Chapter 7: Duplain (4)
NO0“However, I understand why you act that way. It’s true—an excess of talent can sometimes consume its owner.”KdJ
THoThe Duke of Duplain didn’t elaborate further. He continued scratching at his quill, resting his chin on one hand. He seemed to understand why Dereck was hiding his true ability.wCjvZ
36SF0do‘At the very least, that’s four-star exploration magic.’o7ub
zimDereck frowned. In any case, he sensed no hostility from the Duke of Duplain.DzYP52J
Vuy7IzsEvery noble had their own way of dealing with commoners, so there didn’t seem to be any need to take proactive measures at the moment.cGN
Ng1EApdEven so, he couldn’t help but feel a faint wariness deep down. Dereck still didn’t fully understand what kind of person the Duke was.W8p1Z
0goAxL“If I’ve been impolite, I apologize.”k5cHr
SuUXuVi“No, it’s a relief to know you’re not just anyone. But judging by your age and attire, you don’t seem like someone who usually teaches magic.”lvPgbA
jrK“I’m a mercenary.”n2Cbn
GeSLQ“I see. So even tavern mercenaries are entering the Duplain mansion now.”I0Om7
cIbThe Duke’s tone was colder than Dereck had expected. Dereck realized he was being assessed.oDWfM
QJ8YguHe was a man who led many followers and held immense power. The ability to quickly gauge someone’s capability was crucial.4JU4K
lOA7t“Aiselin chose you, so I won’t say more. I’ll grant you permission to enter the pavilion where Diella lives. A servant will guide you.”BnXjd6
Kp3“Thank you.”nCY
LAHiqp“You can retire.”lfkCQ
g9GpWith that, the Duke waved his hand indifferently toward Dereck and turned his gaze back to the stack of documents on his desk. He was the ruler of a vast duchy, with too many things to consider and manage.UWeQ
eAdEHowever, Dereck didn’t leave. He stood there, hands clasped behind his back, unmoving in the office.T2D
Vwe6OAfter going over the documents several times, the Duke finally looked up again and said,sioE9Us
9V6k“What are you doing? I told you to leave.”4dn4i
rp8“There is something I must ask Your Grace.”iNLZiUe
hEO“What is it?”ihv8nyb
IWGz91“Your Grace, I am a mercenary. Mercenaries take pride in fulfilling any task assigned to them.”wnS
tuhTPFDereck spoke in a low voice, almost a whisper, without lifting his gaze.D4Jf
ucCav92“Lady Aiselin gave me a task: to teach magic to Lady Diella and ensure she can hold her head high as a noble in society.”e8PolG
knnyz“Why are you stating the obvious?”tRZ
d6dMN“That’s why I must ask Your Grace something sincerely.”NozPW
x3CHNmnThe Duke furrowed his brow and looked at Dereck.pjb
ythdbuIt was unusual for a commoner to speak so freely before a duke of the realm.gsh
VkZibezIf the matter was trivial, that alone would be an offense. Such was the nature of the social hierarchy.lYzA
zDlnGwHowever, Dereck’s expression remained resolute.W71o
LLI2***zHFdl
zFRAfter greeting the Duke, Lady Aiselin entered her private quarters and served tea to Jayden.SNNsZb
7vMxHer dedicated maid carefully prepared exquisite tea and offered it to Jayden, though the delicate teacup didn’t quite suit the rugged mercenary.eFfBXcl
X9rcVVJWith an awkward smile, Jayden, his hands thick with muscle, raised the cup and took a sip.aT67QS7
hdf“This job doesn’t seem too demanding. I’ll escort Lady Aiselin back to Ebelstein once her schedule at the palace is complete.”yv2phBC
ELmlW“Would you? Having the leader of the Veldern mercenaries here is very reassuring.”UbmBso
5X60CP“Ha ha. No need for such formality with a small mercenary group like ours. Lady Aiselin, you’re far too kind.”OkK
MC5aSitting in a corner of the room, Lady Aiselin looked like a solitary flower.pJ7Z
EPlkHer dress, though modest, flowed with an elegance that highlighted her beauty. Still, the worry in her expression dimmed her grace.LI1o
nbi“Valerian looked quite grim. If he’s upset, I apologize.”gVs4pT
7l9fkU“No need. Bringing mercenaries into a grand duke’s mansion won’t be pleasant for anyone. I understand. It’s Dereck who’ll face the real challenge, not me.”wpUG
6x2V2UA“I brought him based on my own judgment, but I’m worried whether Dereck will be able to handle Diella.”ep0y2
gMP4Zn“I don’t know much about Lady Diella… so I can’t say.”i9ukck
YPjLady Aiselin appeared far more anxious upon returning to the noble estate.Zth
K77nSiShe had invested much time and money seeking skilled mages through various mercenary groups. Yet she hadn’t neglected her social education.yHee41
owrFDMmJayden observed Aiselin for a moment and then smiled gently.U8frI
SpSn“Why did you bring Dereck?”BSTFxQ
pDLD7Ke“Was it a hasty decision?”oxjqidz
yPIHhgU“Not at all. I’ve worked with him for quite some time, and he’s definitely more composed and capable than his age suggests.”QJy
fZzZJayden’s smile softened, and he continued, hoping to ease Aiselin’s concern.VrQsd
eyaquwN“I was just wondering if you saw the same thing.”xuR4YP
LLaXkm“Well… Dereck may be a mercenary, but oddly enough, he seems to know a little about noble etiquette and culture.”4Ea
49uGh“Perhaps that’s due to his mentor. His teacher used to be a wealthy noble who fell from grace.”MqO
aedpVwi“I see. Most mercenaries lack that kind of refinement and resolve… But he has good manners… So I thought maybe he could manage Diella.”yikDsj3
L1YY8It was true, Dereck seemed sensible and kind—especially compared to typical mercenaries.nzW
9owwHis magical ability was also well developed. Though still basic, the small age difference between him and Diella was significant.MEn
emPUInFour-star or higher mages, who studied magic decades ago, often struggled to understand beginners.b6n9SZF
SFCThat’s why someone like Dereck was seen as more suitable.Yn7G3
YUDnUpon hearing Aiselin’s explanation, Jayden chuckled.EfSTCne
Iy95“Ha, Lady Aiselin, you’re sincere and honest. Your direct and earnest gaze is what draws people to you—a trait that inspires loyalty.”Lnlz
VhA22hS“No need to flatter me so much.”cbi
n2Fo4“Not at all. But… may I, a humble commoner who has wandered many battlefields, offer an opinion?”3gNj
oRNaRxJayden’s relaxed smile broadened. Though still friendly, the air grew more serious.aMKkm1
dTpIswLady Aiselin knew Jayden was a seasoned warrior. His casual manner hid a deeply reflective nature.wFPqu
Yr1Zzv“In your opinion, what’s the most important trait for a mercenary, someone who constantly walks through dangerous battlefields?”m08XVWu
GW8v0q“…I’m not sure.”V3Mzv
UTkuVS“Tenacity… or perhaps courage. That can’t be taught—unlike most things.”UlpYbd
CuaDHolding a teacup with floral patterns that looked out of place, Jayden glanced away briefly before setting it down on the table.KjEV8ke
GE2“Dereck is a mage raised on the streets and has been a mercenary since before coming of age. Do you think a mercenary born on the streets could survive with only grace and kindness?”u0buF
H68B“Excuse me?”Mkw1
x6o“Lady Aiselin, you need to sharpen your ability to judge people.”iZwQ
NstvSC***5qV
f351mSCreak!cQ6g
EugTRoAfter his audience with the Duke, Dereck found a servant waiting in the corridor.N5y8
rve14ZUWith a polite bow and voice, the servant said:eWw
Zaj“The butler has informed me. I’ll guide you to the pavilion where Lady Diella resides.”E4i
x0J“Lady Diella lives separately in a pavilion?”54nNk
99H“Yes, that’s correct. She used to have a room in the main house, but due to certain circumstances…”Eo6mg7z
tSrThe circumstances were fairly obvious. It must have been difficult to house someone so destructive in the main residence.mhAkQ
f8yDereck followed the servant, who calmly walked through the ducal corridors.s9K8
THoVeGbThe hallways, filled with ornate decorations, were magnificent, with walls lined with what looked like expensive paintings.M6GA
GLpDrNEverything from the carpets to the curtains was of the finest quality—fitting for a true noble mansion.PYXIho
l5O1xThe path to the pavilion was surrounded by green trees, with red roses decorating the fence’s arches. It was a beautiful walkway, though its design subtly isolated it from the main house.2gx
Yu54E“…”RmLR
fIEyGk3Following the servant, Dereck entered the pavilion where Diella’s room was located.Dlv3
Th72Crossing the large front door, he finally saw the servants assigned to Lady Diella, their faces already weary.0xQC
f12Yg“My name is Dereck.”o7nq5pK
0cYfK3h“We’ve been expecting you. This way, please.”5qy
dJHp2RAfter a brief introduction, the butler of the pavilion led him through the foyer and up the stairs.hUEBIUw
dgZKmYsUnlike the bustling main house, the interior of the pavilion carried an oddly pale aura. Sunlight barely filtered in, and the air felt damp.VFz
iFQwdmDereck took a deep breath and climbed the stairs.tJDd
8v2ETvSoon, a large room came into view—presumably Lady Diella’s quarters. Servants stood before the wooden door, heads bowed, waiting.teXcG
USQf“Thank you for your efforts.”fSmykqP
mex08arHe passed by the servants, each one looking more dejected than the last, until he reached the door.iPbs5hM
x9WJRBDereck paused, resting his chin on his hand, realizing there was no point in speculating further about Diella, whom he hadn’t met yet. So he knocked.2KZw
dYpKnock, knock.JptO
aZe“Excuse me.”4fs
7q0KJcReceiving no reply, he slowly opened the door and peeked inside.YSv
kCqT6“…”T8I
3kJnIMJThe air in the room was silent.Twc
yiYIt was far too spacious for a girl not yet of age. So grand that all the furniture inside seemed to occupy less than a fifth of the room.p8p
EoosKA bed adorned with fine lace, a tea set that looked expensive at a glance, a vanity, and a wardrobe with decorative embroidery stood out.rGHL
ukqHAt the center of the room was a tea table covered with a pristine white cloth, and a girl seated with her back to the door.y4V
0EoSOnly her back was visible, but her small frame was impressively cloaked in numerous golden locks. Dressed in a comfortable lace gown like casual loungewear, the girl appeared to be enjoying tea at the table.MwW85
GzWD“My name is Dereck. Pardon the intrusion.”L6Wb
12yEsf“Come closer.”gBVov
n2kUeLHer tone was soft, but there was a youthful lilt to her voice. She was the youngest daughter of the Duplain family. Even younger than Lady Aiselin, so her voice wasn’t surprising.euD
ztf4PCqNoticing the expressions on the surrounding servants, tension was evident.AhD
2NcyNDereck looked around, then hesitantly stepped farther inside. After all, he had to speak with Lady Diella.EEk
24qJnThat’s when he quietly approached her.UREf
P8VSplash!3Te
C9VuQIt happened in an instant.pIkKZ
HdJWhen he opened his eyes, Dereck was soaked.uxfb
LVysaUNLady Diella, who had swiftly turned around, had thrown dirty water from a cloth hidden beneath the tablecloth.Tor
NkroXgA stale stench began to emanate from his body. He was now in the same condition as the servant who had been crying in the audience chamber.Wx9DARL
bSy“My, my.”ddL2
heoThe girl’s eyes, wide like a cat’s, glinted with satisfaction. With her delicate fingers, she touched her lips and then, bursting into laughter, twirled the ends of her lush golden hair with innocent delight.yyw
sbW“My, my, my.”UWk
N2qGyWDrip, drip, drip.QCswT
ic6D34Reddish droplets fell from Dereck’s snowy white hair.WHRuDeH
0JbCDThrough the strands, he could see Lady Diella wearing a bitter grin, as if something had brought her immense joy.xOzVMbX
GbKYf9“I thought it was a rat crawling in, but turns out it’s the mercenary the butler mentioned, isn’t it?”j3YQB
H0wXK8“…”rUXNl3
RuJkfqb“Or not? Now that I look closer, you really do look like a rat. A beggar from the slums, huh? Living the high life now, visiting grand mansions.”Huen1
GO8ILady Diella pulled something else from beneath the tablecloth, climbed onto a chair, and dumped it over Dereck’s head.rgh7
No3LHlSplasheFtn94e
CmyThis time it was dirty water mixed with food scraps—something the kitchen staff might’ve discarded but had been kept instead.jIbX
CxUL0Now Dereck understood why the servants had looked so anxious. They knew Lady Diella would do something like this. Yet they had to remain silent; warning Dereck ahead of time would only have made Diella take her anger out on them.F6m
UTVDusNo matter the era, the middle ranks always suffer. Working in this annex was no easy task.DrGT
HubGALiUnderstanding their unease to some extent, Dereck silently endured the cruel welcome.ATmoG
x24i3PDrip, drip, drip.59LTTN
qCuc1zHBang!Zf77uE2
U8uAfter emptying the bucket, Lady Diella flung it carelessly to the floor.3l8mpem
yoZ“I prepared something to remind you of home, thinking you wouldn’t be used to such grandeur. Now you really look like a sewer rat. Do you like my surprise?”FegBI
qLgLv“…”vkt42
ROS“Don’t look at me with those eyes.”NRWs
gRrZaStill seated on the chair, Lady Diella kicked Dereck in the stomach, knocking him down.qBT5IJ
3z4yThud!ONLrr
xgIy56The already filthy floor was slippery, and Dereck had no choice but to fall.y6kj
kfQ8“Ugh… what a stench.”MHIpq6c
3l4ZeShe removed the sandal that had touched Dereck and tossed it at him with disdain.6VPKp
rfDY2The sandal struck Dereck’s shoulder and rolled away.UZNh
ZkmKnBarefoot, Lady Diella crossed her legs and perched on the table. Using the chair as a footrest, she rested her chin on one hand and laughed arrogantly.lK9
l1eAogU“Now sewer rats from the slums are entering my pavilion. You’re so lowly you don’t even know your place… You should’ve left before embarrassing yourself. What a pitiful sight.”t84V3D
JIdHer tiny body belied the ferocity in her gaze. The aggression of a clawed cat was clear, defying her diminutive stature.FatGP
efJScM7She pinched her nose and added with disgust,Ny8GhT
pwuOirR“Who do you think you’re going to teach, you street beggar?”7bb1NA
yVIi“…”PSiA
nZSa“Know your place, gutter rat.”Ioe8CQV
HsdSDereck stared at her in silence before rising to his feet.Mkij2op
W57A—‘That’s why I must ask His Grace, the Grand Duke, seriously.’pCZWhD
a85LkIn the office, the Grand Duke Duplain’s movements paused as he manipulated his quill in silence.45hbGci
7NAfKDYHe stroked his chin, contemplating for a while, before finally setting the quill down on his desk.sOrSakI
CaOK“…”QrLgCL1
jsq—‘I’m not an ordinary magic instructor, but a mercenary from the streets. So I can handle things my way, or I can follow conventional methods like others.’xru9dF
TVZf—‘But seeing Lady Diella’s condition, I’m not sure the usual approach will work. Sometimes, drastic measures are necessary. That’s why I must seek guidance from His Grace, who deeply loves Lady Diella.’6NvJQ4
ejZkSThe Grand Duke rose from his seat and calmly gazed out the window at the view from his office corner.hMSa
QT7QEkDeep in thought, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back.A7iAMNk
VjbjRThough born a commoner, he possessed an inner magical strength that seemed at least two-star level.ti2puw
Pg5Standing before the Grand Duke, Dereck had asked what he needed to know, maintaining the courtesy and fundamental understanding of noble culture.xtD
YCKcnThe boy had said that mercenaries take pride in fulfilling their contracts.Ns6
bSAb1True to his word, he sought to determine what was necessary to complete his mission, regardless of method. Sensing the strange sincerity in him, the Grand Duke Duplain could only rest his chin on his hand and reflect.QOgU
Boh5—‘In teaching Lady Diella, how much authority are you willing to grant me, Your Grace?’5mdqc
I967AUUDrastic measures might be needed. The seriousness in Dereck’s eyes was clearly different from the majestic dignity of the mages who came before.6b0e2
jVYAIf things continued as they had, the outcome would be no different.Hd8
HLTThe boy’s voice had been as resolute as steel.LOQ7A
AVXMnOC“…”GGfqFoG
gSxt2IDiella’s arrogance was already well-known among the high circles. Could the Grand Duke Duplain truly claim innocence regarding his daughter’s fate?hwQYgi
os2As head of the family and a father, had he always made the right decisions?qWB
ahQValerian, Leigh, Aiselin, Diella.q20
aTBN2Among stacks of documents that always kept him busy with the duchy, had he ever loved his children equally?QoTlP96
Dcg3AXOIn endless introspection… the Grand Duke Duplain continued to gaze silently out the window.wgy8
KXbnXWCrack!fuicq
7NJhfelSlap!H4SeZJ
6HdqgVSometimes, when something happens too quickly, it’s hard to process what’s occurred.7I6P
Az1As if the brain can’t compute a scene so removed from reality.Pqbg3
XGuvz6This was one of those moments.zoAc6ld
hZ5JUy1The servants gathered near the door and hallway widened their eyes.vDEkl
PGR1uCUSo shocked they forgot to breathe, their fingertips trembled uncontrollably.lEJUu
Y6teRCrack!ZHob
9ESGThe sound of a teacup shattering as it fell from the table. Before them, Lady Diella, whom Dereck had slapped, now lay on the floor after falling from her chair.Bzes
vTb8“??.”GAAtS
pBOJA silence so deep it felt as though time had stopped.HRxVQD
e374Seated on the floor, Diella couldn’t even comprehend what had happened, her eyes wide with shock. Her pupils dilated, reflecting disbelief.GaSygq3
tiHn2What was the status of a lady from a distinguished family? If the tea’s temperature was wrong and burned the lady’s tongue, the servant who made it would be flogged until his back tore open.HKGetQx
uTjGIf she twisted her ankle while walking, the servant in charge would be expelled from the mansion.ywD1Gby
YQSSuch was the sacredness of a noble lady’s body—always dignified and beautiful. It was a lesson instilled in noble house servants to exhaustion.ezjIec
2vGMbRhAnd yet, despite all that, Diella’s cheek was swollen and red.Jo9F
9wQTap, tap.tpYN
5gjWeHDereck brushed off the remains of his soaked tunic.GtUJoTj
ss9uECLady Diella tried to speak, to say something, but her voice, trapped in shock, only emitted hollow, incomprehensible sounds.2VOik
QCt“…”EfnL26
CD6X425That stale stench still clung to him. Diella was right. Dereck’s home was the slums.IZqA
QhkGd7An insult like that might wound high-ranking mages who had lived noble lives, but to a sewer rat from the gutters, it wasn’t even a scratch.aeOiWAL
ixEBecause that, too, was just life.vCB9NE
QDRM“Get up.”Ihdmcj
qVa8Dereck, adjusting his clothes, looked coldly at the girl sitting on the floor.40eqy6
a1gHis white hair, tangled with dirty water.gcPf
9VyGXCQBetween the strands, his icy gaze exuded a chilling aura from another world—one that could freeze anyone with a glance.wSv6av
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