Chapter 144: How the Sun Rises (4)
2mgYZ“Thank you for your hard work, Your Excellency.”f5htJ
h17k0kClank, clank.ZtSZ
KWQRodelia, who had taken off the silver armor larger than her own body, was drenched in sweat.UW0d1a0
KfbwZeHer physical prime had long passed, and the marks of time were visible on her face, but she did not seem to care.Sp1aM
UuuvgfThis noble, born with the instincts of a warrior, had been fighting for her life on that terrible battlefield, and yet she showed almost no fatigue.Wj4jYU
xOM3EAfter receiving help from the maids and finishing her bath, she sat in a comfortable chair, her body much more at ease, and fell into deep reflection.gyMC7D
4pr‘It seems there is nothing more I can do regarding the Beltus matter. All that’s left is to trust that the young lady and the firstborn handle it well on their own.’Vhke
mSpThe fact that Duke Beltus had fled was concerning, but for now her priority was to report everything to Emperor Guttrel.PsRvFgY
U0jSShe needed to report the events that occurred in the Beltus mansion and the birth of a new 4-star mage.hHJP
rPdDereck Lydorf Ravenclaw, baron.3I6gpm
0GDGGmRemembering the man who had collapsed at the scene, covered in blood, Countess Rodelia clenched and released her blistered hands several times.gd7jcm
8KRc7Y‘Truly, I want that man under my command.’OoMwiX
B7i3dfYHowever.Jqh
IjDW92No matter how she reviewed it in her mind, Dereck was not someone who would easily swear loyalty under others.jGwq1Ex
LQG4KoHe was only under the protection of Lord Melverot, the ruler of the north, because the latter could guarantee his safety.wUSYpjD
sfrFBut considering his willingness to risk his life fighting necromancers, and the fact that he had reached the level of a 4-star mage at such a young age, he was not someone she wanted to “give up” to another noble house.2I6
T8oAbove all, she had known of his existence before the other high-ranking nobles.glsLX
QtQ0b0If this had happened in the central area of the continent, Kohella would have already learned of it immediately, and Emperor Guttrel seemed to have heard rumors even before Rodelia sent her report.pWhv
2HSRumors about Baron Dereck were already spreading, and once the official report was completed, his name would be on the lips of all the high nobles.Lm3
P2ITo secure talent, one must act when it is at its lowest point.mn1YYse
kRFuVFrom that perspective, having had contact with Dereck before the others was an enormous advantage.mdp7qq4
JS3cBut he was not someone easy to influence.Txfg
KUr10bIf he were someone who could be persuaded simply with good treatment, there would be no reason for concern.Ge9Xm0
HKJG‘…Even so, it seems there is a way.’YcGZJGX
sqhFPArThe advantage of having met him first was this—that she knew something about Baron Dereck’s private life.i8j2pXw
IX6wPv7During the recent subjugation in Beltus, Rodelia had heard and seen several things about Dereck, but what shocked her most was the presence of Baroness Pheline.x2xjn9Q
CSmDThe baroness, who had originally been a common mercenary—surprisingly, she did not seem particularly close to Dereck.e4FNTl
9NMOf course, they had shared many years of battle, and between them existed a beautiful camaraderie, but that was different from romantic affection.s3J
b5UR32Rodelia, well-versed in aristocratic culture, understood in an instant.BfpYZ
fT0PpThe presence of Baroness Pheline was merely nominal, an arrangement to stabilize the family image and receive the title—but Dereck did not yet have a suitable partner.7T6h5
WyOwcADAt that moment, Rodelia felt as if lightning struck her head.aC2
pVquAA man who apparently had a partner.Ilaq
eP5But in truth, he was only focused on magic.b3XZ
gJcDGhrAnd most importantly—she was the only one among the high nobles who knew this fact.0BJ
SBL5QnNIn short, if she could link him with her daughter, she could draw him into her sphere of influence.ZH0F
0EpVYGBPerhaps it was divine help.IUXJ
duS25alAs it happened, she had a daughter who, although full of defects, was at least pretty.zDJR5x
ldvnTrisha Lemina Renuel, the countess’s daughter, was somewhat vain and had a bad temper, but if they managed to keep her mouth shut, her appearance was acceptable.cMO
Pd5lOf course, compared to the dazzling noble young ladies Dereck accepted as disciples, Trisha fell short—but romantic relationships were often resolved if pushed forcefully enough.ZkiQSow
3zW‘Trisha, who had always been a headache since she was little—perhaps this time she will serve some purpose in the family.’nVya
rxs9PrHeaven had not given her dignity or character, but that could be fixed through harsh discipline—Rodelia knew how to educate with blows of reality.Rnv
wqgVcIn the social circles of Ebelstein, Trisha strutted with arrogance, but in the countess’s mansion she trembled like a small animal with just one sideways glance from Rodelia.kKIGUCu
xciIkConsidering the strict education she had received since childhood, it was natural that she feared her so much. Rodelia was more tenacious than most men.8hN
juLFKWith a satisfied smile, she ordered a servant to summon Trisha.SKQBj
F603GDB***nV1s
Jpl3“I recently heard that he has been staying at Duke Duplain’s residence. It seems he is investigating the family matters for his disciple, Lady Diella, or for his associate, Lady Aiselin.”3E2F
Jwqw“I see…”TyR
JRjlSnow was softly falling over Count Renouel’s residence.pWQY
Nzg74pEOn the wide table there was a variety of refreshments, but neither Rodelia, who detested sweet things, nor Trisha, who was extremely tense, reached out to take any.L7tqCd
eW5Z6qCountess Rodelia looked at her only daughter, Trisha, and interlaced her hands as she spoke solemnly.kLBTLg
98v8Gto“It seems you have connections in the social circle of Ebelstein, especially in the Rose Hall. Trisha, I believe you should put a bit more effort into deepening your relationship with Baron Dereck.”6VYx
4CQ“I-if… if Mother orders it, I… I will do it… b-but… I must think about how to do it specifically…”duc4v
g7QOH“Isn’t it obvious? There are quite a few ladies associated with the Rose Hall. Especially lately, they have been collaborating a lot with the Duplain side—you should approach those people and look for an opportunity.”SpmO9
IDakw4G“T-Those people… you mean…?”IAUr
oa0With an expression that suggested the question was unnecessary, Rodelia answered naturally.Un601S
h1O4a0“Well, as the eldest daughter, Lady Aiselin…”7PMMpDZ
1oOj3jb“…”jqDNtC9
ogicIn Trisha’s case, she had the precedent of having spilled tea over Aiselin’s head.IySr
OZ6And she had also laughed arrogantly as if it were amusing.3SA3
meyPK1hTrisha’s face turned pale.rSqnm1A
ZzIaw“If that is too difficult, I heard that the younger daughter of the Duplain family, Lady Diella, is also affiliated with the Rose Hall…”Cai8Nw5
0qUIn Trisha’s case, she also had the precedent of having received a slap from Diella.6lrxjjg
Bc9dA8Rodelia, who paid no attention to trivial skirmishes among the young women of society, did not know that Trisha’s relationship with the Duplain sisters was already broken beyond repair.f2GMZMU
SLf4yWhy had it reached that point?Xd9
pQtBecause she believed nothing would happen.Tt5u
A5uQtBecause it seemed obvious that Duplain would crumble and collapse, while the Renouel family—rising like foam thanks to Rodelia’s merits—would prosper eternally.ro9PPps
EwoIxIt was more than shortsightedness—it was reckless arrogance dominated by vanity—but now, regretting it was meaningless.odP8iB
EY2m9sEAnd although Trisha’s original assumption was not wrong.18DLq5
ZHnWThe variable called Dereck had already developed to a level capable of changing the power structure of the southwest of the continent.neoXBr
X1iIn fact, the only difference between Duplain and Trisha was whether they had a connection with Dereck—unfortunately, in noble circles, those seemingly trivial differences determined the outcomes.di7b1tr
WAv2It was truly exasperating.1bOkn
DtOn***1I0io
Vzzn“Ah, hello, Lady Diella.”tSOWS
lF8pwzuAs a result, at the Rose Hall meeting two weeks later, Trisha ended up approaching Diella first.ofNVs
UPtBAn unthinkable situation—Trisha, daughter of Countess Renouel, whose prestige was rising, speaking first to Diella, the youngest daughter of the Duplain family, with whom she had an awful relationship.5io
uJy1That someone—and worse yet, Trisha—would voluntarily approach Diella, who was known to pounce like a wild animal at the slightest improper comment, was like watching someone crawl willingly into a lion’s den.W0YDfu
Ct9iOlPure madness. Diella was the kind of person who could slap someone without hesitation if something displeased her.l4jmwv
jg1Among the young noblewomen there already existed such an intimidating aura around Diella that they hesitated even to speak to her. It was hard to believe that girl belonged to a fallen family.gRWCZ
LgPp“…”vmPqlC
jjOA789Diella, who was flipping through a rather advanced philosophy book, lifted her gaze and silently observed Trisha.xM3
zjpPHer look clearly asked, What is she scheming this time?GSHbOz
c2BJust meeting her eyes made Trisha feel as if a lion had roared, and her body shivered involuntarily.AjCF
ldKi“Get lost.”Nu6r
mwn5Saying that, Diella lowered her gaze back to the book.HbcNES5
tAiaIt was an open declaration of war.fLyI8ix
5o0iTrisha’s temple throbbed, but she forced herself to suppress her anger.o7Uc
ZJ4KBy now, Diella had completely figured out Trisha’s intentions.4EvK
eCzhCvuThe fact that the arrogant Trisha would approach with such a docile attitude could only mean one thing—she wanted to get close to the family of Baron Ravenclaw, just like so many others.AE7C
0FXTJzWUnfortunately, this social trend forming around her irritated Diella deeply.bEmNiJ
LwlwBeing treated as a guardian that protects Dereck was humiliating!cNr1EfZ
9k3RwFTo approach Baron Ravenclaw, they first had to be acknowledged by one of his four direct disciples—that detestable tacit system!peTGth
64T2kbVAnd to make matters worse, Dereck wasn’t paying her any attention lately.2t9xiY
ALCEnIEven though he was staying in the Duplain manor, he spent all day talking business with Aiselin, ignoring her completely.OfA
PrWD8PEverything was frustrating—this way and that.KSe
v2kAnd on top of that, Trisha—one of her sworn enemies—approaching to win her favor was unbearable for this girl with the instincts of a wild beast.z8NyU0
RQE8NTrisha was sweating cold.fxv2
w7xNoTHow am I supposed to get through this wall and approach Baron Ravenclaw?H2J7v
brs5Last time she tried to act on her own she failed miserably, so now the pressure was even worse.Ny6FqU2
f0QUeYAnd to make it worse, the terrifying Countess Rodelia was pushing her from behind, demanding that she establish contact with the Duplains urgently.jGA
lTnfYTrisha was cornered.NBEnbZ
OR7g“It’s not that, it’s just that this time the Duplain family is working on something… if there were anything the Renouel family could assist with…”rH6lq
Kcw0Kh“We don’t need anything. Get lost.”q9QEt2D
2CMCreak.JrJoXh
eL5MoqXDiella pushed her chair back and stood up, glaring fiercely at Trisha.aFnvYv
qhEThe sight was that of a beast baring its fangs. Really, who in this world could put a leash on that girl?zUXqg
h2Ym3PXUnder the astonished gazes of the other young ladies, Diella left the hall with firm steps.5LeHg
zWsIt was as if a growling beast’s form appeared behind her, making anyone wonder who in this world would be capable of putting a collar on that girl.JccP0r
t5Y1mReceiving the stares of the gathered young noblewomen, she advanced with firm steps down the corridor, looking completely out of the ordinary.k0cmAgt
2n9G‘Feeling this up and down…?! It hurts my pride too?!’bw0nE
A8vSMhuDiella was a girl of strong temperament.zv2
6Bs8After returning to the main building of the Duplain manor after a long time, she walked quickly, furious.RfRk1U
GwNArt9In truth, she had been feeling affection toward Dereck for quite a while, and she knew very well how humiliating it was to sulk and behave annoyingly just because he wasn’t paying attention to her.OAqizYJ
NjW9As a noble with dignity, she thought she should treat him with haughtiness.yCh
k1fBut it was natural that a girl her age couldn’t always act according to her intentions.ggxGe1
lZsXMAs a result, she began to feel not only resentful but genuinely hurt.vTD9
QXz0M7Diella was also a young noblewoman, and not someone who needed to cling to another person to the point of making pathetic pleas.QMmw
8giYqEven if Dereck’s reputation was sky-high these days, there was no reason for Diella to be shaken by that—in fact, this entire situation of feeling so offended was absurd.PeJ
oiFzIn Ebelstein’s social circles, she was known as a tyrant.9hP
EYYHvAUSince childhood she had dominated and ruled over her servants, radiating an aura that made her hard to approach.HdL
N1A0L3The fact that she was now worrying about a simple baron from a remote region was ridiculous.7HNW8P
FxErdTherefore, Diella advanced decisively, lips pressed tight, determined to show that it was Dereck who should regret things, not her.sqyXxO6
yXHuB3Creak.AZvob4e
FOLpLAs Diella came out looking annoyed, the door of a reception room in one of the corridors of the Duplain manor opened, and Dereck came out holding several documents.DAhij
yQlL3EHe still had scratches all over his body, but he seemed to have recovered quite a bit.hPh
z6PA“Oh, Lady Diella.”IrcBN3
osW5“…Dereck!”vVaH
GffhFor a moment she almost brightened, but already in a completely foul mood, Diella pouted and grumbled.NZdFWAD
2tWjYE2“I see you’re very busy, Dereck.”7p1QoHE
wAL44d“No, it’s just that I’ve started too many things… but it’s good. Running into each other like this is fortunate.”6VkT7A9
YvmhON“Huh?”5ekKDq
qBDpu“We haven’t had many chances to talk lately, Lady Diella. Besides, if the Ravenclaw Training Center branch goes well, there are several things I’d like to ask for your help with.”CLGO
oUoG“F–for me?”PWhw
9Ia“That’s right. Did I offend you?”wJNy
gYxLK4d“Hah… Well, of course… of course it’s all… totally fine!”8A5
zEMf“Really?”UzX0
kOLu“…”MsU4
ixErHsDiella replied like that and then sighed, touching her forehead. The words had slipped out before she could control them.o38
cTwpFRjIn any case, it was never easy to be harsh with Dereck.xH7
4LOthUd‘It seems he’s had a lot of pressure with his family’s unstable situation too.’ernDk
sloxSeeing Diella hitting her head for no reason, Dereck could only look at her with eyes full of compassion.Mhm30m
Zz2That look killed Diella for the second time.JH6I8
oLm“In fact, the reason I’m pushing this matter is to normalize Duplain. It would be best if Lady Diella could take the lead.”mOGR
7F6CxIt was truly embarrassing to feel excited just from having tea alone with Dereck after so long.NUlTA1I
pwzqEven so, Diella, with her pretty blond hair tied back with a navy ribbon and a frilled dress, tilted her head at Dereck’s words.Jwr3U
itnyjV“Duplain, you say?”t73
Er9“Yes. We have overcome great crises, and now that the family structure has stabilized, it’s time to seize the opportunity to recover.”XXS
7TTAiselin was going around working without rest and earning money while calling herself a fallen noble, and Diella was being treated like a thorn in the Rose Hall.GOqyRNK
FkWgyZThis couldn’t continue forever.gWXz
JcFDereck was thinking of turning Duplain into the new social center of the continent’s southwest.mpoGm0
9U8jqY1From the start, he didn’t want the Ravenclaw Barony to become even more complicated than it already was.2xCkV
fUbPWIAiselin was so capable that, if left alone, she would really turn the Ravenclaw Barony into the headquarters of the entire social world.Cni
aQqcVShe was a runaway train, advancing with no limits.vEyuteF
9rc5mwaSomeone had to stop her…8t3cU
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