Chapter 68: The Most Noble and Impoverished (4)
tbJ“Lord Melverot of the North is known to all mages, but his family relationships aren’t as well-known, right?”vU6NrS
crrWMDenise, crossing the Elfontaine Salon in the noble district of Ebelstein, spoke casually to Dereck, who followed at a respectful distance.RAG
b8n“Lord Melverot… isn’t he the only combat-type mage among the known 6-star mages?”EXkYy
ehCu“Yes. He’s famous for many things. Head of the Count Logost family, wielder of the 5-star magical wand ‘Dawn,’ nephew of the great mage Robenkheim, conqueror of the North, the sword of the royal family… he holds many titles.”CNb
0u6Currently, only four 6-star mages are alive across the continent.Ku7B7N
FwyL8Lord Melverot, the conqueror of the North; Chief Magical Advisor Kohella from the central royal family; Pine, from a minor baron’s family in the southeastern farmlands; and Drest Wolfte, a commoner from the southwest. Only four in such a vast continent—making them nearly untouchable figures.FtpJX
iQghOMAmong them, the most famous is Lord Melverot, hailed as the hero of heroes for slaying countless monsters and leading the Dawn War to victory.r2tT
I9MDespite the North’s harsh cultural environment, he loved art, cultivated refinement, and held warrior pride—making him a true great man of this era.R4McDg5
FsLIt’s said that anyone walking the path of magic dreams of meeting him at least once in life… So when she heard the royal family had requested a direct meeting with Dereck, Denise couldn’t help but be surprised.blPdR
8FBZb“You know the North well, Dereck. It’s the closest region to the monster front lines—bloodshed and death are everyday occurrences. To rule there like a king and be recognized as a war hero? That’s no ordinary feat.”AwCe
GTMEyd“Well, true. But why are his family relations so unknown?”rvrbdf
wGvJDg“What other reason? Because there’s no one worth publicly mentioning. Except for the Countess and his sons, his only daughter—Lady Siern—is completely unmanageable.”Cvw6
Sk5Dereck’s contract was ending soon. Denise could already see that the Beltus family wouldn’t try to keep him.yfXXE
SRBDenise wanted to keep Dereck around a bit longer, but if Lord Melverot extended his hand, she knew there would be nothing she could do.Ft2Eu
scveXSo she felt the need to warn him now.RTMK
538EQ“You wouldn’t know as a commoner, but any noble lady who’s ever attended an event in the North knows. She’s not just difficult. It might sound crude, but… she’s insane. A lunatic. There’s no other way to put it.”VILZ
mdUQjct“…”NdWB
Qxy5v“Why do you think Lord Melverot—the continent’s most renowned magic master—wants to see you personally? He’s looking for someone to handle his daughter.”D3bKY
DyYkThe Elfontaine Salon corridor was full of noble ladies returning to their rooms after the gathering.cNOYi
1xfDenise continued speaking to Dereck, weaving through the crowd while smiling graciously at acquaintances.QknC
KMY8“If possible, you should consider how to refuse Lord Melverot’s offer. I strongly advise against becoming Lady Siern’s tutor.”MCxcfY
409“Is it that bad? Is she arrogant? Or oppressive? I’ve dealt with a lot of that already.”KNmB2
da8XdC“If that were all, do you think I’d be this concerned, Dereck?”KjB8
WwbDereck had already taught Diella and even had garbage thrown at him.Upszp7
09N9He was mentally strong, capable of enduring his duties without flinching—even under insult.gFWA
BCq“There’s no proof, but the rumors are rampant. That she tortures and kills servants, bathes in blood, pulls out villagers’ fingernails with a euphoric smile…”ALgX
IpwZ7B2“…”PvU0cg
2s7F“Told you—she’s a lunatic. Unstable. Dereck, I know building your reputation as a magical instructor is important, but it’s not worth getting involved with someone that mentally unstable.”NPP
QsOSA5“And how does she maintain her status doing things like that? Even with noble privilege, if she tortures or kills without cause, the Empire wouldn’t overlook it.”gzqM
Vp3Rk“That’s why I said they’re rumors. She must have ways to cover it up. She’s already infamous in the North as the ‘Bloodstained Lady.’ Isn’t that nickname terrifying enough?”s9C
CgRIt’s not fair to judge someone solely by rumors. But where there’s smoke, there’s often fire.O6ke6
DzycGA noble lady with experience can have intuition about people’s true nature. Those who’ve seen Lady Siern, Lord Melverot’s only daughter, agree there’s madness behind her beauty.alhj
xyLPiIt may sound cruel, but she’s completely unbalanced.HN04
fH6gDIt would be tragic if Dereck got involved—falsely accused, tortured, or even killed. That’s why Denise was so serious.MRmyC
AR3ru9“The North is remote, constantly battling demon tribes. Casualties are common. In a savage place like that, hiding deaths isn’t difficult.”4dnzqe
ZXFN“…”BJA
1HaEWS“So, Dereck. Don’t take unnecessary risks.”VTGPlST
QbSe9Denise spoke with a grave expression. She was genuinely worried.VK1vo
6F1ttAFeeling her concern, Dereck didn’t argue. But he couldn’t help wondering what kind of offer Lord Melverot would make to recruit someone.tdtLk3Q
GReThat was his honest thought.GhJ
iJP7bUOf course, he didn’t say it aloud. But suddenly, Denise stopped, put her hands on her hips, and stared at him. Frowning, lips tight, she spoke bluntly.0fw0I6g
sAlkKNv“You’re seriously considering Lord Melverot’s offer.”tBI5v
hGvn“You’re very perceptive in moments like this.”Xk0sOt
rS4Fqz“Not for the first time. Huff… By the way, did you help out with the Duplain situation?”9LALx
oSc“They said not much was needed. They already received enough support.”pzarjz
KjEb“Lady Aiselin said that?”IRdrCe5
L6v“Yes. The mansion didn’t seem very comfortable, but they appeared to be holding on.”vWVWbcX
6V3OT8“Hmm… I see…”1Jx4BQ
oUrvYDenise ran a hand through her silver hair and glanced around. No one was nearby. They’d reached a corner of the Elfontaine Salon. Most had already left.SyWY739
xZS5She touched her chin and leaned toward Dereck with a tense look.dYAa
xGvwmL“D-Dereck… this is personal advice… If you can, you’d better keep some distance from Lady Aiselin…”qFinDa
JaO7“What?”EnyAF
amJY“Don’t ask why. Just trust me. It’s for your own good…”qjUk4n9
7DTpxBOSeeing Dereck watching her silently, Denise coughed a few times and stepped back.QQ2XWi
JN8ONoble ladies are expected to be perfect, elegant, and beautiful in every way—but their weakest spot is often love.e8at4wY
mokEven someone like Denise wasn’t immune. It wasn’t unusual for a noble lady like Aiselin, raised like a greenhouse flower, to not recognize her own feelings.NAXEQY
2i6Denise, who considered herself an expert after reading countless romance novels, knew well that someone like Aiselin couldn’t clearly distinguish goodwill from affection. In a way, that was a blessing.679M
PVoifEven if her family had fallen, a noble was still a noble. A plebeian from the slums getting involved with a noble lady would only bring ruin to both.v4J
kLD2RPSo it was better to stop it early. And if someone like Denise noticed it, it meant action was urgent.M0e8
sFqB“There’s nothing to gain from getting close to a fallen noble, right?”Legx7Z
vHMqXo8“I don’t judge people by that. Isn’t Lady Aiselin a good person?”qSVsLe
JOhNlWJ“Ugh… If you say it like that, I have no rebuttal… Anyway, I don’t give advice for no reason.”w0FTUK
DpfoVW“I’ll keep it in mind.”Hkoyx
uP7a“Anyone can tell that everything goes in one ear and out the other with you…”1RW
PR2XJZsDenise scratched her head, looking troubled. Living carefree was fine, but since Dereck arrived, the dynamics at the Rose Salon had begun to shift.FJYb9o
I0CYIg“I need to head to the cultural center to meet with the imperial delegation. Sorry I can’t escort you further.”mVa
anlU7j“No, it’s fine. I didn’t hire you as my personal secretary… A royal letter is much more prestigious and important. See you later at the mansion.”AK2vuc
Q6JTI3Denise sighed and boarded the carriage.0NjdXr
aQcmBeing too perceptive and intuitive makes life more stressful. People need to be a bit more careless sometimes.H3Rj
TH3UKTShe understood that clearly today.wAZ1
oAUSpf***MR2yxY
yZEDereck crossed the opposite hallway, trying to leave the Elfontine Salon.Jfq
QAuUqSince the Rose Salon meeting had ended some time ago, there was hardly anyone around except for the servants tending the corridor.t0FgyP
5yyBeing surrounded by all kinds of noble ladies wasn’t exactly pleasant.csKkAO7
wP9RLately, quite a few people had been watching Dereck with interest.4BVyS4
7LANProbably because they knew his contract with the Beltus family was about to end.Tygh
uaMXV3In a world where having a good magic tutor could make the head of a family appear in person, it was inevitable that Dereck would attract attention just before becoming available.hXyRQ3
IJYbvStill, everyone was busy with their own matters. It was unlikely anyone would stick around long after the meeting. That’s why Dereck walked through the hallway with a calmer mind.7UZm3
3NOdTSwish.moLq8r
gsl8nDereck had developed keen senses. After spending so much time in labyrinths and living as a mercenary, one had to sharpen their senses to avoid life-threatening situations.FyTAgY
hVHB“…?”zppNCCQ
O19pHe had felt someone following him for a while, which made him turn around several times as he walked. Then, he saw the hem of a dress disappear behind a corner of the hallway. Judging by the navy blue skirt, it was undoubtedly Aiselin.IBm
S7htA9‘…What is this?’o9ZVD
frghZPnIn short, Aiselin was following him.ELS
b7U1If she had something to say, she could speak to him directly. Although there was a status barrier between them, Aiselin and Dereck had known each other for a long time and maintained a certain degree of communication.BTd
X8qbEven so, there had to be a reason why she was trying to confirm his whereabouts without speaking to him.Wn2mk
b6mn1Understanding Aiselin’s situation to some extent, Dereck decided to pretend he hadn’t noticed anything and keep walking. After all, he was supposed to meet someone from the royal family and discuss matters related to Lord Melverot. He would also be receiving recognition for his merits during the Duplain disaster.Mgf8
k6W4DAs he kept walking, he still sensed Lady Aiselin following him, hiding here and there.rLO
53SGJUu“…”p70Q
GYzFinally, Dereck rubbed his chin and quickly turned, approaching her fast.1Ml2
8wnCEMc“…!”84m6
5MoBy closing the distance so suddenly, Aiselin flinched and almost fell. She quickly grabbed onto the display case at the corner of the hallway to keep her balance, her pupils spinning as she swallowed hard.D8mZ5b
MQ9“Lady Aiselin. Do you have something to say to me?”wJlLvcK
vznfIk“D-Dereck. Did you know I was following you?”szEJ
3r4“I just noticed.”Qebw
CPYTo avoid embarrassing her, Dereck mixed a bit of truth with a lie.5PQNCKG
Tub“I see. Actually, I wanted to ask you something about the geography of the commercial district. I was thinking about how to approach you.”sKZSH
VzonRt9“…You can just call me. Why worry so much about that?”QcQ7Ji
ywY9A“Well, it’s just… you’re busy, right? I heard you were summoned by the royal family and you have personal matters too… So I was trying to think of how to ask without bothering you too much…”Ke9
GtvAiselin’s speech was oddly disjointed. Dereck immediately realized she felt uneasy around him.hLLrd
kmoo“You don’t need to worry so much about me. Even if my status has dropped a little, aren’t you the eldest daughter of the Duplain duchy? It’s absurd for a noble lady to act so cautious around a mercenary from the slums.”Yzb
FMmQNxm“Still, I must maintain basic courtesy. And I have to prepare… clear my throat… practice what to say… plan how to handle unexpected turns in the conversation…”JFZ797V
YqV2Seeing her fidgeting and touching the tips of her fingers for no apparent reason, her noble and elegant demeanor seemed to vanish.stAI
j29The image nobles in Ebelstein had of Aiselin was that of a flower blooming on a cliff. Seeing her unable to maintain eye contact and stammering incoherently would make anyone question if it was really her.vhJbKs
JY2mQDereck felt the same. Seeing someone who reigned as the most noble lady of the Rose Salon acting like this was completely unusual.0tkpc0J
i3hSeeing her act that way, Dereck organized his thoughts.mUTkq
zYRAh…! Lady Aiselin must be completely in love with me, so embarrassed she can’t act as usual — no, he didn’t think something that narcissistic.wyl
AHzXkonIn fact, it was natural.oV8q
OSyXNHaving grown up as the flower of an aristocratic family, she must have seen many handsome and well-mannered men.R1OFPjI
sP1U85Her relative Valerian was an attractive man who stole the hearts of maidens, and Leigh was a dependable man even in other men’s eyes.1MBnV2j
akvz4CATo think that a noble lady with such high standards would fall in love with a mercenary who grew up eating scraps from the trash would be too far-fetched.GVu
jRrrAs a realistic man, Dereck thought something like that was unlikely, so he had to consider other possibilities while watching the shy and nervous Aiselin.rreWe
aiQrThe only difference between the always-elegant Aiselin and the current Aiselin was the change in her family’s status.9GC
Ar658The unstable situation of her household had seriously affected her once noble and proud self-esteem.3Qof
xuNiWhSAlthough she showed a lively and brave temperament, it might no longer be easy for her to project that elegance. It’s hard to maintain dignity amidst constant rumors and slander.QEZ1NJe
rEQHcThat’s why, even when speaking to a mere mercenary, she couldn’t help but appear nervous. One couldn’t help but feel compassion for her. Dereck thought Aiselin was an honest and upright person.rT2aV
lznne2“Lady Aiselin.”lRz
jcGJzYThere was nothing Dereck could do for her, except to convey his thoughts with conviction.bnku6
tHbc7PtDereck approached and placed his hands on her shoulders. It was a bold move considering their status difference, but no one was watching and he knew Aiselin would understand.z7LOnlH
ZvIjhm7Looking her in the eyes, Dereck spoke in a confident tone.4lCt
zW35qfS“You don’t have to let your self-esteem be affected. The backing of the Duplain family was a great strength for you, but you’re still a valuable person even without it, right?”XUa0h
VUD“U-uh… De-Dereck… you’re… too close…”oLq25
nguAiselin tried to say something in a voice as weak as a mosquito’s, but she couldn’t push him away, overwhelmed by Dereck’s presence. Taking advantage of the moment, Dereck raised his voice slightly and spoke firmly.PEe1NK
B5U4pI“Lady Aiselin, you are beautiful and valuable even without your family’s support. Please never forget that.”ND7t
xgA6Q“Huh… huh…”4Sv
OwEL08iAiselin’s entire body trembled, her ears completely red.jK9B
9LbzR3With the hair on her forearms standing on end, she could only curl her toes, unable to say a word.umc3xXd
vIHTUSj“Don’t you know what people say? Lady Aiselin is like a noble lily. So don’t lose heart. I’ll always support you.”1rSYUn
9oq8LV“A-a lily… a lily… a… lily…”J59
249Sxq7“Was I too bold?”FetFo0
yecoGzaDereck immediately lowered his hands and apologized politely. After all, touching a noble lady’s body without permission was disrespectful.30p9
hR9VK3“I offer my sincere apologies. As you know, I’ve been summoned by the royal family, so I must move quickly. If your matter takes time, I’ll make room to visit you later. Have a good afternoon.”ybr
JzeJDereck bowed and quickly walked down the hallway. Aiselin stood there, her cheeks flushed, not even noticing the messy strands of hair sticking out. She was completely stunned.jH7D80
JLp6Y5Unable to regain her composure after the sudden shock… she held her cheeks for a long time, trembling.Bbnlc1
LtDAnd in the end, she simply let out a small hiccup… and a giggle.4cpVWu
HyXSkTx***8UTJCYG
WAwgZJxThe first thing Dereck saw upon arriving at the reception room of the cultural center was the royal family’s magical advisor, Roen.0VjS
pjJfQ“So you’re Dereck. I’ve heard about you.”DxO5W
ArdBRNEmperor Gatrell had nine magical advisors under his command, each in charge of different magical fields and research methods, all under the chief advisor Kohella.xjw
OtOz3AThe research group included two combat mages, three transformation mages, two illusionists, one summoner, and one explorer. They often conducted magical experiments in the emperor’s name… many of which yielded results and even discovered new talents, granting them great influence within the royal family.ws0
rfTRoen was a third-class combat mage. Although his level was low for a royal magical advisor, he maintained his position thanks to his academic zeal, diligence, keen eye, and achievements.3DqZ
vh9ypqhHe appeared relatively young, but was actually a man over forty. With much experience, he immediately recognized Dereck as someone extraordinary.aXe
fv4za“Your fists are full of calluses, and your forearms have fine muscles. I thought a high-level mage would be more academic, but it seems your life has been quite turbulent.”vpnsd3B
uiOZE“No, I’m just a mercenary who rolled through the streets.”kmkuh
vbcUbFd“Modest. Modesty is the favorite tool of beasts to hide their fangs.”L6u02
v8iXiThe middle-aged mage, with thick leather gloves on both arms, chuckled and sank into a large sofa in the corner of the reception room.korY81
6mCpNcJ“A distinguished guest will arrive soon. It’s an honor to see him even once in a lifetime. Be careful not to disrespect him.”k0hq
WukRS“…Will Lord Melverot come in person?”9u50p11
xA2“You catch on quickly. It’s a secret visit, so don’t make a fuss… Well, before that, I have some instructions from the royal family, so let’s take care of that first.”BHzXnvc
ycwfPH0Roen smiled slightly, resting his chin on his hand.pWZiZ
6Xdcn8“What do you prefer, a wand or a staff?”hkPeT
NGXxr8wDereck, a mercenary skilled at controlling his emotions… still couldn’t help his eyes from widening in surprise.gvUC8b
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