Chapter 112: The Beginning (3)
tt3g4jG“Stay close to Baron Ravenclaw. Since he was your instructor in the past, it will not seem strange.”7Zf1Xs
0b7PpThe Grand Duke Beltus saw people as pieces on a chessboard.IcbW
kNTGWhat he loved most was the prestige of the Beltus family he had built, and each member was nothing more than a piece in the great puzzle.0SyqmX
cw35That cold and calculating nature was also reflected in his sons and daughters, who shared his blood, and from time to time he directed a chilling gaze at Denise, as if evaluating her usefulness.BdHE
pIYus7Denise might have had certain dissatisfactions with that, but she never rebelled strongly.otUdQCf
iVJvJ5Rather, she found it convenient to demonstrate her worth efficiently and then laze around without too much complication.V3EbS
4Cfz0D‘Even so…’oEOhf
hNtlPDenise did not care in the slightest what kind of plan the Grand Duke Beltus was drawing up using her connection with Baron Ravenclaw.PAbY5j
KThpaShe only came to present herself at Ravenclaw Mansion as usual, following her family’s will.vaCMVY
AcQDX1However, the atmosphere at Ravenclaw Mansion, which she was visiting after a long time, was completely different from before.DhQaf
piW33Though it was understandable that Aiselin had spearheaded several construction projects, what truly made Denise’s face turn serious was the change in Ellen.ejD8
bDhymx2“It’s about time she stopped staying in Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion. Lady Aiselin is a member of the Duplain family, and given the precarious state of her family’s prestige, is it appropriate for Lady Aiselin, who should be the central pillar, to remain away from the main house?”tlEZ
J36TWhen they first met in Ebelstein’s social circle, they often clashed harshly, but after multiple conflicts and crises, they had grown rather close.2PMIM
9LFYSENevertheless, the relationship between Ellen and Aiselin, who were meeting again after a long time, was deteriorating once more.x9pK
V7zcBSince Denise always had to stay informed about social circle trends, of course she wished to understand the cause of the change between them.VguWK
xzzoZGpHowever, the reason was completely different from what Denise expected.n9c
UGw“T-t-t… That… D-Diella is managing everything well… A-a-and I am supporting the family in my own way…”aS9A
rOO0Seeing Aiselin avert her gaze and stutter was something completely new.lOWXgM
J7LBiDenise was someone unrivaled in perceptiveness.NFKfL
kWDIt did not take her long to understand why those two people, who had been so harmonious until then, were now creating such a tense atmosphere if she paid attention to their conversation.f8VHZ
M5QccZ‘Could it be that… even Lady Ellen…?’ehBVUm
tV7Denise had known for a long time that Aiselin harbored certain personal feelings toward Dereck.bDa
ihu0ONo matter how much she was the flower and pillar of the Duplain family, she was still a young woman of that age, and it was natural for her heart to waver amid so many turbulences.Z2aP
3S7CenGShe had considered it a passing whim, a light storm, and simply let it be.4i1k
Sl8However, at this point, things were starting to get serious.BdZ7K
cBa0rlTEllen, as if bewitched by something, was also defending Dereck — she looked like the heroine of a third-rate romance novel, which made Denise feel dizzy.7rXl
y8naThe romance novels Denise used to read passionately in her spare time at least showed their emotions brazenly, but Ellen was hiding her feelings in her own way, which made it feel even more realistic.0shoJZ
O7RSDenise’s brain, simplified into the schemes of a cheap romance novel, now drew a triangle between Aiselin, Ellen, and Dereck.7Q9
0aUcHHY‘I don’t know if I should think this, but… the structure is interesting…!’8DsGa
7ftqowfUnable to suppress her instincts as a novelist, Denise felt a strange excitement welling up inside her.jK3wMXu
bVGT0hIn any case, Dereck was a man with no interest whatsoever in women and truly obsessed with achieving magical success.ppj
b6ticRqThe facility he had built to teach noble ladies was probably just a means to perfect his magical skills and secure funds to maintain family prestige.Uaz
WmLGSeeing two noble ladies from the most powerful families in the southwest of the continent fighting over such a serious and stoic man gave Denise certainty that incidents and accidents would not stop occurring.CdJPxJ
oHEJust imagining it brought her endless inspiration, to the point where she could not predict the impact it would have on her unfinished work, The Arrogant Lord Robain.E8RS
KBDY0ZpOf course, those involved were on the verge of collapse from the tension, but what did that matter to Denise? It was “someone else’s problem.”bDj
LaXzThinking so, Denise’s eyes shone even brighter.oibW2t
Ue9XX‘Yes. As long as I strictly remain in the role of observer, what could possibly go wrong?’h0Wm
GlK892With that thought, Denise leaned back and watched the two with a satisfied expression.OeRqzjA
JpcVDAll sorts of ideas were already sprouting in her mind.MiT
BYsOf course, she could not let herself get completely absorbed in those fantasies either.MgLT
QF1n7t‘Father seems to believe that behind Baron Ravenclaw’s actions lies a great purpose…’kRsHlHn
1NO8Leaving behind Aiselin and Ellen, who were still locked in a battle of nerves, Denise put down her teacup and sank back into her thoughts.828TrCZ
QD641KThe Grand Duke Beltus was extremely cautious about the emergence of new forces or unexpected figures who might gain influence in the nobility.8YaNMJ
MoMkHHis vigilant attitude toward Dereck, whose influence had grown rapidly in recent times, was probably due to his exclusive nature.l22zas
F31Denise knew well that Dereck had little interest in worldly power, but people can change at any moment.DBk8qd
vIlxEWhen the place you stand in changes, so does your perspective.g2Q
8VjF85yIn any case, she felt she had to observe the situation in the Ravenclaw Barony carefully, so she had no choice but to rise from her seat.rVX1bw2
PDmqL“It’s quite late already. I will go check the training grounds and greet the other ladies.”Ra5js8Y
XDPR16M***0Qnd88k
JTv7zs0Death walks.WvaEc
EdyKO2ZThe steps of the six-star necromancer Fina were steeped in the resentments of countless spirits.uqf0Rd
H63VbThe legendary necromancer who broke taboos and dealt with corpses and vengeful spirits could create an army of the dead with a single gesture and snatch away the life of a defenseless person with just a snap of her fingers.mlLUnwO
ErwDqZThere was no one on the continent who knew more of necromancy than she did, and even death itself feared her and hid away.Xbl
7TM2mThe incarnation of death arrived unhurriedly.Ggkcgd
sRISyTTap, tap.nUc4fHt
n5ajtfShe descended the steps of Baron Tigris’ carriage one by one and silently observed the entrance of Ravenclaw Barony, which, though not grand, had everything necessary.Om8kluI
clz6S0jHer silver hair, streaked with purple-tinted highlights, seemed to testify to the aura of death surrounding her.KM5s
wSXKHowever, in appearance, she was just a simple, bold daughter of a rural baron.PZ8
hpA91UjShe looked like a beautiful country maiden who had grown up running through meadows and hills, surrounded by affection.eF5gYZ
5Fzrz“This is Ravenclaw Barony. Many high-ranking noble ladies have come, so, miss, please maintain proper conduct.”a4Z
0ZfAHhFina smiled, slightly lifting the corners of her lips.ZPN18
mk2The coachman and servant looked tense, but she walked calmly, her eyes softly closed.Sn5z
vGQBehHer demure bearing, with her hands clasped in front, did not seem out of place among the highest-ranking nobles.lVR9zM
4ARThird-rate nobles who only relied on family prestige lacked elegance in their behavior.7pPKq
QCR7gBy contrast, even someone from a humble barony on the outskirts could radiate an aura that imposed distance.iVO7
lTggGeFina was the perfect example of that.yOVNT
m0gbQHer half-closed eyes shone with an indescribable, ancient aura.3yV7
ziOy3Despite her youth and not yet having debuted in society, she already possessed an atmosphere that made even the lower-ranking nobles of Ebelstein’s social circle hesitate to speak to her.EcBzs
4b9GnHShe smiled gently and addressed the guard at the entrance of Ravenclaw Barony in a calm voice.d09
ugv“I come from Baron Tigris’ household. My name is Fina Raffaella Tigris.”SwJbq
1AVThe gatekeeper listened to her words, asked for a moment, and checked the list of visitors.Zmnio
hvSUpon confirming that her name was registered, he turned his gaze back to Fina. For an instant, the guard holding the spear held his breath.4TK6D
OBgeCompared to the guard, who was already an older man, Fina looked less than half his age.UZLVSCu
EjbH3SShe barely reached his chest in height, and her slight figure forced him to lean down to meet her eyes.rjQ45vk
3PGYet, her lavender-colored eyes held a captivating power.uBci9x
ft6kKsIt seemed as though just by looking into them, one could lose their soul.TsVIapt
h8AqCGZThe guard, lacking magical knowledge, did not perceive this strange aura and simply nodded silently.kgP4E
AItFina had done nothing.Y6TS
9IDkFHowever, her charming eyes, a natural gift, had the peculiar ability to capture people’s hearts.nKmi
XjBjrEven those who saw her for the first time were captivated and nodded to unexpected requests.rXR0a8B
Ofc5eU8At first, it was only a superficial acknowledgment of her beauty, but over time, over months or years, they slowly fell into her nets until they would even be willing to give up their lives.fDL
zdMThere was only one way to resist it: to know in advance the ability of her charming eyes and stay on guard, or to be truly immune to that kind of magic.CvK
sbr9UxNaturally, most people without magical training could not resist at all.mTpQcEK
OQW“Go ahead… please…”6lMJw
nY3bEToThus, the gatekeeper, in a strangely dazed state, nodded without even completing the usual inspection procedure.ebsdGO
lf8iyFina gave a graceful bow with an elegant smile and passed through the main entrance of Ravenclaw Barony.0Zr
X5hi‘The facilities are rustic, but considering the time, they are better than expected.’y5MpT
1XQAs she crossed the garden, Fina was internally analyzing the place.T3ggI
TwkerX‘However, it is still just an educational facility for those who have barely awakened to magic.’T8KKxL
390SShe felt a strange emptiness as she guided her attendants with her gaze, keeping her eyes half-closed.IlpW0u7
ho9G5xDHiding her identity and reincarnating as the only daughter of Tigris Barony had been a wise decision.ox5vi7
6SKzvA small rural barony, where no one paid attention, was the perfect environment to research necromancy or write books in peace.EHi1
yV42kuFHowever, no matter how much she wanted, a noble was still a noble, and she could not completely sever ties with social activities.GHTumOO
VwB8In the end, unable to withstand Baron Tigris’ pressure, she had entered the Ravenclaw training center.M34gKHP
ZsKxgDBut there was no reason to stay long in an institution full of third-rate magicians.otvgE
xo7AShe didn’t know how the educational process would unfold, but all she thought about was finishing it as quickly as possible and leaving.Ohr
qDcKx9Wasting time in a barony surrounded by vineyards was not appealing. There was a desire she had to fulfill.jkWox
Lw0That Ravenclaw Barony was far too small a vessel to contain a six-star necromancer. No one could deny it.Ien
iT9NDHThat was why Fina calmly headed toward the main building of the Barony, slightly lifting the hem of her dress adorned with white and lavender lace.gjqZir
4GWqHuShe thought she should meet the owner of that mansion in person and see what kind of man he was.dtudq6M
TL7“…”bO2Fs
I00Thus, Fina led her servants toward the office of Baron Ravenclaw.HFn6t
9SaumThere, just as it was said, was a stern-looking man working with a quill.wGlWq
x42yShe thought that, given the number of distinguished nobles present, he would not be able to see her, but to her surprise, he granted her an audience without hesitation.ZsXfQXt
MCHwsYFina lifted her dress and greeted the man behind the desk.jiIJQC
Rdlq“Thank you for granting me the opportunity to meet you. I am Fina Raffaella Tigris, of Tigris Barony. It is an honor to meet Lord Dereck, proprietor of the Ravenclaw Training Center.”yjJ81W
NjxpL“So you are the young lady of Tigris Barony.”UXaI
dhsp5oDereck Lydorf Ravenclaw.wdVlJ
7bWtl1YAs young baron and owner of that mansion, he rose from his seat, and the attendants who had come with Fina from Tigris Barony bowed their heads.eQ2O
hfecI3The age difference did not seem large, but after all, that man held the same rank as Fina’s father, Baron Tigris.IwtTOn
YzURAlFor someone from the outskirts to have attained such authority at such a young age, he must possess extraordinary abilities.skjr7Jw
WQqEVMOf course, from the perspective of a girl who had reached the highest magical level possible for a human—six stars—it all seemed almost cute.uVBmG
EVnDQIt was simply an act to integrate naturally into the world and conceal the dagger she carried in her heart.Of5pLMn
fgsjLIn short, Fina’s greeting, with closed eyes and a measured bow, was full of composure.E268a
J1kHlMeDereck, observing her, briefly touched his head and spoke with his hands clasped behind his back.aqQqo
wN7RNUB“I know Tigris Barony well. Its agricultural efficiency is so great that a tenth of the grain in the southeast comes from that small territory, and I understand that the quality of the equipment produced with iron from the northern Lafran mountains is also excellent.”m410
q7V“I am honored that you remember our humble border territory. My father works very hard on internal affairs, and the inhabitants, inspired by his dedication, live each day diligently. It is something I am grateful for.”CC7
uFX6Fina’s voice, calm and composed, still carried a hint of youth.jWZNhN
KMZ4JHowever, this girl was a monster who had reincarnated for hundreds of years. It was dangerous to lower one’s guard in front of her just because of her innocent appearance.NWK
Jpyz8That was why Dereck closed his eyes and sank into thought for a moment.sEs
MC0Strength? Magic? Those things would not work against that monster who had reached the six-star level.BTedcPg
AB68syThe moment she realized her identity had been discovered, there was no way to predict what sudden action she might take.SpZbA7q
TXpNYTherefore, what was needed here was a fearless and resolute nature.gyuk
lnS4KbDereck cleared his throat, stepped forward with determination, and spoke.eBW4dE
eD5Dux“Now that I think about it, the young lady of Tigris Barony seems to lack manners.”6RCkd1
S903Jo“…Excuse me?”6Rghv7m
UTDG“Even if it is nobles of high rank, how can someone from a border barony arrive so punctually?”T6WPrZO
Rt7rWhatever anyone said, Dereck held greater social authority.zh6
iFbAs already mentioned, he was not much older than Fina, but his rank was equivalent to her father’s.MlcwZ
M1szmY“When the training schedule truly begins, will I not become Lady Fina’s instructor?”IkGO1T
Vk5Xmnm“Yes. T-that is correct.”xNJNY
hwhF“Since that will be the case, I cannot help but raise my voice. Punctuality is important. If you were coming from such a faraway place, you should have departed at least half a day earlier—no, a full day earlier—to be prepared for any unexpected event.”8JZk0
ZhdqfwFina, momentarily bewildered by Dereck’s sudden scolding, began to sweat and replied.I00uZBh
6LC6Tt“B-but… fortunately, I arrived on time.”GQVmFi
KDmwr1p“Ah. It does not matter that you were not late. As you yourself said, it was only luck that you did not arrive late, was it not? What if the wheel of the carriage had gotten stuck in the mud? What if you had encountered bandits?”GFyVuP
up1“…Those things…”IC3QDkb
Nsbj“Could you be absolutely certain they would not occur? No one can. That is why you must acquire the habit of preparing and anticipating. Sigh…”gOyEHS6
7uUDereck, now fully immersed in his lecture, rubbed his temples and continued.UVnMTAv
a3saVP“I hate to say this, but… in my days… I did not even dare to talk back to my instructor for fear of neglecting his teachings.”F3mIhRC
LH0L“If… if it seemed like I talked back… I-I apologize.”qwCEr
aM8js“Apologizing is not everything. Will an apology resolve your stay in the training center?”mcL
NkG6f“Eh? No. T-that’s not what I meant… Then, what should I…?”004h
OlYDereck crossed his arms and lowered his voice with a grim expression.8PZ1
RVPHLx“What should you do? You must think for yourself. How can you depend on another’s opinion? A great magician is someone who reflects on their own.”LgAjD
SOoTQ“T-that is true…”lMNue
4Vv3Wr“Exactly. Do you carry magical tools or books with you?”2W7
DeFmMq5“Of course! I always carry them so I can devote myself to magic at any moment. I am very meticulous with my preparations.”9x5k7O
y0E“Well… don’t rely on them too much…”v9Qs
pcuau“What?”arj
nkaqLAWhen Fina replied in confusion, Dereck’s face adopted an even sterner expression, and he began to speak in a sharp tone.fYI6Rsk
Ytu“A person’s mentality is influenced by their body and spirit. If you always seek comfort and follow the answers others have prepared… how will you strengthen your will? That will not do. Magical books? Magical tools? Relying too much on them is the reason why today’s magicians only seek the easy path. It is truly the end of times.”aHE
MUzF“…”NOuB
PTga“In my days, Lady Tigris, we memorized incantations without such things and used our bodies as a channel for magic. It may seem harsh now, but it was thanks to those hardships that my magical understanding and intuition deepened. They say you should even pay for hardships, if necessary.”k6qk
BtUTaQpDereck’s strategy was hard to put into words…jNchtk
mPbC4Even a six-star mage could not easily decipher how to respond to him…cJzpi
b0un3“I don’t mind… but I say this because I worry that somewhere you may be called an uneducated magician, and that you might hear unpleasant things, Lady Fina. I am fine. Truly, I don’t mind.”Ann5k2t
9qcy5NR“Oh, if that is the case…”iGw
aFtg“But…! If somewhere you are criticized…! That cannot happen, can it?! So don’t take it lightly, take it seriously… All of this is experience… Listen to it with passion. Anywhere else you would have to pay to hear this. But since you have passion, and because there is nothing passion cannot achieve, I tell you this kindly.”USxvO
sSNPL3g“I-I did pay…”1OUp
Fc9J“Oh… talking back again…!”XPZ5
kB7V***ja0A
6qebTRavenclaw Training Center, Day 1.7kDBjVA
o968Fina thought with her mind growing increasingly clouded.dlRrSg
EJBbck8‘This is not right…’Uya
fIJLRHvIt wasn’t even a confusion spell, yet it felt as though her mind was being devoured.d1E1T2
BMgi0vAnd yet, this was only the beginning.BvZ78y
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