Chapter 178: The player (1)
tx8PtyThe noble district of Ebelstein, to which they were returning after so long, was still as luxurious and dazzling as ever.IgX4H1s
0zwbeVWhen they returned after finishing the journey through the north, winter in Ebelstein was already coming to an end.Ty9i
2oKzoIn the shadiest corners there were still traces of unmelted snow, but the temperature had become pleasant, and new buds were beginning to sprout on the trees lining the road.WPoo3R8
goA9k9CAfter such a prolonged cold, the warmth felt all the more welcome.foHzvD9
qPLThe nobles strolling through the streets wore attire more elegant and refined than the previous year, fully enjoying that long-awaited warmth.guQ
KxmdThe tea houses along the street were filled with young noble ladies chatting animatedly, while young aristocrats heading out to ride horses, accompanied by their attendants, walked with light steps.JPzFBTU
gD7KrAfter spending time in the cold and lonely snowy plains of the north, Dereck also felt that contrast clearly.aLwfR
XozThe territory of Rochester, in the north, was a place that, just by sitting in silence, could inevitably make one’s spirits sink.GICj
qhmMiHWithout a doubt, even for emotional well-being, it seemed far better to send those children to the noble district of Ebelstein.mnxQk2X
2BSgTQ“…Then, next time we’ll see each other in the Duplain territory.”aBwB9
caURzNl“Yes. Until then, please listen carefully to everything Lord Hamilton tells you.”D5LkK
jNDAfter leaving Siern in front of her private residence, Dereck gave her that final recommendation.o2TR5
mFHuAt her side stood Hamilton, an elderly mage with a gaunt appearance.PFo
sm6In truth, that name was a pseudonym; his real name was Kalimford.YZuyZK9
VkOLXOHowever, there was no advantage in revealing that name in Ebelstein.88lqT
2xCxy06Kalimford’s sole wish was to watch Siern grow well, from up close.Ky5mfm
SmCThe fact that he decided to stay at Siern’s private residence to assist her until the opening of the Ravenclaw Academy faithfully reflected that wish.flQ
U4Ryj3“Hmmm…”WyhOE
0ibsGWith her arms crossed, Siern looked at Kalimford with a clearly dissatisfied expression, as if she had a lot to say. Kalimford swallowed with difficulty.2zy6
Dc61jEver since he had attacked Dereck without mercy, he felt that Siern was acting strangely hostile toward him.G0U
JFm0Of course, Dereck had tried several times to convince her that it was fine and that he bore no resentment toward Kalimford.kvri93
i43Even so, a psychological barrier once formed does not collapse easily.LQRSD0m
3gpKrSeeing Kalimford’s pale face, Dereck silently prayed for his good fortune.raVSBe
SoafIFrom now on, everything depended solely on how Kalimford handled his relationship with Siern.3gsjxx
vvx1The time he had left was not abundant, so he could only hope that he handled it well.WxPGSf
SsM4oOv“Then, we’ll see each other again in the Duplain territory.”k5v
NTPKNuWhen Dereck said that as he boarded the carriage, Siern looked at him with a clearly disappointed expression.TL0hS
xxQIn any case, she would soon return to the Ravenclaw territory to learn magic, so it was nothing more than a brief farewell.oRs
xpQHesEEven so, after having spent so much time together, she seemed to feel it deeply, slightly puffing out her lips in displeasure.S8PyI
mWbjtDereck inclined his head toward both of them and settled comfortably back into the carriage.n629Zh
Vrf7‘Hiring Kalimford as a professor at the academy…’C9yj5dQ
qLMAn academy where a six-star mage taught magic.tbE5G1
NJfJust imagining it was enough to make anyone’s throat go dry.HkrJj
5ewDEven if he did not directly reveal his identity, simply seeing the level of magic Kalimford wielded was enough to know that he was no ordinary mage.SlSOd
a7KJKThe Ravenclaw Academy seemed to be becoming more extraordinary by the day.68L2v
2yqvmPWith that thought in mind, Dereck ordered the coachman to depart.qsaqzD
ff5uh***43Wskiz
J06vWbmThe next place Dereck visited was the outskirts of the Duplain territory, that is, the land where the Ravenclaw Academy was being built.aKBUlis
q3XiK“…Why has the scale of the construction grown so much compared to the original plan…?”ymGqj
9ZhLO“Miss Aiselin persuaded the nobles of the southwest and managed to attract more investment. She even visited the Renouel family several times and succeeded in having them send two hundred additional workers.”0oCaXo
EuFP2d“What on earth happened while I was in the north?”Lc8
Vmfbhzz“If I had to explain everything in detail, it would take too long. Would it be all right if you received a written report?”7dgr
Je3PWBOAt the beginning of the road leading to the ducal residence of Duplain, the vast Lergel prairie stretched eastward, a place peaceful and temperate throughout the year.JlfF
enRPbThere, without one even realizing it, a long row of splendid and elegant buildings had arisen.6o1gi5
BwnACEach was carefully decorated with marble, adorned with beautiful sculptures, and featured walls, benches, fountains, and vegetation perfectly arranged.UcmvN
RyFVAt a glance, the size was exactly double what Dereck had imagined before leaving for the north.5qn3k
FjV1Delbriton, the head butler who had come out to receive him and was now traveling with him in the carriage, recalled with a pale face the time when Aiselin took command and personally directed every phase of the construction.rOiLl
IQFTfSGreat figures were always like that, but those who worked under their orders often suffered greatly. Aiselin was undoubtedly the best possible partner, but probably the worst boss imaginable.BuUO5Nl
pcIyjuS“May I ask you a personal question, without reservations? I know it is disrespectful.”8NTfQ
CQpk1“…Speak.”uxOP
dm2qfVC“…Will Miss Aiselin continue to take command in the future?”sOv
MQtDEHpDelbriton had served for half his life in the ducal house of Rochester.JfinE1H
vtSKKFor someone like him to ask a question that, in theory, belonged solely to his lord’s judgment was something very unusual.33c71i
TQibDepending on the person, it could even be considered a great insolence.lBG4H3
wP64N1The weight of Aiselin’s presence was something that even Dereck could not clearly measure.DkqkW
dkmlKZEven so, Dereck could not give Delbriton the answer he desired.97N
rzDTk“That… does it really depend on my will…?”3dy
rQO5C“Baron…”DZkQPo
RvTKE“Have a little more patience. In any case, I will speak with Miss Aiselin…”aX6Un
XnSMKf“Ho… hello… De… reck…”v2AOD
8nLEven Diella, the small tyrant who normally intimidated everyone with an energy worthy of a lion roaming the prairie, was sitting in the guest hall of the main mansion with her face completely pale.jNae
XN2uIt was the first time Dereck had seen her with so little color in her face.dK6e
9ifOATUpon seeing him, although she tried to hide it, her usual cheerful expression immediately showed itself.tplTF
XYxHer small body and her blonde hair falling freely resembled a lion’s mane, making her presence seem even more imposing than her stature suggested.VeWM
kYexoZBut now it was not so.Gyj3AE
Kq31aLDiella was practically sunk into the guest sofa, as if her soul were escaping through her mouth.nt235TL
QRWHer appearance was so deplorable that it even gave the impression that she had learned necromantic-type magic.LAoL
AbbSG0“Miss Diella… did something happen to you…?”dPy19
VuvnHH“It’s nothing serious. It’s just that Aiselin is handling the academy matter entirely on her own, and I ended up taking on roughly half of the management of the Duplain main house… Managing the servants isn’t difficult, but doing it at the same time as my studies is exhausting…”b5m
G91gSh“…Half?”ZmgqL
MZTalAE“Yes, half. And just so you know, Aiselin handles the other half, while regularly attending the Rose Hall, participating in all social and academic gatherings, managing the territory, and also overseeing the construction of the academy…”KFXNxzy
gxSvr“…”6O5LKC7
ZHVz9Diella crossed her arms, and her body trembled slightly.pvq
CLGPCMost of the young noble ladies of Ebelstein froze just from meeting her gaze.ZpJF
qxpAnd yet, even someone with such presence seemed to feel an indescribable fear when thinking of Aiselin.Vqu
CtSqX“Listen to me, Dereck. The construction of the academy is already almost finished. And then… do you know what Aiselin said the last time we walked together down the corridor?”An05AoK
oPm“Lately… I feel a little bored… Could it be because there’s less work…?”OcLBwR
X1Dzv4“…”dAe616V
nM2u“…”D8LM3E
tt9ZLAK“…She’s my sister, but I’m starting to be afraid of her. I decided that someday I would become the central pillar of Duplain, and later a recognized ruler… but lately my confidence is starting to waver…”qQLN4GZ
HyeOMDiella usually jumped with joy like a puppy on a snowy day whenever she saw Dereck.N3GFy
7kW6Q8That she was now complaining like this, even after he had returned from the north after so long, was something unusual.BprT
3kkgG“Brother Leigh is busy with external matters, Aiselin is completely absorbed in making money… I never imagined the Duplain family would once again be so full of vitality…”iKTtUm
qkSktP“Isn’t that a good thing? In the center of the continent, the rumors that the Duplain family was in decline have already been left behind for quite some time.”EWco
KR9Hr0“Yes… that’s true, but… it seems my sister doesn’t see it that way…”nAI
dPVXS9UClick!k4TyV
A6nrWhoosh!UaDUk
1JgLaAt that moment, the door to the guest hall burst open forcefully.p34
KgT6cI“Dereck! I heard you’d already returned! Oh, the door creaks a bit… I’ll have to order them to lubricate it…”SEOYpX3
3k8qP“Lady Aiselin.”PjwkgQ7
H29rWKK“It’s been a long time. Did the trip to the north go well?”KQBIRG3
lAyH2QIf Diella’s appearance was the most exhausted Dereck had ever seen, Aiselin was the complete opposite.MGE8ite
FxuShe overflowed with energy.5jPF39
BWcPHMoreover, it was the beginning of spring.tQSR
umNpqELike green sprouts emerging from the grass, Aiselin’s face was full of vitality.c69sPW
gWGBxAs always, she wore an elegant noble outfit, impeccably arranged, and carried in one arm a thick stack of documents pressed tightly against her chest.OUz3
0hTPTo Aiselin’s eyes, that bundle of papers seemed more beautiful than any bouquet of fresh flowers, and the fact that it was classified so neatly by categories was especially striking.dRi4
rcRBCDxAlthough everyone working within the academy, whose opening was practically ready, wore faces of extreme exhaustion, Aiselin alone radiated a dazzling vitality, like a freshly bloomed flower.teie
HBiFgZMDereck had to admit it. He might not know what kind of superior she was, but from his point of view, there was no one more reliable than Aiselin.0H5FZ
qYnqaIQ“What do you think? It turned out well, didn’t it, Dereck? I’ll give you a tour inside. This main building is the Delphinia Pavilion, and using this pavilion as a reference, the classroom buildings are concentrated to the east. The building where the ladies’ education is mainly conducted is the Silver Crown Pavilion. The magic classrooms extend from the Ravenclaw Pavilion to the Ribelten Pavilion. The dormitories are to the west, in Amaryllis House, and to the north we’ve prepared a large training field. In addition, along the southern path that connects to the main mansion, I plan to install various cultural facilities for the young ladies.”RmAPKG
4AQvo“When you say facilities… what kind of facilities exactly do you mean?”3OF
xRNFW“In addition to Ebelstein, I made business trips to the Rotein Commercial League and even to the port city of Bullix. There were many merchants and artisans who were interested. They told me that if they could establish business relations in advance with an educational institution of this size, they would even be willing to invest additional capital. That means the budget will increase.”2AuhS4q
hVk7vZ3While Dereck was in the north, Aiselin seemed to have made no fewer than three trips to major cities.aXc6lcv
1XkOFDH“No… and how did you manage to keep up with your studies during all that time?”dKtDuk
A1Utt“Sitting around doing nothing in a carriage is boring. Besides, I don’t usually sleep much at night.”KCvXCJ
ZknV“…”XwybJ7u
MpTi5h“During your absence, too many matters requiring approval piled up. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble… could you review them all right now?”cv1yLB
po6oAiselin had carefully selected only the matters that required Dereck’s direct confirmation, but even so, the number of documents was so large that she could barely hold them with one arm.pM3r
nq19K6Dereck seriously considered whether it might be better to simply hand the entire academy over to Aiselin.luAe6s
YZ7“Everything moves along much more smoothly when you’re seated as the general supervisor.”Fpxn
Fo1hcUHowever, Aiselin seemed to have perceived even that rather unworthy thought.CYFa
aVjnXeThe pressure emanating from her bright, radiant smile was, without exaggeration, more terrifying than the beasts lurking in the labyrinth of the white zone or the army of corpses that once covered the Beltus mansion.eqxD89E
VOtDNo matter what happened, Dereck had to remain in the highest position as the final authority.t0moc3
mZzNcgAlthough Aiselin was one of the most respected and revered nobles of the southwest of the continent, rather than the qualities of a ruler, she seemed to have been born with an innate talent for being a strategist or administrator.C9ca
kT2gjFor the first time in his life, Dereck felt an enormous and indescribable fear.3agZ4l
gjx***Ji5
9IT“I’d also like you to review the faculty list. I’ve already set the start date for classes, so it would be ideal if you could give the opening address that day. If you need it, I can prepare a draft.”mie4F
eLjuYG“Lady Aiselin… don’t you feel that I’m exploiting you too much?”4EKfIM3
uxI“Lord Dereck… don’t misunderstand… I think I like being squeezed for work… Now that I say it out loud, it’s a little embarrassing…”ZLt9
SYF“…”uIa4q
TIHlUThe sight of Aiselin nervously twisting the tips of her fingers, as if she had just confessed an inclination impossible to mention, was almost surreal.2pJkG8F
jgmpWhile inspecting the academy grounds together, Dereck decided to completely give in.rHGsP
vNEGLtsLike it or not, from now on he was the general supervisor of the enormous Ravenclaw Academy.keSqcc
Taqi“The enrollment list is practically closed. We could accept a few more, but for now there will be around ninety-six students. It may seem like few for the size of the academy, but each will bring between ten and fifteen servants, along with carriages and luggage, so it will be quite chaotic.”h49CY
Rlbsah“Then we’ll also have to manage the merchants who enter the commercial area.”7P2fW8d
SnL1w6A“Ah, I’ve already more or less arranged that. I plan to set up a supervisory agency, and I’m thinking of appointing Delbriton as the general manager.”i6zgI3
8J4usaDDereck silently prayed for Delbriton’s soul, whose face was already completely pale.e31c1M
xCiEEE“Delbriton will be the general administrator of the Ravenclaw Barony, chief secretary of the Ravenclaw Academy, head of management of the commercial district, chair of the advisory committee, and director of academic support.”s5HoFO
taunJqF“Then… what is your position, Lady Aiselin?”2bAhl
ruP4TZ“I’m fairly ordinary. Vice chair of the operations committee, spokesperson for the general supervisor, auditor, policy planner, personnel manager, instructor of feminine etiquette, welfare policy auditor, and operations administrator… more or less that. Nothing special, right?”4gXu
02lsDereck decided to remain silent.cJn
4WVq“In any case, almost everything important is already decided. What worries me most now is the audit that will come from the imperial palace.”JtAusBf
yKhfVVT“When will it be?”wFPZLV6
2wcHseA“They said they would set the exact date at the beginning of spring, so it will be soon. An audit team of seventeen people will come… and the chief person in charge will be none other than His Majesty Emperor Gattrel.”7oEORq
6kx7CIt was something Melverot had already mentioned to him before.t4be
ANNtuxEmperor Gattrel would come in person.rED2
DvO8Although, considering the scale of the academy, it wasn’t that strange, for Aiselin, who had to prepare all the protocol, it was a tremendous burden.T6Z5ei
Ql1Even so, she seemed determined to handle everything herself.Yf7U
Sx4OQ“Let’s see… the chief person in charge will be His Majesty Emperor Gattrel, along with Chief Magical Counselor Kohella and eight members of the magical council… about four high-ranking officials from Gremport Palace… and in addition to the escort… Princess Roselin will also come in person.”qwUlx
oUTFXFSEach name was more unsettling than the last.kk8e2y
GUInvEspecially Princess Roselin, whom Melverot had explicitly warned him to avoid.GiD
l36Z4HnIn Gremport Palace, divided by the weakening of Emperor Gattrel, she was considered the person closest to the imperial throne.452
GyiWhat kind of figure someone capable of dominating such a vast empire would be was impossible to gauge at that moment.bF8Cv
hmFj7“Then, to be safe, we have roughly a week.”oR3vdgb
Rv2tJ6T“More or less. We’ll have to prepare the audience with His Majesty as soon as possible…”BHeSCn
Bzd“Lady Aiselin. As far as the academy is concerned, didn’t you say that I am the general supervisor?”qfqfA0
pxaBifr“…Eh?”P95aTvj
XIn3S5mDereck suddenly snatched the thick stack of documents from her arms.OWpqP8v
Z5VZx“Then I’ll take this opportunity to assign you a very important task.”bOSJ5D
7WvSv6“A… an important task?”5NHCG
8oVIt wasn’t common for Dereck to emphasize something like that personally.SMe
LE5Without knowing what it was, it was obvious that it would be work of unimaginable intensity.VmPWIU
kkJr6Aiselin began to pant, her face completely flushed.Wauc
88FvS“W… what task is it?”rCg
Q4nPRG“From now on, for three days, do absolutely nothing.”GeuE3
7KS“…?”VYSr
VmE“Do not act as vice chair of the operations committee, nor as spokesperson for the general supervisor, nor as auditor, nor as policy planner, nor as personnel manager, nor as instructor of feminine etiquette, nor as welfare auditor, nor as operations administrator. Do nothing. Just rest quietly at the mansion.”4uK
8BAlCvvAiselin swallowed.bPS6hJ
12J“W… what are you saying, Lord Dereck? At a time as busy as this…”joFd
rzoJQ“The major matters are already practically finished. Four days are enough to prepare for the audit.”Lztz
lBTjg“B… but everything has to be reviewed several times so that no problems occur…”irBfO
VO7EHZV“I’m telling you clearly. Rest.”iOT
uIqDSsnDereck knew it. Between the Duplain territory and the Ravenclaw Barony, the only person capable of taking work away from Aiselin was him.qkeX8
IegShe had already collapsed once from overwork.FEv
bAaq8MFor Dereck, that had been a very heavy blow. At this moment, there had to be at least one person capable of putting a brake on her.kibtd
DTxIG“Haah……”bUR
9w2tRqAiselin put on the expression of a warrior who had just lost her homeland.Aiad
VI2TWYbIt looked as if lightning and gales were crashing down behind her.SeP
iHzzsKR“Haah……………………………………………………………………………”tF9
MWUc2EdDereck felt he had seen that vacant look before.Wsotul
lg8LIt was exactly the same face a large dog made when it was forbidden to go out for a walk for health reasons.8Cgvwg
PGtqU7Either way, it was necessary.V3M4
GpkB1***GxV
zWQ0WxJ“….”hmBz
VwLtSWhen Delbriton confirmed that Dereck had taken into his hands the enormous stack of documents Aiselin had been carrying, his eyes filled with tears and he began to sob, deeply moved.eZRw
s9SWyIt was the first time Dereck had ever seen that man, always so cold and rational, show such an emotional reaction, so he decided to pretend he hadn’t seen anything.XsaNmE
J2WFyUfSince he had come all the way to the Duplain territory, Dereck thought he might at least go see Leigh’s face before leaving, and headed toward the mansion.BuoI
vsZIVKWhile reviewing the documents one by one inside the carriage, he couldn’t help but be impressed by how meticulously organized they were.gDyR
6wyA53‘Does she really spend the entire day without resting, just working and studying…?’FiT
BcUAfter organizing the pending matters, the carriage arrived at the mansion and Dereck dismounted. At that moment, in the main hall of the Duplain residence, he caught sight of a familiar figure.gr9q8A9
R2VblIt had been so long that he almost didn’t recognize him, but as he drew closer and saw those tufts of unkempt beard sticking out here and there, along with the red hair pulled back like a tail, he identified him immediately.2fTLroF
FeC9rA“Oh, well, look who’s here. Guaaah… ah, sorry.”KSTRwcj
WdmRVUEven that pathetic image of someone who belched whenever alcohol got the better of him was still intact.5RaZPAO
pWxThe inveterate gambler, Linus.VTZ
LUmKBF4Although he hadn’t seen him in a long time, it was impossible not to recognize him.cv1
kWPHe was the eldest son who had fled from the Belmierd family, Ellen’s older brother, and the person who had most actively helped Dereck obtain the title of baron.ac7
JBk8A2tHowever, no one knew for certain why he had abandoned such a prestigious family as the Belmierd.xKFIeb
HbEFLlGHe was nothing more than a loafer who wasted his days drifting between gambling tables and taverns.bnKVU
zARwFor someone like that to appear in the main hall of the Duplain mansion was, at the very least, strange.QZ68lZT
7GkuB7u“What brings you all the way here? I was under the impression that you didn’t usually frequent noble residences.”zpbOP
3wRZ84k“That’s true. But well, I just came to drink a bit with an old friend, Leigh. It seems he’s doing as well as ever.”2bLFogh
LUxej“Were you also close to young master Leigh?”hRh
uekiOa“Of course. Just so you know, the only thing I can really brag about is the network of connections I built back when I was a noble. Hahaha.”a2q
JxFxoYBLinus shook the bottle of liquor and let out a carefree laugh.rMN9AkP
bysPerhaps his greatest weapon was precisely that ease in getting along with anyone.GgWb97V
j9Q8sVWThanks to his wide network of contacts, he always managed to obtain information that was anything but trivial.75gBOvK
P4jdm“Won’t our Lord Baron have a drink as well? I brought some interesting news about Princess Roselin of the imperial family.”QqbRA
CCtt“Interesting news…?”VxSzQ2u
9Yq“If I tell you it has to do with a six-star mage, does that pique your interest a bit more? I don’t know if you’ll believe me, but…”aAqt
ZIuuSeeing Dereck frown, Linus broke into an even deeper smile.zJ1
t8MMSnPHe knew very well that Dereck would not ignore what he was about to say.5NQwKy6
BwWjAp“In Ebelstein, you know? They say there’s a six-star confusion mage. Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?”OAVYO8R
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