Chapter 124: Characters (5)
ulJ0“The growth of a person happens explosively only when they challenge themselves to overcome a wall beyond their limits. You, who have taught so many people, should know that best, shouldn’t you?”vzx
QA2WTfP“I agree, but isn’t it too much to ask someone who’s barely trying to surpass the four-star level to face a five-star summoner?”JpVOmHn
vSTr“Hahaha. When you were teaching those naïve girls, you made them do tasks beyond their limits, but now that it’s your turn, you seem worried. Isn’t that how one becomes a master who only talks big?”FMcjq4
TBwFina burst into genuine laughter, looking like a mischievous child.ZrvNbVE
EYCThe way she laughed, swinging her bare feet in the air, was so different from when she acted as Dereck’s disciple during the day that it was hard to believe she was the same person.GQPOpQ
Kd9Dereck lowered his gaze with an incredulous expression, but Fina kept smiling.s054
WMjNo matter how you compared them, assigning a physically demanding task and directly facing a five-star mage were not equivalent things.kn6
1Dyd“You have such a strong desire for self-improvement that your threshold for limits is far too high. You’re like a stubborn guy who clenches his teeth and endures trials that would make ordinary mages roll on the ground and cry pathetically. So, this should be considered a challenge to your limits, right?”dS9Q
R0JNVZ“If I make a mistake, I’ll die.”x2TfsF
PhiC“Enjoy that sharp feeling. Death is always closer than you think.”PmRI1Cx
oxyDereck was someone who had wandered the battlefields as a mercenary.o7pQyXS
9csJHowever, he avoided reckless acts that flirted between life and death; that wasn’t bravery, but foolishness.SE4sv
pRGPMany comrades, heads held high, had walked the tightrope of death and ultimately left this world.EPrfY
rbFrThough his work carried a degree of risk, he rarely took the initiative to embrace greater danger.paAqmQU
JtABut the necromancer who dealt with death and vengeful spirits seemed quite displeased with Dereck’s attitude—she pouted her lips and grumbled.P6Z
dii7x“You underestimate my judgment. It may still be too soon for you to defeat a five-star mage, but you will never lose.”tTh
1eY3“What do you mean by that?”0q8CXtf
X8kmKN“You think you know yourself well, but I can see right through you. You define yourself as a talented mage, but your pure magical ability isn’t what matters most.”zCnQ
JSbThe reason Fina had decided to take Dereck as her disciple was partly due to his exceptional magical talent, but there was a much clearer reason.Eym53Q
rbrpGe“You have a fanatical ambition. Those born with that temperament never give up just because something seems impossible. When you seriously talk about reaching seven stars, you’re already a little insane. A lunatic, a madman; most people live as fools and die in vain.”5sCS
MhYOGFina hurled insults at Dereck without hesitation, though there was another meaning hidden within the words of this woman who called herself his master.VDymz2
4JgQ“But it’s really fun. Those who reach the six-star rank are usually exactly those lunatics.”4hX5E
3G1DlX“…”q2prPoH
Mo2“In the end, it’s like spitting while lying down. Aren’t you curious how this magnificent master reached the six-star rank?”8tOjD
akJgulDereck leaned back on the sofa and observed Fina for a moment.HHTjkS
LE9jTu6The first six-star necromancy magic she had learned was the “Mark of Reincarnation.” It wasn’t a level one could reach through mere diligent training.F8umW
IdYSitting across from her, Dereck watched in silence as Fina laughed arrogantly, with a hint of malice, and then he slowly spoke.4Vd9R
Eh9GPFA“In your first life, before reincarnation even began—what kind of life did you lead?”v2Xb
XWGMi“Of course, that’s a secret.”fEoxQt8
Gmn“…”rwZP60
lgM“Trying to pry so easily into a lady’s secrets. You still haven’t mastered social etiquette.”Zg9KS
vGl18Fina laughed heartily and then changed the subject.CbP
gdg“Well, your will doesn’t really matter. I’ve already planted traps that will become the roots of my necromancy within the Beltus family.”z2b9TO
gFv“…”QxYGn
GzR7NgT“If you wait quietly, the bait will come on its own. When the time comes, you’ll only need to crush the head of the cruel and arrogant Duke of Beltus who dared to challenge the Ravenclaw Barony. Quite simple, isn’t it?”oPSfZbk
NtpBd“Why are you doing all this?”LBTk8
KSANVC4From time to time, Dereck asked questions that pierced like a spear.TIa
tcLUTWFina suddenly stopped laughing. She could guess the intent behind his question.0UaUW
KSpG9cf“No matter how much you can escape the cycle of reincarnation, directly involving yourself with one of the highest powers in the southwest of the continent is risky even for you. It’s strange that someone trying to hide her identity would take such a risk.”Mov91Z
a7aeGK“A foolish disciple trying to measure the deep and infinite intentions of his magnificent master. Everything has a purpose.”MzzRP9
zDawU“The matter is too serious to be covered up with vague words.”9B1duu
57jcfx“You’re stubborn, huh?”h4kSddM
cfHFina regained her smile and continued in a relaxed tone.rkuI
vI9S“Yes. It’s not just for the pure purpose of increasing your magical power, Dereck. If you defeat Beltus, there will be benefits for me too. There are things I can gain from that family.”QdJt
vzE0k“What things?”MPn49yZ
FwhR“I already told you, didn’t I? Prying into a lady’s secrets is a tactless act.”IdIB2
YtKnAlthough she had lived for hundreds of years and was closer to a monster than a lady, her appearance was always that of a young girl.9jH6Ba0
mbnx0KAnd since her identity had always been that of a girl, it wasn’t hard to understand her behavior.On797h
XgQ7O“I understand. But I can’t help but ask you one last question.”43uBzG9
BH9AP3VDereck spoke calmly.f2LLv1
2Cz8zQ“When I reach a high level, you said you’d have a favor to ask of me.”bXmCM93
pZ6Ew“…”tEvHBq
UQFR“What is it?”SPTDGPw
4y9bjyrFor the first time, Fina’s eyes narrowed at her disciple’s serious question, and she smiled in satisfaction.qi0vJI
T1W0She rested her chin on her hand, crossed her legs, and smiled seductively.Ls6EIj
1JOyy1gIn her gaze shone traces of a long life and the calm she sought at its end.6b5z
ltG3dWhen she opened her eyes, she saw an ambitious mage who seemed to want to reach even the heavens. His talent was no less than that of a genius.hTs4US
RXkreFinally, with an enigmatic expression, Fina whispered.tnn
hMwN5“You’ll know when the time comes. It may seem sudden to you, but from my perspective, a disciple like you is quite a precious treasure.”oRu75Q
WOOkDereck frowned and nodded, but Fina didn’t seem bothered by his indifferent attitude.XMV8g
5ysy0As was common with six-star mages, she was a person difficult to understand.lg40
wPI***
Creak.muKrv
a0fT0j8Late at night, after finishing his business with Fina.mQvXe
sH1Tp5jWhen the two of them stepped into the hallway from the reception hall, they immediately ran into a familiar face.fHCv9
RS1u2“Oh, oh heavens… Mr. Dereck. And Lady Fina…”kvm
etDn3DIt was Aiselin, who now looked completely recovered, accompanied by the butler, Delbriton.v0Q
5ekThey seemed to be heading toward the room where Dereck was, holding some documents—perhaps to report certain matters regarding the training center.2HE
mYQUWhen Dereck nodded, Aiselin glanced between Fina and Dereck, sweating slightly, and greeted them.uTHwyI
vR8“Good evening, Miss Aiselin. Are you feeling better now?”tnGrlS
9MhxeR“Yes, of course. Mr. Dereck, what brings you and Lady Fina here at this hour…?”o3jsl
Y0iAt Aiselin’s gaze, Fina’s arrogant attitude vanished completely, replaced at once by that of a simple rural lady.oCAIxVX
QrqTThe innocent smile that replaced her mischievous expression was so disarming it was hard to believe she was the same person. That contrast never ceased to amaze.FEzcdJ
pq3“Master Dereck is giving me private magic lessons. As you know, he’s very busy during the day, so I visit him at night.”FdE
2FmTdl“Ah, I see. Uh…”BeLzN
QMcgVXAiselin swallowed hard, as if making a decision, then gathered her courage and spoke again.1nKWfZ
cfaf“Uh… um!”INn
CMYM6“Do you have something to tell me? If it’s about the training center, we should head to the office first…”Kn3F
w2s0Ihj“That’s not it!”K0oMib
7CD0O7Aiselin stammered, as if something was caught in her throat. Behind her, the butler Delbriton, holding the documents, also wore a strangely tense expression.ROLQKQ
WP0AFinally, Aiselin steadied herself and spoke firmly.ELeVlt
lykfIN“I don’t know how you’ll take this… and please… I hope you don’t misunderstand or feel uncomfortable!”ITRZG
sVd0“…?”Xmr
aGs“Lady Fina is also a valuable member of the Tigris Barony… so how might it appear to others if a man and a woman meet alone every night? Besides, Dereck is engaged, isn’t he? If the ladies at the center happen to misunderstand, they might hold it against you…”LNRE66l
1byThough Dereck and his fiancée, Pheline, didn’t look like a romantic couple at all, Aiselin knew the problem was public perception. If a man engaged to someone acted too freely every night, some ladies might see him as a libertine.qJUmw
L85IEven if their relationship was purely academic, the imagination of young women at the age of love could easily run wild.EFzKMs
6ZocJ7That was why Aiselin had gathered the courage to say what she thought. It was rare to see the usually serene and gentle Aiselin show such determination, and Dereck couldn’t help but sweat awkwardly.PXfHZ
IparHowever, Fina’s perspective was different.QbWNKY
Ir6With her sharp perception of others’ thoughts, she noticed that Aiselin’s words didn’t stem solely from concern for Dereck’s reputation.HlU
BBogSn‘Oh… so that’s how it is?’uECmgP5
tgjFina’s eyes gleamed.eMknBJ9
Ee3With her vast experience, she knew that every reincarnation required its own entertainment to drive away boredom.8MrCbI
xbgjFCSeeing Aiselin so nervous, Fina’s eyes sparkled mischievously, as if she had just discovered a new toy.iF9u
zvTgYdHBefore Dereck could respond, Fina took a step forward with a radiant smile.Msj
gxdn“Lady Aiselin, you have quite the vivid imagination!”erfOs23
4hPtZFKAiselin looked at her with a tense expression, but Fina continued smiling sweetly.ORzK
KnvGz0However, her next words were not as gentle as her expression.9dEgc
P5jWiO“Officially, we only have a master-and-disciple relationship, and everything else is the product of imagination, isn’t it? If we let such rumors disturb us and worry too much about appearances, how could we accomplish great things as the future leaders of our lands? We’d only become petty people.”ItpY
NZa“Well, that’s true, but…”LDOyrz9
Ab3F8“And besides, there are some subtle inaccuracies in your comment, Lady Aiselin.”f8jl
riuqFina, who always smiled with the innocence of a country girl, lifted the corners of her lips once again.BOehoYK
OJ7yZEOHowever, that smile was very different from the kind one she usually displayed in public.vLCsUg
rU1EIt was as if a reddish light flickered in her lavender eyes, and Aiselin couldn’t help but tremble slightly in her fingers.BOj
RJECI“Those who despise men of loose morals are only pretending. At least, that’s what I think.”iFl
GYPt“What…?”QEXpJ
6oIc“They say heroes are passionate, and for centuries it’s been common for women to feel some attraction to problematic men with many lovers. Isn’t that right, Master Dereck?”2lyvE
iMuWhat in the world is this woman talking about?z4qMc
oXaGDereck, however, couldn’t find a way to refute her words.JnjDK3
eEV8He didn’t know what kind of romantic fantasies noble girls had, but he, who had read several romance novels—including The Arrogant Lord Robain—knew well enough.Ev4
rigAAThe protagonists of those stories—broad-shouldered, charming men—were often the type who boasted and had multiple affairs, which often left him puzzled.DT79Y
xR8zNo matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t understand such tastes; he himself was a serious and diligent man, so it was only natural he didn’t empathize with that kind of behavior.zN2Bs
KR6IgyJ“Of course, I’m not that different myself.”MNg
KENREWith a subtly provocative smile, Fina locked eyes with Aiselin.23geg
sQNwXEIThere was meaning in that gaze—one that required reflection to understand.fjmXVaf
sVwSeeing Aiselin sweating profusely, Fina almost burst out laughing, but she managed to restrain herself and kept her expression composed.TXM
xXdoKfSmiling sweetly, she looked at Dereck.F2m
T2APA“Well, see you next time, Master. Preferably, like today… in the deep and ambitious night.”bsXJckt
He8SExEWith that, Fina rested her chin on one hand, made a slight bow, and disappeared down the dark hallway between Delbritton and Aiselin.kz5r8
6rk0sAAiselin stood stunned as she watched her go. Her lips trembled, completely pale.G08xL
EKmo“Miss Aiselin?”xQLI
14gS6V“Y-Yes… It’s quite late. Perhaps it was rude of me to come discuss work matters at this hour… I—I don’t know.”hcFoHf
0OIzDm4“No, it’s fine. It’s nothing that takes much effort, so we can finish it quickly…”5CED
R86Yp“N-No. It’s already late, so please, get some rest.”TOd
y9Qfjw0Aiselin, completely flustered, was sweating as she stepped back. She didn’t seem able to organize her thoughts.ESnm7N
lDFejvnThus, she too quickly disappeared into the darkness of the hallway. Unlike Fina’s calm steps, Aiselin’s were clumsy and unsteady.l6LR
OZb5“…”zQ1LMX
7pjKOnly silence remained in the corridor.tcRB
J14RhDelbriton and Dereck, with the documents still in hand, continued in that awkward silence.sCk
nSFl“…”ECYI
RwkZp“…”9HomaVZ
MVfIq“Do you have something to say, Delbritton?”whvQUMm
UqSoz“…Yes.”V1Aa
IPyR1Z1Delbriton’s golden monocle glinted under the moonlight.615MG5
joAHe had been an exemplary butler since his days at the Rochester mansion and continued to fulfill his duties with the same precision at the Ravenclaw estate.qYaoB
QlUThat was why, even in such a situation, he could choose his words calmly.Xc7lC1x
ZGvp“Baron, as the chief servant of this house, I always act with conviction. I have no intention of opposing your decisions or policies; my duty is to carry out my responsibilities with the utmost diligence.”fZ9Sbb0
UeJ“…”dZJHp
5NbXQa“However, there is something I must say now. For the sake of the baron’s future and the stability of this house, I must speak. I beg you to listen to my words seriously.”ZlCQ6
fROEajuIt was inevitable that women would be attracted to a man with a title.gANzes
vOJSMMhDelbriton knew better than anyone that it was common for nobles to get involved in various scandals.Y3g
5E2Therefore, he knew exactly what he had to say at that moment, with conviction.y46X
WOcEdi“…You must use contraceptives.”xFMjd
wSFb“…”4KmrN
0kXHVGTDereck thought.wL6kfn
wr5AmkEven in such a situation, the man could speak with complete honesty for the sake of his lord. Without a doubt, he was reliable and sincere.giGxTWr
gLV…Even so, Dereck had to bring a hand to his temples, as his head was beginning to ache.HPoXD3D
ICs***
After visiting Aiselin, Denise walked down the corridor of the main Beltus mansion with a visibly tense expression.phO
g0XWWlShe had inspected the situation in the Ravenclaw Barony according to the Grand Duke Beltus’s orders and had found countless flaws in the management of the property.C3M
yf81If she were to craft strategies to pressure Baron Ravenclaw based on that information, there would be countless diverse and malicious ways to do so.cjibH
41C13ANo matter how capable Dereck was, his power as a noble was still relatively weak.oHZNdo
4cRoMeIf the Grand Duke Beltus decided to crush him, he would suffer to a degree that would almost inspire pity.Z2LRIbz
QOx“The Grand Duke is looking for you, Lady Denise.”TMl
c9zHer personal maid, Bella, approached with a worried expression. Denise nodded slightly, adjusted her dress, and walked toward the reception hall.ZNw
QQQ— If necessary, you can strike me from behind.R3s
hkkhrThe garden of the baron’s mansion.TUGH
8qe0DaThe image of the man who had spoken those words with an empty expression had remained lodged in her heart like a thorn.e7PRgz
V5CfLENThe Beltus family had ordered her to betray that man and serve the family’s interests.lbYlZ
dnY18And the man himself had said it was fine to betray him.3zIw
mIZWith that, nothing remained to hold her back.UX1
ItN“…”WQmnQL
eayjDenise hardened her heart and climbed the stairs toward the central hall.GXMgz
rScYwIThere was an unusual fierceness in those eyes that normally seemed calm and carefree.eYw
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