Chapter 17: Journey (1)
513zgCreak!mOij1
ddHWhen the heavy iron door slowly opened, the air inside the archive flowed out.Fiak
2uAs56bA thick scent of dust, old paper, and a peculiar aroma from the thick books containing magic blended together, irritating the nostrils.MHL7O1
y3xQThe marble floor, touched by cautious footsteps, felt quite cold. The magical torches lining the walls glowed faintly with a bluish light. The bookshelves illuminated by this glow gave off a mystical, mysterious aura.x3FkhVK
f9I“…This is beyond imagination.”Axi
6UHIZKDereck swallowed hard.lAQ
ZFGPIIBooks adorned with gold and purple were tightly packed.jNi1Px
pfcdThe spines, etched with strange patterns he had never seen before, glowed faintly.8hm3
rBRe1It was an incredible sight—it seemed impossible that such a place could exist in the world. A place like this would never be allowed for commoners.ZYx9K
iE0PaUDereck took a book from the shelf. The cover was lined with soft leather, and the golden thread embroidery shimmered beautifully.C6RUet
hRN1hdkCreak, creak.7Gil
LGm7QyThe sound of flipping through a thick, ancient book. The scent of aged, heavy paper teased the tip of his nose. The densely written text on the thin, fragile paper was full of unfamiliar phrases.yKx1jgt
3ba“A three-star spellbook…”0MmnmtX
FFSOne-star spellbooks were something even commoners could obtain with enough effort. Of course, they were valuable, and possessing one didn’t mean one could master the magic inside.P1NEsid
uEzHowever, from two-star books onward, they became hard to get unless you were wealthy. And for three-star magic, the cost was often astronomical.ck0a6U
loQ5aAnd here it was—a three-star spellbook decorating a shelf. Indeed, the library of a great noble house, one of the top three in the Western Continent, was on a whole different level.PRSRu
Qo24sBut being able to read a spellbook was one thing; mastering its contents was another. Moreover, the library was filled with theory books based on the aristocratic regulation-based schools.UwH
gAySPVNOf course, for Dereck, born with a magical instinct, adapting regulatory academy theory wasn’t too difficult. But at the three-star level, things were certainly starting to feel excessive.cicy7w
vpifu“No doubt it’ll be a challenge.”x0gT
C7Q46After flipping through the book in the reading area, Dereck came to a conclusion. The realm of three-star magic wasn’t easy.HaCx
R1Pq02HA three-star mage referred to a noble-born individual who had mastered magic to an advanced level.5MRk
TNJwXAmong nobles, that level commanded respect, but among commoners, it was the kind of mage you might encounter once or twice in your life. Dereck himself had never heard of a three-star mage born of the common people. At most, there were only rumors of a three-star explorer mage named Tracy from the Ebelstein Magic Academy.HgbA
L3Rckc“It’s certainly worth staying in the Duke’s mansion a bit longer. Pheline’s going to be mad if she finds out.”Uh1
UkPGQPheline was the name of an archer who had once worked closely with the Beldern Mercenary Band. She hated nobles so much she would sneer if she saw Dereck spending time in a place like this.RP8T1tO
JiRVrBut the desire for three-star magic was irresistible. For now, the theory was too intricate and the use of magical power too complex to be practical, but Dereck thought if he gritted his teeth and dove in, maybe he could achieve something.pU723
uOT9“…Still, I can’t stay forever. After all, my magic has to be applied in the real world.”pQFJt
TvfwGbDereck reflected silently as he stared at the spellbooks filling the shelves.b447
4bHa***bfXZwU
4z6Ml1After the duel between Leigh and Diella ended, Duke Duplain officially recognized Dereck as a member of the ducal household.89W
YvxEssentially, the master of this vast duchy had personally stamped his approval, so no one in the house could oppose it. For now, Dereck’s role was to remain at the mansion and continue teaching magic to Diella.tWz
ZfIJxIc“I’m officially a one-star Mage now.”Oc0ekO6
36vf1After resting for a bit, about three days later, Dereck entered the pavilion where Diella was staying, her wounds nearly healed. Although there had been some bleeding, it wasn’t serious. When Dereck, neatly dressed in his mercenary uniform, entered the room, Diella stood with her hands on her hips, flashing a victorious smile.JYnNCQj
ZDYiZ“…I thought you’d be really upset. When you lost the duel, your eyes were tearing up…”JfDaAj
TG1mq“Kyaa! Stop mentioning embarrassing memories I want to forget!”Uct
dLU8o“I’m glad you’re doing well. I saw you use a one-star spell in the duel. You’ve grown fast.”1Fi
dG83LvA“Of course I have!”1w2
SOmfz3When Dereck gave a direct compliment, Diella’s face lit up again with a smile, her expression so radiant it looked like she might bounce around the room.Ouf61
ccKHShe had felt defeated after losing, but since the Duke had accepted Dereck and didn’t expel her, she seemed to have recovered quickly.zz9f
22ndci“Didn’t I tell you? When I put my mind to something, I get it done.”kwMg
5yYJRoB“…”AbKPb
zVg“You don’t like my triumphant attitude, huh? As my mentor, Dereck, you should be happy for my success. Come on, loosen up.”OhX
F6D0Kh“What are you talking about? I’m very happy.”poY6MkH
Sc8“You don’t sound sincere…”k8G
MCl82TeDiella scowled and looked at Dereck, but his expressionless face—honed through countless battles—was impenetrable to a young girl like her. After all, Dereck had always been hard to read, so Diella had stopped trying to understand him.oaqqa
0ERwRrlShe just let out a deep sigh and flopped onto her lacy bed.iih
Teqapv“By the way, after such a tough battle, I’ve secured my spot, so you’ll have to teach me more magic, right?”P2smpQ
bC8wK“Your enthusiasm is good, but for now, it’d be better to keep practicing magical power control as we have been. Mastering a one-star spell is an achievement, but using it freely is another matter.”9r3VBw0
39jFK“Hmm… You’re right about that. Compared to how you use magic, my movements are too limited, and I get exhausted after just one cast.”WnA50
Xja“That’s because your fundamentals are weak. Magic’s foundation depends on how efficiently you use your magical energy. The same spell can vary in power and efficiency depending on how well it’s handled.”l4NDt
N9wU9FEDereck pointed this out.DPxyu
2TlHowever, he knew satisfaction wouldn’t come easily. Mages had a temperament that yearned for greater accomplishments with each new success. After casting a one-star spell successfully, Diella would surely want to learn every kind of one-star spell. But learning spells beyond her current level in multiple areas often resulted in shallow understanding.Wer1j
zKPmSo Dereck had already prepared for when Diella inevitably began whining to learn other one-star spells.cLyfSg
LHqG“Hmm… If you say so, then I guess there’s a reason.”bm82odX
um0qzCBut Diella, resting her chin on her hands, responded with a tired voice. Dereck crossed his arms and watched her silently. His eyes held a hint of surprise.VLYr
jKEcqOVDiella noticed Dereck’s expression and quickly spoke up.IyD9wo
9i0e3“Huh. Why are you looking at me like that? Surprised I’m listening for once?”9OI
VPa“I thought… you’d pester me to teach you stronger spells. I even had a few strategies prepared.”ZDfIRM
eOd4t7“What do you think I am?! Haven’t I always respected your words?”eTtyMK
rQdcyALDereck, resting his chin on one hand, said:X8ODpdR
dCrN“The first time… you poured dirty water on my head.”FW2Vnh
4ibFtF“You still remember that?”U4fp2t
t5IFw“Do people usually forget things like that?”dyf9o
TP52HTDiella blushed awkwardly and looked away. She couldn’t deny her first impression had been terrible. She fidgeted with her hands on her knees, looking thoroughly miserable.MtHEYex
IGfcqWhat people call “dark history” has a mysterious power that makes one want to hit their head against the wall or pound the sheets in frustration.iCkNH
TWB4goEven for a noble lady, it wasn’t easy to withstand a sudden wave of shame. Seeing her tremble and sweat profusely was uncomfortable even for the observer, so Dereck took a deep breath and sat at the table beside the bed.C0MaUP5
UcplmL“Anyway, magic lessons will continue as usual… but I heard you’ll be busier.”vOL6InS
LjyfnqG“Hmm… Dereck, you heard too. Starting next week, I’ll also attend liberal arts classes. They say we’re preparing for high society…”9knsTiK
oJv“Isn’t that worth celebrating? After mastering first-level magic, it’s time to acquire a noble lady’s elegance.”dt4Z
YSxLw“…Honestly, I don’t want to.”NkRbepu
tSdae“…Even so, you must.”rJ5cTm9
ZiXzJ8cDiella combed through her thick golden hair and lay back on the bed. A wail of despair echoed beside him.DU5fq
T2KON“Basic noble etiquette, foreign languages, geography, history, botany, piano, sewing… Do I really have to do all this?”t6DJO
n048b“Maybe it’s just preliminary prep. After your coming-of-age ceremony, there’ll be a lot more serious studying.”yUwkG
lkw“…How does my sister Aiselin handle all this?”QsZ1RiW
8Txd“That’s why they call her ‘The Flower of Duplain’ and why she shines in Ebelstain society.”lZFF4tT
I4GAiselin Elenore Duplain.J7M9NjM
ZD5mbSHaving built many connections beyond the noble district walls of Ebelstain, she was essentially the face of House Duplain. Rumors had it many men lined up to propose to her, captivated by her ever-dignified manner, but she always declined with a gentle smile.bNZe7
ufbjAlthough social circles were often viewed as places to make good matches, she seemed to work hard to build strong relationships for House Duplain’s future.843Y3I
X6I9JtShe was beloved by everyone in the family. Even a duke could be proud enough to smile.dsr9U
lxqh“I just… want to study magic…”rXM
G96“….”256ppY
bFk“But… this mansion and noble status weren’t gained without reason… I suppose I must do whatever is necessary…”9tUv
a75OApp“Miss Diella…”I2Y
MqFtM5lDereck looked at Diella with a serious expression and said:6GjOva
RWG5mo“…You’ve learned to say such admirable things…”Z0tE
AGC“…Dereck, you really know how to wound someone’s pride.”GXH
nXjQD“That’s a misunderstanding.”no2Pg4J
w68X9“Huh.”sZU
Dp9oVyDiella sat up, firmly lifting her upper body, and sat on the bed, swinging her legs idly.H5N3f
25laLY“Still, since you’ll be teaching me magic for a while longer, I want to learn quickly. I want to use the first-level Ice Lance spell more skillfully.”KGH
Ddyq“There’s no need to rush. At this point, no one will criticize you for learning magic from me.”aZfmMe
60pd1“Is that… really true…?”Wa3Dn9
9ztJeMuDiella suddenly looked worried. Dereck knew exactly what she was thinking.5EoGFuS
EJ4eGDo“Are you talking about Duchess Miriela?”BoRfOL
CcjLr95“…Even though my father has officially acknowledged you, my mother is not someone who will remain silent.”BJtDrhu
jEvrf42“Ah, no?”aB2
tGA4EX“Even if there’s no way to separate us now, she’ll surely find a way.”24J3jw
AcJDiella, with an anxious expression, looked at Dereck and voiced her concern.wh7Mwd
YvjHtK“She might try to ruin your reputation… or create a reason to expel you.”pv0Tzk
WdStM“A reason… What reason would Lady Miriela have to expel me?”hmooi38
ZqQ“Well… because your behavior is far removed from noble dignity. She might do it out of fear that it’ll be a flaw in high society later on…”q2XF
8WJ“Then it’s nothing serious.”5jrrvz
1hX“Nothing serious… You say that because you don’t know my mother well.”N1lOx9r
P7xjvxE“Miss Diella. Silencing Lady Miriela isn’t as difficult as you think. Just eliminate the reasons for her arguments.”kC1XR0t
OZH7LDereck, arms crossed, spoke casually as he sat at the table.DFXJkc
6x84p5“After all, aren’t you, Miss Diella, the one in control of this entire situation?”eAU
pZoz“…Eh?”059
pBj***jFvX8
dcOChirp, chirp.5Hqs
xTv0tMyMorning came early in the Duke’s household.jcZ
lYcFBy the time birdsong filtered through the bedroom window, the lower-ranking servants were already awake, tending to the gardens or checking on the house’s cleanliness.NAoD
098mSeveral individuals supervised and managed these tasks: the head butler, the valet, the head chef… each department had its own leader.iii
47X1X0And it was the role of the lady of the house, the noblewoman, to gather all those people and oversee them once more.pAZk
qYrFN5– Tac, tac.NZjN
7ewDuchess Miriela, who had gone out early in the morning to inspect the servants’ work, still clenched her teeth. Since the last duel, Miriela’s expression had always been stern.MAH
SoTXDzwAfter being slapped by the Grand Duke and receiving pitying looks from the servants, her heart was filled only with concern for Diella.AJQW0u
nVkpdlv‘I can never accept such a vulgar teacher for her. Even if the ruler of the territory—my husband—has acknowledged him, I must speak the truth until the end.’hCg
G7Nuig9The fact that she couldn’t expel a common tutor who was clearly negatively influencing her beloved youngest daughter always irritated her. That’s why the servants assisting her were nervous.IaFH
Lgu‘That vulgar teacher could never teach noble manners. Seeing Diella, who should always be proud and full of elegance, learning gutter habits… I can’t accept it, even if it splits my head in two.’imSLa6
JxYShe closed her eyes and imagined it. The disgrace Diella would suffer, entering high society with careless words and actions. Miriela could never tolerate that, and as she organized her thoughts to devise a method, she walked down the mansion’s hallway.73stz
89zZ2SAt that moment, her youngest daughter, just entering through the mansion’s main gate, caught her attention.9mavbC
n5XXAs always, Diella was leading several servants, walking toward the main house in a lace dress adorned with beautiful ribbons.1C2
FhFMiriela’s face lit up with joy at the sight of her lovely youngest daughter. She missed seeing Diella’s tantrums and bustling presence around her. Though she may have been tainted by the teachings of a vulgar commoner, the fact that she was her beloved daughter, carrying her blood, hadn’t changed. Miriela greeted her warmly, unable to hide her happiness.UYTLaKs
FPhB“Oh, Diella! You look as beautiful as ever!”Mbo
08ccsrMiriela, as usual, opened her arms, expecting Diella to rush in for a hug with a childlike attitude, a smile on her face. However, instead of hugging her, Diella elegantly lifted the hem of her skirt and bowed her head.F5ZI3
6OE7Rj6“Did you have a peaceful night, Mother?”sDe
ETgK“Huh…?”gBS
yiPu“I’ve missed several chances to vent my frustration while I was confined to the pavilion recovering from my wounds. I’d love to chat, but unfortunately, I have a piano lesson starting this morning.”p4xPc
uMyDiella asked for Miriela’s understanding with a gentle smile, her noble demeanor blooming like a flower, reminiscent of Aiselin’s grace.mKRkY
JhO7qPU“Oh, really?”mrbZy
7lGw“I’ll come for tea this afternoon. I haven’t even heard what happened at the southern social gathering. But now, I must hurry to my etiquette class…”oHzY
PNrHCdMiriela knew well that Diella had only just begun her basic education. Though the curriculum was still preparatory, she had been busy arranging the instructors. Still, she had the impression Diella hadn’t yet started her manners lessons.JHdk6
rjEYaHowever, seeing Diella act with such courtesy, as if she were a completely different person, left Miriela momentarily speechless.TvSv
hQm8vhtThough Miriela was shocked, the servants were even more stunned, as if their world had flipped upside down. One servant repairing the garden fence stood frozen, dropping the boards he was carrying, unable to move a muscle.as8TyY
BYqWhat had Diella been like these past few years? Wasn’t she the same girl who smashed dishes out of boredom and kicked servants?ZfzW
JWYUWho in the world could have made such a tyrant change her ways? It was said that no one dared even mention the name of someone capable of such a feat.ssIHZ
apj6iEAnd yet, the young lady politely greeted Miriela before hurrying up the stairs of the main hall.TyVww7p
dQk0XM“Oh dear, young man. You’ve dropped all your boards on the ground. Be careful not to hurt yourself.”7f6Cl
8qHYHm5“Y-Yes… Miss Diella…”Xbdf
Zh8GMiriela could only stand there, mouth agape, watching the scene unfold before her eyes.4Zo
What did you think of this chapter?
Report comment
Please select the reason for reporting this comment. False reports may result in account suspension.
0 Comments
There are no comments yet. Be the first!