Chapter 109: Aiselin & Ellen (4)
tReHiH6Ellen had an intuition.GG46zW4
IOYThe woman called Aiselin Eleanor Duplain, standing with her hands on her hips and a bright smile on her face, her eyes shining, was a vessel destined to devour Dereck and rule the world if left alone.1mWW7b
OQgWIn truth, she couldn’t explain exactly what the connection was between being close to Dereck and ruling the world, but one thing was certain—she was a tiger disguised as a rabbit.nxQbRm
z563The mere fact that she had come personally to fetch Dereck, even though he had only been away from the mansion for a short while, was already unusual.yPlSp8
6U3laTherefore, Ellen’s reaction was, in fact, appropriate.kplD
83HmuTS“Dereck will be staying at the Belmierd mansion for a while. There is something we need to ask of him in the name of the Belmierd family…”oUwYa
m2r“Oh… really…? But Dereck is also the rightful lord of a territory, and the final authority over the decisions of his mansion. While the affairs of the Belmierd family are certainly important, neglecting the administration of his own land is a great disgrace as a noble.”Yji
HsZlELfEllen decided to take her to a separate reception room, serve her tea and expensive refreshments, and speak calmly step by step.RQkjs
Bo8“I think we should first see Dereck and inform him of the situation of the mansion.”Nyw
EpAQQ7rHowever, the logical arguments that Aiselin laid out were irrefutable from Ellen’s point of view.dgV
zfDiIt was also questionable why the young lady of the Duplain family was doing something akin to the work of an advisor in the Ravenclaw Barony, but if Dereck approved it, there was nothing more to be said.J3DhR
HAgEllen pressed her knees with her hands and glanced sideways.qDvxDiS
x7cQSeeing her sweating and avoiding eye contact, Aiselin tilted her head.v9aDQn
g6lVXc‘The Lady Ellen I saw in the Rose Hall always seemed confident and noble, but here in her own house… she seems more intimidated than I thought.’O5ZC9K
DwySeeing that, Aiselin thought with a radiant smile.jvt
zwBXO‘That difference is so charming! People who have hidden sides that others don’t see always have a mysterious allure!’fb2h72Z
is7TTo be precise, Ellen was intimidated by Aiselin.vm8
Iqq7Ellen had always lived in Aiselin’s shadow since the days when the Duplain family still held power.GgWB0S
46SYNow, authority had passed to the Belmierd family, but Aiselin was a girl who shone on her own, regardless of her family’s power.nGpWK7U
E2iDjzIf the world were a story, this girl would undoubtedly play the role of protagonist.tIUFZ
lLHAdiAiselin was someone who knew how to shine brighter than anyone else in any situation, to the point that such thoughts were inevitable.HcYiN
bneUcISeeing her smile so full of life, Ellen suddenly lowered her gaze, and her expression darkened.8LI
T5YOt‘Every time I stand before this girl, I feel like a withered rose.’HcJha
LA98mEllen was always among the audience, and Aiselin was always on stage.pl2yrio
C54Aiselin Eleanor Duplain was like the leading role in the play, with the ability to turn everyone around her into mere supporting characters.DU0
YtJzL4She had spent half her life trying to surpass her. The years that had piled up only fueled the sense of inferiority that lay deep within Ellen’s heart.A4D
mP9qr8wAiselin’s natural temperament was something people like Ellen, marked by the hardships of the world, could neither easily follow nor respect.bzr4K
ttzS6Geniuses born with that kind of temperament were often the downfall of those who struggled to climb from the bottom.rWSFABj
QRifIf at least they were arrogant or vain, one could criticize their character. But these people usually had perfect personalities too… Ellen slowly closed her eyes and opened them again.Q2ctU
rz2Since they have everything, it is only natural they shine.2Qao
ZeeBBut if they have everything, couldn’t they at least yield a single thing?7FZ
XYJgHaving always lived in Aiselin’s shadow, Ellen’s competitive spirit, bordering on obstinacy, flared up once more.ruOnN
pAftdFeeling cornered like that, her mind grew even hotter.Gu1dCw
z9JpAZq“Unfortunately, Lord Dereck will not be able to return to the Ravenclaw Barony immediately, Lady Aiselin.”IdtAt
BJkqx“What?”3daWHyn
n8ejV“Because I plan to propose marriage to him.”F4BHv
IUzP6P7And with that, her world ended.RnfEz3
90OfBaK***bU6
SYJ26mD“The Lady of the Duplain Duchy has visited the Belmierd Mansion. It seems she wishes to meet with Lord Dereck. Can you spare some time?”ARHjKIg
DCbt“Lady of the Duplain Duchy… You mean Lady Aiselin?”vU9d
e2cPmBriana, a high-ranking maid of the Belmierd Mansion, nodded her head.6tP
NEnaBriana, known as Ellen’s loyal servant, continued looking at Dereck with an expressionless face.eG0
WhE2QjStrangely, she was more courteous than before.oSY
jgRE‘Come to think of it, the servants and officials of the Belmierd Mansion have been more respectful to me these past few days…’xVgKl
WPEoqLFDereck rested his chin on his hand and tilted his head slightly.1aDYj9O
YJvBIn the past, the servants and squires would simply bow their heads in greeting, but lately, they had begun bowing at a ninety-degree angle as soon as they saw him.8ofWieX
qGF4rAs a noble only in name and with no real power, Dereck understood why the high officials of the Belmierd Mansion had treated him somewhat informally.jPdYW
L29A2Especially the attendants closest to Count Belmierd, who were often older men with faces full of wrinkles, their number of subordinates and authority could not compare with that of a rural baron… so many times they only observed the bare minimum of etiquette.BGDCJV
GpnHowever, lately even high officials such as advisors and legal counselors had begun bowing their heads to Dereck, which felt rather uncomfortable to him.2oZuqe
e8yhFAlthough he had contributed to the recent incident at the mansion, he didn’t believe he had done enough to deserve such treatment.zBTBd
f4lLKQ‘Come to think of it, I haven’t been able to review the affairs of the Ravenclaw Barony. Surely Lady Aiselin came here for that. It must have been a long journey for her.’zW4S
JQ4“She is waiting in the reception room. You may go now. I will accompany you.”015pw
Bv4mW3h“No, that won’t be necessary… Briana, you are the head maid, aren’t you? Don’t you have a lot of work?”9xKGC5b
iWupcAE“Wouldn’t it be unreasonable to let Lord Dereck move about alone? Please, do not feel pressured.”ydD4Rl
C1YuqWwAs expected, the treatment was far too courteous for someone who was only noble in name.u7GqK
A55b6ENoticing the unusual atmosphere, Dereck decided he would ask Ellen about it later.Guk
X10mIt was at that moment that Dereck rose from his seat.e7DKF
al0JLCreak.iyD
rE70The door to Dereck’s private room suddenly swung open, and Aiselin, her face pale with worry, appeared.wNYmaH8
tX4Although she had been instructed to wait in the reception room, she had come directly. Dereck would have gone on his own if she had waited a little longer, so he wondered what could be so urgent.5tnfqR
PupuFzAiselin, who looked as if she had seen a ghost, swallowed hard when she saw Dereck’s face.CYx1S5s
5zxL“Lady Aiselin. Long time no see.”fv5
vnZpS“D-Dereck…”9Kcbs9
3XhHPh6Aiselin quickly glanced down the hallway and then spoke to Briana in a trembling voice.FwBrfvz
o1Gg7Hb“I’m sorry. I need to discuss a confidential matter regarding the Ravenclaw barony. Could you leave us alone?”slUJy
EKCtAH“Huh? Ah, yes… I understand.”3WBla
o6Uwg1gSince both Aiselin and Dereck were trusted figures, there was no issue leaving them alone.LgwL
UgXOerBriana bowed her head and quickly left the room, closing the door behind her.hm4949
6aFJQYAiselin, still pale-faced, opened the window and nervously looked around.TMb0i
8hK3AThen she hastily drew the curtains, secured the door, and sat down silently in front of Dereck.zYMzI
92N“D-Dereck. I’m sorry. It’s been a while, and I’m a little unsettled…”I1oKv
MwZ0k2g“No problem… Did you see something you shouldn’t have?”iqiI
BYLIp“No, it’s not that. Dereck, you’ve been staying at the Belmierd estate for quite some time. I’ve come to tell you it’s already time to return.”bj6
6CKrFKO“Ah, really? You could have sent a letter. It must have been a long trip for you.”ejkt7E
jnBAIDereck looked at Aiselin.USk2l
PCKSitting across the tea table, Aiselin shifted restlessly as if uncomfortable, and in truth, she looked quite distressed.ZrA8
C7syyHe wasn’t sure whether to pretend not to notice or express concern, but before he could decide, Aiselin spoke.aSbRr
zxeD2iu“If you no longer have business in the Belmierd estate, it would be best if you left soon.”8dB3BG
87Nx7“I haven’t been able to tend to the Ravenclaw Barony’s affairs for quite a while. It must have been hard on you, Lady Aiselin.”bAdtY
3dKdT2t“No, that’s important too, but…”EoY
dItStill pale, Aiselin looked around again and whispered.jEQX3e
0pqeNiT“Dereck… I’ll tell you the truth… Even if I tried to lie, you’d notice right away…”k1iLaW
XMps8yN“What is happening?”WEsUk0S
nB306lb“Could you come with me right now to the Ravenclaw estate? Don’t ask questions… Just for me… I didn’t want to pressure you like this, but…”5ROQcEw
6FypFXDereck felt a strong unease seeing Aiselin sweating profusely.EgZ9jPS
4l2dShe was asking him to go with her without questions. It was the first time Aiselin, who always considered Dereck’s feelings, was so insistent.r62
78iPB“Just… don’t ask why… Please, pack your things and come with me to the Ravenclaw territory… okay…?”5ML
2RADereck swallowed as he looked at Aiselin, who was clearly not well.F2wC
xc7F4It was the first time Aiselin had acted with such urgency. Dereck, perceptive in his own way, asked her with a serious expression.lo6CiJw
s95WS“Are you… being threatened by someone, or is there a secret you can’t reveal because you’re being blackmailed?”hzfYl
bgwzUGh“Ugh…”6UYm
PAXrAiselin shook her head vigorously at those words, but she looked on the verge of tears.RnX4
2tPjLhSeeing her expression, as if begging him not to ask further, Dereck did not press her.TBlivd7
65Eac8OIn truth, there wasn’t much more for him to do in the Belmierd mansion, and he had planned to leave even if Aiselin hadn’t come to fetch him.7Yc
iNQfESince it was the first time Aiselin had insisted like this, it wasn’t too much to yield to her this time.PVb
15AKIn fact, saying he was “yielding” wasn’t exactly right. He had already been thinking of leaving.5rgj8l
lutWhen Dereck nodded, Aiselin leapt to her feet.ol9
yL5d“Then… shall we pack right away?”YzVb
oFOmwz“Right now? The proper thing would be to say goodbye to the count.”8Rg8IjO
znm4“I’ll leave a letter. I’ll say monsters have appeared in the Ravenclaw estate and immediate aid is required. I’ll say it’s a matter of life and death.”tsz
thBl0j“Is that true?”sgU4
Rg9“No, it’s not true. But let’s go to the Ravenclaw estate for now. Okay?”IvY93
RIUjLHSeeing Aiselin rushing as if fire were at her heels, it looked as though someone were chasing her to snatch away a treasure.YgyFvp
sahRUvThen Aiselin rolled up her sleeves and began packing Dereck’s mercenary supplies into a leather backpack.FlT
hj8wm8What kind of noble lady packs such rough items herself? But Aiselin was not one to care about such things.QInHy
KPkl0r‘This is the first time I’ve seen Lady Aiselin with such a stiff face…’O985
Vedi2a***FNCGFZO
bEc5After her conversation with Aiselin and upon returning to her room, Ellen felt an inexplicable joy rising in her chest.PLIFJd0
kiIk9SEven when her family fell into disgrace, when tea was spilled on her, even when she was slapped, Aiselin had never lost her dignity.kSl2MRM
CSrrABut now, her face was completely pale, and her eyes darted uneasily.kuUz
sg04sTShe asked Ellen repeatedly about the meaning of her words, and her hands trembled as she held the teacup.ok8ux
57qPzi“…”AqO0fbD
TlR0As soon as she returned to her room, Ellen ordered her maids to wipe her sweat and fix her slightly disheveled hair.bEV8v
dsuSThen she tossed a few magic books onto the bed and sat by the side table, letting out a deep sigh.8uQV
EffCQKnShe recalled Aiselin’s expression during their recent conversation.vBTn
W1mDrWhen Ellen said she would take Dereck, Aiselin’s whole body trembled, and she even stammered.6XCc3
X3ilzSIn philosophical debates or political conversations at gatherings, Aiselin had never reacted like that.5azdX9
XqkpjSShe was more noble and radiant than any other lady Ellen had ever known.l8X3
jk3YvSeeing Aiselin like that made Ellen feel as if the disease of inferiority that had gnawed at her heart for years was slowly fading away.mi6
5aY0Yes. If she could have Dereck, even Aiselin would be shaken.G65jyZv
aNrXwBThe value of the man called Dereck, in Ellen’s heart, was growing ever greater.lHwXOe
2sbThat meant the heir of Belmierd desired him.CYec2xy
w30i“Hm.”t1FAvJl
FaeEllen sat in a shadowy corner of the room, imagining herself walking through Belmierd’s garden with Dereck, and came out of her daydream with a twisted smile.UJH
sjHtulIt was not fitting for the lady of Belmierd, who always had to be dignified, to wear such a sinister smile.aUfqO
b4VRqUsYet, the wings of imagination refused to fold.nEIBk8
yFFOThe young woman could not help but lose sleep, thinking of how to capture Dereck along with Count Belmierd.KEz
NMEoThe Belmierd mansion was entirely Ellen’s domain.TyiG7
59nmAs long as he stayed there, she could devise countless ways to trap him.hRFZwMV
HRgVI5“…”MmKdNHn
rpkbsChirp, chirp, chirp.4K5MWh
bBMAnd the next morning, Dereck was no longer in the mansion.hpATPc
BRTvAwHe had too many things to do to remain still. He was like a wandering wind.rudJuEd
sp9ygAThere was no way to lock away a wind that could not be caught.nYIG1e
Y8ckufHowever, he was not the type to vanish without a word.9qKRF
7oT5Surely, someone must have informed him.d5t
Qkq70‘Aiselin…!’ccYI
G6D9Before the empty guest room, Ellen’s eyes blazed with fire.2PrZ7
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