Chapter 157: The Master of My Master (2)
Cym“Having spent so many years as a mercenary, she surely likes strong liquor. And after living for so long in a place like Count Elvester’s house, she probably hasn’t had many opportunities to drink as much as she liked either. It would be best to prepare good-quality alcohol and top-grade meat.”aZ0xLdK
JGUy“The wines of our Ravencrow territory are famous for being among the best in the entire southwest of the continent. If we announce that a distinguished guest highly valued by the baron is arriving, the people of the territory will not hesitate to bring out the finest bottles they have stored in their cellars.”V08ZZza
9u4“Wine is fine, but prepare rum or other stronger distilled spirits as well. And she’s not someone who feels comfortable with overly ostentatious receptions; good food and good liquor will be more than enough.”tjTQKq3
SUzRrJbDereck maintained his usual expression, dry and restrained, but his slightly quicker pace and somewhat raised tone made it clear that he was in a good mood.pkrRpek
sNy0LThe experienced butler Delbriton caught that subtle change immediately.QKx
ovmgSeeing his lord like that, he himself felt somewhat encouraged.c1wwCJU
aiPzr“However, given the nature of the visit, it’s possible that she may come accompanied by a young lady of the house of Count Elvester…”cyOZc
MWAaMq“Hmm, then things change a bit. If a young lady of the Elvester family, the greatest power of the eastern continent, visits us, serving only strong liquor and good food might not be an appropriate reception.”HGd6
ZMXIf Katia, of fallen noble origin, came alone, frank mercenary-style hospitality would be enough for her to have a good time.QZt
G55I6But if she came accompanied by a powerful young lady, the situation was different.w9x
rq6HZ6The servants would have to move more carefully and offer treatment befitting her authority.UALLs
Yeq8Tfs“Hmm…”52hNXI9
T6UBj8In the letter Katia had sent, there was no mention of that.d6XaT
WUUHowever, the tone was clearly that of an inspection related to magical education, and it would be strange for her not to bring her disciple with her. Either she would not bring her, or if she did, she would likely try to conceal it.CI6wdm
ltL7“She must have thought that if the visit were official on behalf of House Elvester, it would be too great a burden for me.”Q7fp
Mh6S7eDereck’s assumption was accurate.u6ieR
XmLNIEven though it had been a long time since they last met, he knew Katia’s personality better than anyone.9wRCb
oUNQ“If she didn’t give advance notice, it doesn’t seem like something we need to worry about too much, but just in case she comes with a young lady, it’s best to be prepared.”lkl
gr0Ud“That is a very sensible order. I will inform the head maid.”Ft0l
dAGugw“Good. If there’s anything that needs special approval, come inform me.”bsSizo
4mDx“Yes, sir.”gCrWo
NKvj6Dereck waved his hand to dismiss Delbriton and headed to his study.J6QpI
WYMvt7It was his way of saying that, from that point on, everything was in his hands.SsKF
8yX8RLDelbriton bowed his head with a satisfied smile.BhiT9R
7Wg6wCg‘If she’s coming through the center, taking the main route through Count Renouel’s territory and the Duchy of Beltus, how many days will it take? Given the distance, she’ll surely arrive after a few festive days have passed.’8O4l
Fqc2The fact that he was already calculating Katia’s arrival date showed that he himself was aware of how much he was anticipating her visit.Lc4b3F0
Ne0Xuzk“You’ve got a grin from ear to ear.”hWCg
hF2xtM“…?”FT7o
2vu7iQDereck rarely expressed his emotions, but to Fina’s eyes, he looked as if he were smiling shamelessly, which made her frown in irritation.gPTwa
e6MShe had stayed in the Ravencrow territory under the pretext of conducting magical training, but in reality she was the one supervising Dereck’s magic.Tftfca
laQvgTwo seasons had already passed since they formally established a master–disciple relationship, enough time to grow fond of each other, but lately, seeing him like this, Fina couldn’t help feeling irritated.l4DZqYt
X9GD“I don’t know how extraordinary that Katia person might be, but even with this lady right in front of you, who supervises 4-star magic, you’re still thinking about another master and smiling like an idiot—frankly, it hurts my pride. You know better than anyone how valuable I am.”tVer
6WM6kd8“…”CoNs
qE5obs“And I don’t like that indifferent look either, as if you were thinking about another bothersome woman. Honestly, men always have their eyes wandering everywhere. It’s not worth getting attached to you. Not worth it.”k5puxwh
VKZk0Fina, sprawled unwillingly on the sofa in the study while nibbling on a montblanc, sighed over and over again.ydIi7d
6OGad1B“I was the one who helped you reach the 4-star rank, and also the one who helped polish that magic. Of course, I know that Katia did many things for you as a teacher, but if we’re talking about who contributed more to you reaching where you are now, that would be me.”2fDIsE
yCCYXnU“That is absolutely true. I am always grateful for it.”SRyAvg7
uPWcb4“You speak with an irritating eloquence. I know well that you’ve had several good teachers, but when someone asks you whose disciple you are, the correct thing is to say that you are Fina’s disciple. That is what’s appropriate. Don’t forget that identity, understood?”CfvxL
5mHfP0JAlthough she spoke as if she didn’t want her disciple to be taken by another, the truth was that Katia had been his teacher before Fina.bUVq
Ws8pAtDEven so, Fina puffed out her cheeks and continued eating the financiers the maid had baked, clearly jealous that her beloved disciple was thinking of another teacher.mQp
Do2z“Anyway, you were destined to reach 3 or 4 stars. You were the type who absorbed knowledge and learned magic even from beggars on the street, so it doesn’t matter much whom you took as a teacher along the way. What matters is who helped you reach the highest level, understand?”sw9
LreBVDi“Of course.”xt9i
1TunQd“Ugh. Even though you give me the answer I want, I’m still annoyed! There’s no sincerity in your words! No sincerity at all!”AyYP
KIgafBFina sprang up from the sofa, planted her hands on her hips, and cleared her throat dramatically.3387wuE
7rSZA“I’m leaving the house!”z7sg5q
pkf“…?”I8lJr
E15PvUw“What’s the point of teaching someone who doesn’t recognize my worth? Go learn magic from that Katia person or from coffee or whatever! I’ll go back to Tigris territory to rest!”4VFW85
q4Fw“…Did a message from your family already reach you telling you it was time to show yourself?”D1SbBIz
uSF“…As perceptive as ever.”tx2idwP
CmCtGFtFina narrowed her eyes and sighed in boredom.j1j
xM8Although she had spent quite some time in the Ravencrow territory, in the end she was still a young lady of Baron Tigris’s house.PEeJ
1gjPShe had chosen that territory as her home in this life, but that didn’t mean she was particularly attached to her family.1SPB
Vn54xEven so, she couldn’t completely ignore the main house.3HW
DSXNo matter how comfortable her stay at Baron Ravencrow’s mansion was, it was inevitable that she would have to show herself before her family from time to time.Tdg
mbhElzFina dropped back onto the sofa, swinging her legs as she spoke.Er7q
1o8wT“It’s time for me to present myself once more at the main house, and also to start wrapping up my personal research.”7so
UomN“…”1Se
mQb“Yes. I think I’ll be able to do something interesting with the corpse Happy picked up last time. I feel like I’m quite close to fulfilling an old longing.”CBQLn
AZBT3Advanced corpse resurrection.f8Amq8
Cns0nFZShe had made considerable progress toward that forbidden domain she would use to revive the 6-star mage Kalimpord.N93HNbi
6p7EtFina adopted a distant expression, rested her chin on one hand, and smiled wryly.dX3UK
QR3oeLN“Rest isn’t that far away. It’s been quite an ephemeral life.”yMKR
HC4sn“…”oeJ
du8E8Ji“Oh, how curious. When I complained so much you didn’t pay attention, but now that I talk about this, you put on such a serious look. Really, men never react the way one wants.”1Wme
ecYAqDDespite her youthful appearance, one should not be deceived.XrlFsC
fK4The woman smiling with her chin propped up, possessing a seductive charm, was a traveler who had wandered through countless cycles of reincarnation.jkpb
mzKKOShe was expressive and always seemed relaxed, but if one looked carefully into her eyes, what could be seen was weariness and skepticism toward life.GFNDwxG
UWJ9eRShe might believe she hid it well, but Dereck had noticed it long ago.N67SX
LXx‘I see another winter.’DRHMtH
Sy3The memory of the day of the first snowfall, when she stood dazed, staring at the sky before an enormous window several times larger than her own body.Dytb
FRUEvery time she showed that contemplative air before the passage of time, Dereck felt it clearly.Fd0TT
EttShe wished to leave the world.aMp
MGxYkBecause an endless life was not a blessing, but something closer to a curse.6IHDE8Z
jt0DcFq“In any case, I’ll tell you in advance—if one day I leave this world, keep considering yourself my disciple.”BckKQ8
TYJvFFina stood up and adjusted her clothes.9bX1i
VPY26It seemed she was already determined to return to the main house of Tigris.H0pU
iko“Leaving at least some proof that I existed in this world wouldn’t be so bad.”6QZN
Mxaohb“Master.”G9C
L0dDereck set aside the pen on the desk and looked at her.QUJy
RLq“Will we see each other again?”mS7
am4pFina opened the door to the study and, before leaving, turned to smile at him.7KDEyZy
SFv“Maybe.”dcan
L1kaURvAfter leaving those words laden with meaning, Fina began preparations to depart for Tigris territory.gUG4t8e
ZRp1As far as Dereck knew, Fina would complete the advanced corpse resurrection.i0vr
MPPAnd even so, she would not attain the rest she so greatly desired.3P966e
a6fihVEventually, she would attempt to devour Tigris territory and carry out something, only to be defeated by Melverot and imprisoned in the underground chambers of the palace of Gremfort.4kGK
BLm0belHe didn’t know when it would happen.m8z
szNGBut he had the feeling that it wouldn’t be long.jGUB5Ei
f5BEven so, Dereck could do nothing about it.WyXlQuy
O0h9He understood all too well the weight of the desire that Fina carried in her heart.9M0W68
nfeAsuDHer longing was not something others could lightly judge as right or wrong.Rvm5U0o
c7HrVF9One could not control a 6-star necromancer mage at will.V8tzEP
90sIapThat was why the only thing Dereck could do was silently acknowledge the path she had chosen.6c2MXy
8lkThat was the greatest respect he could offer her.o16
qJKCHv***g1db6df
yMEcJsTrisha was dead.M0WUUQ
SJe8At least, that was how she felt.MMsJwBN
R52When she received the baron Ravenclaw’s classes for the first time, she entered the baron’s mansion with a heart full of expectations, but the method was very different from what she had imagined.REh
tl8uRjInstead of the refined instruction she expected, Dereck spoke directly the moment Trisha entered the training pavilion.bth
ApROn“The first thing you must focus on is physical endurance.”l6HBw
bocFEsG“Eh…?”cgxL
eAAoHh“It doesn’t matter what you try to learn. If you don’t have the body to endure it, you won’t learn anything. Physical endurance is one of the requirements I value the most.”fLW
QQIThe elegant magic lessons she had imagined while lying on the ceiling of Count Renuel’s palace—following magical resonance, reproducing the forms of the different elements—flashed fleetingly through her mind.3dQc5
6eodwBut as soon as she arrived at the baron’s mansion, the first thing she did was change into comfortable clothes prepared by the servants.FD4D
LazVrThe hell that followed was something she preferred not to remember.PPu
sf8Pbd“Come on! Hup-hup-ho! Hup-hup-ho! Hup-hup-ho! Steady breathing helps maintain movement in the long run!”bo7
te7P“Hup… hup… kuh-hok…!”kT9ZjwG
2F7Running through the garden, push-ups, sit-ups, climbing stairs, jumping jacks.s9wzOo
0usuG0‘This… is this really a magic class? Haa… haa…’o0NfNVw
uT3nfWithout really knowing how, she kept up the pace until, before she realized it, she could no longer apply any strength to her arms or thighs.eFS5GT
CczmqIt wasn’t just one day.S81cybb
I48FITrisha spent the entire three days of the holiday doing maneuver training—no, physical endurance training—and only then was she able to return to the main house.gjj8
PwwIOn the night of the third day, feeling the muscle pain coursing through her entire body, Trisha understood.4gAm
DAi“So that’s why all of Dereck’s disciples have those well-shaped bodies…”wbQBIWb
qF6“Oh. Miss Trisha, it seems you were taking lessons during this holiday.”XbATU
OFVQCNH“Miss Ellen… ah… good afternoon. Have you been well…?”quRMnH
9AAhtOn that last day, seeing Trisha half-dead walking toward the carriage, Ellen began to sweat and swallowed hard.k1Mceen
kdkuXbDereck’s magic classes are absolute hell at the beginning.D9HZ
HC9x8As the first victim to experience that hell faster than anyone else, Ellen watched her silently with a look of pure compassion.MTVA4a
V0TIt was a kind of hell that only those who had suffered it could understand.eOXssjx
gBWt2sOne that had never been experienced before.g9rCdLW
82PFor a young noble lady raised like a greenhouse flower, it was a trial far too cruel.bCtV2i
7JnOf course, Trisha had a tenacity that even made Diella and Ellen click their tongues. She wouldn’t give up here.3J5
XYo0H0vPrecisely because of that, Ellen couldn’t help but feel moved.ywASh
assU“Miss Trisha, when you feel that life is full of trials, always remember the achievements you have attained so far. Even if the storms seem unfair, if you endure, you will surely find meaning.”6PbduX
EKg“Why… does everyone talk to me with such poetic expressions every time they see me…?”M4povq
vTSM“That’s not it. If you need help with anything, don’t hesitate to tell me…”R8yXcX
NQFThe goodwill of Ellen, the true power figure of Belmierd, was worth more than a thousand gold pieces to the ladies of high society.9mA
PN7LWaEven for Trisha, brimming with vanity and pride, it should have carried great meaning, but for some reason, that day Ellen’s kindness felt strangely melancholic to her.rlL
DYnFcf0It was a complex feeling.8n7
N0tClatter, clatter.d5MLr
CtlFVNkInside the carriage carrying her back to Renuel territory after three days, Trisha groaned in pain for that very reason.1t4U
Rc8YzFeeling the coachman’s worried gaze, her eyes grew moist.0yDrS
QTZfpShe wanted to scream at this suffering so different from what she had imagined, but even so, it hadn’t been in vain.Ko2his
vkk‘Still, I can tell that the gaze of the nobles of Rose Hall toward me has changed, heh hehehe…’KGD0JGm
HilcwHuman nature does not change so easily.PpYnox
Drs2SKUAs expected, ever since she became an official disciple of Baron Ravenclaw, the attitude of the other ladies had changed.Tyg
85rIRG“Hello.”z71j
LYPBwASiern, walking through the noble district with her usual aloof, world-indifferent air, greeted her in passing.wCIocGf
wtMhumK“Your injuries look better already.”MZS3xD
p0gDiella, who always looked as if she wanted to devour anyone, examined her wounds with an indifferent expression.6ri73
M5jjcoTo a layperson, it would have seemed like cold treatment, but considering her usual disposition, it was hard to believe.p7u
qSF2mjEven the other nobles of the Elfontaine Pavilion opened their eyes wide upon seeing it.Q2TeF
whMKIt was inevitable that Trisha’s momentum would soar.N3haU
dQEW“Ufufu… kuh-hut…”B6Y
EJL6EmJust moments ago she had been writhing in pain from sore muscles, but now she was letting out that unpleasant laugh again.zgTtP
Qch5mS8She cried, then laughed—the coachman broke out in a cold sweat at that incomprehensible behavior.Mik8g
yNF‘Ufufu… yes… what does it matter to suffer a little…? I’m interacting directly with the ladies of the Ravenclaw faction, and my influence in society is visibly increasing. I am Trisha of the Renuel family. I’m finally starting to have the dignity that befits me.’yDiX8m
NGkeX‘Ufuf… hehehe… yes, this is it. This is what’s good about living. This is life.’rZF
66xDThe self-esteem that was about to hit rock bottom raised its head once more.kWx8znN
TdowLaughing loudly, as if the entire world belonged to her.EFq2mA
BGQn3OETrisha of the Renuel family.XwKk
g3rNx14At last, she was beginning to receive respect befitting her position.lS5QXd
Tsm3o7vIntoxicated by that euphoria, her laughter grew louder and louder.GPKMBWG
DKD‘Why should I shrink back? Someone like me can boast as much as she wants! Of course…!’EqDtU
SK1Clonk!pksVgS
qhgxIAt that very moment, when Trisha’s arrogant nature fully revived, the carriage jolted and came to an abrupt stop.z1dYwO
MVnvY“What’s going on?”53C8H
ZHGmaGStartled, the coachman opened the front window and replied at once.5v4
mTtH“I’m sorry, Miss Trisha. We’ve entered Renuel territory, but there’s congestion at the main gate, so we stopped for a moment.”qABN1
Tlmq“At the gate?”iZpcSb
ztaPQubTrisha pursed her lips.5uKp
vKARdnHaving entered Renuel territory meant that from there on, everything was entirely her domain.aBHsG
J74As was only natural, the inhabitants of Count Renuel’s territory swallowed hard and lowered their heads as soon as they saw Trisha.qro67uR
VdN3zBAs the daughter of Countess Rodelia, no one dared treat her lightly, and that made her pride soar to the heavens.DFSeVCb
KjVaYThis was, without a doubt, her true territory.XW1Df
7DI“It seems someone is arguing with the gate guards.”3qrw7
1X4X“Haa… I’m already exhausted, and on top of that they block my way back and waste my time. Let’s see what kind of face they have.”5Ez5fj
k8aYJvKAt the clearly villainous expression that appeared on Trisha’s face, the coachman shrank back in fear.T7rvM
p8feIn Count Renuel’s territory, there was no one capable of stopping an enraged Trisha.Q6Hff
QoGaroShe herself knew it well, and with her face flushed with anger, she looked out the window.KRhNZ
S6OvN9At a glance, the carriage in front of them was old and miserable.7bw
0ROAThe person speaking with the guards on behalf of the passengers looked like a ragged mercenary.W4A0Sq
xXcShe was a woman of some age.ZaV
cifvkphBut her status was clearly low.SDo
zI3OAlthough she was dressed practically for long travel, true nobles always went lavishly attired no matter where they went.t0P
FJsal6‘What is that vulgar woman? I’m already exhausted, and she’s blocking the road on top of that…’z0k
xMAbFilled with venom, Trisha spoke while holding her breath.6hSHyO
h6Rg“I’ll check it myself.”3uO9hoS
Xcyj3Q“A-ah… if you go out, the guards will be surprised…”x571QKl
uPbe“It doesn’t matter. If something annoys me, I push it aside.”SAFDi9h
3nmJYTrisha raised her chin arrogantly and flung open the carriage door.auc
kyV9hThe coachman swallowed again, his gaze tense.hVRwYJT
p9FOW4Having had her self-esteem trampled to the ground while running around with the Ravenclaw family, exhausted to the limit.nCVaGK
pI7At least in her own territory, she thought she should raise her head and spread her pride, so she walked toward the gate with firm steps.FILSUrZ
U7X‘Even seeing it again, that carriage is miserable. It surely only carries cheap luggage inside.’o3ByTL
20jcCasting a sidelong glance, Trisha held the hem of her dress and advanced.JAe
ErNxC2v“What is going on here?”Th13Z
XSUh0“Please wait behind—Ah…! M-Miss Trisha! H-how is it that you have come all the way to this outer area…?”dQ6wQQ
CeZaXD“That’s enough. My path is urgent. Who dares to block it like this?”cHW
LAE5yAt Trisha’s irritated voice, an elderly woman in a cloak stepped forward.cvQyyp
2aMAt first glance, she still looked like a poor mercenary, but the intelligent gaze filtering out from beneath the hood was quite striking.GgYQ77
aVzbczTWith a youthful face for her age, an upright posture, and clear eyes, though she had long passed the age of being an active mercenary, she exuded a palpable vitality.1J7Lfn5
rPC“I apologize for the inconvenience. Please accept my apologies.”k9a
NUKzs“Ha…”1KvI
Pe2SU8gTrisha laughed as if she couldn’t believe it.h5lJ
X8alAfter so much suffering, it almost seemed like a good opportunity.v8yGs
hfuSDxcAt Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion, she was always in an inferior position.TPGPU
FTGzkwIt was inevitable to want to vent at least here.NCSyq
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