Chapter 93: Awareness (1)
DWzR0Near the Elfontaine Salon, in the noble district of Ebelstein, there were many tea houses set up for noble ladies.jhwDFcY
AmovtXtIn one of them, Trisha, sitting under the warm spring sunlight, wore a serious face and a deeply worried expression.B2lAV1j
zlr0“Why has the lady from the Duchy of Rochester come all the way to the southwest of the continent…?”5dE
2O4Ever since the Duplain family had been displaced, the authority of the viscountcy of Renouel had shot up to the heavens.TUk
YAYFIf the head of the Renouel family were granted the title of count at the upcoming birthday celebration, it seemed it wouldn’t be long before they could mingle with the ladies of the Belmierd or Beltus families.w2HnY8
gC9ktuyTrisha’s pride had already reached its peak, and every moment she spent in Ebelstein’s noble society felt like a dream.SSbF
TGnnjHowever, the sudden appearance of the lady from the Duchy of Rochester within Ebelstein’s nobility had changed everything.MyQpYN
W73No matter how much the Renouels’ authority had grown, it couldn’t compare to the Duchy of Rochester, led by Lord Melverot.fL8Iv
hor‘Of course, status isn’t determined solely by the secular power of the main family…’EsCR
aWhNo matter how strong Siern’s backing was, if she could surpass her in other aspects, it wasn’t entirely impossible to displace her.rMGWzKN
uFk0KvEven if secular authority favored Duplain, the very fact that Trisha could voice her opinion was already proof of that.6CUD
RGXwyhHowever, that didn’t mean it would be easy.6OkyFH1
c5g‘It’s absolutely impossible to surpass Lady Siern in magical skills. When it comes to social etiquette and noble culture, I believe I have a much better understanding…’t5WfC
GlCar6AIf she didn’t take full advantage of this opportunity, she might lose forever the chance to reach the top of the Rose Salon.qWQv
JpcT5tGAware of this, Trisha sought to gain more influence within the salon than Siern.pllaQ
wr7DpgzBut Siern was far too mysterious, impenetrable.VDt
7PGSfjThe killing intent she conveyed with just a glance was terrifying, yet she still maintained basic manners and etiquette.ZmG
zwsa9To be able to displace that enigmatic snow woman, she needed to find her weaknesses or her vulnerable point.0Hi
jSbM‘Now that I think about it, they said all three from the Rose Salon learned magic from the same teacher… wasn’t Lady Siern one of them as well…?’pZsNk
neqoA1In the end, the silent battles of the nobility were wars of information.oCdl0
wS5W7Trisha had already gathered all possible information about the Belmierd and Beltus ladies.1fwk
4DpqhMAll the influential figures in Ebelstein’s noble society had been taught by that magic teacher named Dereck, and that fact seemed strangely relevant.G5pYx
I83K‘Am I the only one without any academic connection to him? This is troublesome…’DOCk4W
fuhNOf course, since Dereck was a private instructor, there were hardly any group lessons or direct ties among his students.XsAV3
57DBUEven so, it wasn’t favorable for Trisha to be completely isolated.DfyK
7Vqa‘To change this situation, I need to meet that magic teacher. They said he became the lord of the Ravenclaw Barony and received a small border territory… it’s not that far from Ebelstein.’jX1Qi
RBZ6Trisha stood up, determined to go herself.YZ0qJ6b
aYylShe was someone willing to do whatever it took to obtain more power.eMU
toKOEGD***KMmJaqV
kGAeIt had already been quite some time since the Ravenclaw Barony began to function properly.EH0dFt
KlIDuring that period, many distinguished visitors had arrived, and over time, the place had taken on a fairly orderly appearance.G1Cy6XG
c2jzsKIn the back courtyard of the barony, there was a small clearing.nqKOStI
9cALZgCompared to the training grounds of an average ducal house, it was extremely modest.0cPgbQf
xc3cBut for Dereck, who had practiced magic in distant mountains or in meadows, this space was not only sufficient—it was a luxury.8KY1gt
2J0SeqfSitting at the center of the place, Dereck gathered his magical power, holding the large staff called “Footprints.”cIEsE
jddZbdHe focused, extending the accumulated mana in his fingers directly toward the sky.B1FY9i
SlG07L9The flow of magic traveled through the staff and rose into the clear sky. Finally, upon reaching a certain height, the magic stopped and began to spread.kC7
bYZlJAt that moment, Dereck furrowed his brow and clenched his fist tightly.x33
WCH0h5SThe magic transformed into a different kind of energy and began to take the form of clouds.ZTSBa
eoc5Drip, drip, drip.0tK
1FvrT0vAnd slowly… raindrops began to fall.8NnQLR
cnSQ[ Recently Acquired Magic ]bUsU58M
NFxNp9Three-star transformation magic: “Rain Cloud”zrrX
KIZManipulating the weather is fairly high-level magic, but if the range is limited and the duration sacrificed, it is not impossible to manifest it with three-star magic.BiCYad
FAEvKAs a result, he could now make it rain over a limited area for a short period, enough to soak everything. It was an efficient scale for creating variables on a complex battlefield.RB2H
cEF0‘No doubt, I’ve already gotten used to learning three-star magic.’Pwr4ymH
xr7Dereck, without loosening his fist, remained standing under the rain.1PF35
5EWwMoments before, the sun had been shining brightly. Despite the sudden downpour, he showed no signs of surprise.0CU3y
xPTZL0YIt was natural. It was rain he had summoned himself.qm2J
mCwyi‘But four-star magic seems difficult to learn on my own. Now that I think about it, every time I learned a new level of magic, there was always a master who guided me…’ElHIn58
winfNdpDereck was not only an excellent magic teacher, but also an excellent student.h3OgG9
TnB8He had learned one-star magic from a beggar in the slums.2hI
p6HbMd3Two-star magic, from a disgraced noblewoman.hJ56
6d8EThree-star magic, from an old wandering wizard.2ynB2M
kv0NUp to level three, that was enough. But finding someone capable of teaching four-star magic was no easy task.vMuTZ
sd1yyYlEspecially because four-star magic varies greatly according to each individual’s abilities and inclinations.Qialil
WPXOIn terms of variety, four-star magic even surpasses that of five or six stars.BPhzH
HvnaCEven if two people used the same four-star fire magic, one might produce bright, exuberant flames, while the other might summon a calm, blue fire.KBBV
PgDYQEven if two used the same summoning magic, one person raised in a warm environment might call forth a beautiful spirit, while another, marked by struggle, might summon a bloodied hound.rBYmd0b
xUc0tThere are not many masters in the world capable of properly teaching that wide range of four-star magic, because the learning process is completely different for each mage.3g7l
VMBThat was why Dereck could not help sinking into thought.Y43v
nt2H‘It would be great if Lord Melverot could teach me, but he’s not the kind of person who kindly instructs others.’CXOhDb
nNzgrHe had already granted him a barony, a mansion, and even financial support. Asking for more would be far too shameless.BTVxL
xeczAs Dereck sank into thought, the rain began to intensify.odak8Ws
v6jzpoSwoooosh!JvSc
wng“Kyaa!”Fk0dSm7
sOePLzlJust as the rain was about to grow even heavier, a woman’s voice cried out.Q12
NjEg“Hmm?”on7V
b6lZM1“Ugh…! I wasn’t expecting this…”lAGrbzb
GoRMqRrWhen Dereck stopped the magic and quickly turned, there was Ellen, soaked from the rain, looking visibly uncomfortable.f6n
OJNpm***oZRO
fZ3“I’m sorry. When I focus on magic training, I usually don’t pay attention to my surroundings.”alHAR
hznEIPr“No, it’s fine. It’s my fault for sneaking in to watch.”D4cD2RR
OZoQGEven in the most relaxed situations, Ellen always wore clothing adorned with ruffles and rose-shaped decorations.GiSRuz
bVXfThe blouse lent to her by the mansion’s lowest-ranking maid was far too simple for someone from the Belmierd family. But she had no choice—the clothes she had been wearing were soaked.s8Xy
Sm5As if it didn’t bother her in the least, she dried her reddish hair while wearing the plain garment.jjzGE
V3PFThe maid, who was carefully passing her a soft cloth to wipe away the water, trembled with nerves.UiGKY
diBnYShe had never imagined that a low-ranking servant from a baron’s house would ever get to touch the hair of a lady from the Belmierd county.7oA1Vn
SjGbIOnly veteran maids, with more than ten years of service, were permitted to attend to such distinguished people.BXAmtGs
X6JcKlThe young freckled maid, with barely a month of experience, swallowed hard and clenched her fists tightly.53xWcS
fyO1eO“By the way… three-star transformation magic… Dereck, you never cease to amaze me.”iJyK4
olQ“There are still parts I need to perfect, but I think I’ve gotten quite familiar with three-star magic.”NuH
5Owr“…”oq46kT
S8J6jEllen, as if at a loss for words, observed him in silence for a moment before sitting down on a wooden chair in the corner of the clearing. While still drying her damp hair, she pressed her temples firmly.HW4GK
mRG“I recently mastered two-star magic. I did it just last week.”k2W69a
YrQ“Really? That’s something worth celebrating.”TqWU
2k0“I came running to brag about it to you, Dereck, but the first thing I saw was you using three-star transformation magic as if it were nothing… Now I feel a little embarrassed to say it.”qG8r7JN
v1URRAlthough she said it that way, the fact that Ellen could use two-star magic at her age was an admirable achievement.v4I0gTC
yaZOzayOfficially, she was right after Lady Aiselin, who had manifested two-star magic some time ago.Nqs0NQE
JSGNeZmOf course, if Lady Denise was counted—who had secretly also reached that level—Ellen was in third place.Q5ktkFl
RXW“At least among the commoners I’ve met, there’s no one who’s achieved magical progress as quickly and solidly as you.”OEZ
AJEAlthough it was high praise, Dereck didn’t bother to give a formal response.E81L
bG6o0cHe simply said “thanks” quietly. That reaction was very typical of him, and for that reason Ellen let out a small laugh.TFWrHI
ZtZfAfter drying her hair, the maid served the tea.k7ZUxhM
2EQxY7ICompared to the hospitality of Count Belmierd, it was a simple cup with inexpensive tea leaves, but Ellen accepted it with a satisfied expression.yE6Q
IPV“Now that I think about it, this barony is already quite organized. They even serve tea to visitors…”yLsH6yx
piK“The Duke of Rochester sent a rather capable person as a butler. Since he took over management, I haven’t had to do much.”VTFNq
MLhOIf“There’s no greater fortune than having reliable talent. The more I learn about the duties of the head of the Belmierd family, the clearer that becomes.”8Ib6
AlsUcZEllen gathered her hair again.wFYh5F
ckSWhen she divided her reddish hair into two and tied it, the authority she always projected seemed to fade, revealing a livelier side befitting her age.5S9nF
rmnPGY“Now that you’re a baron, you’ll end up realizing it yourself.”zU3h2tN
OFWsBs“I’m barely the lowest of the low.”S7zOg
OeK“Whether you stay that way or not is something we still don’t know. By the way, how was it that the Grand Duke Beltus granted you the title? I doubt he was happy to see a new noble rise in the borderlands…”AukbYUf
ywQEllen spoke as if she were truly curious.c0O1ki
pVXDereck, looking at her, rested his chin on his hand and fell into thought for a moment.zDPL
v0zAeHe felt he should tell her about a certain person he had met at the tavern before receiving the title.CeGK
K1y“The truth is… there was someone else who helped me.”TcMYDY
g3FyE4“Really? That couldn’t have been easy… Who was it?”HYu
zcSzEz“…It was Young Master Linus of the Belmierd family.”KB9z
MnNVAt that, Ellen’s expression hardened.nKe0UeC
KdndhWShe set down the cup she had been about to raise to her lips and frowned with visible displeasure.0NOSlzP
1xQE1Xk“…That bastard brother of mine went to see you?”ZEC9v2a
lwwi“…Yes.”OwZA8
BM5aPEK“What did he look like? He hasn’t returned to the main house in a long time. I heard he only hangs around gambling houses in big cities, drunk and wallowing in debauchery…”OiObz5
mdhdnEllen spoke with genuine disgust, as if she truly despised the drunkard named Linus.yzHd
3CY“Is he still going around with a messy beard, drinking all the time?”QIv8V
Bn34Gx“…Yes.”Qok6Ot
Juhy1U4“Oh… Why did he come back to Ebelstein? If that impulsive brother of mine caused any trouble, I apologize.”5ZSsOeg
dILraZq“No, it’s not that. In fact, he helped me convince the Grand Duke Beltus. I made him promise that if I managed to become a baron, he would help you.”aWIQ
K3gSzb“…Me?”sZm
H2IMEllen blinked several times with her bright red eyes, then tilted her head as she adjusted her hair again.a0uQh4
lxQxq“…That scoundrel wouldn’t care about me…”2xez
kT9A4c“Isn’t some major change happening in the Belmierd family? I don’t think Linus would do something so unusual without a reason.”VEj
giU82“I don’t fully understand the actions of that miserable drunk… Hmm… Either way, it’s something I should thank you for, Dereck—for helping me secure the title.”7U35UTx
fsarjAlthough it didn’t seem like a drastic change was coming that could sink the Duplain family, it could at least be assumed that something might be about to happen to Ellen.QHMgjIz
kyVKfSeeing Dereck’s face, which showed a strangely concerned expression, Ellen ended up speaking with a smile.h8MwW
H1T“Well, don’t worry so much. I have a general idea of what’s going on.”QG9
uSFbYUo“Oh, really?”7EqCj
lM1tuo“He must be trying to secure me some backing, fearing that Leonard will return to the family. If Leonard takes power, things will get complicated.”mst5
mRNREllen, who seemed to have the situation well calculated, stopped touching her chin and opened her eyes wide as she spoke.7M4
O6qey“Leonard… Wasn’t he the youngest son of the Belmierd family?”5xa1A
nIgiSMd“My, Dereck. You’re already so deep into the nobility that you even remember the Belmierd family tree. Yes, that’s right. He’s now devoted to religion and is on a pilgrimage, not showing up at the main house.”NLLDLGI
iN8pThe male children of the Belmierd family never stayed at the main residence.tMdCxaw
8Y4YThe reason Ellen had been able to secure herself as the heir was precisely because of that.rC9o3
mXctc“In reality, the heir to lead the Belmierd family wasn’t me, but my brother Linus. Leonard went on pilgrimage because, even if he stayed, he would have no way to access the family’s power while Linus was there.”3kk
YmfupN“Did Leonard have ambition for that power?”CSl
Zs4Jce“Well… I don’t know anymore. It’s been a long time. In any case, he gave up the succession early and went wandering across the continent, living his own way.”FezJeL
BtgR76“But Young Master Linus gave up the succession.”TIlQMYO
Z5ZUmGw“That’s right. Very sharp, Dereck.”mS4yl
owGvND4No further explanation was needed.YZbIPQ
pt6For some reason, Linus had given up being the next head of the powerful Belmierd family. He chose to waste his life in gambling and drunkenness. Only he knew why.f2tR
LYgJAs a result, no one but Ellen remained to occupy the position of heir. Leonard, the youngest son, was still wandering far from the main house.K1IQza
5bjHowever, no one knew what Leonard would think if he returned and found that Ellen had become the heir.x68
XK0vIt wasn’t unusual for a daughter to inherit, but generally, there was an unwritten rule that the son should do so.GHsd4
yPpRl“What kind of person is that Leonard? If he’s on a religious pilgrimage, he should be decent…”UzJiBXs
lXR9en“Well, I don’t think he’s such a good person. His devotion was a political decision. As you said, religious people often seem morally upright.”rCO0c
kJjlDereck had never met Leonard, but he could tell from Ellen’s expression that he wasn’t exactly trustworthy.Qg2EKH8
eH3Kpf“If that guy tries to remove me from the Belmierd family, I don’t plan to stand idly by. I’ve worked too hard to keep my place as heir.”hsN
kacTItb“…”lEyHT
MUvBZHg“If he ignored the family’s situation and wandered across the continent, and now intends to return and claim the succession just because he thinks he has a chance—am I supposed to kneel and hand over the position to that younger brother? And do you think our father would accept that?”zjyXVse
blaUycEllen’s red eyes seemed to burn fiercely.wreDj
tPPdFamily power struggles were common, but it seemed the Belmierd had deeper conflicts than expected.SL34fds
jSgIn fact, what was unusual was for a family to be harmonious, as was the case with Duplain.Hce
EdmkmBIn Duplain, perhaps it was possible because they had a strong heir like Valerian.Dvp2
IxvH0cgWhen there were disputes over succession, it was normal for even the closest relatives to end up shouting at each other. That was the norm.EvF
CiNEqM“I have no intention of giving up the right of succession to the Belmierd family to anyone. And there’s no one who can force me to do so.”I3vqTb
oDsphBEllen lifted her chin and smiled at Dereck with confidence.4qm
8dfy“I’m strong.”pTq2Kj9
wWVThat confidence seemed to be the key to how she could stand firm as the legitimate heir of the Belmierd.IeS
e2GfHDereck looked at her with a worried expression, one that was slightly different.ajj
gmZ5She was, without a doubt, the legitimate heir. She had authority, ability, and was recognized for her elegance even in the Rose Salon.3lL
XtAShe was already being educated as the future head of the family, and was being trained both in magic and culture.5cfpqz
kOGbTThere was no reason to give that place to Leonard, who came late. Ellen would be countess, and she would lead Belmierd. That was a fact.fPMitaP
YvMCTherefore, if Leonard wanted to take her position, he had only one option.2wHm
t9Z0jCDestroy Ellen’s authority and tarnish her honor.9hZA
DEbNo one knew what he might be capable of doing to achieve that.9c68sp
MbBjAcWhen Dereck’s thoughts reached that point, he tried to open his mouth. But Ellen stood up, let the hem of her simple blouse fall freely, and placed a finger over her lips.xP0
bo96FXe“Don’t worry so much, Dereck. You might be the expert in magic, but when it comes to intrigue and power struggles, I can handle myself.”OVOJfsG
uvF9uw“…”V4jClb9
7hPzp4“You haven’t been a baron for long, so you must be busy and under pressure. There’s no need for you to concern yourself with my brother Linus’s personal requests.”pfO
vqN9kEllen smiled brightly and put her hands on her hips.rZZLu
LUr7“Wearing these simple clothes makes me feel fresh, like a country girl. If I were a girl working in a mill or a chicken farm, would you still be able to speak to me so casually?”vsM0F
1g0UaU“If it were you, Miss Ellen, I think you would have left the mill to start your own business.”rBF
wnettPE“Ahaha. You have such a peculiar way of giving compliments. That’s why it’s so fun talking to you, Dereck.”si0
VURSEllen shook her arms and let her now completely dry hair fall.VvC
DyfomHer long hair swayed with the warm breeze of the Rodellen region.fH185K
Z7vpPa“The spring breeze is so warm and pleasant. Since we’re here, you should see my magic, Dereck.”IT4WLI
58RIvY“I have no plans for the afternoon, so that’s perfect. You said you’d learned two-star magic—can I see it?”zUhf
ltL25“Of course. Just don’t be too surprised at how quickly I’m progressing.”04ME2cs
9StberEllen’s carefree smile bloomed like a spring flower.F7OLuD
J69JNuS***hXoQ
jDB4cZkIt was around the time Trisha arrived at the Ravenclaw Barony.nelXa
uFALKQDespite arriving unannounced in a carriage, the butler received her with complete composure, showing not a trace of surprise.yIk
L63Gy‘…The servants are used to receiving unexpected visitors. For such a small and remote barony, they’re well trained.’G1zrG
GEYHGAs soon as Trisha stepped down from the carriage, the maids skillfully lifted the hem of her dress. It wasn’t the first time they’d done that.UIX
H4keXIn truth, Trisha had no way of knowing that the servants of that mansion were accustomed to attending to various noble ladies on a regular basis.cQy
vMRThis was her first visit to the Ravenclaw Barony.jZrIH
fX0wB“Thank you for coming to such a humble place. May I ask the reason for your visit?”psrkBv0
4qqs“I wanted to meet the Baron of Ravenclaw in person. I heard he’s excellent at teaching magic, so I was intrigued.”8zqpSMg
1ajKEF“It’s a great honor. However, at the moment, the baron is occupied with the magic lessons of another noble lady.”ooY6Z
SiFIGyTrisha frowned upon hearing that.pLw6l
znlThe Renouel Viscountcy was, at that moment, the fastest-rising power in Ebelstein.1es57
OxZmzXFor the daughter of such an influential family to appear in person and not be attended to immediately… it was a great disrespect.opm
m1URBCTrisha didn’t hide her displeasure and spoke sharply.nzhX9
6NWSH“Who could be so important as to keep someone like me from being received in person?”9pF
xlrbL“…It’s Lady Ellen of the Belmierd family. This morning, Lady Aiselin and Lady Diella also took tea here.”WnhBuL
6NvzxO“…”cnd
9rEAt that name, Trisha closed her mouth.jlW
12IOthers she could overlook, but not Ellen.7D1
FzNNcWith that thought, she backed down immediately.kntlTKp
xAUShe bared her teeth at the weak, but quickly bowed her head to the strong.ftjA3Qe
gnjSome might call it cowardice, but Trisha considered it a shrewd and intelligent move.My8R
xW7LQH“Very well. I can wait a while. There must be a reception room, yes?”LRs
e0us“It’s a rather modest place, I hope you understand.”tBon96v
0mX8lvP“Hmph. I don’t expect much from such a remote and neglected mansion. Just bring me some tea.”Wwt
Sh8b1G“Understood. However, there’s another guest, so it might be good if you could converse with her.”Tm4
pey“What? Another guest?”IXp
6GpxikWhat could be drawing so many visitors to this out-of-the-way barony?4dE
VaXG76uStill, hearing that there would be at least someone to talk to, Trisha snorted and entered the reception room.WhRJ
BJL“…”ZsE9
3TtocW“…”e0hP
cJi24y2There, seated in silence, was Siern Alaina Rochester, the lady of the Rochester family, quietly waiting for Dereck.ku9e9Cz
ISxN“…A pleasure to see you again, Lady Trisha.”DovUUrT
H8WkCcThis was no ordinary person. She was the heir to the Duchy of Rochester, ruler of the north, patiently waiting for Dereck.r0um
rK8J2How could such a remote and insignificant barony keep the lady of the largest duchy in the north waiting without complaint?K8C
O9DliIt was a scene so absurd that it defied logic and protocol, but the lady in question didn’t seem the least bit uncomfortable.C7EF
YncLAlthough at first glance the situation made no sense, that wasn’t the most important thing.zQd
kBsDa0G“…”6iMX12
65DMlTrisha still clearly remembered the killing intent she had felt in Siern’s eyes the day they met.4eY
zM1rThat gaze, as sharp as a wild beast’s, had frozen her blood. It was a relief she hadn’t wet herself in fear.PHOsf
XNLGuABeing alone with her was like sharing a cage with a tiger that could pounce on you at any moment.5zbXQ5
t2GllTY“Ah, yes… A pleasure to see you, Lady Siern. You look as radiant as ever. It was an honor to see you. Forgive the interruption, I’ll take my leave immediately.”bVcMh2
gyNYq3YTrisha quickly backed away, closed the door softly behind her, and stepped into the hallway.W1BfW
yrb2XrThe whole process was so smooth it was as if the world’s time had been rewound.7Kyc
5DAi4st“…”2tH
KY1BHowever, in that small mansion there was only a single waiting room for distinguished visitors.kb1hkg
WfDIWdButler Delbriton promptly recited that hopeless reality.NEq
kZ7WhwMThings, in this world, never go as one plans.TQHtho
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