Chapter 18: Journey (2)
NhirSwish!D5E8
D7kt9Bluish magic gathered at her fingertips and then vanished completely.67Mmsk
qGIOLaAt the edge of the ancient training grounds, Aiselin lifted the hem of her dress and greeted her opponent with an elegant smile.2QJ4FXG
2JFTl“Excellent work.”hekbk
TZ4Marble statues sculpted by old masters, gleaming wooden floors, and oak pillars surrounded the space. The polished spectator stands were adorned with purple velvet cushions. Every detail exuded luxury, and the surrounding space was cleared enough for spectators to bring their attendants.gjaHnrX
ZtzOn the opposite end of the opulent dueling hall, a desperate young noblewoman sat. She was the youngest daughter of the Glaven Barony.wjQArU
mewKolXShe had earned the chance to duel Lady Aiselin—one of the brightest stars in Ebelstain’s social circles—but the match had ended in less than a minute.PHLqv07
aUiShe should have calmed her nerves from the night before, studied more, but she had been so mesmerized by Lady Aiselin’s graceful use of magic that the duel was over before she even realized. She was deeply disappointed to have wasted such a golden opportunity.2EvgP
idSygQ“I hope I may learn from you again in the future.”wOTBq
O6AJLady Aiselin descended from the podium under the admiring gazes of numerous nobles.SUt33x0
2nC***lQwHt7Z
X75MhIf anyone mentions the largest city in the Western Empire, it’s undoubtedly Ebelstain.5xZtqM0
qEkhnsTrue to its nickname, “the city of a thousand faces,” this place has many sides—from slums to shopping districts to residential areas. Among Ebelstain’s various neighborhoods, the noble district stands out like a flower in a field. Commoners simply call it the aristocratic district.jQYzl5
j20The noble district lies outside Ebelstain’s northern walls, where nobles from all western provinces gather. Upon entering, one is greeted with a view completely unlike anything before.0fOuVxt
PwrdThe run-down wooden houses disappear, replaced by imposing mansions lined with manicured gardens, fountains, and ancient statues.35Wq
6KbJ8Compared to the slums where Dereck had lived, this noble path in Ebelstain might as well be a paradise. Instead of the stench of rotting food, the air smelled of flowers; instead of muddy paths, pristine pavements stretched forward.H4Kuz
dvnShops between the mansions sold only luxury goods, and the carriages on the streets were ornately decorated for high-ranking guests.5Ta66
a1KmDyWalking among blooming cherry blossoms, one could look up at the blue sky and watch petals drift gently through garden courtyards. The nobles’ attire dazzled the eye. The men wore fine brocade jackets and elaborately patterned vests. The women were dressed in silk gowns adorned with jewels.3bnT
68uD50No one looked unkempt. Their dignity was reminiscent of a royal palace.Gu3yU
zAQoXSeeing the sunlit plaza, it wasn’t hard to imagine you’d stepped into another world. The contrast with the grimy slums was beyond description.o4f
Kj3“Recently, Miss Aiselin seems to be in high spirits. At the last gathering, she looked quite troubled. I was afraid it would affect her porcelain skin.”lnnJQ
E7Rg7lw“Was it that obvious? I didn’t mean to cause worry… But in any case, most of my concerns have been resolved, and I feel much lighter now.”0iGU
WadOn one side of the central path in the noble district, a tea house adorned with beautiful flowers served as a meeting place for noblewomen.YXgrj1s
s29After completing their morning magical duel practice, acquaintances gathered to converse.Zh5Zn
uri53Passersby couldn’t help but look. Among them were the most admired figures of Ebelstain’s nobility.OGdY
ofE3xn9Lady Denice of the Ducal House of Beltus.pEF
ClQgCnNLady Aiselin of the Ducal House of Duplain.QDh
V6rBaxOLady Elente of the Kingdom of Bellmead.VbO
uadfTAmong the noble families of the Western Empire, these three were the most influential young ladies. They didn’t gather with any grand agenda but simply had a habit of socializing regularly.JLU
QGj0yFSThe Rose Salon.uYbtho
a7JMZxfAn association formed around the nobility supported by these three houses.YUH
nI7VThey met to exchange knowledge on magic, engage in artistic pursuits, or participate in light sports.1GI
4oxvQThe Rose Salon was, in fact, the most prestigious magical salon in high society.qGTc
NO4Many nobles in Ebelstain vied for an invitation to these gatherings, as this was where the truly powerful assembled.GLGsd
trNYThough it called itself a magical salon, magic was just one part. It was a place to exchange ideas on art, culture, and politics. All sorts of stories emerged there, including rumors circulating among noble families.tID
mnGUep2“I was very worried when I heard Miss Aiselin had ventured outside the noble district to help someone. Especially near the slums or taverns—such places are dangerous. Please be careful.”EjfZ
iauuh7s“…Thank you for your concern. Actually, I needed to find someone to teach magic to my younger sister, Diella.”0nVB
KTe“Diella? From House Duplain…?”DLg2l7
YZRBeneath the warm sun, Lady Denice asked cautiously while lifting her teacup.jfL
D4itEven someone as esteemed as Lady Aiselin wasn’t without flaws. Her younger sister was one of them.RUCx1O
DqY6ROiSpreading rumors about a troublesome woman in one’s own family was undesirable, so most houses tried to suppress such talk. But there was a limit. Among the servants who had left House Duplain or the magic tutors who had tried to teach her, Diella’s reputation was well known.dscdJX
M9XoZKNo one expected Lady Aiselin herself to bring up those rumors, as no one dared speak of them in her presence.dL6OJJ
JBXyX3“I visited the mansion recently and saw Diella. She’s become a refined young lady—you wouldn’t recognize her. She’s even manifested first-level magic… and her demeanor is so elegant it made me think I must try harder myself.”aoyrEu
uoNg4“…Miss Diella accomplished that?”oRnT
fgorCq“Yes. Even I, as her elder sister, was surprised by how much she has changed… It’s like seeing the innocent child she once was, and that fills me with happiness. Lately, I catch myself humming or smiling for no reason—almost light-headed. I always make sure not to appear too frivolous.”gUzzn
kIiHJWQLady Aiselin’s smile bloomed like a flower. Lady Elente, seated calmly beside her, sipped her tea while reading a few pamphlets, then glanced sideways.7aWtzLW
mAnGWith her cool demeanor and loose red hair, Lady Elente tilted her head slightly and asked quietly:DDRK6PU
VCI“Then, have you found a good magic instructor?”S1IZz
kqHlm0u“Yes. His status or skills may not be extraordinary for a magic tutor… but he seems to have exceptional teaching talent. I never imagined anyone could guide Diella so well in such a short time.”8rv
HZYk“That’s remarkable. Finding a magic tutor these days is said to be harder than plucking a star from the sky—Miss Aiselin, you’ve made quite a contribution.”jc98
G8TfwUY“What did I do? All the credit goes to Mr. Dereck. Ah, Dereck is the name of the magic tutor. He’s a former mercenary from the Beldern Mercenary Corps, and his magical power is extraordinary. Even his method of channeling mana is unique—”Qc2KaQ4
3dCaA mercenary by origin. Those words weaved into Lady Aiselin’s enthusiastic explanation of Dereck.XFP4Kf
TIqzJHearing them, both Lady Elente and Lady Denice felt a chill at their fingertips. They couldn’t believe a low-born mercenary was teaching a lady of the prestigious House Duplain.Qgl8Q
yA0Lady Aiselin was known for her open-mindedness and fairness, but the other two Rose Salon ladies weren’t like that. They could only smile awkwardly.9TtSe8i
Q49eXHowever, Lady Elente’s reaction was slightly different.Db6
DEQt“If it’s Diella Catherine Duplain… isn’t she that infamous troublemaker the chef spoke of…?”aZ0
IiymvCThe chef of Countess Belmiard’s estate, where Lady Elente lived, was from House Duplain. He had been struck and dismissed for serving Diella soup that was too hot.PWrb
714yIheThe burly chef held a deep grudge against Diella. After being dismissed, he wandered until Countess Belmiard took him in. He now served her with gratitude and loyalty.KlcAU5o
AEtiF“From what I heard, it’s as if that little demon never existed… Not only reforming someone like that, but turning her into a first-level mage…?”ADCcLR
5ZNeCFIt was hard to believe that someone who could barely use magic had become a first-level mage in such a short time. But the source of the information was Lady Aiselin.CoPGnZ
MHINCLady Elente knew well that Lady Aiselin never bragged without reason. Her gaze sharpened.VBB
NiFxHVYLady Elente was someone who never overlooked stories of rare talent.cvnxc
yU2k86t***1b0hK0
HQim16ZMiriela felt both joy and frustration.ivabD
yUyiZ1It had been a long time since she experienced such mixed emotions, and not even with her dear daughter Diella in front of her could she find the words.SACP5
9nbc“The tea leaves are from Delarvail’s shop in Ebelstain, brought specially by Sister Aiselin. I haven’t had them in ages, but the aroma is just as I remember.”HN4
oVr0hVWIn the ladies’ reception room. After finishing all her etiquette lessons for the day, Diella had rushed to her room and now sat elegantly at the tea table, speaking in a refined tone.VensI
qdVWhat could be said? Her demeanor was everything Lady Miriela had hoped for—full of the elegance befitting a young noblewoman.mDiI
amXWith Aiselin’s flawless example nearby and numerous etiquette books for reference, she had all the resources she needed. Before she went astray, she had taken etiquette lessons, and her instructor, Dereck, hadn’t ignored those. Combining these factors, she had enough knowledge to act like a noble lady.yu59
tsnIt wasn’t that she couldn’t before—she simply didn’t want to.LD8
icog9Miriela knew that, but she never thought someone like Diella could be reformed so completely.6eI
RRsTyuP“Di-Diella. I understand you’ve been studying etiquette on your own.”XArj
Kq8UF“Yes. Some self-study, and Dereck taught me a bit. I can’t stay a child forever.”hzkYa
NKJ“…Indeed. Studying on your own is very admirable.”O5lDh
45fk“Yes. I studied on my own, and Dereck also taught me.”AYWLi1
JxUTIio“Were there any parts of self-study that you found difficult?”9EZqG
j7kKwc8“There were a few hurdles, but Dereck knew more than I expected.”GCBO
nfgDereck, Dereck, Dereck.Kbtct
kLUvThe subtle emphasis on Dereck’s contributions was significant. Miriela had to resist the urge to hold her head in her hands.m8KK
vX5UaqsDereck had supposedly taught Diella what it meant to be a noblewoman. Despite the facts, that was what Diella claimed. Dereck wasn’t an etiquette instructor. His knowledge was surely limited.WxVp8O
pCiGGkgIt was true that Diella’s etiquette was still quite basic… But this was Diella, of all people. Diella, who had gone through so much turmoil, now displayed true grace.mRhl
gcu54Miriela remembered the expressions of the servants as they walked together to the reception room—their eyes nearly popped from their sockets at seeing Diella act with such refinement. They rubbed their eyes in disbelief or pinched their cheeks.Agf
V1owcIt wasn’t hard to predict the rumors that would soon spread through the mansion.806XOWY
o8jSt“The new instructor, Dereck, has refined Diella’s elegance.”zMnem
F9LPt“It must be Dereck.”nr5H
SkSS3R“Nobody thought that wild child could be reformed, but he’s an exceptional instructor.”gM87a
bBcRunSuch remarks were easy to imagine. This meant Miriela’s justification for firing Dereck would soon disappear.Pquyo5
7p8hHadn’t she always opposed Dereck’s hire because he would tarnish noble dignity?4Am
M5mBut if Diella was now properly learning noble etiquette, Miriela’s authority would be trampled.qyo74
0nwWhatever the case, it was checkmate. Miriela felt her mind going blank.4OSGV
sH2ZL***339T7
u5tkX✦ Combat MagicQX7BP
64sgnFX★☆☆☆☆☆ Magic ArrowgUmL2X6
skTtr★☆☆☆☆☆ ShockwavewNvObh
9mSq★☆☆☆☆☆ Full Power ManifestationSv9zFQY
XfVbAub★★☆☆☆☆ Fireballq7cKYDv
iqCldt✦ Transformation MagicGQ3uqkI
LeBK0v8★☆☆☆☆☆ Light CreationY6tnwP
1ylyjf★★☆☆☆☆ Earth Wallhhu
1ThgrKK✦ Confusion Magic2GwTnk
78zE★☆☆☆☆☆ SilenceE3ylTh
2DahVIl★★☆☆☆☆ HallucinationAkEN
Wnt★★☆☆☆☆ ConfusioniTIEOHq
FHCe✦ Summoning MagictSM
ZnPB★☆☆☆☆☆ Summon – Guiding FairyjlHa
5ru0BrH✦ Exploration Magic7j2
zG27★☆☆☆☆☆ Sense of DirectionsEUb
VrG★★☆☆☆☆ Clairvoyance5c5
oPU6Vo★★☆☆☆☆ Life DetectionMctb
pCRYzRDereck was diligently studying the three-star grimoire he had brought, after receiving permission to read it at the desk in his private room.wdWI
ZSfmPHowever, even Dereck, born with exceptional magical talent among commoners, could not easily master three-star magic at his age.4cJ8Nm
KGnHAmong commoners, those who reached the three-star level were respectable men who had devoted their entire lives to magic, or elderly wizards.6rfAD
DXzYCeGFor Dereck, still young and inexperienced, this level was slightly out of reach.X6pgr
KPOV“Hmm… The knowledge of the Regulated Academy is a bit rough. Learning through hands-on application is most effective for me… but it’s hard to do in this environment.”dYLlyj
dxwQfMost of the spells he had learned so far were quickly mastered through field application as a mercenary.OEPKee
0hwsPThat was how most wild-academy mages learned. Although it felt somewhat limiting, Dereck experienced a strange sense of satisfaction.GcvA
x6quoMOFor some unknown reason, he felt that if he worked hard in his research, he might be able to reach the three-star level. It was a strange intuition, lacking any logical basis.emN
9Q5r“Isn’t it said that magic and ambition are inseparable?”9GvpEOX
mtcT0MMHe recalled the words of his mentor, Katia.laz
lhj–Knock, tock.36I95b
mbWvzilAt that moment, someone knocked on the door to his private room. Before Dereck could answer, the door opened and a broad-shouldered man entered.z6Z6o
ymSzNQhIt was Leigh, the second son of the noble Duplain family.cmeR4
ko802WWith muscles bulging in his arms, he swaggered in and stopped firmly, silently observing Dereck.3cEp
wtE7xw“What brings you here?”DRXTC6
j7DfZug“…I came to talk about Diella.”rprV
pZ0FfX“…?”w0TWR5R
JzoDereck closed the book and placed it on the table. When Leigh glanced at it and recognized it as a three-star grimoire, he flinched.RF1K
n2UGZGRWondering why Dereck was reading a three-star magic book that even he couldn’t comprehend, Leigh recalled the words of Grand Duke Duplain.VZ8
5sUDereck’s current magical level was on a different plane than his own. Whether Leigh, heir to Duplain’s bloodline, could surpass him in the future was uncertain, but for now, their levels were not comparable. He shouldn’t challenge him recklessly. Only someone like Valerian could serve as a worthy match.Smip
KV1YLeigh remembered those words were not empty. Furthermore, access to three-star grimoires was restricted without the Grand Duke’s permission.UIS
Ex6psLeigh narrowed his eyes and finally sat down across from Dereck.mn5
PKvf6tHis serious demeanor made Dereck straighten his posture as well.DdV5E
YXXTsVO“You came all the way here to ask me something… What is it?”D6dk
Api89pl“…Don’t misunderstand, just listen.”Ill
HFiW06e“Understood.”HEG
Lq3WHo“…”oKu
OLHBuF4With a serious face, Leigh asked:HxuCq
iyx“What do teenage girls like these days…?”UKzpy
lGO7OF“…”l2vgBa
fS2V“Would they like it if I made them a doll, embroidered to look like them?”kFY8
OwjuTU7“That wouldn’t work at all.”AtNx
HO0kYRecalling Valerian’s horrified expression, Dereck quickly dissuaded Leigh.VAUoKIX
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