Chapter 56: Drop of Blood (2)
xHNDereck was a transmigrator.7S8YpKC
MqkWhen he awoke, he had been thrown into a world where he had no connections, and he had to fight his whole life, wandering through the slums to survive.bEUp
P8l2vukHe formed some bonds, but few people stayed by his side for long. Life’s paths diverge in many ways, and they rarely intersect for extended periods.mUVn9
bIJkLZnIf someone asked him what was most important in his life, he would answer: achievements.sTXVwk
ANe3Valerian was the eldest son of the Duplain family.q44
sDqtBorn of noble blood, he carried everyone’s expectations and became someone exceptional and virtuous, fulfilling each one of them.2vl
Ti2He enjoyed many things in a privileged environment, lacking nothing, and he loved his always-present family more than anything else.L0YV
ftzPaycIf someone asked him what was most important in his life, he would answer without hesitation: family.Ek7
1lMTDkHThe two men had different origins, different environments, opposing values, and incompatible goals.Qodk
ssJCX4mTherefore, the end of their stories would be different as well. During their journey north, Drest Wolftail silently gazed out at the vast coast.23B
jJ3Y3KNEveryone’s path is unique, but the infinite ocean, with no defined routes, sometimes made one feel lost.Xy21g
DSJrwsIt was natural to lose your way now and then.GC5S
2jZThe debut of a young woman from a great family like the Duplains was not only a rare event—it was also grandiose. The ball held at the family mansion surpassed all expectations.xLk6K
iRnYaNot only the main house, but also the nearby towers and all kinds of annex buildings were used as venues for the event.4h5py
G8jcesAll the attendees were notable figures.xz7
hvGFirst and foremost, the heads of lower noble families attended in person. For an event of the high nobility like the Duplains’, sending a representative was considered extremely rude.asl4E7
vwhyg8IExceptions were sometimes made for military or imperial duties, but in general, it was best for the heads to attend directly.bZs5
XXPlTbkEvents like this didn’t happen often, so celebrities from all over the empire gathered. Even if they didn’t manage to form special connections, it was a chance to be seen.JkEB
2MibJust seeing the guest list was impressive. From Count Belmierd, led by Margrave Belmierd, to Ellen, who would attend as their representative, the level was exceptionally high.nU0cuG
I0oltVaIt was a decision befitting Margrave Belmierd, who wished to send Ellen to such a prestigious event.0z5PI3
288pAnd there were rumors that Denise would also attend as a representative of the Beltus family.cEwMwDu
WBiukr1Originally, Dereck was supposed to attend in her place, but Denise hurried to intervene and persuaded the duke to let her accompany him.iSnUPuw
USRKnock, knock.aAH9d
fPLiflIn the end, Denise boarded the carriage bound for the Duplain mansion.p2td
kpP“They say the Duplains are looking for you, and yet you wanted to go alone into the tiger’s den? Dereck, I’m going with you—just help me out a little.”3GF
jrBDr68In truth, if she was so worried, she shouldn’t have sent Dereck at all. But given her connections, she couldn’t avoid it entirely.GxM6
OiXc6The Duplains treated him like a VIP, and the Belmierds saw him as someone they owed. His influence was too significant to ignore. No one knew how things would turn out.uDhZ
fqFiXThat’s why Denise allowed him to attend—on the condition that he went with her.Efze
i2cN“Well, I’ve received a lot from the Duplain family… It seems only right to show some gratitude on an occasion like this.”IpR9xv
qvg7eDereck spoke with a neutral expression.hAbQP
IVi0RzAfter all, visiting the Duplain mansion meant seeing many familiar faces again.wkk
VReCH“I heard many VIPs will be attending. I’ve only dealt with nobles from the southwest of the empire, so I don’t know anyone from other regions.”qmuN
TEQv3Gh“I’m not much different. In other regions, there’s usually just one powerful family dominating everything. It’s not as crowded as it is in the southwest.”3bb
6I8Denise gathered her silver hair and began calmly braiding it. She seemed bored by the long journey. In the end, conversation was all there was to do.L1kj
0fSDuhj“It’s impossible to remember all the guests. Just focus on the important figures. They say someone named Lord Roilak from the North will attend… and from the East, Lady Freya, of Prince Elvester’s family, will be there.”UyG
IPrDAT“…Prince Elvester’s family?”SnF
k2B“Yes. Why? Do you know them? I doubt you know any nobles from the opposite end of the continent…”f8rAxT
9z7eIndeed, Dereck had rarely left the southwest.6iNE9
s8yJBut the name of the Elvester family was familiar to him. It had been a long time since then.HLr
z3g“A letter has arrived from Margrave Elvester. They’re requesting that I be assigned as a private tutor in their lands.”3ab4
l5W“…That’s the family where my mentor lives.”pM1GuJ0
8Pbq“Mentor? You mean Drest Wolftail?”A4R
StJIZPS“No. There was someone before him. The one who helped me awaken my magic.”HpR
OZenak“Really? Dereck’s past seems to have many layers.”QSaou
fOQLIThere had once been a fallen noble named Katia.I9ouALX
s3RShe lived in Ebelstein and oversaw Dereck’s magical training for several years before moving to the Elvester family.UfS
9RATIf it was Lady Freya from that same family, she was undoubtedly Katia’s disciple.6K3MkD
D71nS“She was taught by the same master I had. I’d like to see her at least once.”eo6c
AVgr“Lady Freya? They say she’s kind and respected in the East… but I’ve never met her personally. Events like Lady Diella’s social debut don’t happen often.”UL7z6x
w9dA ball of this scale hadn’t been seen since Aiselin’s debut, but it seemed Lady Freya hadn’t attended that event.s38Nm
lQK“So in a way, she’s like your senior? Even if you’ve never met.”BxmIZwe
CFHeNp“That’s right. If she’s been with Katia for a long time, she’s likely quite skilled.”EiBPU
bWX“I haven’t heard much about her magic…”shnH
6Ft6Sometimes letters from Katia still arrived from the house of Prince Elvester.0oQN
lT1K4Though less frequent now, they still exchanged at least one letter a year. Those letters were always full of praise for Lady Freya, so she didn’t seem like a bad person.Hhu
VwaQIn addition, prominent figures like Lord Melverot’s uncle, Lord Robenkheim from the North, Lady Adelen representing Lord Delos of the South, and from the imperial family, Chancellor Poloncourt and Chief Magic Advisor Kohella would also be attending.tsOkJ
7KV7lAEach of them was a key figure, responsible for hundreds or thousands of people.F2i
WSMbPMost would attend as representatives, but their presence alone could influence the direction of the nation.oR1wY
rkLdf“Lady Ellen will also be at the ball, and I must greet Lady Aiselin separately. I can’t address Grand Duke Duplain directly… but if the chance arises, I’d also like to greet Lady Diella, the star of the event.”k58tP
XEBLsXl“…”TUTA
cQSEai“I also need to thank Butler Delron and Head Maid Katarina, who helped me… It would be nice to ask Lady Freya about Katia’s well-being, but since I don’t know her personally, I can’t just approach her…”A8eD
2l0B“Dereck… from what you’re saying, you already sound like a noble.”l6OHWz
SeRZ“…Well, there’s no point in overstepping my limits.”aFeDp2k
Igbxz“No, it seems you already have a broader network than most lower nobles.”7U92W
OwwODenise crossed her arms and grumbled.0ZwU
vWgR6uYOf course, Dereck had built many connections while active in Ebelstein’s noble circles.woUF8
fKJEHe’d made friends among members of the Beldern Mercenary Corps and other mercenaries from tavern districts… Even lower-ranking nobles in Ebelstein might envy his connections.QbtduM
MqRDWhat’s more, his magical skills had reached a considerable level.NhI4ws7
2h6Although not widely known, Dereck had already surpassed the level of a 3-star mage. Considering his age, even high-ranking nobles took note of him.r2kdtp
0f3Without the backing of a powerful family, his personal safety had already become a real concern.RMNg34a
yKFv“With your magic skills and the ease with which you navigate noble society… if you earn a few more achievements, you might even receive a title.”vjyM
Cyx“Well… It’s not something I should say in front of a noble, but I’ve heard that the high nobility is so conservative and exclusive that even the emperor is reluctant to grant new titles.”hvG
WI0Zsj3“Well, it’s well known that Emperor Guttrel always keeps a close eye on the high nobility… But you never know.”Ka4i
QchZFA1Dereck, resting his chin on his hand, paused in thought before speaking.yqbG
DFGDr“Well, nobility isn’t for me.”mmJ0VFU
piLUH“I don’t think so either.”k3rhxf
eO6V2eJFor some reason, Denise burst out laughing.pypi1uS
R7rAlthough she didn’t particularly enjoy social events, this was the first time she was attending a formal one alongside Dereck.O8GZd
YOQaTFor some unknown reason, she was excited, taking deep breaths. Her lack of formality was a stark contrast to her usual self.y0n12t7
PLGaKDereck looked at her and gave a sheepish smile.IYD
31vdhQ***u7bzV
QXCMO“It’s been a long time, Lady Katarina.”sJJ1
fTgWhen Dereck handed over his belongings and greeted her, Steward Katarina bowed her head and received them.HMp3M
VqmQyuIn truth, she wasn’t someone who would bow to a mercenary of common birth, but at least in the Duplain household, Dereck was treated almost like a minor noble.NMBrERU
dGyRealizing this, Denise, who stepped down from the carriage alongside Dereck, was taken aback.tXyx
Xxog“The steward of House Duplain shows you respect? You really do have a reputation, don’t you?”8GOnx8
IfPaH84The steward of this mansion did not bow easily. She was one of the faces that represented the household.wQgf1
ihHM“It is a great honor to have the young lady of House Beltus visiting us. His Grace the Duke of Duplain is currently receiving guests in his office. It would be a pleasure to welcome you and exchange greetings during the ball, but for now, he is quite busy, so I suggest visiting him after dinner.”Ey4
fy6aC“Yes, thank you. It seems the ball hasn’t started yet. Could you prepare a room for us?”STJn
5U0T“Of course. Please rest comfortably in the west wing lounge. We will prepare separate rooms for you, so please follow the guidance of the staff in the west wing.”2YNNMXV
uYQiLzThe main entrance of the Duplain mansion was crowded with luxurious, majestic carriages.kChhovy
e6MS1zEach family had sent their most beautiful carriage, striving not to be outdone—as if competing to show off their attire.NAiuMa
WWt8OhDereck watched the scene in silence, nodded, and then entered the Duplain mansion, as if being drawn inside.mQN
kP31Although he knew the layout of the mansion, something about today felt a little different.SIef
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