Chapter 34: Star 3 (4)
RCp3v“Duke Beltus, that man never seems to age.”a34i
R8Q1YxCount Belmierd mused aloud.HlMU9o
Y8cIn the central meeting hall of Cleon Hall, within the noble district of Ebelstain.IxMIF
22mD4The sight of three prominent western Empire nobles gathered in one place made the attendants swallow dryly.tp3d
0w7dEEach of them ruled their territories like kings, knowing that even the smallest misstep could bring shame upon their families.Su8yTw
ztdwC1“Perhaps the rumor that he touched a taboo isn’t so far-fetched.”EqhI
hIcCount Belmierd led the meeting with a warm laugh, but as usual, Duke Duplain and Grand Duke Beltus maintained grave, grim expressions.7lcp2T
o4qAThat was how heads of great families behaved. In truth, nobles like Count Belmierd were rare.EnhLp
C6rN89“If Duke Duplain plans to expand his territory beyond the Belkos Peninsula, he should be cautious of the labyrinth in the White Zone. Manipulating trade tariffs there would be a major advantage, but if powerful monsters are stirred up in high-level labyrinths, it could bring greater losses, don’t you think?”BpxWK3
2557W2w“Duke Beltus is the most concerned. I’ve dispatched knights from my own domain to investigate, and it seems there won’t be major disruptions.”Rkx0
QNiJD“The lives of your people are at stake, so we must be more cautious. If needed, we can even send knightly orders from our own lands.”nceDvQ
XXg“You call those people knightly orders? Aren’t they just worthless mercenaries?”TGUBa77
QHLDD2OGrand Duke Beltus, his thin face framed by tousled blue hair, frowned.wPsgHy
MRZThe Beltus territory was vast and fertile, but nothing compared to the other two territories present. Most of it consisted of islands and mountains.C4Ttt73
4qHrThough his military might matched that of high nobility, over half of it came from General Orel, a former mercenary.l8EHW
itDIn terms of influence, he couldn’t compare to Duke Duplain, whose bloodline was mixed with royalty, so it was natural for him to constantly worry about being left out of the three great families.svhJSsM
67kRq“Duke Duplain, your words are too harsh. The mercenaries under General Orel stationed in the Beltus territory wield their swords with conviction and faith, don’t they?”CxYRh
sRinRA“If you pour enough gold into their hands, they won’t hesitate to stab those they once protected. Can you really sleep at night entrusting your domain to such people?”A61QUS7
f6Dk“It seems Duke Duplain is confident in managing his vast territory with his limitless private army. Rumors say the outskirts of the Duplain domain are full of crime and lawlessness.”dB5D
Am85BASDuke Duplain gave a hollow laugh. He recognized the value of General Orel’s mercenaries, but entrusting them with administrative duties and territorial security was another matter entirely.0kB
dMvPs8B“You’ll hit a wall eventually. Or perhaps… are you content with things as they are?”gORzISz
3YI9wAo“What a ridiculous provocation.”2G9H
bSSTdlm“Does it sound like a provocation? I’m only stating facts.”iY1
3mYoBWqCount Belmierd sighed deeply. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand the reason behind their tension.ThQr
NfvRxDThe White Zone, stretching north of the Duplain domain, was a golden region filled with high-risk labyrinths.lgatb
eJx3HOQIf someone could break through and raise trade tariffs, and retrieve hidden treasures from the labyrinths, it would be a huge gain… But realistically, it wasn’t a task solvable with Duplain’s military alone. Labyrinth exploration couldn’t be handled by brute force alone.FE7B
K8MUITGrand Duke Beltus’s suggestion to send knightly orders was also driven by his desire for a share of the White Zone’s treasure. If he wanted a share of the spoils, he needed a reason, hence constantly pushing Duke Duplain to ask for help.0W6F
R1hgCtSuch interest disputes were common, but it wasn’t something that should be discussed in a setting like this.AcCu
aDKSince the talks on goods tariffs passing through Ebelstain had concluded, Count Belmierd thought it fitting to end on a lighter note.8Hjom
zMZSi4“Still, exchanging opinions directly in Ebelstain is far better and faster than by correspondence. Now that we’ve reached a consensus on the contentious issues, let’s wrap up the negotiations. After all, after such a long journey, don’t you agree it’s time we see our children’s faces in the noble district’s social scene?”t0K
e33aWith that, Count Belmierd turned the conversation to their children. In truth, all present loved their offspring deeply, each in their own way.31hUn8
6N2It was also important for each of their daughters to have a place in Ebelstain’s social scene, particularly within Rose Hall.42ggxje
X1EY8Fathers were constantly engaged in their own battles of pride, each determined not to let their daughters be overshadowed.bt52
a812X“I heard Lady Diella of the Duplain family will debut soon in Ebelstain’s social circle after her coming-of-age ceremony. Though she roams a lot, her recent magical achievements are remarkable.”tn1
V0XC5kNo father disliked praising his child. When Count Belmierd casually offered praise to ease the atmosphere, Duke Duplain crossed his arms and leaned back in his luxurious wooden chair.zHMCw
38keXZ“Hmm… She may roam, but she’s accomplished a lot lately. However, she tends to downplay her achievements, overshadowed by Aiselin’s success.”FNpO
HsyES“With her debut preparations underway, such gloomy thoughts will soon be forgotten.”HB3Fzhb
J82ueQCount Belmierd shared this pleasant exchange to lighten the mood, but he was not someone who always bent to others. Especially when boasting about his children.GgXay
R1U6P“Though perhaps she’s no match for Ellen.”EKe
BdE“…”zNdcVT
invmhR“There’s no need for such pessimism, Duke. While Diella’s achievements may not rival our Ellen’s, she’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of.”Wvg
la50nJcDuke Duplain’s brows furrowed slightly.BEVBaLM
yHt4yrWhen it came to boasting about daughters, he had little to say.X9nqEq
mFjO“It’s true that Diella’s achievements have yet to shine. But since there’s no mountain higher than Aiselin, perhaps she’s set her sights on her as a new goal.”ASDptEd
7hhCfI“…”bGb
uBMAiselin was, indeed, the flower of Ebelstain’s social circle—the pillar of Rose Hall.Br4Kz
9PXJInWEven the kind-hearted Count Belmierd found it difficult to claim that his daughter Ellen was nobler or superior to Aiselin.Uaalv
HhBHaving a daughter like Aiselin was akin to holding a royal flush in the game of parental pride.yCmDeZ
iC4To think there was no comeback could be frustrating, but the Count couldn’t stand imagining his daughter Ellen being seen as lesser anywhere.Hd2
PtUVhcp“Perhaps you haven’t heard of the recent magic duel, Duke Duplain?”aoVsmc
WP0eeYJ“What? A magic duel?”DE2JomS
95dv“Yes. Lady Aiselin may have long reigned in Ebelstain’s social scene, but that glory might not last forever.”2aTZbGB
lSTIt wasn’t that the Duke was unaware of the recent duel. Aiselin had openly shared several Ebelstain social gossip bits with him.PGs6Ce
BFfjotvIn particular, she seemed to have learned a lot from her recent duel with Ellen.AHWF
EEQ9cM6Aiselin was always composed. However, she clearly sensed a crisis during that duel, nearly facing defeat at Ellen’s hands.u8T2
FwEWBsoThose who always thought of their families naturally sought out new mentors.3hTtjD
beFIt was true that Ellen had caught up to Aiselin’s level. With a victorious gleam, Duke Duplain quietly observed Count Belmierd, who watched him warily, and slowly frowned.bgu
UAe1He’d heard that Aiselin had won that duel. However, judging by Count Belmierd’s expression, it was hard to say who truly won.MOBliU
ZCQoR“It’s true, the mercenary who became Lady Diella’s teacher appears to have extraordinary skill. For now, that mercenary is firmly on Ellen’s side.”9yruSfm
bJDThough he spoke gracefully and with dignity, his words were nothing more than a veiled jab at Duke Duplain.uzJw17
iW98tvPIt was essentially saying: “Aren’t you jealous? The magic tutor you got so much out of now works for us.”F9Y1vI
qm4CQMBut Duke Duplain also mocked Count Belmierd in return.zdgFH
DNfpLPl“On Ellen’s side? Do you think that mercenary is the type to stay in one place?”E6Nj
BtT“Pardon?”h4KR
64nU“It seems, Count Belmierd, that you haven’t truly met that mercenary.”NcoxKj
YEKThe words of Duke Duplain hit the mark. The mercenary, a highly confident master of magic followed by Ellen and Aiselin, hadn’t even been seen by them.TRVzT
n1osMuWhen Count Ellen fell silent, Duke Duplain, chin held high, spoke with an arrogant expression.jT2KUl
3HLz“Of course, he has talent for teaching, but he’s not someone who can be easily tied down to one place, and forcing him would only backfire.”ppvDCHd
QLcBefore being a magic teacher, he was a mage full of ambition.skkgfQ
3VzQIf he ever felt that teaching noble ladies was negatively affecting his pursuit of magic, he would refuse to teach anyone, even for wealth.O8R8
MG2l1To manage a talent like that, persuasion was more effective than coercion. Duke Duplain’s insight was something that could only be gained from meeting the man named Dereck directly. Count Belmierd couldn’t make that kind of decision at the moment.Jrg7pIz
IiPHV5iFeeling psychologically superior, Duke Duplain’s voice became calm again.DfO3V
kNM“After all, he has worked for a long time as a teacher on the Duplain estate and is very close to Diella. Knowing how Aiselin is, it’s obvious he’ll eventually return to being her family tutor rather than Ellen’s.”f8y
C3n“Ugh…”3ASGLQ3
q5hGhe“You think you can bind him just because he deviated slightly from the Belmierd family? A ruler must know how to control and manage his people.”xIQvO
w35fIGaCount Belmierd couldn’t refute Duke Duplain’s words.ZPsE
QG3JeIt was true, Dereck understood very well that Duke Duplain was someone who valued earned achievements when working under his command.yV0I280
x1fGEHe didn’t need to be overly loyal to Count Belmierd, a man he didn’t even know.riWsf
KQDazLGIf Dereck pledged loyalty to anyone, in the end, it would be only to Duke Duplain.Ulv
pCdWith his voice full of confidence, Count Belmierd rested his chin and took a deep breath.rj1Q
aNVzF7D‘I must meet him.’LXaBh8
8ucEllen seemed interested in keeping the magic teacher named Dereck. It was true, having such a teacher had brought great success in the magical duel with Aiselin.Ee4PZH
N196CCImagining his daughter losing her teacher due to differences in parental authority was unbearable.oJyuq
rjTXWEven worse, losing him to Aiselin of all people—such an event would keep him from sleeping at night. It was something he had to prevent at all costs.1oTBAVm
mknh4‘Is it the Beldern Mercenary Band?’9A7
HrGAfter this meeting ended, the other nobles would go see their daughters in the noble district.7lCZ
aTw2qUHe felt sorry for Ellen, but decided he had to get to ‘Beldern’s Tears’ in the tavern alley faster than anyone else.Hz1
rPYW4lOnly by pushing the mercenary named Dereck into Ellen’s arms did it seem he could leave Ebelstein with a relieved heart.TYnO2L
Ohv7kSn‘…’UVUjeC
n4dKeWHowever, the expression of Duke Beltus, who had been listening to the two’s conversation, was also not light.HjHuw
Qt6lHe was an opportunist.D2gW
L3LOJ8If figures like Count Belmierd and Duke Duplain were competing over a single talent, there was definitely something worth noting about him.g7L
sRZy26XBeing a magic tutor for noble ladies was reason enough. His daughter, Denise, hadn’t shown significant progress in her magical achievements lately.pEO4sQ
eLebwdWPrecisely because Denise lacked motivation and just did what others did. Even as her father, Duke Beltus couldn’t understand such a lazy temperament.287F
IW8‘I must send a letter to Denise to ask about the magic teacher named Dereck. The fastest way is to inquire through the social circle.’K2MYT
6MJyeIn any case, Denise would provide some information if he took action on his own.lnRX
YxCC5QShe may not initiate things, but once she did, she always got results.NYYudU
jVDxBsIn fact, Denise had anticipated such instructions from Duke Beltus and had already sent a request to the Beldern Mercenary Band.u8PJ
v6VW56UIf she could obtain the man named Dereck, it would clearly hold importance at the negotiation table.uhLNW
JEm***dXX
UPqa8bmThe sound of water dripping from stalactites echoed throughout the chamber.
Even in the darkness where not an inch ahead could be seen, Drest moved forward without hesitation.qn5xx
D9kxahWhen Dereck tried to light a torch, the old man raised his withered hand to stop him.8zy
rFw“…”H8mJ
XNjJmT“Always be careful observing your surroundings in darkness.”g1Og
ACK“How exactly should I do that?”ITxaU
5Pb“Release your mana.”dEQ5Iyq
XyWlt6K“…”7zu
d3q5pThe old man’s explanations were always brief.F77wKw
bkrZbIt seemed impossible to discern beyond the darkness just by releasing mana. Among detection-type spells, there was one called ‘Night Vision’ that allowed one to see in the dark.NuqUby
MMpKuHowever, there was no sign the old man used that spell. Even a mage at the pinnacle of skill couldn’t manifest magic without a process of mana refinement.3mJ2xX
IbmYet, there seemed to be a skill to perceive the surroundings just by emitting mana. Dereck closed his eyes and tried as the old man instructed. Emitting magical power wasn’t too difficult.fvlyskw
rfXHtSpBut within the dark cave, his magic clashed and disappeared into nothing.YKHE
79t“…Is it possible?”d2P37V
ZC1“Yes, you catch on quickly. By extending your magic and feeling its echo, you can roughly understand your surroundings.”oHh
jOopDereck swallowed hard. It was like a bat emitting sonar to navigate dark caves. The old man seemed familiar with the process, able to walk even with eyes closed.8nAou
eyWjFmThis way, one could understand a battlefield without using high-level magic.BZq013V
21QO9fHHowever, just because the theory was clear didn’t mean it was easy to execute.Olh3MC
DQ85OYLThe old man seemed to easily grasp the cave’s structure, but Dereck had to stay completely alert just to sense his surroundings.kTP
T0jG“Is this… possible…?”Br8E
06cujDereck tilted his head after several attempts, but the old man’s voice came seriously.7FAi
USLURUHe spoke as if this wasn’t a great feat, but merely the fundamentals of search magic.jZx
d03rMKQHis standard was too high. Skills like that weren’t basic. Still, Dereck didn’t complain.f4t9p5m
HCBuVThis old man was an undisputed master of search magic.dCB5Jt
atZRECn“It seems you still don’t fully understand the level of search magic. Level 1 search magic can detect dangers or weaknesses, but at level 2, you can track a specific target, sense magic itself, and glimpse objects or places in the past.”vkeD
6NVoSearch mages were a minority. They didn’t contribute directly to combat power.7RqEV
4a8vYMages specializing in search magic like Drest were rare, most acting as support.DB88A5q
20Q“At level 3, you can see magical camouflages or view distant places, and at level 4, you can discern magic levels or lies from others. This is just part of the wonders of search.”op8
qyeT2“…What about at level 5?”guXUa
LuA“You can read people’s minds. Sometimes, even talk to the dead.”uydl9dT
HWYHearing those words, Dereck had to swallow again. The old man, who read aloud as if he had seen all the world had to offer, also seemed to read Dereck’s mind.QtB
hv1cThat is, he knew Dereck wasn’t bound to this world and that his blessed magical talent wasn’t ordinary.TEmH
cQbdXxvHowever, the old man showed no surprise at Dereck. He had lived a century. It seemed there was nothing left in the world that could surprise him.cR7vJQ
BIB“At level 6, you can sometimes glimpse the future and destiny. You can’t use it freely, but occasionally, it feels like seeing through the eyes of a god. Of course, surrendering to such arrogance never ends well. We must not forget we are just ordinary humans on this earth.”cPrcssD
v6BsG0“…Then, is there a reason Sir Drest sought me out?”jiu
0rdA“Correct.”uEB1DJ
qJz8SLXAs the old man went deeper into the dark cave, a wide open space appeared.J3INlOM
FLZpz1JBats chirped and flew in the dark, and unknown rodents scurried across the ground.0GG6
ErhBqlIn the middle of it all, an old man sat silently atop a large rock.ysNiO
5qC5“You are destined to die before your coming-of-age ceremony.”foqYtfz
z3R“…”I1Mj1l
SqmM“I just hope it won’t happen.”wWy7
WXCYfNaYou are destined to die. Hearing such a statement from a six-star search mage was shocking.zY2GXST
FceHowever, Dereck didn’t appear surprised or emotionally shaken.dCgH
40D0HtpAs a mercenary who crossed battlefields, he had always lived close to death. He found it curious that he felt no emotional disturbance inside.xIegv
n42“There are many things I want to ask.”1zPWii
hryZTD“Sorry, but I have no desire to answer. I can’t predict how my answers might change your future. The future can unfold in many ways, diverging from what was initially seen. But I can assure you one thing.”Z40x
czK2YzDrest WolfTail’s face showed the accumulation of years. After living a century and experiencing many things, he seemed to have come to a deep realization in the end.HjYoX
AdrWhat could be the purpose of his life, after losing everything?WlJ
XMdAKpDereck couldn’t understand it.WEu
IZdK6y9“You must not die. So I will make sure you don’t. You must reach a higher level than now.”y3MrYT
3oiOcl“Are you offering to teach me search magic?”anrISG
fkrE“Yes. And if you can aim for three-star in combat and confusion magic, it would be wise to achieve it now. If you do, no companion of yours will be able to match your accomplishments.”54WzO
SOQ“Why go this far? What do you want from me?”sG1gK1
jtZFNDrest closed his eyes for a moment, then remained silent, as if searching for a compromise.36t0g3k
sIY“Before you come of age, Valerian Delomaine Duplain will attempt necromancy.”Psss
scEGxuDereck’s eyes widened in shock.qK6S7y
pvQk9L“If that happens, you must kill him.”tOf0Ny
eB3jX4Drest WolfTail was not someone who spoke nonsense.jiRa
OJdHK0lYet even so, Dereck found himself needing to ask again what he had just heard.fYCX
cIwWuU***kqVG0GN
cLic5As usual, Jayden was polishing glasses at Beldern’s Tears bar.
However, that afternoon, the face of the visitor who entered the tavern nearly made his eyes pop out.788Re0I
vJjvd5Assisted by many servants and followers, the head of the Belmierd family, Belmierd the Prince, walked in with difficulty.yoS
kVeLyUThe commotion had made everyone at the tavern alley entrance bow their heads.q1xzw
zQhkKGHe was not the type of person to stroll through Ebelstein’s market block casually.AiDJlb6
8WeJ“Ah, welcome.”6QNFTh
A3lgJayden immediately bowed deeply.h1gUw
wPMIkwdThere had been rumors of an agreement between the three noble families in Ebelstein. It was just passing news.0kms
Z3dnQw1No one, including Jayden and the gathered tavern patrons, could have imagined Count Belmierd would set foot here, so all watched with incredulous eyes.UbpqJp
0qlCWH“I heard my servant sent a letter, but there was no response.”XKonw
QFDmzk“Ah, I didn’t expect you to come in person. I have nothing special to offer right now. Just low-quality liquor…”pwE7m
YUt“No matter. Do you think I came here to drink? I need to see the face of that mercenary, Dereck.”HpAV
qpS81BCount Belmierd laughed heartily and then sat at one side of the bar.aFpjS
jm5ubWith many servants bowing behind him, Jayden, standing on the other side of the counter, felt unbearable pressure.KT23IN8
QmO9asAfter all, he was now the owner of the tavern. If Count Belmierd came as a guest, then it was his duty.4aBtVCs
e7Dafwa“I already received the commission letter. But… there’s a small problem…”oCEbnW
6FsDxa8“A problem?”9WoivI
MmjTr“Yes. The problem is… Dereck is currently missing.”4I0bIp
wqJ2Dereck had entered the tavern a few days ago, face full of emotion, left a message saying he’d reject all commissions, took his ration bag, and immediately left.SNz
oKYnLSince then, there had been no contact. He sometimes rested, claiming he needed a break, but he had never completely disappeared.tWF
Jg0fD‘Surely they received letters from the Beltus and Duplain families too, but to vanish at a time like this…’mVcfcq
sENCount Belmierd had rushed to the tavern faster than anyone else, a bold move on his part.FmG
C8aHe had a tight schedule in Ebelstein. Forcing everyone to come here in person meant he had sacrificed a lot. He was a father who would do anything for his daughter.3Raj
zCN78sIf the Count showed his sincerity by coming in person, no mercenary could reject an offer. Such pressure was necessary to prevent their minds from drifting to offers from other houses.L1LKCv5
diC1nHowever, that was only possible if they could see his face.wR7Xh2
uwqB3F“Maybe… he went into seclusion for some magical breakthrough… That’s what I think.”oIH7y5
C1X“Seclusion…? And where would he do that?”cQo6tK
SmcZxB“That, I don’t know. At times like this, it’s pretty hard to understand…”0GtrYwS
Os9wfBeltus, Belmierd, Duplain — all were eager to recruit him.sX8
lyqRWhatever the issue, he wasn’t the type to boldly refuse a direct offer from a head of house.UCFO2IO
tpJ0zSo, the first to find him would be his Lord.QRwOWG
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