Chapter 49: Value (3)
lu1BAEven though the aristocratic district was filled with residences of prestigious families, entering one of them was no easy task.rV7Occ
YJ816nIn Ebelstain, the paradox lay in the fact that the most famous and coveted places in society were accessible only to a select few.PG0qPCI
vNmMIn that sense, the mansions where the noble ladies of the Duplain, Belmiard, and Beltus families resided were peculiar to Dereck, who had been inside all of them.di6lyS
L9tFb9It was astonishing that Dereck, a man from the slums, could now freely visit the youngest daughter of the Duplain family, who had just debuted in high society.BUXQDCr
Kxam“But that doesn’t mean much.”ytp
QAcFRKxSeated in the carriage prepared especially by the Beltus family, Dereck rested his chin on his hand, squinting at Diella’s house through the window.QXw7Hii
n3QNo matter how majestic a noble mansion might be, there was an inevitable difference between one newly built and another aged by time.BgO5m
1ZagWV3The homes of society’s celebrities showed signs of aging despite all the upkeep, but Diella’s was a perfect blend of splendor, mystery, and pristine order.KiSsm4
CUDemaIt was clear why so many noble ladies yearned to debut in society, stepping in with a grand entrance.H8bP
lgSEven a fraction of that status would make people bow, something common in commercial zones and poor neighborhoods.RwsMsJ
zfL“Did you come to persuade Lady Diella…?”0MKzF
aGPbqe“Yes. The Rose Salon eagerly awaits Lady Diella’s membership. Although she’s now with the Beltus family, I have history with her, so they believe I might be able to persuade her.”8LLb
cXiDelron, the butler managing the Duplain estate, seemed to consider Diella’s stable social debut more important, hence his presence in Ebelstain.Nai
Q9iVSneSometimes arrogant, he was at heart loyal and diligent, respected by the Duplain family.3iB
j5NvHowever, his expression was less than cheerful as he came out to greet me at the mansion gate.nFvpzR
T8r“Lady Diella certainly values you, but be careful when expressing opinions on social matters.”5RGP
2e5CZj“Oh, really? I didn’t think it was such a delicate topic.”70T
7epuEDereck handed several items to the servants as he stepped down from the carriage. The servants at Diella’s house, mostly from the Duplain estate, knew Dereck well enough to accept his belongings without hesitation and carry them inside.k7P
kCfm3OIn the Duplain household, Dereck was treated almost like an honored guest, a fact well known by the domestic staff.Oggx
WJ3nd“You’ve been attracting a lot of attention in society lately, even clashing with some noble ladies. You know how she is—tends to act on emotion—so it’s hard for her followers to offer advice.”XDV
ZMr24“What kind of advice?”Gx2
feIt6u5“Well, it’s not something easily established. A lady of the Duplain family is naturally expected to mingle in society. But given her strong personal convictions, it’s hard to express opinions.”QSw
njGcOrListening to Delron’s words as they approached the mansion, it seemed Diella had acquired a minimal level of social skill over time but hadn’t entirely shed her arrogance.tx5
SYLThe passing servants looked concerned. Apparently, many had suffered setbacks trying to persuade or advise Diella. The reactions of the staff were telling.2rP4L
mZUwv2“Honestly, even you might not sway Lady Diella’s desires. Lady Aiselin, who started this, must be working hard.”cB3Q8g
kMY“Still, it’s an unusual situation. For the Beltus family to permit such a visit to the Duplain household isn’t common.”ekHw0hu
PBLMWq5“True. Lady Denise is rather generous in that regard.”OgMqU
oZSHGIndeed, Denise was willing to grant any request from the Duplain family. Unaware of such intricate details, Delron merely expressed his amazement at the situation.l48n2
zzw2Following the path for a while, the reception room entrance, guarded by several servants, came into view. It was almost certain that Diella was inside.RQ8
dkY9Dereck brushed the dust off his mercenary uniform and adjusted his cloak. Even as a former student, meeting privately with a noble lady required a minimum level of decorum.kdvysY
qekaXN9“Please behave so as not to suffer any major setbacks. Do what you can within your means.”pBm0B8g
2WS5“Yes, understood. Thank you for your consideration.”kNOdCw0
rEV3cg6Dereck bowed politely to Delron and knocked on the large wooden door.eyxHzN
7802QUjKnock, knockOcRew0
pb5Qmhr“Come in!”ctbH6nM
FXN9A spirited voice responded from within.dkiqv3H
jALmpNZWhen Dereck entered confidently, Diella, dressed in an elegant monochrome black-and-white gown, was seated on the far side of the sofa in the room.IeJHf0
rykGb***372chm
Imh9“You’ve grown taller—and even more beautiful.”bDTdm
tUDP“Oh, really? Dereck, you’ve learned to flatter. I heard you’ve been mingling with nobility; it must be true.”QgCLNsy
nUoP1“It’s not flattery. I’m truly glad to see you again in Ebelstain.”WirF1Z
shMVcjw“We’ll meet again in Ebelstain.”yYx6i0
SkpSGiSince their sudden parting in her younger days, both Dereck and Diella had gained much experience.rKT
qtYEspecially Dereck, who was now far more versed in noble culture than when he had first entered the Duplain household as an instructor.VoO8
ju7wHe had internalized it through countless encounters with aristocrats. To Diella, Dereck now seemed more mature, making the time they’d spent apart feel even more real.B4ET9O
1AgDGuided by servants, Dereck left his cloak behind and sat across from Diella in his mercenary attire—a leather vest over a cotton tunic.JywuMHf
G59vA delicious aroma of tea wafted through the room from the low table.PaZH
waC8‘Why did he grow so much…?’6n2k
UVFzugDiella, who had practiced magic alone for years, had never forgotten Dereck. That sudden, lightning-like encounter had completely changed her life.fhe1
2l3KxsNow, Diella was considered as influential in the Duplain family as Aiselin. At the core of that transformation was Dereck, her magic instructor.GmN
ikt4oAWith achievements like that, one might expect Dereck to boast or flaunt in front of the Duplain family. But as always, the former mercenary remained indifferent and composed.dbXlH
LPXTXv7That was the fascinating thing about this instructor. He was sincere in his work—without greedy eyes or the strong ambitions common among those who dealt with nobles.ubWi
PZmThat’s why Diella always cherished the memories of her time with Dereck. But really, they were just memories of the past.XkfqV
ua6tJg‘Yes, I remember there was about half a head difference… Is it because he’s a man that he grows so fast every year? If this keeps up, I’ll look like a child next to him.’7hZFk
fuJWhen Diella learned magic from Dereck, she was only sixteen.VGIeuS
1AFNow, leaving childhood behind and stepping into youth, her growth couldn’t compare to Dereck’s, who had already outpaced her long ago.vKEFY
oLiCWQxNow towering a head above her, Dereck’s unexpectedly robust build startled Diella.R8XHRdP
2s0MHowever, his signature red eyes still carried traces of the old Dereck.nAkOP
XmmzALNo matter what others said, this was the instructor who had accepted Diella when everyone else had given up on her.r8b
W5Yh8BV“I’m truly happy to see you’ve become such a gracious hostess. I only taught you first-star magic, so there’s not much to boast about.”8cqF
UMKf“No, no… it helped a lot. But I heard you’re now teaching magic for the Beltus family…”CXAHI3
dmjfEB“Yes. For now, I plan to assist Lady Denise with her magical accomplishments.”u0sFFzD
XnqnlEV“You chose to leave?”wMRgHy
eb45“The Beltus family reached out first, and the terms were fair, so I accepted.”xfr
NblYPIn truth, he’d accepted because the Beltus family had no prior ties.bILNYoH
fDqHBut there was no need to explain that to Diella. The fact that Dereck navigated between the three great families wasn’t something she needed to know.PhG9
euu8G1“I see…”0Zu13
jWCGlWHThe servants, waiting respectfully at the edge of the room, were surprised.iX0ZVo
M7kkEMEAn instructor who once taught magic in the Duplain family was now serving the Beltus family—as far as they could see. Given her pride, Diella wouldn’t take that lightly. She was fiercely proud to be a Duplain lady.FCS3ef
20ElgHowever, Diella only lowered her head awkwardly.9AO
mbxLyThe servants had to bite their lips to keep their eyes from popping out in disbelief.yrZ5
HPdWho was this quiet, demure girl sitting there? The servants who had tended to her in recent years could only blink in shock. Only the veteran servants from the Duplain main house nodded knowingly.iNm
nk9RyP“The Duplain family also offered good terms.”las
cmx“Yes. Very generous, but as you know, Lady Aiselin doesn’t need instruction, right?”pb8d
3mvqd“Right. My sister must be perfect.”CWt
ceMtcsq“As it happened, Lady Denise mentioned she was struggling with magic, so I decided to help. No matter who I instruct, I think my lessons are worthwhile, don’t you?”Wn4EC
l6SWGe“What about me?”a9s
sbXGm04“…Huh?”stUt
c4NCaught off guard by the sudden question, Dereck fell silent.QsQ6
fT5V“No, I mean… I’m about to make my social debut… After the ball, I’ll need a private instructor. Wouldn’t you like to teach me?”wxQc4v
4QE8“If it’s Lady Diella, I’d be honored. That’s very kind of you to offer.”j5SYHEK
TLqgZa1“Really?!”Dupdkx
1PW5d1zIn an instant, Diella’s face turned red and she shot up from her seat, but realizing she had raised her voice ungracefully, she caught her breath and sat back down.2uPL
6FSNOxAfter clearing her throat a few times, Diella spoke more timidly.vLtjr1
xE5“Ah, no… I know it’s an honor. Since Dereck’s proven himself as an instructor, and we know each other… Actually, there’s a long line of instructors waiting to teach me.”1caE
hu3“Of course. Anyone would want a position as an instructor for the Duplain family. But, as you know, I’m currently under contract with the Beltus family.”rYjRg
81USn“…”rE7
Vo0“Rules among nobles are set in stone, aren’t they? At least for someone common like me, such promises can’t be ignored.”bt2tF
DEQcAt Dereck’s words, Diella’s expression darkened. He was right.rcXFQ4
NeuvUnlike Diella, a noble-born Duplain, Dereck was a commoner. If he had signed a direct contract with the Grand Duke Beltus, breaking it to leave the family was out of the question.Ik33P
jyFBzTiBut when that contract would end—no one knew.SJuE5t
dojDiella felt a lump in her throat. Dereck was sitting right there, but she couldn’t bring him to Duplain territory because he was shackled by that sly Denise.zdY
jcP5t“Then, we just need to find a way to end the contract with the Beltus family?”dI6c1
03CZ“…Huh?”oTKOJ
Eum“Since Dereck has expressed his willingness to teach me, I’ll see what I can do.”0qrog
LYeQuDereck studied Diella’s expression for a moment. She might act like a docile lamb in front of him, but she never abandoned her tyrannical nature.8uRTGt4
CJqFShe was fully prepared to confront Denise. No matter how noble a Duplain she was, challenging one of the three most influential ladies of the Rose Salon was no easy task.Cd7GdpN
RwK1E5ZStill, for her goal, she was willing to take that risk.1f2
1Jl0zId“Can’t you maintain good relations with the Rose Salon?”Q2K
nAhThen, Dereck cut straight to the point. At his words, all the surrounding servants swallowed nervously.o5n45tN
eNjIt was a request made by many followers and minor nobles—but most were reprimanded. One of Lady Denise’s followers had even had wine poured over her head. It was a direct challenge to Lady Diella’s weak spot.s9y3
5fxQ“The Rose Salon?”pD8l
z4QeX“Yes. Even before discussing unwritten rules among the noble families, this is a personal request. I have personal ties with people in the Rose Salon, so if Lady Diella opposes them, I’ll be forced to take sides.”dOIBUSt
8fFAHR“Wouldn’t you want to side with me?”Rg9jd
TgE“I’ll be direct. If I had to choose between an organization gathering all the ladies from the three great families and Lady Diella alone, how could I, a commoner, not be swayed by the greater power? It’s the way of the world that the weak are scattered by strong winds.”O3lw
yqQgTwAt this point, even the butler Delron had to swallow hard. He knew Dereck always spoke his mind, but he hadn’t expected such a bold statement in front of the fierce Diella.MmLvz
0gtEven if it was logical, saying outright that it would be hard to take her side wasn’t easy. Diella’s anger didn’t always follow reason. In fact, neither did human emotions in general.4uD
uIgJ80If someone made such a candid statement, who knew what losses they might face. Yet Dereck spoke firmly, his expression unchanged.PP8L
82iNB5And at Diella’s next reaction, all the servants struggled not to fall over in disbelief.6jv26s
d8m“Really…?”LYY7V
oOthW“…”g2S
jJ9xNB“Why would Dereck say something like that?”qZBk
BgDdUyU“If this issue creates distance between Lady Diella and me, that would be unfortunate, wouldn’t it? After all, she was my first student, and I personally received a great deal from her. Blessed as I am, I genuinely want to maintain a good relationship with Lady Diella.”QVQBOgl
EZ4XD“I feel the same. Yes, if I bare my fangs at the Rose Salon, it’ll cause problems for you too, Dereck. Hmm… um…”be0
LCjDiella crossed her arms and grumbled in frustration.OIAAKc
JxIuWhere was the tyrant who ignored everyone’s words and threw them out? Not only the servants, even the butler Delron couldn’t have predicted this scene, simply glancing awkwardly between them.Tl9H1g
pXfU“Ah, I get it. I’ll try.”qg6dRKL
4QYu“Thank you very much for considering it.”EU3
MhaGWho could tame the lioness trying to rule the entire world? The answer wasn’t far.Ut474eT
khk***dDFHfA
AH4UbZ(Membership Application)FnGfKX
QuTWDiella Katherine DuplainSwy
y1RzbAThe three young ladies who attended the next Rose Salon meeting discreetly glanced at the document before them on the round table.ikzq
JQ0DaNot even the ladies of the three great families, nor Diella’s own sister Aiselin, had managed to persuade her—yet there it was: Diella’s application to join the salon.c9Ee
iGbS6Dereck had personally picked it up from Diella’s residence not long before.eU3h
kSrHc0m“…”RKS
6BO79Ellen was so stunned that she double-checked the document’s authenticity.4cw
oNELdNBut the Duplain family seal on the application wasn’t something easily forged.YpVY
TyZF1SbLooking over at Aiselin, she too seemed incredulous, and as for Denise, she swallowed dryly.bWU
7J69“How could a document like this…?”85z
p1AQqNo one could offer a clear answer to Ellen’s question. Diella, full of stubborn pride and cruel defiance, had a peculiar tendency to yield to Dereck’s words.w3qewZ
goFzgWSKnowing this, it was inevitable to assign newfound value to the white-haired magician.aQzWCf
SMXiLIn truth, those who fancied themselves magic experts in high society were all the same.BMHD2R
cjQQ0pUThey all desired prominent figures as students—and there was always a reason behind that desire.9YzT0h
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