Chapter 20: Journey (4)
h4bK“There’s nothing more to teach.”4Motmh
c4dThose who heard Dereck’s statement could only tilt their heads, confused at first.ZJc
eQr8His student, Diella, was mastering first-tier magic, while Dereck had nearly perfected second-tier magic and was beginning to glimpse the realm of third-tier magic.vfT2S
lsJThe magical level between the two was as vast as heaven and earth, yet Dereck claimed there was no point in continuing to teach Diella.OEdQ
GbO“From this point on, I cannot determine whether my involvement will have a positive effect on Lady Diella’s magical growth.”tkB
0M0xKjRThe setting was the Grand Duke’s office. Even in broad daylight, the office was shrouded in a strange dimness, giving it an oppressive feel.KjWCHCC
XpoPGrand Duke Raymond Oswald Duplain sat, turning in his chair, calmly listening to Dereck’s explanation.4CUSd
WeGN“Your Grace must have noticed Lady Diella’s use of mana—it differs slightly from rule-based aristocratic magic.”cgj
1Hbf“I suspected it was Wild Academy theory.”ZLF0q
YGYPDb7“You knew?”fZqfy
R1DqTJ9“I had a hunch about Diella’s uniqueness after her last duel. I wasn’t entirely sure, but…”TqYKL
9lAHgkrRaymond Oswald Duplain, ruler of this domain, was a five-star level mage. With experience in most magical theories, he had also realized that Diella’s magical achievements were not ordinary.ojPmKv
17GYpH“And?”ikQSZ
KFT“Wild Academy magic fundamentally assumes self-learning. Up to a certain point, a good mentor can guide effectively, but beyond that, one must worry about negative influence.”KaXS9
QJ7V“What kind of negative influence?”9rEYYNE
DT10“That’s when limitations arise in a mage’s free and unrestrained use of mana.”sRH
4xNbDereck continued explaining, standing firmly with his hands behind his back.mAR
nT7ek“Lady Diella’s magic is like painting a picture. Among the free-spirited Wild Academy mages, her mana manipulation is exceptionally potent.”MCA9ON
crSWie“It’s almost like creating a work of art.”8vR
7e8YhaG“Yes, that’s a fitting comparison. The stronger the artist’s color, the fewer people can give advice lightly. Such advice might dull that color and strength.”atJp2
4pkOADereck added:j1bq
Cgc“She might become a mage of a much higher level than we imagine.”pGp
T3NdThe Grand Duke listened and then closed his eyes tightly.6lUl
7SbmHe sank into thought, his demeanor unchanged. It didn’t take long for him to reach a conclusion.AupY
o9mUTP“I see. I understand what you’re saying. Then you have no reason to stay at the mansion.”VQXrdUQ
hZGQx“What’s the use of a magic instructor who no longer teaches magic?”OtK8
IkU“Diella relies heavily on you emotionally.”PPi
66jDereck lowered his gaze calmly, without responding. Observing this, the Duke accepted it—there was no benefit in Diella becoming overly dependent on Dereck. As a mage of the Wild faction, she needed to learn to stand on her own.QxD
HWc“Right. You’ve always been a man of great ambition. In this noble mansion environment, there are limits to training your magic. For someone like you, it must be difficult to endure such restrictions.”bDQ14
6gE“Yes. I’ve only truly improved my magic in practical environments. The mansion is… too peaceful for me.”SFe3
qAp5“You don’t seem destined for an easy life.”5dki0ZJ
rPDb5“I consider that a kind of blessing.”4yCtofz
kDvThe Duke turned his chair, rested his chin on his hand while gazing out the window, and spoke.KkxRqo
khIFcz“Still, my youngest daughter, once so bitter, has greatly benefited. I can’t say I was a good father, but I was fortunate to remain one who looked after his daughter. That’s certainly thanks to your efforts.”afJHZrK
qhO355“I’m honored.”mky4W
b0g0Pv“Children grow so fast, it’s almost frightening. You get caught up in managing your estate, and before you know it, they’ve blossomed.”jjl7xl
qfLABBValerian, Leigh, and Aiselin had each found their place in noble society. Perhaps Diella’s rebellious phase had long been a thorn in his heart.mC8XG
3CJWn1Even as his youngest daughter seemed to find her own path, the Duke felt he was entering a new stage of fatherhood—like a mother bird gazing at her empty nest, caught between relief and loneliness.vSOTv
yieThe Grand Duke quietly yielded to his thoughts, watching as his children moved on with their lives.Ncu
d8Vf“When will you leave?”cLgITg7
DV6ajh“I plan to go to Ebelstain in Lady Aiselin’s carriage once she visits the mansion.”pJG
zNSdM“I see. Return the library key now.”rkk3Ts2
3bOcp75“Yes. I’ll return the spellbook I’m reading through a servant.”vLf
wnW“That won’t be necessary. Just return the key now.”ENGFN
zWWyReDereck took a moment to understand the implication behind those words.bPQrQz
2aVAk6He flinched slightly and looked at the three-star spellbook strapped to his waist.3Pk2T
JZYZaHREven for the Duke of a nation, sharing such a valuable spellbook with a commoner was something to be carefully monitored. In monetary value, this ancient book could match the price of a house.IhFZYka
7KsYet the Duke showed no intent of reclaiming the spellbook—he simply turned his gaze out the window with his chin resting on his hand.DosXxgk
BxcIDereck placed the library key on the Duke’s desk.5wxI
peYL3xd“If there’s nothing else, you may go.”oSOkhB
vkKCIn the dim Duke’s office, he sat as always, surrounded by a sense of duty and a touch of solitude. He seemed like an immovable statue.12QN
bbA1KpDereck bowed in thanks and quietly left the Duke’s office.XaZz
3eT6uWIn the corridor outside, Valerian and Diella were already waiting. Valerian looked slightly concerned, while Diella seemed calm.kIN7E
NrjpQ2k“You’ve informed our father?”X1KOJs
YC0tk“Yes. I’ll leave for Ebelstain soon in Lady Aiselin’s carriage.”FRH
ajGdaHT“…So that’s what you’ve decided.”O2OIuw
aoKTZwValerian looked at Dereck with a trace of regret. He had visited Dereck early that morning for a reason—to ask if he could continue guiding Diella. But Dereck’s opinion was firm.jkyefm7
lx9NcRContinuing to teach her might not be beneficial to Diella. And for Dereck, it would be time wasted—time he could use to advance his own magic.pLX
wzWXFrom the perspective that it would benefit neither, the only conclusion was that continuing the magic lessons was pointless.RMx6
vSiZTIn the end, Valerian accepted Dereck’s words and silently patted his shoulder.wRKOkM
e6puY9E“Very well. You’ve done a great job. The Duplain family owes you much.”01ID3m
fw6“Not at all. On the contrary, I feel that teaching Lady Diella has reinforced my own magical theory.”APOh
9VLjoB“…Take this with you.”kzogabQ
NsDFnValerian took a thumb-sized medallion from his pocket. On the front was the great seal of House Duplain, and on the back, Valerian’s own engraved seal.8YY97
SoqRywA“If you show this in the noble district shops of Ebelstain, it will prove you are under the Duke of Duplain’s protection. I’ll point you to some good supplies exclusive to our family.”QsmG6k
f6OLQ8“…Thank you.”oAgz
RaiDereck accepted the gesture and placed the medallion with the Duplain seal in his pocket. Then, he gave Valerian a small bow and turned to Diella.nWA
9P7Diella gazed at Dereck with a surprisingly firm expression.Tlfd8
z0L“You came so suddenly, and now you’re saying you’ll leave just as suddenly.”XPHAu
NDC“That’s the life of a wandering mercenary, isn’t it?”gKrnRJi
BSMo“I know you don’t want to hear it, but I’ll say it anyway.”PkDBNo0
0xMrFmDiella hesitated for a moment, then, as if deciding she must speak, raised her head proudly and said:ecFPRLX
nQXXc“…Can’t you not go?”HLZJn
2GI8zAs if those words struck his heart like a dagger, Valerian closed his eyes tightly.fcl
F72RxNVDereck looked at Diella calmly, then, with a gentler expression, said:4VLnXEh
7sSUS“As always, I’ll spend my time in the taverns of Ebelstain, playing the role of a mercenary. I’ll also study a lot of magic.”elD9w
3AR“…I see.”tpIO57m
dIf3L“Lady Diella, once you’ve gained your cultural education here, you’ll be granted a grand residence in preparation for high society and will come to the noble district of Ebelstain, right? Just like Lady Aiselin.”hKIH
j2nyRNDereck smiled gently. It was rare to see such a smile on his typically stoic face.mBb
61Q“We’ll meet again soon. If by then I’ve improved a bit more, maybe I’ll have something new to teach you.”2AVj
jRgXyfzAt Dereck’s calm words, Diella could only nod.Igj
CSdAg33His words were always like that—truthful, leaving no room for argument.MHUk
ruMaLX***um6PwU
V9SQVThat night, Diella had a nightmare.FlmYY4x
UyGtIXA dream of the days when she was trapped in the pavilion, accomplishing nothing.6yahNf
UAMSitting quietly in her room, wasting time, hearing whispers like demonic voices.bsc
j7SsmQNDiella, you’re useless. Incompetent. Nothing but a name with noble blood.3IRRYl1
qYGF4CThe whispers filled her ears until the walls seemed to close in. The world shrank to a point, crushing her, suffocating her—until she suddenly woke up.09NX
8a5GGC1Soaked in sweat, she sat up in bed, moonlight seeping through the curtains of the dark room.Zjfny
FPCYbR5A maid with a surprised expression stood hesitantly.Hjk70
SqtN“Lady Diella, are you alright? I heard a sound and came in…”1x1
uNKJOX“…”q8N
7DhZeJuAfter steadying her breath, Diella exhaled deeply. The thought of Dereck’s departure left an inexplicable emptiness. She realized how much she had relied on him.MWUYz
UEcoBIEHonestly, she didn’t want Dereck to go.jzI
vQBJhBut she had no reason to stop him.E7qDl
aBBKbT—“Isn’t it you, Lady Diella, who controls the whole situation?”c5UTcNP
iXZ2Then, suddenly, something Dereck once said came to mind.Bl0q1c
kLgGyxYes. In the end, Diella was the one in control of the situation.HlVB
tOB0Dereck was leaving because Diella had completely changed, so there was no reason for him to remain. If she created a reason for him to stay, it would be enough. It was clear that if she returned to her old ways—abusing the servants, causing chaos—he’d stay for her.JxjuJ7X
AvFDAfter all, he was the one who changed her. Surely, the Duke and Valerian would want to keep him again. That way, she could stay with Dereck.Xrzdz21
BfwDiella silently looked at the concerned maid.FI2o
7bf9N0She could slap her, scold her for entering the young lady’s room without permission. If she caused a scene, Dereck would stay.Y35
OCo99oHer eyes sparkled with mischief.0XYzhns
Q2H“…No. I’m fine. Could you bring me a glass of water?”XAQM
t9Fz“Yes! I’ll be back from the kitchen right away. Please wait a moment.”zZNB3Zz
TtNKIBut Diella didn’t.2rOdN
ZI5IUShe sat quietly at the tea table in the middle of the room, touching her face under the soft moonlight.2nF9KAm
7U1AT3jWho would she be causing such a scene for?Mlkiv
dxrICreating such chaos would only negate everything Dereck had done until now. Even if it meant he would leave, Diella couldn’t stand to taint the meaning he had left behind. She would never want to defile what he had built with his own hands.P3O0lW
aqsvHow normal life had become again. The mansion’s servants now smiled at her kindly, and her family spent each day with ease. These everyday moments were so precious.oQX
MA7WzJ2Because Dereck didn’t want her to lose sight of that, Diella could only wipe her face and weep silently.HvwR
Fkn8NWhat mattered most was Dereck’s ambition—it pierced her heart.X2E
rrnqURYHis ambition, revealed when they once gazed at the sky together in the garden, was not to be content as a commoner, but to become a high-level mage. Staying tied to this noble mansion would only hinder his path.helk
jqszSo Diella couldn’t stop Dereck. He was a man with wings.gTIA6
guxThe girl held back her tears and, soon, wore a look of resolve.2xadEF
v2XSW***x2w
aa0That night, Diella had a nightmare.4ImsMQ
zzO9938She dreamed of the days when she was trapped in the pavilion, achieving nothing. Sitting quietly in her room, wasting time, she heard whispers like demonic voices:boo3b
SVQDiella, you’re good for nothing. Incompetent. You’re nobody, with nothing to show but your lineage.8wOm
gT8AFZgThe whispers filled her ears until the walls of the room seemed to close in. The world shrank to a point, crushing her, drowning her in agony—until she suddenly awoke.zyAIQ
pyTFBathed in sweat, she sat up in bed, moonlight filtering through the curtains into the dark room.ktsW
3pvymA maid stood there, startled, hesitating.UqNy
yqm“Miss Diella, are you all right? I heard a noise and came in…”mdqN
ZblCO18“…”QGo4i
6424tPJAfter steadying her breath, Diella sighed deeply. The thought that Dereck was about to leave brought an inexplicable emptiness. She realized how much she depended on him.coxYzzx
sTcEHonestly, she wished he wouldn’t go.MWtiE
dIM65But there was no reason to hold him back.rrJZe
Lls—‘After all, isn’t it Miss Diella who controls the whole situation?’aLYDZ
0i9mJThen, suddenly, a line he had once said came to her mind.PY4Tju
0XNtYes. In the end, the control lay with Diella.RdN
c4ekHWDereck was leaving because Diella had changed completely, so he had no reason to intervene further. If she gave him a reason to stay—if she reverted to her old ways, slapping servants, acting out, causing chaos—she could keep him.0D6Ed
fnahRfThe one who had changed Diella was no one but him, and surely the Duke and Valerian would want to keep him in the mansion again. That way, she could remain by Dereck’s side.jaOik
RxU08Diella looked silently at the worried maid. She could slap her face, scold her for daring to enter her ladyship’s room without permission. By making a scene, causing chaos, she could force Dereck to stay—for her sake.2U3l
t9SHer eyes gleamed with mischief.OyU8aZ
M9s2i1o“…No. I’m fine. Could you bring me a glass of water?”vZ3S7i
YfNmC“Yes, Miss Diella! I’ll return right away from the kitchen. Please wait a moment.”NgF
NMi10KiBut Diella did not call her back.UfeO9w
E3YpShe sat quietly at the tea table in the center of the room, gently stroking her cheek by the soft moonlight.OmFR
bUEZFor whom would she cause such a scandal?dUaH
u13PJSfCreating that chaos would only negate everything Dereck had done so far. Even if it meant he’d stay, Diella could not bear to undo the significance of what he’d built. She would never soil the meaning he had crafted with his own hands.CCdk
2rCHow normal life had become again: the mansion’s servants smiling kindly, her family going about each day with light hearts. How happy those everyday moments were.3YjfQQ
hr0bW7Because Dereck didn’t want her to neglect these, Diella could only wipe her face and sob in silence.qZRsg
yPd35sAMost important was Dereck’s own ambition, which pierced her heart.pzfX
SDVn4His ambition—revealed when they’d looked up together at the garden sky—was not to be content as a commoner, but to become a high‐level mage. Staying bound to this noble mansion would only hinder him.Qk0
yhbBjeThat was why Diella could not keep Dereck. He was a man with wings.NLYBSO
0xQOsZ1The girl held back her tears and, shortly after, adopted an expression full of determination.kCbblH
jkvTi4***2A6Pk
33C6Dh0Four days later, as Lady Aiselin prepared to return to Ebelstein:7N2Y
QsPpvFAt the main gate of the Duplain noble mansion, a grand carriage and many servants gathered to see her off.TFJyp3
9S2xLady Aiselin, with a somewhat complicated expression, greeted the servants and then bit her lip when Dereck approached.VD2ZWr9
CUB1C“Shall I set you down at the entrance to Ebelstein? Or would the commercial district be better?”7LZ6F
Nry5“The commercial district would be more convenient. Thank you for considering it.”ASGn
Osv2“No, at least that I can do.”euw61
jZVIt was a damp early dawn.fzacQS
tBtAs often happens late in spring, there was a light mist, but you could still feel the characteristic freshness of morning.31aq
cPJFk1At that subtle boundary between night and day, the world felt almost empty.KSVRIb
2DUuh6Only the birdsong in the garden—still untouched by sunlight—echoed hollowly. Dereck thanked Lady Aiselin and, before climbing into the carriage, glanced around.quwOj7H
0tNzDValerian and Leigh, who had come early, gave slight bows; Dereck responded with a nod.VJIHMO
6AEjeHGThen Diella, who had been crouched between her elder brothers, stepped forward. She still wore a firm expression. Though she had often cried, surprisingly she showed a determined face at this farewell.nixZcum
Z5eHe’d expected her to throw a tantrum, to beg him not to go—but the opposite happened.GgSAvz
DtYeAs if reading his thoughts, Diella said with a familiar smile:Zs6Fa
Lrbk“What? You thought I’d throw a fit and tell you not to leave? I’m no longer a child.”pj9Vxh
yJozSTs“…I see. I see you in a new light.”wcAq
OPwtAMKDereck half‑laughed, then looked up at the sky lightening above and spoke to Diella:YteS
JqgUusf“Still, it’s been an honor teaching you, Miss Diella. I may not be able to proudly call myself your master anywhere, but I hope you remember the magic we practiced together.”TK7
U1HhP“I’m sorry, but I’ll proudly proclaim that you are my master.”oI9tcYU
QaRHxsL“…”oo1QSC
i8f60“Even if you want a quiet life, it won’t turn out as you wish. Imagine how many will whisper about being Diella Catherine Duplain’s teacher. Hehe.”WNUg
FjF4iuThe girl chuckled mischievously, smoothed her abundant golden hair several times, then spoke frankly:OSocKL
sCzUu“Don’t hurt yourself doing mercenary work for nothing.”XxKWBn
VmQT“I’ll be fine. I hope you take care of yourself too, Miss Diella.”SkR
SYEvN7o“No need to worry about me.”L3U
w2TjqkDiella made no scene. She toyed silently with the ends of her hair, then with a resolute look said:Ue2JIR1
d3c“I’m grown now. See? I can take care of myself.”EeGKEd
3BZSaying this, she placed her hands on her hips and then boldly thrust out her chest with a satisfied smile.YoUH
fMIZt24In that moment, Dereck was taken aback, his eyes widening in shock.Ug9zstT
ICsgkIt was a memory that suddenly struck him—one that had long been buried deep in Dereck’s subconscious, pushed aside and misunderstood for a long time.ReWVz8
Qz0U5OP—‘I’m grown now. I can take care of myself.’hJDY
zrJEeVLong ago, young Dereck had said the same. Just like Diella now. He didn’t want to burden someone who was leaving, so he’d spoken with a forced smile, body tense.Utn
7NOrnTo let the one departing continue their journey untroubled, he’d mustered that brave face. But instead of relief, his master had hugged him tightly, worry etched on his face.cQs
ylQ5o5PAnd… whispered something to Dereck.cAwS
FxwHe hadn’t understood those words at the time, but still, he buried that farewell deep in his heart and moved on.01BAk8i
qYRDAnd in time, he had his own pupil.CafUQ
17GnYSeeing his pupil bravely declare her maturity as she prepared to depart… everything clicked into place like dominoes, and he understood.Lqvda
wy6The girl was still too young. Her road was long. Many more life trials lay ahead, and as she journeyed, she would face new rebellions.Fwdjxx
7dcg4hpAmid life’s waves, how fragile was the figure of that little girl, asserting her adulthood with unsteady steps. That image remained in someone’s heart.s4xbK
YsvOnly now did Dereck fully grasp the emotions that had lingered on Katia’s face that day.676aeVt
Gtf7He finally understood completely the soft words his master had once whispered to him:zHb
Nc8G“Miss Diella.”1ACL
G61iPGaSo Dereck knelt and gently laid a hand on Diella’s shining golden hair.nAFihJ
zOLkjAnd softly spoke, in a low voice:7aH
FSk“You don’t need to grow up too fast.”QJXcR
P4XvAt those words, Diella’s pupils widened briefly, then she bit her lip. She seemed to hold back her emotions, struggling to contain them. Tears that she could no longer hold back fell silently from her reddened eyes.6Vj9Mg
KHNCDereck rose in silence and set his cloak’s hat in place.gKbi
PuQBp“Dereck!”njB
yi4QbUPerhaps there was no time for lengthy farewells—Diella called out once. Her next words were brief:qQPbpv
7aqMsIE“Until we meet again.”mFfc
R5hzIThe girl would come to Ebelstein’s social circles. Thus, Dereck could bid her goodbye calmly as he climbed into the carriage.mkWg
LHBTL“I’ll see you in Ebelstein.”ekmwwvx
kxt6a***AC3qR
QbmChirp.nOO
CaVThe heavy carriage door opened, and Dereck stepped down heavily.RGhyjjp
95OXM9Stretching his lean frame, he looked around and realized it was quite late.Op44
NCdR8The narrow winding alley still reeked of life, heaps of trash piled in corners—old wooden crates, scraps of food, rusted knives scattered everywhere.eXbJ
PHY9“Mr. Dereck, if you ever come to the noble district, please visit us. I’ll serve you the best tea, and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”zcg3M
mqs“Yes, thank you.”LKW9C4
vNVwYD“You’re always welcome at the mansion.”Jbe4b
ddlLady Aiselin leaned forward to bid farewell. Though they’d settled many matters during the ride, something still weighed on her heart at parting.A6hI
WMGAs Dereck bowed politely, the carriage began to move slowly toward the noble district.7QZQxd
PzgBbE—Tinkle tinkle.1VKq8g
3KDVHaving alighted, he crossed back into the commoner streets, now bathed in moonlight.uASOZ
ePONJfWBarefoot children played, beggars sat here and there, soliciting alms from passersby.wSu36Sb
Y0OtRIn the distance, the cries of a beaten woman and boisterous drunkards mixed, and from a cheap tavern came an indistinct song.6y3zWAU
QTkIt was a world entirely opposite the noble district, where the air always carried luxurious scents. Here, breathing deeply, he felt an indescribable satisfaction—like returning home after a long journey.Tsh
Yns“Well, your skin’s improved—noble mansion food must be good.”1akg22
inMAs he headed down the tavern street, a girl sitting cross‑legged on an old wooden crate in the alley’s corner spoke. Her tone casual, chin propped on her hand, it sounded entirely natural.Uv5eln
0O72uClad in a worn old cloak, she was the very image of a mercenary. A large bow hung across her back, and her platinum‑blonde hair was carefully tied back.m0v0p
EPMR“Oh, Pheline.”mch
Pmxf4If this fetid alley could be called Dereck’s home, then that girl was surely an old friend from his past neighborhood.bTBU
vzu9pXHAt last, Dereck felt he had truly come home.C7d
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