Chapter 4: Duplain (1)
Iqc29FNoble ladies often step into mansions in Ebelstein for social training. It’s said that at least 40 servants are needed to assist a single lady given a separate mansion.sLS
UuQLhUNA head maid, head butler, three housemaids, three cooks, four kitchen maids, three scullery maids, five personal maids, a maid in charge of the personal maids, butlers, valets, coachmen, gardeners, and so on.eJJ
NEbNKMoreover, a high-ranking retainer is required, and if preparing for a debut into society, several private tutors must be included, sometimes totaling over a dozen teachers.Sa4Y
GjboDThe most valuable among these tutors are those proficient in magic, regarded as a noble’s privilege and inherent trait. High-level wizards are extremely rare and usually occupy significant positions rather than serving as private tutors.5jh
y7bhfThis background explains why Count Elvester, the most renowned war hero of the eastern region, personally recruited Katia. An individual with deep understanding of noble culture, exceptional magical skills, and the charisma to teach was more valuable than gold. It’s no wonder that every noble family would compete to hire such a person.zorwQ
7jAxaEdThere’s a famous story about Count Delros from the north who traveled all the way to the capital to personally fetch a third-level magic tutor, fearing another noble might take them first. It was a desperate move that didn’t suit his rank.UTIhFN7
9PbB1Ultimately, parents would do anything to provide their children with excellent tutors. Nobles who rule the world from their thrones are no different.SfctY
VftRetainers, servants, tutors, and even knights for protection—all these form a small army or a trade caravan to serve one noble lady.ef7MoM
BjDIt’s like the entire world moves for one young girl, not even an adult yet. Such is the status of a noble lady from a prominent family.zQCS
jHtRDerek’s world was completely different, so it was natural for them to have no intersection.JZWx
szinm*5Jx
7Fomnq“I’ve got a big one this time. It’s a request from the Duke of Duplain.”Zb1
r5gXI4Jaden, the owner of ‘Tears of Veldurn,’ a tavern located in the deepest part of the mercenary street, was also the leader of the Veldurn Mercenary Group.HrZRE
06eu“Don’t complain about the sudden call, Derek. You know I usually follow proper procedures.”u3Y535
QpiK5F“The Duke of Duplain? It’s hard to believe. Why would they come to us for a job?”IIIaqHm
oD4“It’s true, though. This is a rare opportunity for the Veldurn Mercenary Group.”jaO1th2
MAFWhen people think of mercenaries in Ebelstein, they imagine two types.6DGFA
LnfCAOne is a genuine military group stationed in a specific area, handling requests on a domain or national level. They usually gather around retired generals and rarely leave their posts, making them hard to see.6RCqs3
MZZThe other is a group performing various tasks centered around places like the tavern street in Ebelstein. Individual mercenaries form groups to tackle more challenging and complex jobs.OCwJ
2M9GopZThe former has a strong sense of camaraderie, while the latter doesn’t. They are more like business partners.sTn
PXswBUrJaden, a middle-aged man who founded the Veldurn Mercenary Group, had grand ambitions despite the group’s modest size. Derek, though not deeply involved, occasionally took on requests with them.YCk1eX
dW75H“I wouldn’t forgive myself if I missed this golden opportunity.”9t5Gcs
Ci7UfJaden, once a mighty warrior in many battles, now had a rugged beard and was more of a tavern owner than a fighter. However, good mercenaries gathered in good taverns, making his role necessary.9v5Qtq
giJ“You know how generous nobles can be. They throw gold coins for trivial tasks and keep coming back if they like your work.”VViEfE
WfxmSOh“So, what’s the request?”bx2bB6
7RkADerek, sitting at a tavern table with his robe hanging loosely, asked nonchalantly.k3aoFm
s6PV“Nothing major. Just a simple task of eliminating some monsters on the outskirts of the duke’s domain.”HIbAIHD
9Gc“What kind of monsters?”oja
jRsqh“Seems like some goblins and maybe a few trolls if it’s dangerous.”z9PkA
uqh“That’s it?”yC0Qo
CCnk1EP“Yeah. Frankly, you or Felinne alone could handle it, but given the situation, I need to go myself. Our group’s future depends on it!”wpcU
fMRUl7FA large sword hung behind the tavern counter, a relic from Jaden’s warrior days. Now, he was more of a tavern owner and mercenary leader, but he still had the skills of a seasoned warrior.JnMOdos
wE9CDerek acknowledged Jaden’s capabilities. Though Jaden was a bit greedy, optimistic, and ambitious, he was a capable leader.eHqV
4Qz“The Duke of Duplain…”HSbTZz
xuXWaEbelstein is located at the southern tip of the vast Belkos Peninsula in the western continent. The northern half of this peninsula was all under the Duke of Duplain’s domain, making them significant clients.4Nu01
P4oD94This made Derek uneasy. The Duke’s private army was formidable, so why seek help from a small mercenary group for minor monsters? It felt suspicious.jjo
4A5s“Something feels off.”uYeg
cnmjBlA“Derek, we’re mercenaries.”Cib
1JxDOJaden, wiping a cup, smiled.DHWO
1Hh“We take requests and get paid. Delving into the reasons isn’t our business until they’re revealed.”zWQIbw
qFY“You’re not wrong… But if you’re going, I’m not needed.”QVYQ
1fsbFDerek was a valuable asset. Skilled in basic swordsmanship and magic, a first-level mage was a rare and sought-after talent in the mercenary world, capable of handling various challenges.Z9EF
71Me3But even then, he wasn’t more valuable than a veteran like Jaden. Goblins and trolls were tasks Jaden could handle alone. Derek didn’t need to be involved.PwEyx
cnf6ICBut Jaden shook his head.ec53Iru
HZF“There’s a reason I called you in a hurry. The retainer from the duke’s domain specifically requested a mage.”qiExfuf
LP7i“Why a mage for a simple extermination?”fFrQO1
6Q43LK“I asked the same. They insisted on a mage, just in case.”Ps2qkuT
37EaO0Jaden sighed heavily.kOLgvUT
IH9“The more I hear, the more suspicious it sounds.”3HL
vQb3J“Well, look on the bright side. Here, take a look.”GCE
4spHxBJaden placed a gold coin on the table. Derek’s eyes widened.1b5Vt
jkB8Q“A gold coin from Aidel. They gave it without negotiation. Crazy, right? It makes all those times we scraped by for silver seem pointless.”mcGQH
74Z“Nobles are generous. Throwing a gold coin for a few monsters…”1G1
Qvr“Here’s the kicker. It’s not the payment; it’s the advance.”wYAzIu
8GCDerek couldn’t help but change his attitude.lHuY
IN3nKAt*3Ey
EqmFIn the afternoon, the clients arrived at the tavern. Few people drank this early, so it was quiet. Derek, sitting at the bar, watched the newcomers, who were clearly from outside the tavern street, with their good skin and fine clothes.WS3iwB
94cTBLiThree people entered. The leader, an older man, had a harsh, weary look with half-bald hair, sharp eyes, and deep wrinkles.HKiC
6iL2nWFollowing him was an older woman with streaks of white in her hair and a robed figure whose face was hidden.Lnhnz
eBajVd9As they sat, Jaden personally served them fruit drinks.ImlD
BAWX“You’re early. We’ve been expecting you.”XJjZx
UcWThe old man glanced at the drink and pushed it aside, uninterested. His lack of manners was apparent.mwXlT
Zray“You must be Jaden, the warrior known for his valor in the Dawn War?”p63tfzV
BJaHT“Yes, that’s right. I’m no longer a soldier, just a humble tavern owner.”U37y
jg94“Then your skills should be reliable.”UG26V
2NE72At the old man’s signal, the woman and robed figure joined the round table. Derek, listening from the bar, sipped his water.u5nl93w
WILzYN“I am Melvin, chief secretary to the great Duke of Duplain. This is my assistant maid, and the robed one is an apprentice inspector. Both are from the duke’s estate.”RURu
iclKThe chief secretary’s assistant was a high-ranking retainer. Jaden greeted them with a smile.fkI
fL3nN“The maid assists with general duties, and the robed one is an apprentice inspector. Both are from the duke’s estate.”RYz01YJ
dkbWXRTDerek, pretending to drink water, examined the two. The maid’s neat appearance suggested she was experienced, with clean, well-maintained clothes. The robed figure’s silhouette suggested a petite build.Gy54FX
HgNS“An inspector reports directly to the duke. I must make a good impression.”zDWwvO
UhT1Cbt“Don’t worry. He’s still an apprentice. By the way, where’s the mage?”f4mfJr
TCK2I7“Oh, right here. Derek, come introduce yourself!”6qR6s
4pUgmD9Derek stood and approached them, feeling their gazes on him. He lowered his hood, revealing his face.0emOZ4J
G8q“I’m Derek.”nZI2z
d8UkHis neatly groomed white hair and red eyes stood out. His leather and metal equipment were well-maintained.9U0PG
08CNHis gear was practical, if not luxurious. Clean tunic under leather armor, a quality belt with a dagger on one side and a decent sword on the other, a leather pouch, gloves, and boots—all clean and well-kept.Nt66K
mMO5Derek was clearly seasoned, though not without flaws.9Meaip2
pQfZ“He’s too young.”Vov
oArMelvin frowned at Jaden.FngJqF
ESV“We requested a skilled mage. This boy hasn’t even had his coming-of-age ceremony.”S1C
6S6Melvin’s bluntness was typical of those serving nobles, who often considered themselves noble too.SNJU8A
QfR7KzXMelvin scowled at Jaden.FBXQqo
OAaO“I expected better judgment from someone with your reputation. How can I trust this?”gkF
PNPZ“Looks can be deceiving. Mages are rare in this district. Understandable, right?”QZaMJA
qu6“Even among commoners, mages are limited. At his age, he can barely handle first-level spells. We need more than that.”Uy9gsb
UeUS6UMelvin glared at Derek, who nonchalantly raised his arms, signaling indifference.Q4S0
EO7IMHThis only irritated Melvin more.wFg5Ps
W5haO5X“If this is the best you can do, I might as well leave…”2dPkK
QloT“Sir Melvin.”jaGET
fP8The maid, who had been consulting the robed figure, interrupted.n6BYEjo
3Gh7Melvin sighed and looked at Derek.Yxlcex
xuxwhjk“How old are you?”sadmg
vSM“Sixteen.”2cbc
PPkC“How much magic can you use?”ymTPg4
a7Ai8mQ“I can handle first-level spells.”ij9f
Dzd“Fine. Given your age, that’s impressive. Consider yourself lucky.”o8ksS
ccHNM8Melvin sighed again and addressed Jaden.gUO0y3C
ZFNdLBk“Let’s proceed.”ggN
91NnAw4‘What a control freak,’ Derek thought, maintaining his indifferent expression. Jaden, pleased, patted Derek’s shoulder. It seemed the clients wouldn’t proceed without a mage, making Derek’s presence crucial.kEx
ER4gti“As I said, I am Melvin, a retainer.”mSXqMYS
a0Nm“I am Delia, a scullery maid from the Duke of Duplain’s estate.”5IZTIg
F4oZGRetainers and servants have ranks. High-ranking retainers and servants of the Duke of Duplain hold significant authority.HE6N
vdYg“I am an apprentice inspector, ensuring the task is properly handled.”CQJmN
0cbThe robed figure extended a delicate hand, revealing a woman with pale skin and raven-black hair, contrasting her clear, blue eyes.fTNXltK
JMV2“Sorry for not fully revealing myself. My skin is sensitive to sunlight.”23D9Q
I8ON“That’s fine.”VtkVVx0
dXjvMDerek shook hands and nodded, noting the elegant demeanor of the inspector, who seemed genuinely noble.dSUXFu
MGH“Let’s head to the stable. We’ve arranged a coachman. It’s not a difficult task.”EKWi9I3
sR7JdZC*mJx
3izv7DX“Though they may lack manners, noble families often do. Just focus on the pay,” Jaden whispered to Derek as they walked to the stable.Yok3l
VOnRk“I’m not too bothered.”XkNRGPR
iAyDDerek replied, watching the three ahead.nHMUpf5
HAZk“What do you think?”YvkBh
emGkBq“They’re all lying.”I3Vm
wdRf“Really?”DS17
sZQ9a7Despite being from the slums, Derek had learned much about noble culture from Katia. She often shared stories about nobles before bed or while walking.MLvF1ej
5FXDerek also had a habit of closely observing everyone he met.y6m3uO
3u0O0“Noble retainers often travel frequently, so they’re usually younger and more sociable. That old man doesn’t fit the role.”xD5Fv
Je1YaaD“Interesting…”xPI
pxeiwj8“The scullery maid is also odd. Her hands were too clean for someone doing menial tasks. She’s not who she claims to be.”mpkjWog
c7oThe two likely lowered their status.GQwZ
kSMGiven the disparity in rank among retainers and servants, Derek suspected they were not who they seemed.zksn
7DSWsL“As for the robed inspector…”pwDYUOg
Fj5k“Derek.”cGNg
NpgQJaden interrupted with a knowing smile.2e3U
BwgW6“…”jz1
opK“I told you, don’t dig too deep. It’s not good to be too perceptive.”OsWmJV
Y2RcMercenaries do their job and get paid. That’s all. Involving themselves in the noble’s affairs often led to trouble.AirPQEV
LnMyJaden’s advice was something Derek agreed with. He sighed and lowered his gaze.aah5
WSklJaden was right. In this wild world, survival was the priority.RYA
XgLgkjEverything else was secondary.ymvPf
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