Chapter 96: Power and Love (1)
FdIKd“This is problematic…”INBhX
H2Re1The noble ladies who visited the Barony Ravenclaw must have arrived at first with a relaxed attitude.xwaYhw
zdRKus9They thought, how many people would bring their carriages all the way to this remote region of Rodelen, considered an exile among the titled nobility?gXUvf
kfuHowever, the advantage of being able to receive education from the most renowned magic teacher in Ebelstein and from the most elegant lady of the Rose Salon at the same time attracted more families than expected.ihDpTCv
RokDh5As a result, the Barony Ravenclaw was so full of distinguished guests that there was no room even to park the carriages at this point; it was impossible not to feel an imminent crisis.LKSOAVa
gJNh0pA small barony that did not even have the size of an average annex of a duchy.2UJ1
TWmeLEven if they gave lessons there, the number of students they could accept was limited.NMVS
dzmNo matter how hard they tried, the limit would be about twelve.Kjl9R
3zwHowever, by the afternoon, the total number of noble ladies who visited the Barony Ravenclaw had risen to thirty-one.guIC6
cB2aNpThe distinguished guests, more numerous than in the morning, were sitting in their assigned seats next to their companions, swallowing hard.Q2FvjXy
iKaT4At first glance, the seats were limited. That meant at least half of the ladies would be eliminated at this point.MSjTvg
CRkN6ASThe noblewomen, suddenly faced with a competition for admission, could not help but feel disconcerted, but in any case, the most astute would be the ones to survive.jJ65p
oXZWhen the owner of the barony appeared, some thought about how to introduce themselves, others adjusted their clothes and posture, and some even considered bribery.rteF
0dOILdRAs time passed and a subtle atmosphere of competition filled the Barony Ravenclaw—NMSzIr
wGCtq“If we do not expand the building, the limit is fifteen. The rest must be sent back.”joHNV
K8DThe chief butler Delbriton spoke firmly.WzKxJ
JsQH3EAiselin and Dereck, who were sitting on a sofa in a corner of the office, showed worried expressions.gVglN
LKGbIt was already surprising that more than thirty noble ladies would visit a remote barony, not a gathering of the Rose Salon, and now they had to eliminate half.TJY
pKEVThose noble ladies, treated like treasures in their territories—if they were treated discourteously, who knew what repercussions there might be.KemEfW7
iaot8URJust thinking about it, Dereck felt a headache and could not help but place his hands on his temples.up6kjVm
Fpf9du“In times like this, it is important to present clear criteria. If we divide and accept some and send others back without order, there will be complaints—it is better to classify them by the rank or status of their families and eliminate half.”oypIr3
DVR0“I also think so, baron. It would be best to eliminate possible future problems.”BFUMKw
auOgtms“I do not agree!”OWVO
K3VnPzWhen Dereck, sweating cold, looked at Aiselin, she was standing with her arms crossed, wearing a short-brimmed hat of uncertain origin.AFuMic
XA3CLvFrom the ducal feather on one side, it seemed like something merchants from the commercial district usually wore. Her vibrant and shining eyes seemed to spill gold coins.Y1ub
FflEl“They came all the way here just to hear us… Sending them back would be far too regrettable!”wuhptnn
Vc0EGGz“…Do you really think so?”Y5t
3TbCGW“Each one would pay more than ten Rophelon gold coins… How are we going to send them all back…!”Ct2
4FAKuAiselin pulled out a huge ledger from one side of the table, opened it with effort, and began writing quickly using a quill.jD3tJ
g9FW“If the building is insufficient, we can expand it, can’t we? Even if we pay extra to bring in available labor right now, it is still profitable. If we mobilize skilled architects and as many workers as possible, we can build a new dormitory building in a month.”sI4Ho
95sa“…Is it necessary to go that far?”TC30M5
ej8WL“Dereck… You have not forgotten that some people came from the southeast of the continent, right? If they have to return empty-handed after such a long trip… The feeling of loss would be enormous…!”WJuvE
tMHC7ZAiselin was calculating all the estimates with the speed of someone possessed.S6fSuO4
Njy‘…She did not even get this excited when she learned second-level magic…’wAzCKc
zBmW7DqDereck closed his mouth as he watched her so elated.F4Nap4
RnI“Look, the Barony Ravenclaw still has plenty of cash. If you check this asset statement, most of it can be liquidated in the short term.”xMQB
FZbFS“…”iuBn3D
t3p“We have not collected the first-year land tax or the capitation tax, and we have not yet settled the commercial tolls or the sponsorship from the Duchy of Rochester, right? If we use this as collateral, we can take out a considerable loan from the merchants of Ebelstein. Of course, there will be interest expenses, but all is manageable.”qpm
EU2kIsoDereck held his breath when he saw Aiselin underline the figures.xtw
WJz“W-What is this? Did you make the mansion’s ledger yourself?”ouGA
ntPJnve“I have been studying accounting and commercial techniques from the Logten Academy lately. The Barony Ravenclaw is small, so it is good for practice. Besides, it is pleasant to help with the affairs of the mansion.”aTLoEU
bHe“You learned double-entry accounting and ledgers in a month?”iZtevfd
ZIwzq“Dereck, I am a fallen noble. Even if I love the humanities, philosophy, and aesthetics—if I do not learn practical studies, I will not survive!”dgPZq
8ucePGdAiselin smiled proudly as she spoke.jgjQ9
A3amYVBeing a fallen noble did not seem like something worthy of boasting about, but it did not affect her in the slightest.uLkdRpp
G1z“I am also studying on my own alchemy, astrology, herbalism, runology, metallurgy, basic design, and metrology. Although the progress is somewhat slow…”3D91cuJ
3pOSs“…”TR9xnbf
odwvrU“In any case, what I propose is that we send the noble ladies back for now and have them return in one or two months—towards late spring or early summer.”d8u5
8aKvdAiselin quickly flipped through the ledger’s pages.IHhg
IAf3lThere were all sorts of scribbles and what looked like drawn plans. In that short time, she had already considered all the possibilities.YB6
ihX“During that time, we will build the dormitory and, if there is money left, also the classroom building… It may be difficult to make something grand because of the short time, but… once we have the basic conditions, we can start classes in earnest. What do you think, Dereck?”9bVPiX
876yyDEShe was looking at him with shining eyes. So bright that just looking at them, it seemed they could dazzle anyone.b9HZ1
uTyyjsDereck placed his hands on his temples and then turned his gaze to Delbriton.hXl
dFBlnuQ“Is it possible?”lhRQg
1dji0n“The hiring itself is possible. However, we must not only increase the workforce for construction, but also triple the internal staff of the mansion. It is not that we cannot find people… The problem, as always, is the money.”qqP75v
emfpUThe noble ladies gave dozens of gold coins as if nothing. Once the training center began to operate, the cash flow would not be a big problem.yP88W
0VB8wiDereck clasped his hands, rested them on his knees, and fell into deep thought.oVBS
5CG“Hmm…”G0Zf8
nhAoIn the end, any decision in the Barony Ravenclaw had to be made by Dereck, the owner of the mansion.QAEr
ldc4d6ZNo matter if Aiselin was the eldest daughter of a duke—in this house, the baron’s rules were followed.c39
8xcWhile Dereck, the final decision-maker, was still thinking, Aiselin swallowed hard.NmXXlpV
sli“…”SZr9an
hIzzm9After a long time of contemplation, Dereck finally raised his head.rJlwM
5sAi2***C9vC
8kHEjt“Have you heard about the new training center being established in the Barony Ravenclaw? They say Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw, the famous magic teacher of Ebelstein, and Lady Aiselin Eleanor Duplain of the Duplain family have joined forces.”mG2
egN“…”t4hxvD
2hNUAt the end of spring, in the Rose Salon.EKYV
yGAetZAs always, a high-ranking noblewoman approached Ellen, who was sitting in the tearoom on the outskirts of the Elfontine Salon reading the bulletin, and struck up a conversation.D4xI
3TPgjUpon hearing the recent news, Ellen could not help but perk up her ears.4zd
Z2WJv“…So it’s finally been established.”61C
EIvyPv0“Excuse me?”QAmp
czAYPWs“Oh, it’s nothing. It seems Lady Rona has also heard the news.”dzI
ienw8Z“It’s a topic that’s been heard quite often lately. Since Lady Ellen received magic lessons directly from Baron Dereck, it must feel special to you.”J4tCS
aUlQ5zCMore than feeling special, Ellen felt a little more aware of his importance.fJCqV
UfHzk‘No matter how I think about it, Dereck’s influence seems to be growing more than I expected…’ZLH
O4fGmiKWith Lady Siern of the Duchy of Rochester and Lady Aiselin of the Duchy of Duplain staying at the barony, and even planning to establish a training center to accept lesser nobles as students—pnBH
1BoDereck was not a person with a desire for power, but by that point, influence was inevitable.KgcUJdx
GxHgG0sWhile she congratulated him with applause, Ellen felt a strange sense of loss.wU057
0liIt was like when an artist or musician you thought only you knew suddenly became recognized and appreciated by everyone.jjCJZt
19KHIn fact, considering Dereck’s talent, it was not surprising he would become famous overnight. It was only that the promised day had finally come.C10Y
DWeevV‘Now it will be difficult to see his face often. Well, it’s not like I’m free either, so it can’t be helped.’cWiwLW
vEW5Ellen closed the bulletin and, resting her chin on her hand, sank into thought for a moment.HMJl
cvf‘Come to think of it… Lady Aiselin’s gaze toward Dereck was quite unusual—could it be that she really feels something personal for him…?’CSxJU2
0lpPIn fairy tales and legends, there were countless cases of people making foolish decisions blinded by love.LMQt
ft8JjfvAlthough she didn’t think Aiselin was that type of person, it didn’t mean she wasn’t concerned.1m7jrg
xNJB7jOf course, to keep worrying would be meddling.gwq8oJ
S2RkBvNo matter what upheavals occurred in the Barony Ravenclaw, Ellen had to do her own work.Ksq
aS3aIn the morning, she attended the Rose Salon and social gatherings, in the afternoon she received training as the family’s heiress, and in the evening she practiced magic and immersed herself in books of philosophy or classical literature.aw8yImz
7PGDG0The reason she could maintain her strength despite such a tight schedule was because she was a strong person.Z2fufQ
PMuVcWhile riding in her carriage back to the mansion, Ellen gazed out the window for a moment.NzgnYbf
3ZrTtjThe splendid scenery of the noble district of Ebelstein filled her view.zIV8i
HVMLeNThis noble society, always full of idle and wealthy people, made it seem as if the world was completely peaceful.IPy
ifgUVBut Ellen’s life was not so tranquil.G1Mci
8fzwfFulfilling her responsibilities between a lazy and arrogant brother and a cunning and hypocritical sister was no easy task.cSBKq
EP1XIn the end, the reason she became the rightful heir of the Belmierd family was because, in a way, she was the only one who fulfilled her role reliably.yLNJHp
bfxurCountess Belmierd.SrtB
dHrThinking that the day would come when she would be called that made her current hardships feel sweet.1trdtCG
U2iGKB3She had no intention of denying it. Ellen was a young woman in love with power. She had never loved anything more than power.VZ5XJ
iOMDdHowever, she wanted to achieve it by walking the right path, without relying on intrigue.iJPn
EicThrough the young noblewoman Aiselin, she had learned the value of nobility.UnN
02E‘I must become someone worthy of that title.’2XmzSoB
t7rEllen smiled softly and rested her head against the window. The rattling movement of the carriage felt like a cradle gently rocking.ZuGT
P0kyo‘Now that I think about it… Wasn’t there a necromancer from Rodentz Island hiding in Ebelstein?’8ohI7l
boEHIt was news she had heard from Lady Trisha.Hnv
gjkGHaving been at the scene of the disaster in the Duchy of Duplain, Ellen knew better than anyone how terrible and frightening the art of necromancy was.rpkVmIA
ZP2If she ever became involved, she must never hesitate.sbLI
VYP“It’s been a while, sister.”xwRaoB0
pudq“…Leonard?”t0IRm
Ca8a7When Ellen returned to the mansion of Count Belmierd, Leonard, who had been on a long pilgrimage, appeared there.no1y
CeXmlThe young man sipping tea in a corner of the reception room was so unfamiliar to her that Ellen could barely recall his face.QApF
cEeSxVLeonard, who had lived disconnected from the Belmierd family for years—Ellen was not particularly surprised that such a young man had returned.ltb2
ycvzlhmHowever, his appearance had changed drastically.yZk3J
YMVfiLeonard, like all members of the Belmierd family, had always had red hair.5ALooVA
It6xJBut Leonard’s hair, which she saw for the first time in years, had turned white.ys5C1
Jah0His appearance was so haggard that Ellen almost didn’t recognize him.P3N
sSksvSrEllen knew pilgrimages were arduous, but she was curious as to what could have happened to change his appearance so much.agWJJf
Amv0C“…”Zcn
RBF2djtEllen found it hard to decide whether to be glad or wary of her brother’s return.Uvkc
iHi85As if fully anticipating her reaction, Leonard leaned back on the guest sofa with a sly smile.cOV3ZBW
AtP0a9“It’s so comfortable to return to the family home after such a long time. The Belmierd family has changed a lot in my absence.”1nT
1eK“…Yes. It has changed quite a bit.”7lvzeQ0
Rgy“I thought Brother Linus would never yield his position as primary heir. But after a few years, I return and discover that Sister Ellen has become the rightful heir of the Belmierd family… I was so surprised I asked the servants several times.”YAbI2
KI3QlEllen looked at Leonard with cautious eyes.pqgs5LY
un8MwThe Leonard she remembered was a person with a strong desire for power and skillful in intrigue. The reason he left for a pilgrimage right after being completely pushed out of the inheritance competition with Linus was to gain a good image by turning to religion and preparing for the future.ZZcDJT
zk6pg6“And?”dXV0He
6UwZ1m5Ellen calmly sat in the seat across from Leonard. Then, she suddenly asked him a sharp, pointed question.Q8w4
UBfK4DL“Do you want to push me aside?”ZBM8ZNh
bh38YAt those words, Leonard’s eyes widened in surprise, and then he answered naturally.6qIEzs
lKiEs4“Of course not. How could I, who have abandoned the family, have the audacity to claim the heir’s position?”Wl3C
MNHc“…”CxP
xOTsvT“I only wanted to greet you because I was glad to see you. No matter what people say, the rightful heir of Belmierd is Sister Ellen, so don’t worry too much.”nQK3
4Ees1aAlthough he reassured her with a radiant smile, Ellen could not trust Leonard.kEHNo
UUNFrom her long-lost brother emanated an indescribably unsettling aura.E2X6qs
V4AGXn***Z5G6D
TKvThud! Thud!Yh7k4
IUMScreeeech!iU2mK
bWGfi“Baron, a letter has arrived.”KnUWh2
iWjsk“Hmm?”ScGYP
OYlAThe next day, a letter came flying to the Barony Ravenclaw, which was full of construction work.tQjE
7rjGmDereck, who was watching the construction site with a complex expression, received the letter handed to him by Delbriton.zQUzp
5fppfThe envelope of the letter, luxuriously decorated, bore the seal of Count Belmierd.wmZL1
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