Chapter 110: The Beginning (1)
ncvHj“These are the three necromancy books recovered from the Belmierd family. I heard that the sacrificial sorcerers of Rodentz Island revered them as sacred scriptures.”IRrU28
y5VW“Good work, Rubric.”xaQ
RjMTIn the central part of Gremfort Palace, where Emperor Gattrel resided, the three necromancy books were placed in the personal study of the chief magical advisor.ATmfYwM
S5Aye“Indeed, if the magical power is not properly incinerated, it will become a great problem in the future.”k2H6
pkKCRBThe position of chief magical advisor, the highest academic authority among the royal mages, was held by Kohella Deinalt Elvester, a 6-star transformation mage, even before Emperor Gattrel’s ascension to the throne.wLE
obCDThe elderly mage, said to have reached the pinnacle of transformation magic, mastered various forms of sorcery. For this reason, she was the first to examine magical artifacts that were difficult to handle.8ViLOxu
PKw5MWMIn her vast magical study, the largest in the entirety of the sprawling Gremfort Palace, various magical weapons were lined up.9BgSL
NKvRq6jEach one easily exceeded the value of a mansion, and some were beyond the reach even of the wealthiest nobles.BxJF8
2eUEn0KTransformation mages excelled in the creation of magical equipment and weapons.FHbJi
6P6JAmong them, the meticulously crafted weapons of Kohella, a 6-star transformation mage, held astronomical value.OzCYy
wdqEa2In a world where magic was the symbol of power, she stood at the top of the magical hierarchy.noF
dbYx6The elderly mage sat alone in the corner of her study, leafing through the book known as the necromancy tome of Rodentz Island.O7Spd
56yDThough its content was monotonous, the magical energy infused within it was undeniably extraordinary.B3dX1f
ScoIt was not the first time she encountered research books of necromancers scattered across the continent. However, the grimoires circulating near Rodentz Island were of a different quality compared to those written by amateurs.3MI2Qad
qkYMThe name of the creator was recorded as ‘Sinia,’ but it was obvious this was a pseudonym.v8PO
aWV9This creator was someone Kohella had desperately tried to trace, but not a single clue had been found over the years.CDmIbcm
K4hvNNot even Drest, a 6-star search mage, had been able to completely evade Kohella’s tracking.gVAbx
e8ecIt wasn’t simply a matter of hiding well; the degree of concealment was such that it seemed impossible to find that person. At times, she even wondered if they truly existed.ygorx
byT1Even so, over the years, by following the traces of the research books of the necromancer known as Sinia, Kohella was able to partially interpret her intentions.3K1g6
OTZmqqiShe was exerting influence over necromancers scattered across the continent, including Rodentz Island, and what she was researching was the resurrection of corpses.exz
ZGrlON‘If it were only about making a corpse move, that wouldn’t be difficult with the current level of necromancy. But a necromancer of that caliber wouldn’t be studying something so simple.’QlCfA
f5yiWhat Sinia was researching was the power to fully utilize a corpse, making it manifest the same abilities it had in life.vqwR0q
GPkD7RvThat too was possible, to some extent, with the current level of necromancy. However, if the abilities of the corpse surpassed a certain threshold, it could not display its full power with the magical energy of an ordinary necromancer.7OCX
3r9c2mThe necromancer under the pseudonym Sinia was researching a forbidden art that would allow her to revive any corpse at its maximum power, collecting all kinds of research books and practical data.JHtyk
JexThen, who exactly did she plan to revive?gp9HaL
fCTUpon reviewing her research books, they were filled with references to the traces of the great demon ‘Noir,’ who had devastated the north.OV8
lq0tIn that case, it was not hard to draw a conclusion.m9brN
Nc1u‘There was a great mage who died while attempting to subdue the great demon Noir in the north.’xFW6zgb
scY6The 6-star combat mage Kalimford, who was said to be able to summon meteors and reshape the map.xyLd2
e8wAmong the 6-star mages, of whom it was joked that none were mentally sound, he was one of the few considered wise and kind.XWgWynR
3ZcHe had already vanished into the annals of history, resting in his grave.pLhoAQg
BAc‘Does she plan to revive Kalimford?’m3pNq
EdkThe mere existence of a 6-star necromancer was an omen of great disaster, and if she managed to revive a 6-star combat mage to use as a puppet, who knew what kind of calamity would occur.P6Z8xjC
ybFjJX1Kohella inhaled deeply and sank into her thoughts.xGflZz
9jXxE4It was still joked that there was no 6-star mage who was sane.ZmZIO
8WvRegrettably, Kohella herself, the one alluded to, agreed.V2Z
JOTIn the research hall of the chief magical advisor, in Gremfort Palace of the central continent, shadows flickered as the candle on the desk wavered.UdgWf
cVOTlThe elderly mage, absorbed in reading grimoires among splendid artifacts, was Kohella, a 6-star transformation-type mage.4C3tNn2
W7f***ThJ
qEAZlXIn the north, in the Duchy of Rochester, snow fell softly.HRl6
HAZb2WIn an office, resting her chin on one hand and crossing her legs, quietly gazing at the snowy landscape, was Melverot, a 6-star combat mage.ybn
YpO5OOn the eastern plains, a warm wind swept across the land.jwTkI8c
DzTE9The edge of a tattered robe fluttered. Climbing a serene hill, a figure suddenly turned to gaze at the open landscape—Drest, a 6-star search mage.7jXysWT
Hj93YAnd in the southeast of the continent, in the Barony of Tigris, where barley fields and mountain ranges stretched wide.db2
VYLm7XBeneath the bright blue sky, a young girl shaded her eyes from the blinding sunlight with her hand. She was sitting on a large rock.j2WAZM
DdSRMIn one arm she carried a basket full of flowers she had gathered early on the hillside.O0dBr9
pywtVyrWith her other hand, she reached out to block the sunlight, but soon blinked, dazzled by its intensity.yaB
Iud“Leonard must have been captured as well. It was inevitable.”87BntF
n5d2VShe murmured softly as she brushed back her hair.8zaP
eAiThe tips of her hair, flowing in gentle waves, seemed to wrap around her waist.tU3jXq
DvMN1ZIts color was primarily silver-gray, but under the sun it took on a mysterious hue between violet and blue. Her eyes also reflected a blend of blue and purple, a color that would captivate anyone.Bb1
R0CV“That’s enough! You can stop picking flowers and come down! Father has something important to tell you!”gcn
pn3From the foot of the hill, the voice of the Baroness Tigris called her. As a rural noble of little power, the baroness, with her sleeves rolled up, also radiated a strong impression of a working woman.GxoaBn
KHqThe young girl, when called, responded with a gentle smile and lightly descended the path.pWx
qgZ0YNThe azaleas she had gathered in the mountain were fragrant.sd2HXU
61k4RDTheir scent lingered wherever she passed.9MTiBB
fHFrk65***eRl88
0e4aVTo my esteemed teacher Katia,bpyj
uKHimAutumn has now fully arrived. It seems I’ve decided to inform you of my situation once per season, but with such a busy life, even this feels rather frequent.lfI2
NbPEBeing busy is a good thing, so I should feel encouraged. However, if you ask me whether everything is going well, I cannot say that it is.7NA2I5
UhSIt isn’t good to begin a letter with gloomy words, so I will first share the good news.JQTCu3
pI3TThe construction of the Ravenclaw Training Center is finished, and it seems we will soon be able to properly host noble ladies in the mansion.9MtQZS
ferhyThe scale is greater than expected, so we will be quite busy.sl9
f9M4H3Of course, we have hired assistant instructors and renowned professors of magic at great cost, but many come because of my name, so I cannot simply ignore them.A0bt
dqqI have been playing the role of teacher, something that was not in my destiny, for quite some time, and when I realized it, I already had many students and felt that I had strayed quite far from the life path I had planned.dMcetU
9ROyAll I wanted was to become a higher-level mage. Still, teaching others is like teaching myself, so it also helps me in my magical training.FfTEu5
Dug8DBy the time I noticed, Lady Aiselin had already expanded the work, and now we have six proper administrative staff and nine teaching staff.Xar
GIRxFor tea ceremony, continental ancient language, and string instruments, Lady Aiselin seems to have hired outside instructors, as it was difficult for her to teach those subjects herself. For magic, we hired some plebeian-born teachers who seem capable of teaching the fundamentals, so I am relieved.leVNqKg
tRJRThe situation is somewhat overwhelming, but considering the income that is about to arrive, I am also quite satisfied. High-ranking nobles seem to open their purses with ease.uEMfr
f9oMH6After the grand opening ceremony in four days, it seems there will be quite a lot of people here. This period may be considered my last rest.f59Z
H6DyphsThat was the good news, and now I should tell you the bad. Recently, Lady Ellen has been acting very uncomfortably around me.QGnDo
qhrWUtI wondered if perhaps she also liked me, but I did not dare to test it, fearing I would seem like a delusional patient.SCjlT
kLtQpjXShe is a lady of the Belmierd family, who can choose to meet any promising young man from a decent family. She would not be impressed by a mere baron, so I reflected on whether I had been rude.y1Mi
Uu1NSrAfter careful reflection, I realize that during the uproar in the Belmierd mansion, I committed several acts of discourtesy in my own way.95O
ZKzGhrwThe urgency of the situation made me forget to show the respect due to the authority of the Belmierd family, and I thought that from now on I must strictly adhere to hierarchical etiquette.frZc
JiJfxEven if I have formed a master-disciple bond with Lady Ellen, I cannot ignore secular authority… From now on, I must not mistakenly think we are close or informal, but maintain strict hierarchy and respond with formality.Ea35D
NWrThe culture of the nobility is, indeed, something difficult to grasp.TtQsc
3bQUOI must always remain alert and reflect much on myself.cAVhs0
RrSz9And I have personal concerns regarding my magical achievements. In fact, this is the greatest problem.1v4y
gu165I feel I am about to master level 3-star magic, but I have no idea how to take the step toward level 4-star.kTJGT
bUtOf course, my teacher would say that being at level 3 at my age is already an incredible achievement and that I should be humble, but from my perspective, I always want to go higher, and that troubles me.0hAhF
uIPIf you know someone who can teach 4-star magic, could you write me a letter of recommendation?1Sdt36
JfoeO7LThe high-level mages I know personally are not the type to teach others, so it is quite a difficult situation. If you have any contact in mind, I would be grateful if you introduced me.EEom
iVxtGzThis letter has become longer than expected.OUXn
5DfGI am not a talkative person, but when I write to Teacher Katia, my pen never seems to stop.sZOU
IfDNbYnIs everything going well with Count Elvester?KWV
udRoMIf the opportunity arises, I look forward to the day we may meet.Rz30sco
WYqb0From the Baron of Ravenclaw,
Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw.r6Ma
HpziGyp“…”CMkU
yGzFpDereck pondered whether there was anything else to add as he set the pen aside.2t3
v6dCreak.rXaxZ9
tCLHJF“Ah, Dereck. Are you busy?”jGj
pbet6ib“No. I was just writing a personal letter.”nIZpUx
QkpY“A personal letter…? This is the first time I’ve seen you so focused on writing something.”za7eXiA
WHIIvdDereck nodded as a greeting, and Aiselin gestured with her hand to show it didn’t matter.7nneM6
YMlIn any case, Aiselin was redefining her identity as a fallen noble and, in fact, resided in the Ravenclaw Barony.kvO
DX3Considering the value of the work she was doing, the word “reside” was not entirely appropriate.STG
8EbaF“I was writing a letter to my teacher in the eastern continent. When I write to Teacher Katia, the content always ends up longer than expected.”5Do
yL7OcT4“I see. She must be someone very valuable to you.”gw1i3Hz
B6oG“That’s right. I received much help in my days of weakness.”U1KE
Md8Said Dereck as he neatly folded the letter he had already finished.TNVxAUR
L9lJVw0Since his urgent return from the Belmierd mansion, there had truly been many things to attend to, and he was very busy.k4gG
Xx2It was understandable why Aiselin had called him so urgently. Of course, her haste was not only because of the piled-up work in the mansion, but from Dereck’s perspective, it was not something of great importance.Sgpmy3
9Xx4xT“In fact, the list of young ladies who will attend the upcoming opening ceremony has already been finalized. Since you have been busy and haven’t had the chance to review it, I arranged it so you could see it in advance.”CwZ8P
6ZWh“Those kinds of documents could be handled by the administrative staff or the servants…”IKtq
jXB6p“Are they not people I must teach directly? I must start memorizing their names right away! Ahem!”YhWVQC
eDpVSaying that, she rolled up her sleeves again and breathed with force, truly looking energetic.lEb1aC
P3jQWatching her silently, Dereck felt a strange pressure to muster energy as well.XpJubj
O4VZHe accepted the list and began reviewing the names.FhWP
vSJjq“Viscount Rointel, Viscount Sidmer, Count Pluder, Baron Caldeorn, Baron Lodtek, Viscount Bleton…”dsfKFh9
TCQ7“…The list feels a bit imposing, doesn’t it? But they are all kind-hearted people…”7tmYSf
If7W“Do you know them?”G1BjL3
fFBS2“Half are people I’ve seen at social gatherings, and the other half I’ve heard of to some extent. Of course, I don’t know all the young ladies from small and distant families…”k5hJ
dDPIn any case, Dereck also had to memorize those names.VjTMsTE
jkJAs he scanned the list of the various families—xt9c
BKmEN9oA familiar surname caught his attention.AXGq
IoRpM“…!”g79HVP
BprDereck’s eyes widened slightly, and he held his breath.pMVCJ
TlJTwFHe didn’t make a loud noise nor show great surprise. However, it was rare for him to show such a strong reaction.DbB
2ExmcHe was someone who maintained composure even amid the collapse of the Duplain mansion.2Av
EkWLSeeing such a reaction from Dereck was not easy, so even Aiselin was startled, trembling in surprise.6zMXl
JP5“Dereck?”pMIB6Mq
SreC9Aiselin called him, but received no answer.h1332Vp
zxReDereck leaned back in his chair, rested his chin on his palm, and sank into deep thought.YeZIYp
aA0jCCould there truly be something in this world that unsettled this man, who fell behind no one in cold-bloodedness?xed8YN
LQjEven Aiselin, bewildered, had no choice but to wait for Dereck’s reply.OiDAbb
BebHe had to look again at the list Aiselin had brought to make sure he hadn’t imagined it.l6s3K
Co8x— Baron Tigrist5ODlP7
zA2uCThe name of that family on the list was familiar to him.dBx
uftyThe Tigris family was a typical rural border family. Which meant they were insignificant.Dlj04Ib
OQEFThe territory was large, but mostly barren, and what remained were wheat fields. There were no major cities or towns in the baron’s domain, so he was more like a village chief than a feudal lord.FDIC
8eWzZThe head of the family, Leopold Oswin Tigris, was just an old soldier who had risen by luck… a former quartermaster.DH0v2
g0wIt was a family that represented the archetype of the low nobility. Anyone would wonder why such a family would cause surprise.e81
awpHowever, the important part was not the name of the head of the family.vKb
eX5‘Fina Raffaella Tigris, baroness.’vchocT
R8SDereck brushed his fingers across his lips and fell into deep contemplation.NDPa
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