Chapter 158: The Master of My Master (3)
zU9oI6‘Today is the day Trisha returns to the main family. She will have received lessons from Baron Ravenclaw for the first time; I’m curious to know what she thought of them.’vnQxQp
pBVZocCountess Rodelia was getting ready with the help of the servants.yw0
mBgyI97Unlike many noble ladies, she had a markedly wild temperament, so she did not bother wearing flashy outfits.pIZO
MnZYz0uIt was enough for her to braid her hair a little and apply light makeup so as not to damage her skin; that was enough to finish quickly.MP36mFA
ISzRWith several documents that had arrived from the central region of the continent in hand, she was heading to her office to review the day’s affairs.J4X3ak
jruHer chief aide walked at her side and spoke in a firm, disciplined voice.8a0J2L
tNhB“It seems that the negotiations with the territory of Avalon have concluded without issues. The proposal to readjust taxes in the peripheral zones is still under review, but all indications are that the outcome will be positive.”Msey
1ivxO“Then there’s no need for me to review it personally. Any other news?”w2uPhl1
uphMIQL“A letter has arrived from Ravenclaw territory.”NIF9ENr
FRbLyX“Oh? From Baron Ravenclaw himself?”Kyp
uK9yIpBaron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw did not usually exchange letters over unnecessary matters.GUObja
LsDATFor him to take the initiative to make contact was not common, so Rodelia paid attention to the contents of the letter.IZQ
uNCHowever, the message was not as important as she had expected.1B7GJsm
4o5B“It appears that a woman named Katia Flameheart, who was Baron Ravenclaw’s teacher, will be passing through Renuel County and the Duchy of Beltus. He is personally requesting that we facilitate her passage so that she does not suffer any inconvenience.”HBLUm1Q
GfPaY2w“Well now. That man always acts like a lone wolf, and yet now he’s making such classically noble requests.”o7wt7m
mVboK8AAmong nobles, relying on connections to receive formal assistance was fairly common.GJIGB
4t7Even so, it was curious that Baron Ravenclaw, who seemed detached from that world, would make a direct request.dlB
UUESince the other side was leaning on her, it was appropriate to reciprocate.dvgy
6sIgHNHandling this kind of personal favor well eventually turned into a debt, and in the long run, into a bond.pDXF
GN80Y“If she is heading to Baron Ravenclaw’s territory, she will pass through my lands, cross the Rubes Plains, and then enter the Duchy of Beltus.”VbLK
mPz“Yes. According to the information we received, they plan to personally dispatch the commander of the Orel mercenary company to receive her. Troop movement toward the border area has already been detected.”ybGSVu
s3a“They’re sending the supreme commander of the territorial army just to escort a traveler?”wY9kw0
alYIyv“Apparently, this Katia is a figure equivalent to a benefactor to Baron Ravenclaw, so they have ordered that she is not to be treated lightly under any circumstances.”gzU
SrrRDenise of the Beltus family was quick to read the atmosphere and very skilled at gathering information, so she knew well the people close to Dereck.pk09aI
1EhShe knew perfectly how much he valued Katia, and had warned her subordinates not to offend her under any circumstances.9Z2FSR
9mr7In matters like this, Denise always acted quickly and precisely.BrayP
boYmThe only one capable of handling the proud young women of the Ravenclaw group was Dereck, and the person whom even Dereck followed with complete trust was Katia.TxboAN0
cPJhYHjIf she voiced an opinion, he always respected it as long as it was not excessively irrational.hUjZnx
ZnN9Rodelia fell into thought.6OvBGD
b3lZTrisha had become Dereck’s disciple only very recently, so no matter how frequently they exchanged letters, it was very likely that Katia did not yet know about it.HRPtze
olYIn other words, this would be a first impression.cgEl
VsqazThe importance of a first impression was something anyone who had frequented noble society knew from childhood.wrhmBI
kFrjXTherefore, they had to present themselves firmly.v3Vh
eJCTMjP“If Beltus plans to receive her with such care, we cannot lag behind. If we yield in matters like this, it will be held against us later.”udWe
qN4x“What would you like us to do?”e2y4V
nQb“If they’re sending their top commander, then I’ll go myself.”B2aj
Ztx“T-the countess in person?”62XrY9
CPZQRodelia shrugged and replied.Iav
AKHUWWe“I’ve been focusing only on internal affairs for a long time, and my body is asking for it. My best horses also need to run a bit. Since there’s an excuse, I’ll take the opportunity to ride across the plains.”1374GUs
TX4K“I-is that so? But—”9iIgNfv
yXr“Enough unnecessary comments. You were going to say that the head of the Renuel family shouldn’t be moving around so lightly, weren’t you?”K4mqsnv
69URodelia was not only the head of the Renuel family, but also a former warrior who had traversed battlefields.QFeIY
7j3Spending too much time trapped in administrative tasks eventually wore anyone down.rhfI0yA
XteW“It’s been a while since I snapped the necks of those black mages; it seems like a good time to stretch my body. Prepare my best mounts and put my personal guard on standby. I’ll personally escort that Katia to the border.”UwhFR1
2Bv9“Is such an extraordinary reception really necessary?”a5s
xOqNnmP“With this, Baron Ravenclaw won’t be able to say anything later. Besides, opportunities like this don’t come often; you have to take advantage of them when they arrive.”AQy2
OkgXRodelia let out a laugh and strode firmly toward the stables.G3gRxJO
Ihw9GlThe chief aide, visibly tense, hurried to follow her.sHIP
z79Py“We will clearly display the dignity of the Renuel family. Find out her itinerary in detail and report it.”9hCmeS
bBsO5xRHowever, there was something Rodelia had not anticipated. Katia always moved half a step faster than everyone else, a habit she had carried over from her days as a mercenary.sKc
YA9b3***UpEN01d
vS2P“She has no intention of properly declaring her identity or revealing what she’s transporting in that carriage, and yet she expects us not to be suspicious. How brazen.”xJx
mb8pTrisha was in very good spirits.rFfdP
uyIjKgJShe had been pressured by Baron Ravenclaw, by Siern, by Diella, and by the nobles of Rose Hall, and despite being a young noble lady carefully raised by the Renuel family, she had spent the entire day measuring every gesture.h1cG3
e5MNow that she finally had the chance to raise her head as a noble, her mood could only rise even higher.d7QnWo
w53U8When Trisha shot a piercing glare, the soldiers guarding the gate flinched.IBMAt6
WpE1fhJThat was exactly what she wanted—that uncomfortable, cautious look, as if they were facing something untouchable.4tQ
zAGWithin Renuel County, it was enough for her to walk with a calm stride for servants to lower their heads, and even higher-ranking vassals to show her respect first.Y64sT
nx0QuRemembering that she was a noble young lady finally restored her confidence.ApvL
WLqSQlZ‘Yes… this is me… the proud flower of the noble Renuel family…’j2wZ
U7ws“What Lady Renuel says is a hundred times correct. However, as I understand it, in Renuel County, thorough inspections are not conducted on those who are merely passing through the peripheral areas.”4XrpH
juWTlRenuel County was located at the northernmost edge of the southwest of the continent, and its outer lands stretched like a long peninsula, making it impossible to inspect every traveler.9axC
Ppwxah2Aside from stopping previously registered merchants and collecting transit taxes, checking carriages one by one was nothing more than a waste of administrative resources.O0T
Zn6iThe mercenary mage wrapped in a robe spoke with the utmost courtesy possible, her gaze lively and intelligent.fUZ
KnbG“Of course, this does not apply to suspicious or dangerous individuals. I have presented the seal of the Elbester family. I believe that should be sufficient. What exactly is so suspicious that you continue trying to inspect the interior of the carriage?”xzljcA
zZn8ZmNo matter how exemplary Countess Rodelia might be, she could not personally supervise every checkpoint in the peripheral zones.gjiZqN
Z6AA0sgAt times, soldiers detained travelers in hopes of extracting a few coins.hqIjZmJ
gr73The mercenary seemed well aware of that behavior.tfY5w
4bQ“Ugh…”vQe
oFT3M5ZTrisha shuddered.UH9
70BgOIThe other party was someone who, compared to Trisha, looked far more vile, yet something like an indescribable momentum emanated from her.ovb9CVl
NUNnsKThe clear and measured way in which she presented her position conveyed an inexplicable pressure.riqxa
uZgsjWhen Trisha hesitated for a moment before responding, the soldier guarding the gate raised his voice.73850i
reFQ4“Do you think it’s common for someone from the Count Elbester’s family to travel all the way to the southwest of the continent? How do we know this isn’t someone disguised as a vassal from a region so distant it’s nearly impossible to verify, hiding their true identity?”mdCYM
0p3shw“Then should I understand that you do not trust the seal of the Count Elbester family? I have handed it to you several times for inspection. If I am forced to turn back here, I will clearly inform the main house that the gate guards of Renuel County did not permit my passage.”hxj
0SqThe guard frowned.fLH
cPTx3DIt seemed that this mercenary had no intention whatsoever of showing the inside of the carriage.bDW
EYWsEvidently, there had to be something she wanted to hide.FE0N
ZWrMWuNIt wasn’t as though he hadn’t considered using that as a pretext to squeeze out a few coins.dcBwHs
IE1ohXHowever, the excuse of stopping someone suspicious was clearly on his side.9lu
R8ekR0Still, if she was this firm, perhaps they could let her pass while pretending there was nothing they could do.24ZIo5v
6hiBut now that Lady Trisha was observing the situation, they could no longer handle it so loosely.LWzEpXk
SLYeQ‘If there’s no other choice, I’ll have to show the interior and resolve it that way… but that would be a huge burden for Dereck. Isn’t there another way?’0Z8K
xmzgNKatia, who had never imagined she would be given trouble in a place like this, showed an uncomfortable expression.lih
1s6z1AlAt all costs, Katia wanted to hide the fact that Lady Freya of Elbester County had come all the way here.JVz3
ksKDHer influence, comparable to the flower of the eastern continent’s social circle, would surely carry weight in the southwest as well.ZmWKmEp
lnIYi76If the guards found out, the news would immediately reach the main house of Renuel, and in the blink of an eye it would spread that Lady Freya of Elbester County was heading toward Ebelstein.hrXzI3P
zr7XQA simple trip to visit a disciple would end up becoming excessively ostentatious.KwN
NaNHDaqThinking about it now, perhaps it would have been better not to bring Lady Freya along, but regretting it at this point was meaningless.irrbLv
FZnXc‘The seal of Elbester County…? That’s the most powerful family in the east of the continent…!’RZRrR
JtbvjJYFor her part, Trisha was also bewildered.2EU
RTjyCjIt was hard for her to believe that such a disheveled woman was truly a vassal of Elbester County, but if she acted poorly here, she had no idea what kind of consequences might fall upon her.MD5
XHMEven so, no matter how she thought about it, it did not seem believable.Kaf6gSR
imToKOlEveryone knew how rich and powerful the Count Elbester’s family was.Zed
SAQeSending a vassal in such a battered carriage would do nothing but tarnish the family’s prestige.339Rw
fslmzCThe clothes were those of a lowly mercenary, she looked advanced in years, and she certainly did not give the impression of holding a high rank.id8TmXO
tOH4Rather than someone from Elbester County, she looked like a mere impostor.bZQGih
ifaB7M8Letting her pass without question was suspicious, but detaining her on the grounds of suspicion could also bring reprisals that would be difficult to manage.H6Off
6jn‘Hmm…’24s
vF8Trisha crossed her arms and fell into a brief silence.qxjYwA6
2cwHpz8Katia, who was carefully watching Trisha, began moving her head at great speed.KlGh3Wb
TuLMWBAfter all, it was Katia who had taught Dereck how to improvise and how to navigate noble culture.zv6Fce
P6DAvlGWith her extensive experience in social circles, it only took examining Trisha a couple of times to understand what kind of person she was.uHMd
Q9RZH‘That haughty tone, the constant emphasis on her family background—without a doubt, she’s someone proud and obsessed with noble authority.’VgU
ZqUFrom her attire, abundant with flashy frills, and from her clearly expensive jewelry, it was obvious.vASx
CbM6PalThe servants accompanying her never took their eyes off her, ready to adjust her clothing at any moment.7ZwV4pD
OSr0Vb6It was the result of an upbringing received from the very beginning.j9Vv
dxEjk3Young, but with enormous vanity.44x
NdyqKatia knew very well how to deal with people like that.0Xpx
vMC“I see. If it is Lady Trisha of Renuel County who is making the decision personally, I will abide by it without objection.”BpiSKBG
DkVDM“Eh…?”Om4
bv2rCQR“The reputation of Lady Trisha is so well known that it even occasionally reaches the social circles of the eastern continent. I have heard that you inherited intact the imposing presence of Countess Rodelia, whom they call little less than the reaper of black mages—a person pure, elegant, and of firm character. If someone like you makes the decision personally, an insignificant mercenary like me has no choice but to accept it as a wise judgment.”N9gOF
7YHTrisha was the type who could not resist flattery.Tp85B3
Ffz5RiTAs if she knew it perfectly, Katia spoke with flawless fluency.oxh
rSIdC“In a sense, one could say it is a blessing. That it is not just anyone, but Lady Trisha herself who judges the matter, allows me to feel at ease.”RQBJC
HpZyYJ“Idiot. Do you think that just because you speak nicely I’ll show leniency?”EIJS
dgXaNP“I do not expect a favorable ruling. I only wish for the wise judgment of Lady Trisha. If it is you, with your open mind and broad vision, who decides, even if it differs from my opinion, I will have no choice but to accept it.”3m8
CpSFuAfter saying that, Katia looked at Trisha with an expression full of respect.KYA1ued
ohuYThere was a trace of sincerity in her gaze, and Trisha swallowed.nGC8tPH
9O1E‘She really does speak beautifully…’ZB9RCRL
RKPITrisha cleared her throat and glanced aside.vRV
6NA1mGj“Now that you mention it, that sapphire hairpin and those jade earrings look like works from the imperial workshop of the central region. With attire so befitting your rank, I’m almost ashamed of my careless appearance.”Yzh
4JIZ69O“Oh my, you know how to appreciate jewelry. That’s right. They are adornments that commoners like you could not obtain even by working your entire lives.”s6hD2
hm17Prh“The gems shine with an impressive light, but they cannot compare to the beauty of Lady Trisha. By virtue of my profession I have seen many noble ladies, but someone like you stands out even among them, like an especially radiant jewel.”ZZOJ
GW1Ax“Hmph. Even if they’re compliments, I must admit you hit the mark.”1GnJ
VXJTrisha laughed with an “oh ho ho,” but suddenly shuddered.LMl1EOK
SGD9i‘For a moment I almost let my guard down. What a venomous tongue.’jBmf
5czPHardening her gaze again, she spoke coldly.8MZ
1qKS0“Are you trying to get by with such obvious words? The more you speak, the more suspicious you become. Did you think I was naïve enough to fall for a few compliments?”3FF
vqlwQ“…”skKkZ
XoR“With this attitude, I cannot stand by and do nothing. You will follow me. I will have to interrogate you properly. Honestly, even when looking down on people, there are limits. Tsk.”LFGN
8uaTF“How amusing! Haha!”3OZz
KFIWzf“And thus ends the story of the ugly woman of the Antel family. Not everywhere are there ladies as beautiful as Lady Trisha. I myself had to pinch my thigh to keep from laughing.”TQwhe
vR1iu“Haha! That’s true—there are many who, looking like sewer rats, pretend to be noble ladies. Pathetic.”FDsB
TFfRLV1“But thanks to people like that, figures of beauty like Lady Trisha can shine even more. Sometimes one even feels gratitude toward those who serve as background.”FS62Gj6
6xmuB“Yes, yes, that’s right. Haha. Sometimes you even have to thank those rats. Hmm, is it a bit cold? The air is freezing.”qdkT2aT
JIKOeeP“I’ll light a fire. I can warm the air immediately.”LhJVOy
MSiWP“Your magical level is quite high as well! You’re really interesting!”DGmFT0
bGWTrisha laughed heartily, and Katia, who indulged her, also smiled with satisfaction.rygW
Ssc0HoFor Katia, who had lived ten years in noble society, ten as a mercenary, and ten as a teacher, winning over Trisha was as easy as eating a bowl of soup.r2v
52c6FmIf it was enough to satisfy her mood in order to cross the territory without trouble, she had no problem with it.KVZXeX
IhwFDShe was not the type who needed to assert her pride in situations like this, and she had more than enough experience dealing with arrogant noble ladies.ki0B
hHTXcSlAs a result, Trisha became quite taken with Katia and ended up authorizing her passage.8N9cv
XhKDShe even went so far as to accompany her back toward the main house while chatting animatedly.l8EwtQ
PkuyMgAnd going even further, Trisha, in her high spirits, decided to escort her all the way to the other side of the border area.z8L
NyyIn any case, to return to the main house she had to cross that border outcrop.OI4
UeFv0“Did you say your name was Katia…? What a peculiar background you have. Noble life, mercenary life, teacher’s life—there aren’t many around me with such a varied past.”Xh8
FYq“I’m not someone so remarkable that Lady Trisha should concern herself with me. I simply live according to circumstances. The life of Lady Trisha, bearing the weight of a great family, must be far more exhausting.”czRC
CIcbi“Just as you say… ah… so few recognize my efforts. There aren’t many as perceptive as you.”qOYh
7eGTrisha rested her chin on the armrest and let out a deep sigh.KnLi
N9apDShe had spent the entire day exhausted, minding every gesture in front of Baron Ravenclaw.9Zj
h9HotFinally having someone who knew how to flatter her made her feel as though she had come home.5mtz
zLj17WWith her spirits renewed, Trisha raised her voice even more.CAgyWI
znFl“That’s it! You’re an incredible storyteller! Everything you say is interesting! Come on, tell me something even more entertaining!”fpTPY14
iiInLd“There are stories of nobles who met miserable ends in the eastern social circle. Did you know there was one who died choking while eating at a banquet?”DZV
Z32EFwC“Really? I hadn’t heard that. They always say the food of the east is delicious, so I suppose it was true.”k3M
l4i00qr“To tell you that, I’d first have to speak about the state of the social circle fifteen years ago. Back then, the cook…”RlTslR
qGUVvThus, Trisha let herself be carried away by Katia’s stories, a radiant smile on her face.vB8Q
N1M7taHShe had finally come home.hqY
fBJThe territory of Renuel—her world, where she was the protagonist.2aP
fa4qK31As she soaked in that happiness, the two carriages advanced side by side.F1IQdKW
TzOV6***Hl1inLz
SRH“……”JWE69Q
vCjDenise could not believe what she was seeing.cZjnmz
0roPAt the border area where Renuel County meets the Rubes Plains, she had brought soldiers to the gate, assuming Katia would pass through there.EyZ9eZ
8DEyaEven the commander of the Beltus family’s private troops, General Orel, had come out after completing the preparations for the reception.NE7up
VqnFWeEverything had been arranged with the utmost care.ZSROI
ghOhTTtThey could not enter the gate of Renuel County with private soldiers in tow.26f
XYyfTherefore, the plan was to wait in the outer area and, once Katia passed through the gate, personally receive her and then join with the private troops to escort her.Fson
WoG5JBecause of that, she had no choice but to enter the gate accompanied only by two servants.5Byeco
eC2Thus, when she entered the gate quietly—kThfs2
tzGA girl with a familiar face was sitting triumphantly in the driver’s seat of the carriage, raising her voice.jfHO
HOG“Hahahaha! I really like you a lot! I personally escorted you all the way to the gate, so don’t forget my favor! Next time I’ll grant you the privilege of seeing my face again! Feel honored!”vsBbY
2rzFg“That’s right. It is an immense honor, Lady Trisha.”XVeSOA
KTwoLpNext to Trisha, who laughed with an “ohoho” while crossing her legs and waving a peacock-feather fan, was—PM8Ci
sO6Nothing less than Katia Flameheart, Dereck’s teacher.q5JRa0f
2GkWith a smile on her face, Katia used magic to warm the air around them, showered Trisha with praise and flattery, and spun story after story without pause to please her mood.wOPOcVw
awLShe even went so far as to bow her head and kneel on one knee, perfectly observing all the manners befitting a vassal.kuBFoKW
kTvHeFTrisha was so satisfied with Katia that she laughed openly while patting her on the shoulder.ASoc0P
5uat“If only all the vassals of the Renuel family were like you! Don’t you want to enter my personal service? I’ll pay you well!”UWMxLP9
6hD6A“It’s a very generous offer, but as you know, I belong to the house of Count Elvester, so I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”24fKx5r
qK8U“Always so stiff. Fine, fine. What did you say your name was again…? Katran? Kahit? Sorry, I’m not good at memorizing servants’ names. You understand, with your status being so low.”nmq
Hm5dR“Katia. Katia Flameheart.”KFQj
zIXAo“That’s it! Katia! I’ll remember your name especially! If you ever want to enter my service, don’t hesitate to let me know! Ohoho!”6izvN
VEMTrisha laughed energetically, visibly satisfied.bLIAd
geeAt a short distance, Denise’s face was slowly turning pale.gRflTED
8Qdg6KThe person kneeling in front of Trisha, observing the manners of a vassal,kgG
hOxXvhwas Katia Flameheart, the person Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw cherished more than anyone else in this world.8eJqjcK
TZH188Denise tightly gripped the edge of her dress and hurried over to where the gate guards were.slwwdI
wp8VNo matter how many times she rubbed her eyes and looked again, it was not an illusion.LlhxIK2
EOF“T-Trisha… w-what… what are you doing…?”zexPr
gExP“Huh? Denise? What are you doing in a border area…?”ZP3
0WlkLJust as both girls’ eyes widened in shock,UMT5
okEthe name Denise clearly reached the ears of the elderly mercenary who was kneeling.jWU4HUC
qemZSUnlike Trisha’s name, Denise’s name had appeared constantly in the letters Dereck had been sending for many years.dmFH
2Yx3hdsThat was why Katia was able to slowly rise with a genuinely pleased expression.v6w9s
dqvF“Lady Denise…?”qB0S
owYXei“A-ah… yes, I… um…”nkRnG
pSpmVHA“Dereck’s disciple…! Lady Denise of the Beltus family! I’ve heard that my Dereck has received an enormous amount of help from you…! Who would have thought we’d meet in a place like this! What a wonderful joy!”p8fcxm
5parGKatia stood up with courtesy and elegance, unable to hide her happiness.IrBm
LoHqHHearing that “my Dereck,” filled with such particular closeness, Trisha could not help but turn her head with a completely stunned expression.S9H
6LiNfp3“…What?”8JOFP
rfw8DqDThey say ignorance is not a sin.rvYkKr
BRhZyLzBut that does not mean it comes without a price.0MqXZ
13r9“I am as miserable a being as a water beetle, a mosquito, a water bug, or a dung beetle…”GpkY2z
OPSWfFrom the moment she understood the situation to the instant Trisha slammed her head against the ground, not even ten seconds passed.53D
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