is Dereck?’lsZc
dHld***1lWK
0BNo“The Count of Belmierd is gathering his thoughts. For now, he will have one last conversation with the mage advisor in the office.”TxgUd8L
YGOKPj“…And what will happen to young master Leonard?”HXN
iR7g3“Well… there are many possibilities. But few of them seem positive.”rhNrZu
GJQC3Dereck and Rodelia were seated facing each other, drinking tea in Count Belmierd’s reception room.g9VqE
TsoqHrWhen she first arrived at the mansion, Rodelia had been completely covered in massive silver armor the size of her body.t09
0VR2oLVBut once the situation was resolved, she wore only a fitted leather tunic and light bracers.GLUr
FNeT0Seeing her always ready to train at any moment made it clear what allowed a heroine to dominate her era.Az7
A4cdjDespite her considerable age, Rodelia had well-defined muscles in her arms and neck.W8aCN
rwZq6Maintaining such a physique at an age when gray hairs had already appeared spoke of just how extraordinary her efforts and hardships had been.fwy
YopAjSeated demurely at her side, Trisha was completely different from the image she had shown in the Rose Hall.KoD
45OoBjXHer hands rested on her knees and she was sweating profusely.zozd2
Ro5qAcvThe mischievous expression she usually carried had vanished entirely.DEfsEM4
kuTx4HtIt was said that Rodelia was the fiercest tiger of the Renouel viscounty family.6Mk
ndTdNWIt was not hard to imagine how strict she would be when educating her daughters.We8qA
78BBQm0“Trisha. You went on your own to Baron Ravenclaw’s house to spread rumors about necromancy. I reprimanded you personally, but I understand you still haven’t apologized to the baron.”RDDIO
tzHM“…T-that…”9iQkS9
K2s3ORT“Do you not understand how dangerous it is to treat necromancy lightly? How much more shame do you intend to make me endure before you come to your senses?”I9qjjqz
wpz9“I-it’s just that I thought since Baron Ravenclaw had already seen necromancy and played an important role during the Duplain family disaster, it wouldn’t be too much to ask him for something like that…”y2P
wET99z“And who are you to make that decision? I told you that matters concerning Rodentz Island are decided by the head of the family. Are you already showing ambition to rise to the top of the Renouel family while I still draw breath?”UqI18iY
i0BEzFp“N-no, it’s not that…!”4fg7D
DMX8Fy“Apologize to Baron Ravenclaw. Now. Bow your head.”SFViq
Q3AqKP“…”qkwa
PbKFThose who remembered Trisha’s arrogant attitude in the Rose Hall and in Baron Ravenclaw’s house could not imagine her bowing and apologizing.H14z
zRHkyIt was strange how such a daughter had come from a mother like Rodelia, domineering, haughty, and disdainful of both her subordinates and superiors alike.IB5Q
VaV2TBut when Rodelia shot her a gaze sharp enough to devour her, Trisha turned pale and lowered her head.cDpVTr
nzg“S-sorry… I was too reckless…”wzb
JeKbADy“Not only are you short-sighted, you’re short of words. How dare you, as the second daughter of a rural viscount, speak rudely to a legitimate noble and head of a family? Are you going to keep disgracing me, Trisha?”DEglnD
GOyDzm“M-mother… He’s only a title noble from the outskirts, and you’ll soon be named countess of the frontier and head of a count’s house. When that happens, we won’t need to envy the Belmierds…”991
nLC“Oh really? Am I already a countess? From the way you answer, it seems you still lack education.”mAAWa
XOllI“N-no…! Baron Ravenclaw! I-I’m sorry! I was too reckless…”tNO9X
5hRAs soon as Rodelia clenched her fists, Trisha began to sweat coldly and apologized to Dereck.YAq8lWA
jCcwArBHe, uncomfortable with the situation, waved his hand.Z1ILe
9Ht“If Trisha hadn’t provided information about the necromancers, it would have been difficult to deal with the incidents at Belmierd Mansion. Please don’t be too concerned.”aG12
gTAW2Z“Th-thank you, mother!”pBv
M3ik3h“Even so, that doesn’t change the fact that your rash decision was quite rude, Trisha.”UJWGdW
SDIIodRodelia sighed deeply and leaned back on the sofa.X1Y
6qg“When we return to the mansion, we’ll train physically all night. Consider it punishment.”L0rxu7
zo51“M-mother…! I have to return to Ebelstein’s social circle today…! My personal maids are waiting for me in my private mansion…!”Fstm
8keDn“I’ll contact them. Don’t worry.”MD77Xq2
EPOe2“Uuugh…!”Ad3gm
p4h9oXTrisha pressed her knees with a pained expression, as if stabbed with a knife.0mKa
HRTBut knowing that talking back would only make things worse, she pressed her lips together and held back her tears.8FXy
1z0IQrFor some reason, Dereck felt a bit guilty for her and averted his gaze.Lsth
o7g“In any case. Baron Ravenclaw, your skill in handling necromancy is impressive. I was so surprised I even considered taking you as my lieutenant, but judging by the atmosphere… you don’t seem like the type who would accept such an offer.”TRi003z
WmKSs“I have many responsibilities in Ravenclaw territory. Having a place to return to is already a blessing, don’t you think?”ozYo3
SBNh“Yes. I can only express my regret. Still, since I have received information about the necromancers of Rodentz Island, there’s something else I must tell you.”OKJ4vv
FYNpahRodelia crossed her arms and let out a deep sigh, as if she hadn’t expected the conversation to go this far.kGiqCBZ
U1S2r1X“I killed many necromancers in the subjugation operation on Rodentz Island. And though I may seem reasonable now, my appearance on the battlefield is very different.”SzzY
x4JSIt was Trisha, seated at her side, who shuddered at those words.YVkbdKQ
63pShe seemed to remember something. At the mere mention of the battlefield, she began trembling again.Ol1vitK
Z6q6“I loathe necromancers. They killed my parents, my dearest friend, and even kidnapped and murdered my firstborn, Belopher. They ruined my life. Now, it’s my turn to ruin theirs.”XXwDK
hiHEven though Leonard had strayed, he was still the youngest son of a count.R5v4F
9tfThe way Rodelia swung her sword mercilessly even against nobles showed clearly what kind of person she was.RghSnD
TYISy“The massacre of necromancers on Rodentz Island was described as hell. But the truth is, on that battlefield, I felt the greatest bliss. I beheaded those wretches, I smiled amidst fountains of blood, I chewed their entrails with my teeth, and I used their severed limbs as firewood to roast boar meat. Truly, it was a taste worthy of being called heavenly.”mNeq0
GkGt1rThere was not a single exaggeration in her words. Trisha’s expression proved it.HzQS
bHZ5xThis heroine of Rodentz, who appeared dignified, elegant, upright, noble… was not an ordinary human.J1D
Mge22IOnly one who can be absolutely ruthless toward her enemies can possess the steel of a true warrior.Zdb
bOsOOBy now, Rodelia was already regarded as a demon from hell by all necromancers.oujG
jpnWCoIt was understandable that Leonard had wanted to flee as soon as he heard her name.VNWwqH
6kJm0iwShe was the reaper who harvested necromancers. A wandering specter of vengeance.NYSXCG3
zf08“But you know… during the investigation on Rodentz Island, I found clues about the leader of those necromancers. I’m looking for a necromancer named Sinia, creator of a high-level grimoire said to be among the most powerful.”sRlzU2x
UE6R“…I heard Lady Rodelia killed all the high-level necromancers who were the leaders of Rodentz Island.”xrN
wRMEhr“Those three fools? They were quite troublesome, but there was an existence of an even higher rank that they worshipped. I must find out who that faceless creator is. They seem to be the ringleader of necromancy in the southwest.”mBrU
Pb0hsThe creator of the necromancy book wandering the world. ‘Sinia’ was obviously a pseudonym.S4qzFe
PJJreFhRodelia seemed to know this well, as she did not appear to give much importance to that name.h2I0g
K7bn7iJ“By their level, they seem to have accumulated such vast knowledge and experience that not even five-star mages can comprehend it. They seem to have been active for an extremely long time… Perhaps their level is beyond imagination.”0mB
fGeVIufThe meaning of those words was clear.YqLhJ
oVnimSomewhere on the continent, there was a six-star necromancer. That heroine seemed convinced of it.IZ2S
xSoIDereck already knew that fact.fz4
zP2DxHowever, he could not nod at that moment. If he showed that he knew of that existence, the inevitable question would follow: “How do you know?”zzjCSGv
P2CaIt was impossible to give a reasonable answer to that question. It was clear it would only arouse various dark suspicions.xOLIa
zKAw7That was why Dereck remained silent.LsG5Hk
19Vd4I6“It is not easy to track them. If they truly are a six-star necromancer… Yes, that six-star necromancy that appears only in myths… They may have used reincarnation or soul theft to transfer into another body.”FgT
PO0“Is that even possible?”wntf1
geTHDMK“As you know, magic of that level transcends common sense and even rewrites the laws of the human world.”ykR
VzupeOf course, no matter how skilled a six-star mage is, it is impossible to use magic of that level recklessly.KuW
Zk2pmeAEven Drest, a master world-renowned for tracking magic, requires several months to use six-star tracking magic just once: ‘Vision of the Future.’OkiQA
GIvUsing the highest magic that can be implemented in the human world was that difficult.wq5VdH
sSsU“At this point, the purpose of my life is to crush that bastard.”BCiv
N0JtXWith piercing eyes, Rodelia spoke bluntly.AFmr5f
f7teUThat was the message she wanted to convey to Dereck.eA5
rwMR“If you find any clue or trace of them, send a letter to the Renouel family at any time. I’ll come running immediately, even if it’s across the map. Even if I crush my legs, I’ll find them and pierce their guts.”lfn
NzdThe legendary existence all necromancers followed was the sworn enemy Rodelia had decided to eliminate.7idpUG
gxkIn Rodelia’s eyes shone a sharp aura that seemed capable of cutting at any moment.YplCM
ZI7KZdShe was a demon who harvested the lives of necromancers.NIzV
o23That fact could be felt undeniably.JLjM
0EvJn***hPnr0OX
5gRiXmCreak.ZIOlTX4
vO8IGU“Where were you? I see you were talking with Lady Rodelia.”pgUf42
LPqL8QDereck had just finished his conversation with Rodelia and was about to step into the garden for some air.femSux
1KOEB0Ellen, who had been anxiously pacing the hallway, lit up like a child when she saw Dereck.gVPup
ymQbhPHShe laughed like that, and then suddenly, as if startled, put on a neutral expression again and cleared her throat several times, as though realizing there were many eyes watching.CHwhk
6R1M“Lady Ellen. You must be busy with many matters inside and outside the mansion.”xlS
ls5OQ“No, this is nothing. The servants are working harder, and my father has given no further orders, so I can take a breather.”dduqv6d
x23Yted“I see. That’s a relief. I was quite worried when you were under house arrest.”z3F
smMbQQe“Worried, you say? Were you really worried about me?”qNSJ
N6Nj5“…Yes. Isn’t it obvious?”ONUlhaA
WH5xykAs they walked down the corridor, Ellen looked out the window for no particular reason and said,7gkRc
aKj9dY0“Why? Why were you worried?”pcYG
7Z1l“Hm? Well, I don’t think it’s something that really needs to be explained in words…”2Xx40g
Wbk“Go on, explain it in words.”yXn
UXofRf“Isn’t it obvious? You were my student, and you went through a lot emotionally… Of course, from my perspective, I couldn’t help but be very worried.”m2X2mu
ax9p“Hmm… I see…”BCZ
RBL3u4L“…?”PoE
Qub4“I see. Alright.”z5tO
Ej3jrOlThough Ellen’s way of chewing on his words wasn’t exactly pleasant, Dereck shook his head and spoke anyway.1OPUAp
7lVoIo9“Since you mentioned you have some free time, I wanted to say that in the Ravenclaw Barony we’re planning to open a training center soon.”2D0Q0
PKbti4“I already heard. Now that I think about it, you’re quite a busy person, and I’ve taken too much of your time with my personal matters.”4vIir
ngtmTzQ“No, that’s not it. In fact, I came to ask you a favor. I was wondering if you could visit the training center soon.”Z8Musb
Wna3Lt“Of course, if the future head of Belmierd makes a personal visit, it would be a great help for authority and prestige. Since I owe you, at the very least I can do that.”bJ7Uy4Q
INQSEllen accepted Dereck’s request without hesitation. In fact, Dereck hadn’t expected her to refuse.LcR
NAsE9Dereck sincerely thanked her.WyW
SOlkW“Speaking of that, I suppose many noble ladies will visit Ravenclaw’s training center.”k1iiBl3
EmXxLv“Yes. Indeed. Lady Aiselin herself plans to give etiquette lessons, so it’s more popular than expected.”Mkx5r8
1lKXu“Really? Along with all those lovely noble ladies of the continent… and Lady Aiselin too…”wj2pU
Ti3Ellen, resting her chin on her hand again, looked at Dereck with a meaningful expression, her eyes forming crescents.kKayN
NuBO5“Now that I think of it, Dereck, you’re quite lucky with women. How many of those noble ladies, whom one would treasure for a lifetime even if they knew only one, have you taught?”JvxoTi
ZDUK“If it’s called luck, perhaps, but… it’s not necessarily a good thing.”vsQL
QcF“Really? Why not?”kkE
5IjU3“The more distinguished and noble someone’s background is, the less lightly they can be treated. In the social world, a simple gesture or a small lapse in etiquette can ruin your impression and make you seem worthless. Lady Ellen, you know this better than anyone.”PTr8cE
yVDajDereck maintained a courteous tone as he shared his opinion with Ellen.SDzegZ
OcUH“The more noble they are, the harder it is to feel at ease. And since I’m human too, I can’t help but feel more comfortable with someone I can speak to familiarly.”bOzyW
mplb8y“I see…”dQI4hp
rzTHearing Dereck’s words, Ellen immediately thought of Baroness Pheline, who was nothing more than a façade.6kUbauG
R5QX4HIn fact, there were no barriers in the relationship between Pheline and Dereck.QoOVd
tvOWzThe problem was that there were no barriers, and yet, their relationship had a bond that high-ranking nobles could not break.ygg6S
i7WqmSThey were comrades who had grown from the bottom together and had gone to battlefields on extermination missions that risked their lives.H4bl
4fp2CgIn truth, the only one who could have such a relationship was Pheline.oqDU
rkEEvEllen held her breath for a moment and asked with difficulty,70A
5o33js“Dereck. Do I make you uncomfortable?”S9v
s9Tvx2“…”jQ5
ugsThe fact that his answer was slightly delayed already ruined it. Ellen couldn’t help but hold her breath.A5UTsb3
RLfEHFrom Dereck’s perspective, he couldn’t say no, that he was comfortable, nor that she was like a friend. That would be a huge discourtesy toward a high-ranking noble.PxO
bRlYThat was why Dereck gave the closest answer he could think of.Fhzm
c7Ph“Although I have received a noble title, how could a mere minor noble of the outskirts compare with Lady Ellen? You don’t need to try so hard to raise me up.”8c7XCrG
o3HkIdsIt was an almost artistic response, but Ellen held back the urge to pout.UhhYPc2
CtNStill, she couldn’t get angry either. Otherwise, she would be seen as a hysterical, fussy woman. In that case, Dereck would see her as an annoying or troublesome woman. And she didn’t want that.dXVOdjt
c7oHLZrHer own behavior, unable to do this or that, felt very unfamiliar to her. How could the future mistress of Belmierd be so shaken by a mere baron of the outskirts?laQ
KUkmSEllen pressed her temples and let out a deep sigh.KgtOC
1D3“Anyway, thank you for your consideration in many ways. I’ve finished my business, so I should return to my mansion.”0nkc
lV0JMWl“Return?”cZOZ
NG6“Yes. Do you have something else to say?”TU2f
PKXqEU“Ah, no… First, my father… No… Not that…”x2cio
t4gYU“Count Belmierd seems to need some time to sort out his feelings, so we should give him a breather. I’ll just leave a letter.”MJbL
37lIRX“Ah, no… But still… Don’t leave yet…”uUKx
ZDrzfheEllen suddenly wore a bewildered expression and said,Dt4
XOqmH“I, um… well… I don’t know how to explain it…”eHA1gz
IYGq2M“…?”3p9fc3K
eZsDpo“Would you consider staying in the mansion for a few more days? I mean… just a little longer…”GKO
ie24Ellen wanted Dereck to stay. She felt that if she let him go to Ravenclaw Barony like this, it would be a long time before she could see him again.7Ai
YAl***k969
oQaWBMeanwhile.gbx
aTcLH“Hmm… I think I should go see how Dereck is myself.”fTTL
7WPSeated in the office of Ravenclaw Baron’s mansion and tapping with her quill, Aiselin finally declared to the head butler, Delbriton.FXggWR
O0pPZ7The scheduled construction work was nearly finished, and most of the important tasks were already done.yJtezIj
LkrAll that remained was Dereck’s final approval, the master of Ravenclaw Baron’s mansion. Everything else was stalled waiting for his approval.3akelK3
qF9V4DYShe had planned for everything to be completed with Dereck’s arrival, but he had been delayed longer than expected.SyI
r98She feared he might have gotten involved in something else within the Belmierd family.qJGOhL
J2JO4ZIf things were delayed further, it would be troublesome, so Aiselin decided to pack all the documents that required Dereck’s signature into a leather satchel and head personally to the Belmierd family, where he was staying.aAkh
4BopjShe would have him review the documents, confirm the tasks, and bring him back to the baron’s mansion.Fie1
QXeKyAfter making that decision, Aiselin rose from the desk.9D1Ds87
5y2SDA‘Now that I think about it… I haven’t been able to return to Duplain Mansion lately. Since I’m at it, I should visit my home too.’yDIb
jvVce1mHumming a tune, Aiselin began stuffing the piled documents from her desk into her satchel.hq5
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