Chapter 82: Siern (1)
zqjThere comes a time in life when you must accept your current reality as your fate.bzbqf
8SiSiern thought it was so obvious that she had never questioned it.4w1
2bYLLiving and dying with blood on her hands in this vast snowy land seemed miserable at first glance, but if you accept it, somehow you can endure it.H1e2E
cezLiving in a warm and fertile land like the territories of Duplain or Beltus, walking among fields of flowers, was a life allowed only for people like Aiselin.YhN
9vMa1GShe envied it, but she didn’t covet it.8z5by
PUXSometimes, when she looked down from the top of the tower at the northern territory, with snow falling upon her, she had no choice but to accept that this land was her home.OE6hnpD
Kf7inTjIn the cold and lonely snowfield, the trees with bare branches jutted out like thorns.4Wqxx
JfKJOThat was Siern’s home—the Duchy of Rochester.hPPV1ua
oS1iuZ***FRN7S
957“Why… why are you alive?”qBHLO
s06“Sorry for being alive… You must have been very scared…?”440
8pPtL9“No, I didn’t mean it that way… Surely… because of that guy’s sword…”las7
9JyWhen Siern asked with a confused expression, Aiselin slowly explained what had happened to her.DWv
p9zxgDereck had planned to make it seem like Siern had killed. He had deceived Aiselin and attacked Siern.ss1
YxC1wOHe pretended to stab Aiselin with a knife, used dye and confusion magic to create an illusion.j78Qw
memFrom the beginning, Dereck had no intention of killing Siern, and everything had been done to guide her in controlling her murderous instinct.UTBBw
BBtEasier said than done, since he had to be willing to face Siern’s attacks, fueled by genuine rage.qahx0nW
h8bFNo other teacher had gone that far to try to control Siern’s instincts.q4cGl
J9yAqQzAfter experiencing that murderous instinct just once, nine out of ten would flee in terror.Veeea1
vvEe“Why… why go so far…?”WCO7W
JBW04“Because that’s how it is.”agnmK7
MrM0cThough she had been promised a noble title, Aiselin didn’t bother to mention it.9TXzm
YTuaejEven without that reward, Dereck would have done everything he could to correct Siern.apsMe
O2jZbgThe fact that, upon seeing her true nature, he immediately thought about how to guide her proved it.Wu6
4ILWhether he was aware or not, Dereck was already developing a genuine sense of professionalism as a magic teacher.KM6uC1
R858LThere are no young girls in the world, only those who have yet to receive proper teaching.8MB
odyRIf someone was lost, he would try to guide them to a better path. Just the act of constantly thinking that way already made him a respectable teacher.JYQ
TG14“Anyway… I came to apologize. No matter how good the intentions, the result was that Lady Siern was scared, and even if it wasn’t intentional, I ended up getting involved…”1FY5
56Ga2E“…”MriU
QAJ3tMr“And… as I said, I thought maybe you were very frustrated or sad… I wanted to tell you that you don’t need to be. I’m alive and well, and Dereck had no intention of killing Lady Siern… that’s all.”gGFa
UdeAiselin sighed as if releasing a heavy burden, then smiled to show that everything was fine.zRzOW
iVNx8SP“We came to the north for Lady Siern. I just want you to know that.”qn1
abq6rUpon seeing that, Siern lowered her head for a moment, as if looking at the sun shining warmly over a meadow.HRFV
m6IThe anger she had felt toward Dereck had now lost its direction and wavered.QQok9X
4IjuOnly a faint feeling of betrayal remained. If he had truly taken on all those harsh roles solely for Siern’s sake, where should she direct her anger?f9AVm4
aIfLhMXPerhaps she should direct it at herself. That’s when she thought of it.cle9Wu
tMjZ“Anyway, Lady Siern didn’t kill anyone. Even while giving in to instinct and anger, you managed to regain your reason. If you did it once, you can do it two or three times.”ydeJ
psE“Do you really… think I can do it?”HHEf
5XZH“I’ll help you. Like I said, you don’t have to trust me completely. You can just use me and throw me away. So…”3GZe
PG3fiFX“…No.”MHe3
9P2Siern spoke in a barely audible voice, like the hum of a mosquito, hugging her knees tightly.6OH
ho6jGVNShe buried her head as if she were ashamed, and looked very shy.Uka
hBnwB“I’ll try to trust you.”rTB
UdfAiselin clasped her hands and smiled, stars sparkling in her eyes. She seemed very happy that the cold and distant Siern was finally beginning to open her heart.IMX9Px
1NULQuickly approaching, she sat beside her on the bed and spoke in a gentle voice.qSb
xbjS“Thank you, Lady Siern. That makes me very happy.”UokT
QIe5f“You… don’t have to be that happy. It’s not like it’s that important for someone like me, a monster, to trust the flower of the Duplain family.”nwzUv
WdU“What are you talking about, Lady Siern? It’s a great honor.”w0mcD
myGDoOzPlacing her delicate hand over one of Siern’s, she spoke with a warm smile.rSKC6b
MM7s9“I actually have a younger sister your age, Lady Siern. She also went through a period of confusion, but she met good people and now leads many, aiming to become a ruler. I’m sure you two could be good friends.”Xumx
IQMfNux“R-really…?”B8oZbhs
ekPw“Yes. I remember she always followed me, calling me sister, and now she’s become so reliable I can’t help but feel proud every time I see her. Lady Siern, even if you seem lost now, you’ll be able to control that blood and become a great mage.”APWPEAI
xlfOffering words of encouragement to Siern and embracing her was the role Dereck had wanted Aiselin to play.8Tb
z2vFIn fact, even before talking about “roles,” Aiselin was simply that kind of person by nature.gF3o
HGADx4“Hey…”M5e
YCQ04osSiern, still hugging her knees and with her head down, spoke hesitantly.oHeEAB
M5d2kuBHer voice was so low you had to strain to hear it.K5gSNnw
h3h“Can I… can I call you sister too…?”1nu
AhN8V1Aiselin’s face lit up with joy upon hearing those words, and an uncontrollable emotion overwhelmed her.KHyFf
za7tIt was like seeing a wounded stray cat finally come close.WnV
kYz73B***2CaDt8I
qwVHead maid Serena swallowed hard as she bandaged Dereck’s wounds.Hh3LEp
MGDAlthough she kept a composed expression, the scratches and cuts all over Dereck’s body were severe enough to be quite painful.pR7HNyh
cZ5But for mercenaries who had roamed battlefields, were these kinds of injuries routine, or did Dereck simply possess an extraordinary mental fortitude?YqFE
DYdmgISitting on the edge of the private room’s sofa, arm extended, Dereck’s face showed not the slightest reaction.rrtw
nCRhlQ“I’ve treated all the cuts and scratches on your right arm. Just need to tend to the ankle and lower back.”iRH
78r3s“Yes, you’ve worked hard. Thank you.”Ux3g0fq
6f5QeE“No, Sir Dereck, you’ve worked much harder than I.”NhgpvsU
gXZhA9Serena had also been struck by Siern several times, but it had never been this serious.kBD
6mgfAmong the servants of the Rochester mansion, an atmosphere of recognition toward Dereck had begun to form. Everyone had seen him face the rampaging Siern within the mansion.IFV4ugy
bjk4cSeeing him somehow manage what was practically a living disaster sparked a glimmer of hope that perhaps he could take charge of Siern.38i
WrJqWrIn any case, the only thing Serena could do was heal his wounds.gOQaDDk
IGHxYiJust as she began to unwrap a new roll of bandages…kW8
3saCreak.tm7bl8
6R1Thud, thud.bzRCT
6VMWithout even knocking, the door to Dereck’s private room opened.vaE3Y4
yLl4FTurning his head, he saw Melverot enter, dressed in the fur-laden attire of a northern noble.MNpMzZ
INtSerena flinched and trembled, set the bandages aside, and tried to stand up.ULB
JSFR“Remain seated. Continue the treatment.”Juk
fLIF23bDereck, who had also been about to rise, sat back down on the sofa at Melverot’s order.LB92oI3
m1JbNzZMelverot walked with firm steps into the room, passed by the seated Dereck, and settled by the window table.M3A
VEYHe silently gazed at the snowy landscape through the glass, crossed his arms, and spoke in a low voice.yzLH03
wuI“I saw you causing a ruckus in the garden.”bNXK
CCB3“I damaged part of the property. I apologize.”Ls1vI
gcm“That’s a trivial matter. But it seems Siern regained her senses.”3EVfcnG
WRhBeing momentarily led by instinct and then regaining reason was not extraordinary.imOKi
7Ipc6kRHowever, Siern had truly managed to regain her reason in the midst of unleashed rage and murderous impulse.LynVFKs
dTWThough it was thanks to Dereck’s perseverance, it was a significant breakthrough.ECq6ujG
vyrZCompared to the times when there was no hope and they merely kept her contained, it was a major change.pacK
ftmYet Melverot showed no signs of joy. He merely acknowledged Dereck’s effort.tmHOSC
SbR“What are the plans from here on?”D1DCwua
3i1“Now that she’s managed to control her instinct once, I plan to try again. We must repeat the process based on that successful experience. Before the murderous instinct resurfaces, I also plan to teach her some relaxation magic…”b6BJ
v8P“Do you think Siern will follow you?”ZrZTEh5
Tgli“It may take time for her to follow me, but with Lady Aiselin, there’s nothing to worry about.”DKT
Ac6Aiselin had the ability to open people’s hearts. Melverot seemed to agree with that view, as he offered no objection.PljUo
lpyW6ADereck extended his other arm toward the maid. She quickly applied the ointment and began to bandage it.Pz0u7yX
RJRf“I’ll admit it. You’re better than those desk scholars who came boasting they could teach Siern. I’m glad to see that Siern is changing.”GYI1c
qYsjKD5“Thank you. But… you don’t seem very happy.”nzXK4
xbj“Didn’t I say it from the beginning? Siern is nothing more than a subject for my magical research. How could I love the detestable blood of Noir? She’s a monster who caused the great disaster of the Dawn War.”Pd6IEM
EIO“…”NuKLix
rdcgORWDereck silently watched the bandage being wrapped around his arm, then looked at the maid’s expression.eXBH
WCtWU4IShe seemed tense, watching Dereck speak so naturally with Melverot, the ruler of the North.uQbpD
Ja4aGIn fact, the difference in status between them was as vast as heaven and earth.T5dCmIA
8RS4NHowever, Dereck felt he had to say one more thing.R7Zl3
koyBH“This time, while teaching Lady Siern, I had certain thoughts. Indeed, it’s not something just anyone can do. There aren’t many people capable of withstanding such overwhelming magic, ensuring Lady Siern doesn’t get hurt, protecting their own life, and still keeping calm in a real fight.”ccPx
JAHVtmN“Are you trying to highlight your achievements?”hlnAk
X4U3bP“Well. At least within this Rochester mansion, there’s no one else. Except Lord Melverot, of course.”OyB75aH
xFez3RODereck spoke softly as he looked at his bandaged arm.eZ6uYKo
cqiMelverot was still gazing out the window, where snowflakes continued to fall.Gx5S5
whbb5“But… it seems even you didn’t go that far. I wondered if there might be a reason why the great mage Lord Melverot, a six-star mage, couldn’t intervene personally… that thought crossed my mind.”tszGiH
5iNjMN“…”m704Oe
blZj“In truth, to go that far, one must push Lady Siern to the limit. Moreover, one must be willing to carry her hatred and resentment. Pushing someone off a cliff to teach them… that’s what it takes.”V2X
5DpoeDereck had played that role without hesitation. To Siern, Dereck was the embodiment of evil, a monster that deserved to be erased from the world.iz8zcg
8XLXoReceiving such a gaze meant nothing. When you do great things, that sort of thing is natural.2oo2
GgBMXSomeone like Melverot would know that better than anyone.tiI
FxXIw2fDereck remained silent for a moment. In the quiet private room, the only sound was the maid wrapping the bandage, while he watched the snow falling on the window glass.LHxhz2K
Tqt9“You said you glimpsed seven-star level in Lady Siern. However, when I explored the nearby high-level labyrinths, I found no traces of subjugation or research. No matter how much I searched, there were no signs.”LAH
U7eZE8KTo investigate monster magic, exploring labyrinths wasn’t an option but a necessity.4jH
Fb3TnWMonsters like liches or reapers, who use various kinds of magic, only appear in high-level labyrinths.tC9ZXo
ED3OyZ4In the low-level labyrinths near the mansion, there were several traces of subjugation efforts to maintain public order, but no signs of anyone delving deep into high-level ones.niNZ
w1LWhzHe claims to be interested in Siern’s magical power, but shows no interest in monster magic. That was the kind of person Melverot was.0qw
S9N4Tu“Is it true that Lord Melverot is… trying to reach the seven-star level?”aZD
yITHL“What are you trying to say?”U2Lrvw
2TZl“It’s really just a pointless intrusion.”bw3Xk
ReMcSsDereck spoke in a low voice, his head bowed.83x4H
vqQyWD“Lord Melverot is renowned as a national hero. When Lady Siern discovered she had Noir’s blood, I can only imagine the tremendous burden that noble honor must have placed on her… that’s what I thought.”ZirQhfB
0pDRNl“…”I61
wSGmqD“That’s all I wanted to say.”NyazElX
3TFDereck said nothing more and gently closed his eyes. After that, there was nothing left to explain.KSTE
ZUxhSThe day Siern opened her eyes among the slaughtered wolves. The day her first murderous instinct was revealed to the world, what did Melverot think when he first saw her?20p
xkxNOnly Melverot would know. If he didn’t speak, no one in the world could ever know.Y4g8Rb
wsvR7However, it can be inferred.eXKITp
SojcMgLThe daughter left behind by his fallen comrade. During the years spent with the daughter of that deceased friend, what kind of feelings did Melverot harbor?BHDrc
63d9wFWatching how Siern, raised in these snowy fields, slowly became a young lady—what thoughts crossed his mind?ejcV4E
AbfWhen he realized that the murderous instinct that had bloomed came from Noir’s blood, what expression did he show?E5zc
1K9mRVMelverot was the hero who killed Noir.utna
2ZwmHe knew better than anyone the scars Noir left on this land. An unimaginable number of people died, and even his dearest comrades were killed by Noir.bmxoh
bI76Unable to overcome his personal feelings, the fact that he had left behind a trace of that Noir—a potential seed of disaster in the world—was something his heroic self could never accept.2tQ
P9b8QUThat’s why he needed another reason.8wA
8ByLYaIHe had to find a grander justification for keeping Siern alive, one that wasn’t personal or private.NhUmH
Jbe1zcNot to convince anyone else, but to convince himself. He needed to find a rationale.gYb8
0SKoDPerhaps that reason was the fervor for the “seven-star magic” that would be recorded in magical history for a long time.ddx2
wtRs7t9A mage before a hero. A mage before a father. The legendary realm left behind by the great mage Adelbert, which would bring a new wind to this vast history of magic. That was reason enough.f3J
MYy8However, there was one person he couldn’t deceive. Even if he deceived the world and himself, there was one person he couldn’t lie to.NXIq50
nWCWW“Lady Siern left a message. She asked me to deliver it.”jaDl
MKb0D“A message?”SpHs8gQ
QB3Z3qz“Lady Siern believed she would die today.”7jDtpz
Zk9djWT— Tell Father… that he tried very hard to embrace and take responsibility for a daughter like me. At least I… didn’t resent him… for trying to love a monster like me until the end… thank him for that…JDjDe3
vF4LThose were the words left by the daughter who chose to accept death while crying in the middle of the snowy field.o0DuWFk
asH9dx6As she asked, Dereck simply delivered them. Since it was just a message, he added no special emotion.vUw6WYd
bXf7Me“…”1KH
KzTLord Melverot didn’t particularly look at Dereck upon hearing those words. Just as he had been doing all along, he continued silently watching the snow fall outside the window.0UFWlE
XQCBe3vWhen he closed his eyes, he sometimes thought about it.gltIN7
Sq8The image of Siern standing among the corpses of the wolves.cUjYECf
R4zThough his hand was on the hilt of the sword at his waist, in the end he had no choice but to grab that wrist and return to the mansion.4Gj
TloIn any case, that daughter must have clung tightly to his arm as she followed him across the cold snowy field. On the path from the middle of the snowy field to the mansion, the footprints in the snow were of two people.xNsA4
pPRdHSince that day, it had always been that way.LoQd
XdF“You… are a capable and intelligent person, but you talk too much.”hzIYBcY
xBskD“My apologies.”Axdt0nC
KbKb7hm“It’s fine. If you wish to teach Siern, those qualities may be necessary.”QwCcT
Ak5haLord Melverot, who had been quietly watching the snowfall through the window for a long time, finally spoke in a low voice.InXbTa
dIfDereck properly apologized and accepted his words without protest. Thus, the two of them remained seated in silence for a long while, not saying much more.q7wotxg
ZROH2UN“There’s a small vineyard area near Rodelen.”idut
xG7HuAfter a while of silence, Melverot spoke again.3QmlDl
IJuf4h“It’s a place famous for its wine. It’s right next to the Duke of Beltus’ territory and the Delua Plains, so its location is fairly good and the trade routes aren’t bad. But it’s too small and relatively remote, so nobles from the central regions almost consider it exile.”HHHqOr
dy9Fd5g“Ah, is that so?”3NJl
pH2721eDereck responded indifferently, raising his now fully treated arm and clenching his fist tightly.6PkApb
bj4Wh“To some, it might be exile, but to others, it might not be. Even if it’s tiny, it’s still a territory, and you must govern its residents. So unless you hold a noble title, there’s no adequate justification to administer it. It’s a troublesome area that at least needs a baron to oversee it.”MSZA
wlNamLiMelverot turned his head and asked,OG0
6aUy8Ij“Do you like wine?”8AH8
Rw49Pi“Even if I don’t, I suppose I should.”PsFj7W
2xWknp“Good.”yE5
BFzA3CHHe rose from his seat and let out a lofty laugh.9oN6pI
UBT22J9No matter what happened, his arrogant demeanor never seemed to fade.Ou2R
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